The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Nahalin, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to an agricultural structure in Ya’bad. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child, claiming he tried to stab soldiers at a checkpoint near al-Eizariya. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home in al-Burj, displacing 7 people. Elsewhere, Israeli forces erect a surveillance tower and place caravans near Beit Umar. Israeli forces also arrest 28 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Silwad, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 113 people. Israeli naval forces bomb an UNRWA aid truck. Israeli forces abduct al-Amal Hospital general manager Haider al-Qaddura and administrative director Maher Atallah as 8,000 people are evacuated from the hospital in Khan Yunis, which has been under an Israeli siege for 2 weeks. In Beershaba, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian citizen of Israel after he allegedly tries to grab an Israeli police officer’s weapon. In Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks 2 Israeli military positions in Shebaa Farms and 1 in Yiftah. Israeli forces kill 3 members of the Amal Movement in an airstrike. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb a drone launch site. (AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/5; UNOCHA, WAFA 2/6)

More than 27,478 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 66,835 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 375 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 95 children. More than 4,415 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 223 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,300 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. UNOCHA says Palestinians sheltering in and around Khan Yunis and Rafah need 50,000 cold weather tents, 200,000 bedding sets, 200,000 sealing kits, and 200,000 winter clothing kits. 218 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. Jordanian and Dutch forces airdrop aid to the Jordanian Field Hospital in Gaza for the second day in a row. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/5; AJ, UNOCHA 2/6)

The Israeli military issues evacuation orders for parts of Gaza City and Rafah. The military also says at least 540 Israeli soldiers have been injured in friendly fire since the ground invasion of Gaza began. (AJ, UNOCHA 2/5)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh says Israel has not transferred the PA tax funds to Norway and that the PA has not received any of the money. President Mahmoud Abbas meets with French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne in Ramallah, calling on France to recognize the state of Palestine. Sejourne meets Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz earlier in the day, with Katz thanking Sejourne for suspending UNRWA funding. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 2/5)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid says he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would enter the emergency government to provide a safety net in favor of a ceasefire deal to get the remaining captives released. A no confidence motion against the government at the Knesset gets 21 votes in favor, failing to obtain the 61 votes required. (HA 2/5)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres appoints an independent review group led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colanna to assess UNRWA’s neutrality and Israeli allegations against the agency. UK’s Channel 4 reports, after seeing the 6-page dossier Israel used to accuse 12 UNRWA staffers of taking part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, that Israel “provides no evidence” to back its claim. Instead, the dossier states that “from intelligence information, documents, and identity cards seized during the course of the fighting, it is now possible to flag around 190 Hamas and PIJ terrorist operatives who serve as UNRWA employees. More than 10 UNRWA staffers took part in the seventh of October.” The New York Times reports that UNRWA will lose $65 million by the end of February due to funding suspensions by Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Spain says it will donate $3.8 million in aid to UNRWA.  (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/5; NYT 2/6; HA 2/7)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, discussing humanitarian aid to Gaza and regional diplomacy. After the meeting, Blinken says that Saudi Arabia has a strong interest in pursuing normalization with Israel but that it requires “an end to the conflict in Gaza, and a clear, credible, time-bound path to the establishment of a Palestinian state.” Blinken also announces that the U.S. will cancel visas for employees of companies that provide spyware that is used against political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists. (AJ, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/5; AJ, HA, NYT 2/6)

At the UN Security Council, China and Russia criticize the U.S. for its airstrikes on Iraq and Syria on 2/3. (AJ 2/6)

Amnesty International says Israeli killings of Palestinians in the West Bank since 10/7/2023 show “a chilling disregard for Palestinian lives” and “are in blatant violation of international human rights law.” (AI, AJ 2/5)

A man on a motorbike attacks a Palestinian American man driving in Austin, Texas, stabbing and wounding him and pulling a Palestinian flag from the car. (AJ 2/6)

The Japanese company Itochu Corporation’s aviation unit announces it will end its strategic cooperation with the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, citing the ICJ ruling from January. (AJ, REU, WAFA 2/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones and bottles at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Ya’bad. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including 1 minor, during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and critically wounded 1 Palestinian while escorting Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus; the man succumbed to his wounds on 8/19. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and wounded 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Huwwara, claiming he had opened fire at the soldiers. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians, including 1 minor, in Burqa; they were then charged with throwing stones at Israeli settlers when the settlers raided Burqa on 8/4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a park in Qarawat Bani Hassan, razing 40 trees, removing artificial turf, benches, solar panels, and light poles. Israel claimed that Palestinian militants attempted to launch a rocket at Israel from the northern part of the West Bank, but that the rocket launch had failed. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian man suspected of drug offenses in Shu’fat refugee camp; he was then severely beaten and imprinted with a Star of David under his eye. None of the 16 Border Police officers had their body camaras on and Israeli police claimed the Star of David imprint was caused by shoelaces. The Palestinian man was released from custody on 8/20. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/17; AJ, MEE 8/18; HA, HA, MEE 8/19; HA, WAFA 8/20; HA, NYT 8/21; HA 8/24; UNOCHA 8/28)

An Israeli court sentenced Palestinian activist Aya Khatib to 4-years in prison claiming she provided “information with the aim of harming state security” and that funds she raised were given to families that are connected to Hamas. Khatib called the ruling unjust, saying her work benefits Palestinian children in Gaza suffering from medical issues. (MEE 8/15)

The Jerusalem District Court released Yehiel Indore, the main suspect of the settler attack on Burqa on 8/4 where 1 Palestinian was killed, to house arrest. (AP, HA 8/15)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen met with Paraguayan president Santiago Peña in Asunción hours after he was sworn in to office. The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry announced that Peña will move the country’s embassy to Israel to Jerusalem. In 2018, the then Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes moved the Paraguayan embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv before his successor Mario Abdo Benítez moved the embassy back to Tel Aviv months later, prompting Israel to close its embassy to Paraguay. (HA, MEE 8/16)

Japan donated $1 million to UNRWA to help Jenin refugee camp recover from the 2-day Israeli raid on the camp in July. The EU donated $24 million for payments to 71,162 vulnerable Palestinian families. (WAFA, WAFA 8/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized water pipelines in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a raid in Zawata. Israeli forces also seized 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles in al-Hadidya in the Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted 3 Palestinians in a public park. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities forced 1 Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniya, causing damage to boats. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, QDS, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; HA, UNOCHA 8/11; PCHR 8/17; UNOCHA 8/28)

An Israeli military court released 4 Palestinians arrested in relation to the Israeli settler attack on Burqa on 8/4. The 4 were released on condition that they stay in Burqa for 1 week and pay bail of $550 as they remained charged with aggravated assault. MK Ahmad Tibi was present at the hearing, saying the 4 Palestinians were victims of an invasion and should not be on trial. (HA, REU 8/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the PA governors of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tubas, Hebron, Jericho, Gaza City, North Gaza, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, leaving only the governors of Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit in their positions. Abbas also issued a decree to form a committee to select candidates for the vacant governorships. (AP, HA, QDS, WAFA 8/10; AJ, ALM, MEMO 8/11; MEMO 8/14; HA 8/20)

President Abbas also spoke with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on the phone. The 2 leaders agreed to speed up the establishment of committees for political reconciliation that was agreed during the reconciliation conference on 7/30 in Egypt. (MEMO 8/11)

Director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Dorothee Klaus, said fighting in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp had destroyed 400 homes and left half of the camp off-limits as the Lebanese military is barring access. (AP 8/10)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid told a delegation of U.S. Democrats that he opposes a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia that would see the country enrich uranium. Saudi Arabia is reportedly demanding a nuclear program in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel. Lapid later said in an interview with Channel 12 that he does not have a problem with Saudi Arabia having a nuclear program, but that Israel cannot allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on their own soil. (HA 8/10; ALM 8/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Burqa, causing damage. Israeli forces razed farmland in Battir, uprooting dozens of olive tree saplings. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. PA forces assaulted 4 journalists covering a sit-in protest at Hebron University against the arrest of the university’s students by PA forces. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 with a baton round. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/3; PCHR 8/5 PCHR 8/10; UNOCHA 8/11)

HaMoked and the Center for Defense of the Individual obtained data from the Israel Prison Service showing that a quarter of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel are in administrative detention. 1,201 Palestinians are held in administrative detention, the highest number since at least 2001. Less than half of the 5,014 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel have received a prison sentence. (AP 8/1; ALM 8/2; HA 8/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with acting Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati, who told him that Lebanese troops may intervene in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp if the violence that broke out on 7/29 does not stop. The situation was reportedly improving before Mikati and Abbas spoke. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 8/3)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki criticized the Biden administration to members of the Foreign Press Association, calling it weak on Palestine for not reversing Trump administration measures to undermine Palestinians’ right to statehood and inadequately addressing Israeli violations against Palestinians. Al-Maliki also said he is open to peace talks that include China as the mediator and hoped that Saudi Arabia would not “yield to any kind of pressure or intimidation coming from the Biden administration” regarding normalizing ties with Israel. (AP, MEE 8/3)

A Palestinian American man visiting family in Gaza told Reuters that Israel rejected his request to return to the U.S. via Ben Gurion Airport. Another Palestinian American said Israel denied him entry at Ben Gurion Airport forcing him to return to Dubai, despite being told by the Israeli embassy in the UAE that he would be allowed to enter Israel with his Gaza ID. Israel has said that new procedures relevant to Palestinians with Gaza ID cards will be published on 9/15 as part of the country’s trial to become part of the U.S. Visa Waiver program. The trial period ends on 9/30. (MEE, REU 8/3)

Haaretz reported that Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency and police units in the country have used UFED hacking tools made by the Israeli company Cellebrite. Pakistan’s use of Cellebrite spyware technology was first reported in 2012. (HA, MEE 8/3)

Germany donated $30 million to UNRWA through the KfW Development Bank. (WAFA 8/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and soldiers violently dispersed Palestinian and Israel activists during a tree-planting event in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures and razed a road used for agricultural purposes in Anzah, vending stalls near the al-Jalamah checkpoint, and 4 shacks and 3 agricultural structures in ‘Anata. Elsewhere, Israeli forces notified 6 Palestinian families in Khirbet Humsa that they must leave their homes from 7/4 to 7/7 between 7am and 11pm while Israeli forces conduct military exercises in the area. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 12 during late-night raids in Silwad, Nablus, Jenin, and Azza refugee camp, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in ‘Azzun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/29; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/22)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett told members of his party Yamina that he will not be running for the next Israeli elections. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked will lead Yamina in the Israeli elections in the fall. The Knesset is expected to dissolve in the coming days. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 6/29)

The parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever, said it had sold its Israeli business interests to the Israeli company American Quality Products Ltd, allowing the Israeli company to use the Ben & Jerry’s name to sell ice cream in Israel and Israeli settlements. Ben & Jerry’s released a statement saying it disagreed with Unilever’s decision. American Quality Products had earlier this year announced that it was suing Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s decision to stop selling its ice cream in Israeli West Bank settlements and ending its licensing deal with American Quality Products to produce its ice cream in Israel. (AP, AX, CNN, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, NYT, REU 6/29; AJ, HA, REU 6/30; MEE 7/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Jalazun refugee camp, Kafr Ni‘ma, al-Ama‘ari refugee camp, al-Bireh, Nablus, Jaba‘, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, arresting 3. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 8 nautical miles northwest of Rafah, injuring 4 Palestinians before arresting them. The 4 were released on 4/8, but their 2 boats were confiscated. In Israel, 1 person shot and killed 2 people and injured 10 others at a bar in Tel Aviv. A Palestinian man from Jenin, suspected of having carried out the attack, was killed 9 hours after the incident in Jaffa. Israel also subsequently closed off many roads in Jenin, claiming to be looking for accomplices. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. (AJ, CNN, HA, HA, JP, MEE, NYT, REU, WAFA, WSJ 4/7; ABC, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; NYT 4/9; UNOCHA 4/10; PCHR 4/14; UNOCHA 4/23)

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said that Israel has issued administrative detention orders against more than 400 Palestinians since the beginning of 2022. (WAFA 4/7)

Axios reported that Israel had rejected a U.S. proposal to host Israeli and Palestinian national security advisors at the White House for talks about security coordination and economic issues. (AX, HA 4/7; MEE 4/8)

In the wake of Idit Sliman leaving the Israeli government coalition on 4/6, another Yamina MK Nir Orbach said that he would leave the coalition if it did not make more “right-wing steps.” Along with demands for concessions to the Ultra-Orthodox community, Orbach said he wanted the government to focus on more settlement construction, which coalition sources said they would be working on in the coming days to appease Orbach. (HA 4/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized equipment worth around $30,000 in a quarry near Beit Fajjar, Israeli forces had earlier in the day sealed off a road leading to the quarry. Israeli forces also set up mobile structures on Palestinian-owned land in Khirbat Humsa. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian-owned structures near al-Ramadin; 1 Palestinian journalist working for WAFA was assaulted and another Palestinian was detained during the demolition. Israeli forces also demolished 25 produce stands near al-Jalama checkpoint north of Jenin. 32 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids, including 21 in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, 1 Palestinian was also was bitten by a police dog. PA forces opened fire at a sit-in protest in front of the education directorate headquarters in Tubas, injuring 2 with live ammunition bullet shrapnel. The Palestinian students were peacefully protesting in Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Nablus, demanding that parts of the matriculation exams are removed due to the COVID-19 virus. The Tubas governor said that an investigation into the incident was underway and that it was the action of 1 individual. 11 others were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Qatanna, Tuqu‘, and Sa‘ir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home, in Shu‘fat refugee camp, of 1 Palestinian man who was killed after killing 1 Israeli settler and injuring 4 others in the Old City on 11/21/2021. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled agricultural land east of Khan Yunis and north of Bayt Lahiya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of the shore; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; MEMO 2/2; AJ, MEMO, PCHR 2/3; UNOCHA 2/11)

Israel’s interior ministry said it would start processing family unification requests from Palestinians over the age of 50 who had received residency permits within the last 5 years. The ministry said it would start with that age group because they pose less of a security threat. If a family unification request is approved, the Palestinian will be “upgraded” to “temporary resident” with social benefits. There are 1,680 requests waiting as the Israeli interior ministry has refused to process the requests despite a temporary ban on Palestinian unifications expiring in July 2021. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Hamoked, and Physicians for Human Rights said Israel should start reviewing all applications and not just those for Palestinians over the age of 50. (HA 2/1)

Amnesty International released a 280-page report named “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians: Cruel System of Domination and Crime Against Humanity,” prepared over the last 4 years. Amnesty said in its report that it had found that “Israel has imposed a system of oppression and domination over Palestinians wherever it exercises control over the enjoyment of their rights—across Israel and the OPT and with regard to Palestinian refugees. The segregation is conducted in a systematic and highly institutionalized manner through laws, policies and practices, all intended to prevent Palestinians from claiming and enjoying equal rights to Jewish Israelis within Israel and the OPT, and thus intended to oppress and dominate the Palestinian people.” Amnesty concluded that this institutionalized discrimination perpetrated by Israel is “the international wrong of apartheid, as a human rights violation and a violation of public international law wherever it imposes this system.” Its research was based on “relevant Israeli legislation, regulations, military orders, directives by government institutions and statements by Israeli government and military officials.” Amnesty said that “Israel must grant equal and full human rights to all Palestinians in Israel and the OPT in line with principles of international human rights law and without discrimination, while ensuring respect for protections guaranteed for Palestinians in the OPT under international humanitarian law. It must also recognize the right of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return to homes where they or their families once lived in Israel or the OPT. In addition, Israel must provide victims of human rights violations, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law—and their families—with full reparations. These should include restitution of and compensation for all properties acquired on a racial basis.” The Israeli foreign ministry called the report anti-Semitic. Amnesty refuted the charged said that Israel is diverting attention away from its violations of Palestinians’ human rights. U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. does not agree with Amnesty’s assessment “that Israel’s actions constitute apartheid.” Neither U.S. or Israeli senior officials commented on the evidence presented in the report. The UK and Germany also said they disagreed with the terminology of apartheid used in the report. The PA foreign ministry welcomed the report. (AP, HA, HA, JDF, WAFA 1/31; +972, AI, AJ, AP, CNN, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HILL, IN, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, POL, REU, SKY, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 2/1; HA, HA, JP, JP, MDW, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; +972, MEE, MEMO 2/3; TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; AJ 2/5)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said at a conference in Tel Aviv that Israel will start using lasers to intercept missiles “within a year.” (ALM, AP, HA, JP, MEMO, REU 2/1)

A vice president of the American telecommunications company Mobileum said that he had alerted the FBI to a meeting between the Israeli company NSO Group and Mobileum in 2017, saying that the NSO Group sought to buy access to the SS7 network. Mobileum did not deny the meeting but said that no deal was made with the NSO Group. The former employee who now works for Citizen Lab filed a whistleblower complaint about the meeting and presented evidence to the U.S. justice department, the securities and exchange commission, and the federal communications commission in June 2021. The former VP said that NSO Group senior employees explicitly said during the meeting that they would “drop off bags of cash in [the VP’s] office.” The former VP also said that if the NSO Group had gained access to the SS7 network, it would have “access to the home networks of operators around the world, access to millions and millions of users without bypassing any sort of security controls. That’s a very tantalizing capability for them to have.” (AJ, GDN, HA, MEE, WP 2/1)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man hit 1 Israeli soldier with his car in a crash near the Halamish settlement near Deir Nidham. Israeli forces arrested the Palestinian man who also sustained injuries; it was unclear if he hit the soldier on purpose. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Sabastia and closed a road between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers with military escort also closed an entry to al-Lubban al-Sharqiya. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinian protesters with rubber-coated bullets at a checkpoint near Birzeit University; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also uprooted 40 dunams (9.9 acres) of land planted with olive and almond saplings, demolished agricultural structures in Battir, and demolished 1 residential tent in Bayt Jala, displacing 6. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beit Sahour, Dheisheh refugee camp, Tulkarm, Bir al-Basha, Jaba‘, and Kobar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers northeast of Beit Hanun, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City, damaging 1 boat; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Shuka. In the Naqab desert, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a forestation program designed to displace Palestinian Bedouins from their land near Sawa; 16 were arrested and 2 Israeli police officers were reportedly injured. There were also reports that stone-throwers had attacked 1 bus, that large stones had been placed on railway tracks, forcing a train to stop, and that 1 Israeli journalist was assaulted and his car set on fire. (HA, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, PCHR 1/13)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Sharm al-Shaykh. President Abbas was in Egypt to participate in the World Youth Forum. (MEMO, WAFA 1/11; MEMO 1/12)

Israeli authorities charged 1 Israeli police officer with assaulting 1 Palestinian woman by ripping off her hijab, pulling her hair, and hitting her in East Jerusalem. (HA 1/11)

The Israeli supreme court ruled that the Israeli interior ministry cannot continue to deny Palestinians married to Israeli citizens residency rights, using a temporary ban that expired in July 2021. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked has instructed her ministry to hold up Palestinian applications for family unifications. (HA, WAFA 1/11)

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 masked and armed with clubs attacked a Palestinian family of 10, including 8 children, as they were working their land south of Hebron; the 2 parents were evacuated to a hospital in Hebron; the settlers also vandalized the family’s vehicle. B’Tselem circulated a video of the incident; the family later said that it had filmed the whole incident because Israeli authorities had said it needed proof that settlers were frequently trespassing on their property. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian homes near Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Burin, throwing stones at Palestinian homes; when Palestinians confronted the settlers, Israeli forces intervened, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a Palestinian house in Huwwara. Israeli forces raided Silwad, leading to clashes with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also leveled land near Nablus in preparation for expansion of the Rahalim settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian with a tear gas canister as he was trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier near Qalqilya. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Husan, Bayt Furik, and Jenin. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/13; AJ, PCHR 3/18; HA 3/19)

The PA announced a total lockdown of the West Bank from 3/14–3/19 due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. (HA, WAFA 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured shines in Kafr Haris and Sabastiyya, closing the areas to Palestinians. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinian children aged 8-12 in al-Rakiz near an Israeli settlement outpost; a video shows that the children were foraging vegetables when Israeli settlers started chasing them, leading to the Israeli forces arresting them. Israeli forces also demolished Palestinian-owned shops near Nablus, leading to confrontations with Palestinians, and delivered a demolition notice for a house under construction in Wadi Hummus in Area B. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, Aida refugee camp, Jenin, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 66 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces arrested the former Mufti of Jerusalem Shaykh Ikrima Sabri at his home. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza, causing damage to 1 boat; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Bureij and Dayr Balah. (AJ, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/10; AJ, AP, MEE, PCHR, WAFA 3/11; WAFA 3/12; NBC 3/13; HA 3/14)

Mohammad Dahlan, a political rival of PA president Mahmoud Abbas, said the UAE would send another 40,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine to Gaza. The UAE had previously sent 20,000 doses to Gaza in February. Dahlan, who is an advisor to the UAE crown price Mohammed bin Zayed, said the vaccines would arrive on 3/11. (TOI, TOI 3/10)

Yahya Sinwar won an internal Gazan election to retain his position as political leader of Hamas in Gaza. Sinwar narrowly defeated Nizar Awadallah, a founder of Hamas. Awadallah is said to represent the more conservative wing of Hamas. (AP 3/9; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU, TOI 3/10; HA 3/11)

An investigation by the Fake Reporter project showed that many of the 5,000 followers of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Arabic language Facebook page were fake. On 2/1, Prime Minister Netanyahu launched an Arabic language Facebook page as part of his push to convince parts of the Palestinian-Israeli population to vote for him in the upcoming Israeli elections, but some 20% of the surveyed followers were reported to be fake. (HA 3/10)

The Israeli Museum for Islamic Art canceled plans to sell 268 items after the Al Thani Collection promised to provide sponsorship to the museum for 10 years. (AJ, AP 3/10)

An Iranian container ship was hit by an explosion said to be from an explosive device while in the Mediterranean. Iran later said Israel was behind the attack. Israeli officials denied commenting on Israeli involvement. (AJ, REU 3/12; HA, REU 3/13; HA 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 12 residential tents in Khirbet Humsa; this marked the 4th time Israeli forces seized and demolished structures in the bedouin community this month. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house under construction in Tuqu‘ and 2 agricultural structures in al-Khadir. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Qabatiya, Jenin refugee camp, Anabta, Hizma, Qalandia refugee camp, Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron; clashes erupted during the raid in Qalandia, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a 2-story apartment building in Issawiyya, displacing 4 families consisting of 17 members, including 12 children; according to 1 of the Palestinians living in the building, a Waqf guard who was a Shin Bet coordinator had told him 6 months prior that “there’s a 90 percent chance that your house will be demolished.” Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned shops in Sur Bahir. Israel also banned 1 Palestinian from al-Tur, where he lives, for 2 weeks. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Kafr ‘Aqab; clashes erupted during the raid, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces sank 1 Palestinian fishing boat after opening fire at Palestinian fishermen 6 nautical miles northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; HA, PCHR 2/25)

In Gaza, health workers began inoculating Palestinians with the Sputnik V vaccine provided by the UAE and the PA. (AJ, AP 2/22)

The World Bank said that the PA faces a funding gap of $30 million to secure the needed COVID-19 doses for a successful vaccination campaign in the West Bank and Gaza. The World Bank called on other countries to donate to shrink the gap. (AJ, HA 2/22)

The court overseeing Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial said the start of the evidentiary stage will be delayed until 4/5, after the Israeli elections. (AP 2/23)

Axios reported that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken asked his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi to facilitate the transfer of more COVID-19 vaccines to the West Bank and Gaza. (AX, TOI 2/23; HA 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive trees in Kafr al-Dik and uprooted 30 olive tree saplings and stole farm equipment in Burqin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian worker trying to enter Israel by the separation barrier near Jenin. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during clashes that unfolded as Israeli forces raided Jenin; 1 other Palestinian was hit by an Israeli forces’ vehicle and tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 7 houses near Nablus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided 2 houses near Haris and Dayr Istya in Area B and took measurements. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in ‘Azun and 1 at a checkpoint near Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Jabal Mukabir and 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis and west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; PCHR 2/11)

The PA announced it will begin using its own postcodes for international mail. PA minister of communications Ishaq Sidr said, “[f]rom April, postal items that do not bear a Palestinian postal code will not be processed . . . It is a question of asserting Palestinian rights.” (AJ 2/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 15 tents, seized 3 vehicles, and arrested 1 Palestinian activist trying to prevent the forces from demolishing and seizing Palestinian property in Khirbat Humsa; Israeli forces demolished 25 structures in Khirbet Humsa on 2/1. The EU said it would send representatives to Khirbet Humsa on 2/4 to witness the destruction; more than 70 Palestinians were displaced during the mass demolitions on 2/1 and 2/3. Israeli forces also conducted military drills in the Masafer Yatta area, damaging crops and agricultural structures for the 2d day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Anata and 11 vending stalls near Jenin. Israeli forces also delivered 1 demolition notice for a house in al-Khadir. 25 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tuqu‘, al-Fawar refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Hizma, Salfit, Nablus, Sabastiyya, Tulkarm, and Qabatiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Shuka and arrested 1 Palestinian in the vicinity of the Gaza fence; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3; AP, HA, HA, NBC, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; OCHA 2/5)

The Israeli high court of justice approved the punitive demolition of the family home of 1 Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler on 12/20/2020. The punitive demolition will displace 7 people: the accused Palestinian, his wife, 3 children, and 2 parents. (HA 2/3)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed retired police major general Aharon Franco to lead efforts to combat violence in Palestinian communities in Israel and said he had allocated $30 million for the efforts. Franco has made degrading comments about Muslims in Israel in the past. The Israeli plan to combat violence in the Palestinian communities includes confiscating weapons and the construction of police and fire stations in several cities and towns. Ayman Odeh of Hadash (The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) called the plan inadequate and an “election ploy.” (HA 2/4)

3 of the 4 parties in the Joint Arab List announced they will remain on the same slate for the March elections as the more conservative Ra’am (United Arab List) broke with the alliance. The 3 remaining parties in the Joint Arab List are Hadash, Ta’al (Arab Movement for Renewal), and Balad (National Democratic Alliance). Hadash leader Ayman Odeh will continue to lead the slate. The leader of Ra’am Mansour Abbas said his party had not decided on who it would support amidst rumors that the party will support Benjamin Netanyahu. (HA 2/3; AJ, AP 2/4; MEMO 2/5)

Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Syria near Quneitra, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces also flew a drone over Lebanon, which evaded an anti-aircraft missile fired at it. Hezbollah said it shot down an Israeli drone on 2/1. (AP, HA, HA 2/3; AJ, JP, JP 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted dozens of almond trees and grapevines in Bayt Umar and threatened the Palestinian landowners with guns. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in ‘Ayn Bus and seized 1 greenhouse in Bethlehem. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition as he was trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 1 agricultural structure in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint, claiming he wanted to stab a soldier with a screwdriver. 15 others were arrested during raids in and around Qabatiya, Jenin refugee camp, Burqin, Ramallah, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Nablus. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 7 nautical miles northwest of Rafah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli government told its high court of justice that it had delivered 100 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the PA and that more doses would arrive in some 10 days. The PA health ministry denied having received any doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Israel. (HA, WAFA 1/13)

The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem released a position paper “A regime of Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: this is apartheid,” calling Israel an apartheid state. B’Tselem argued that the distinction between Israel proper, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza has been obfuscated so that “the entire area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River is organized under a single principle: advancing and cementing the supremacy of one group—Jews—over another—Palestinians.” B’Tselem said it no longer could treat the occupied Palestinian territories as distinct from Israel as it has in the past and therefore needs to treat the area as 1 entity operating as an apartheid state. 2 particular developments led B’Tselem to change its viewpoint: the Nation-State law and the threats of annexation of Area C. Several Palestinian human rights organizations including al-Haq and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights have already called Israel an apartheid state. (AQ 11/12/2019; +972, AJ, AP, B’Tselem, CNN, GDN, HA, IN 1/12)

Israel attacked several places in Dayr al-Zur and Abu Kamal in eastern Syria with airstrikes, killing 57 people and wounding at least 37. According to a U.S. intelligence official, the strikes were made with intelligence from the U.S.; U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo had discussed the airstrikes with Mossad director Yossi Cohen at a D.C. restaurant on 1/11. Secretary Pompeo also announced that the terrorist group Al Qaeda has a home base in Iran without providing any evidence, a charge the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called “warmongering lies.” On 1/10, Secretary Pompeo said that the Houthi rebels in Yemen would be added to the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations, a designation many humanitarian organizations lambasted as it will make it impossible to deliver aid to the civilian population living in Houthi-controlled areas who are heavily hunger stricken. (REU 1/10; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 1/11; AJ, AJ, REU, REU 1/12; AA, AJ, FOX, HA, HA, HA, JP 1/13; HA 1/15; HA, HA 1/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 60 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling on the Nablus-Qalqilya road, leading to 1 injury and damage. Israeli forces shot and injured 7 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Israeli forces also seized heavy machinery used to rehabilitate a road in Kardala. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Sabastiyya, Qabatiya, Jalazun refugee camp, and Nahalin. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli defense ministry and the civil administration’s higher planning committee will approve 800 new settlement units in the Itamar, Beit El, Shavei Shomron, Oranit, Givat Ze’ev, Tal Menashe, and Nofei Nehemia settlements and settlement outposts. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said on Facebook that “[w]e’re here [in the West Bank] to stay. We’re continuing to build the Land of Israel.” Leader of the Israeli opposition Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party called the announcement of the new settlement units “irresponsible,” citing the U.S. presidential transition on 1/20. France’s foreign ministry, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the PA denounced the settlement expansion. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz also approved a small number Palestinian construction projects in al-Walaja, Hizma, Bethlehem, and Bayt Jala. All the projects need secondary approval. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/11; REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and a member of the PLO executive committee condemned the UAE for allowing Israeli settler products to be imported to its market after the 1st shipment of Israeli settler goods arrived in the UAE. (WAFA 1/11; REU 1/14)

The PA health ministry said it had approved the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V for emergency use. (WAFA 1/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued 3 presidential decrees, 2 of which critiques say serves to bolster the power of the PA presidency ahead of potential elections later this year. 1 decree allows the PA president to select judges instead of approving judges, who would be selected based on seniority. The decree also allows the president to force Palestinian judges to retire 5 years before the set retirement age of 70. A 2d decree establishes administrative courts, which can hear petitions against officials and institutions, previously a duty of the High Court of Justice. The president of the administrative court is appointed by the PA president. (HA 1/28)

An Israeli court in Lod ruled that screening or distributing the movie Jenin Jenin from 2002 by Mohammad Bakri should be banned and copies of the movie destroyed. Bakri was also ruled to pay $55,000 to an Israeli soldier who appears in archival footage used for the movie and $16,000 for the cost of the trial. The Israeli judge said that Bakri did not do enough research to label the movie a documentary. The PA ministry of culture condemned the ruling. (HA 1/11; AJ, TOI, WAFA 1/12; WAFA 1/13)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that he regretted forming a coalition with Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying that Netanyahu “cheated me and cheated you [the Israeli public].” He then called on all opposition leaders, including the Joint Arab List’s Ayman Odeh, to join him in sending “Bibi [Netanyahu] home” in the upcoming election. (HA 1/11)

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Jordan, and Egypt met in Cairo to discuss reviving peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The quartet expressed willingness to work closely with the U.S. to map steps toward peace. In a statement, the 4 called for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to the Jerusalem Post, the 4 countries had tried to invite the Israeli and PA foreign ministers to the meeting, but both were unable or unwilling to travel for the meeting. (HA, WAFA 1/11; JP 1/12)

U.S. billionaire and mega-donor to Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and Israeli settlements Sheldon Adelson died. Adelson had recently flown the convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard to Israel from the U.S. so he could immigrate after being released from parole, and he bought the U.S. ambassador’s house in Tel Aviv from the U.S. state department earlier in 2020. Adelson was known to have had a large influence on U.S. president Donald Trump’s aggressively pro-Israel policies during his presidency. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted and stole 190 olive saplings in Qusra belonging to 4 Palestinian families. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Nablus, damaging 1. Israeli forces confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned cargo truck in Atuf. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Khirbet Ras al-Ahmar. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Hebron, Yatta, Jenin, and Atuf. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 protesting the razing of land in Silwan and 1 in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan, Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khuza‘a, and north of al-Sifa; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 1/10; WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

The PA said it will receive its 1st doses of COVID-19 vaccines in March from the company Astro-Zeneca. The PA foreign ministry also said in a statement that Israel is “ignoring its duties as an occupation power and committing racial discrimination against the Palestinian people, depriving them of their right to health care . . . The search by the Palestinian leadership to secure the vaccines from various sources doesn't exempt Israel from its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people in providing the vaccines.” Many human rights organizations, Amnesty International amongst them, have maintained that it is Israel’s responsibility to provide vaccines to the Palestinian people it occupies, a responsibility Israel denies, citing the Oslo Accords. Israel has been vaccinating Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem along with Israeli settlers in the West Bank. (AI 1/6; ALM 1/8; AJ, HA, JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; AJ 1/11)

In Lebanon, residents of Beirut complained about low-flying Israeli jets, which is said to become more frequent. On 1/8, an Israeli fighter jet flew over Lebanese air space for 6 hours. UNIFIL has said the Israeli violation of Lebanese air space is a near daily occurrence. (AA, BB, HA 1/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Nablus, east of Bethlehem, and near Ya‘bad, damaging several cars and causing at least 3 injuries. 1 of the Israeli settlers was killed when Israeli forces chased after them and the car flipped over; 4 other settlers suffered injuries and were released without charges. Israeli settlers subsequently attacked a police compound in East Jerusalem, leading to clashes and 50 arrests. Later, 1 Palestinian bus driver from East Jerusalem was attacked near the settlement where the Israeli settler, who died earlier, was buried; 2 Israeli settlers used pepper spray and stones and threatened him with a gun as they yelled “Death to Arabs.” Israeli settlers also slashed the tires of Palestinian cars near Hebron and blocked roads near Kafr Qaddum. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man near Nablus, causing him to need treatment at a hospital. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians using live ammunition during raids in Nablus. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses, 1 water well, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Samou, displacing 20 Palestinians, and delivered 1 stop-work order for a water well in Dhariyya. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin refugee camp, Jenin, Nablus, al-Mughayyir, and Dahaysha refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor, who had opened fire on Israeli forces near the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was killed as he was fleeing the scene and 1 Israeli soldier was injured as he fell during the pursuit. Israeli forces also raided 3 Palestinian-owned stores in Bayt Hanina, seizing tobacco products with PA labels. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Silwan to avoid an Israeli-imposed demolition fee of 70,000 NIS ($22,000). 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands on 3 separate occasions east of Bayt Hanun and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and levelled 48 acres of farmland planted with peas and potatoes belonging to 7 Palestinian families. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israeli police inaction in addressing violence in their communities. More than 100 Palestinian citizens of Israel have been killed in communal violence and Israeli police are largely inactive in solving the issue. The protesters drove a caravan from Kafa Qara to the Knesset. (WAFA 12/19; HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/21; AJ, WAFA 12/22; HA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)

Special advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump Jared Kushner met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of a joint trip by Israeli and U.S. officials to Morocco on 12/22 as part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (HA 12/21)

As part of the normalization deal between Israel and Sudan, President Trump signed a bill giving immunity to the state of Sudan for future U.S. lawsuits by victims of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa. The bill also provides Sudan close to $1 billion in aid and loans. (AJ, AX 12/22)

Canadian foreign minister Karina Gould said Canada would provide the UNRWA with $70 million over the next 3 years. (AJ 12/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians while touring an evacuated settlement outpost south of Jenin. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, an office of the PFLP, and the Abu Judeh Print Shop. Israeli forces also seized 1 coffee shop cart in Huwwara. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Tubas, Kaubar, Abu Dis, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler attacked a 6-year-old boy in Silwan. 1 Palestinian began demolishing his grocery store in Jabal Mukabir and 1 Palestinian family received a demolition order for their house in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/17)

The Tulkarm, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron, governorates entered a week-long lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 12/10)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Morocco had decided to normalize relations with Israel in a deal where the U.S. reverses decades of policy to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. As part of the deal, Morocco will open a diplomatic office in Tel Aviv and Israel in Rabat, which eventually will be turned into embassies; both will also grant overflight rights to each other. The UN recognizes the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination as it does the Palestinian people. U.S. officials later told Reuters that the U.S. is negotiating with Morocco to sell 4 sophisticated drones to the country. According to the prime minister of Morocco Saad-Eddine El Othmani, the king of Morocco Mohammed VI and PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke on the phone after the announcement of the normalization deal. Prime Minister El Othmani also said Morocco still rejects the U.S. peace plan and remains “supportive of the Palestinian cause.” Hamas called the normalization deal a betrayal while the PA has been silent. Moroccans protested the normalization in several cities after the announcement. It was reported by the New York Times that the U.S. also promised Morocco to facilitate an investment of $3 billion over 3 years as part of the deal. (AJ, AP, AX, BBC, GDN, HA, POL, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 12/10; AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU 12/11; AJ, AJ, REU, TOI 12/12; AJ, GDN, HA 12/13)

India contributed $2 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a seed planting event in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and a similar protest in Salfit; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley near Jenin and 1 during a late-night raid in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler tried to set fire to the Church of All Nations, but only managed to cause moderate damage before being stopped by church guards; the settler was arrested by Israeli forces shortly after. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the incident a terror attack. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; GDN 12/7; PCHR 12/10; +972 12/14)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said at a virtual meeting that Saudi Arabia’s demand before normalization with Israel is a “peace deal that delivers a Palestinian state with dignity and with a workable sovereignty that Palestinians can accept.” (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to clashes with Palestinians protesting the incursion; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Salfit, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 6 agricultural structures and confiscated feeding and watering equipment in Dayr Dibwan. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dheisheh refugee camp, Bayt Jala, al-‘Izzariya, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Tubas. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; PCHR 12/10)

Bahrain’s minister of industry, commerce, and tourism Zayed Rashid al-Zayani said, while on a trip to Israel, that Bahrain will not differentiate between products originating in Israel and Israeli settlements. The comments were retracted on 12/4 when Bahrain’s state news agency BNA said the minister was misunderstood and that Bahrain would not violate UN resolutions on the issue. (AJ, ALM, TOI 12/3; HA, HA 12/4; AJ, HA, REU, TOI 12/5)

Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi met at a facility by the Allenby crossing between the West Bank and Jordan to talk about Jordanian-Israeli relations and the possibility of renewed talks on Palestinian-Israeli peace. (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor south of Hebron. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. (WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days as cases continued to rise in the West Bank. (WAFA 12/2)

The PA said it would pay its civil servants their full salaries for November plus an additional 50 percent as the PA starts repaying its civil servants who have only received 50 percent of their salaries for months. The announcement came as the PA also said it received more than $1 billion from Israel, which had been withheld by Israel since February. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; ALM 12/3)

The Israeli Knesset voted, in a preliminary vote, to dissolve itself, paving the way for a 4th Israeli election in 2 years. Among the votes to dissolve the Knesset was Kahol Lavan party leader Benny Gantz, who is currently serving as deputy prime minister and minister of defense. The bill was proposed by Yesh Atid and supported by Meretz and Labour, and eventually supported by Gantz’s party, which is part of the government it seeks to dissolve. 3 of the 4 parties that constitute the Joint Arab List also voted for the bill. The last party, United Arab List, was not present for the vote. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, TOI 12/2; HA 12/3)

The foreign ministry of the Czech Republic released a statement saying the country will open a branch of its embassy in Jerusalem, which will be manned by a diplomat. The country’s main embassy will remain in Tel Aviv. The president of the Czech Republic is a proponent of moving the country’s embassy to Jerusalem. The PA summoned the Czech Republic’s representative to Palestine to protest the decision, demanding it be reversed. (HA, REU 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started construction of a settler-only road southwest of Nablus, connecting 2 settlements. Israeli settlers also vandalized electric poles in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 300 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Jaba‘. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian passing through a hole in the separation wall near Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qaddura refugee camp, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, and Balata refugee camp; during the raid in Balata refugee camp, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed; 2 Israeli soldiers were reported lightly and moderately injured. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; clashes ensued during the raids and 1 military SUV was burned. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; PCHR 10/15)

Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 1,877 new settler units in 11 different settlements throughout the West Bank. Jordan, the Arab League, and the PA condemned the Israeli settlement expansion. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15)

The Israeli approved the Israeli-UAE normalization agreement in an 80-13 vote. (HA 10/14)

In Lebanon, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon began at a UN base. The 2 sides negotiated, with the U.S. as mediator, where their maritime borders should be drawn. Hezbollah and Amal criticized the Lebanese government for sending civilians and politicians to the negotiations. (AJ, HA, REU 10/14)

India donated $1 million for UNRWA general programming. (WAFA 10/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers in the Yitzhar settlement erected a sign saying, “[e]ntry for Arabs is dangerous.” Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests in Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burqa, injuring 5 with rocks and damaging vehicles. Palestinians accessing their land on the other side of the separation barrier from where they live found some 60 olive trees were vandalized and olive crops were stolen. Israeli forces blocked off several roads to villages in the Jenin area, preventing Palestinians from harvesting their olive crops. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Kafr Qaddum, Nablus, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/15)

Israel approved construction of 500 new settlement housing units in the Tzur Hadasah settlement near Bethlehem. (MEMO, WAFA 10/12)

B’Tselem said that a Palestinian man who has been hunger striking to protest his administrative detention for nearly 80 days is “on the verge of death.” (AJ 10/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh asked members of the EU parliament, during an online debate, to recognize the state of Palestine and to be more active in a future peace process. (WAFA 10/13)

The Israeli cabinet approved Israel’s normalization deal with the UAE; the Knesset is set to vote on the deal on 10/15. (HA, HA, REU 10/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Rafat, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and tear-gas related injuries were reported. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers harassed Palestinians praying on the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 were arrested. 1 other Palestinian was arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

In Israel, Israeli protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clashed with police in several places throughout Israel. According to Haaretz, tens of thousands protested throughout Israel, including in front of Netanyahu’s official residence for the 16th Saturday in a row. (AJ, HA 10/10; HA, WAFA 10/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the president of the World Jewish Congress Ron Lauder in Ramallah. The meeting lasted some 3 hours and Lauder arrived in a Jordanian helicopter. It is unclear what the meeting was about. The World Jewish Congress said that Lauder was in Ramallah “for a private visit at Abbas’ invitation, to discuss a range of issues regarding Palestine and the Middle East.” (HA, WAFA 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint east of Tulkarm; the man was allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Israeli forces. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a late-night raid in Jenin; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured in the stomach. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Bayt Dajan. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in Bayt Fajjar, Jenin, and Nablus, and 1 was arrested after he allegedly tried to stab 1 Israeli soldier at a checkpoint near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 1 rocket was fired at Israel, landing in an open area, and Israel fired 1 missile at Gaza, causing damage near Rafah. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya refugee camp within the allowed fishing area; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/8)

In the 1st installment of a 3-part interview with al-Arabiya TV, Saudi prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, a former ambassador to the U.S., criticized the Palestinian leadership for its response to the UAE-Israel normalization deal which Prince Bandar called a “transgression” and “reprehensible.” He also said that “[t]he Palestinian cause is a just cause but its advocates are failures, and the Israeli cause is unjust but its advocates have proven to be successful. That sums up the events of the last 70 or 75 years . . . There is something that successive Palestinian leadership historically share in common: they always bet on the losing side, and that comes at a price.” (REU 10/5; HA 10/6)

Saudi Arabia donated $25 million to UNRWA projects. (WAFA 10/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer north of Tubas. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, the Islamic Waqf announced that the Haram al-Sharif compound will be closed for prayers for 3 weeks due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Lahiya, causing damage; no injuries were reported. According to Israeli authorities, 13 rockets were launched at Israel, 8 of which were intercepted; neither damage nor injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian construction worker from the West Bank was stabbed by 1 Israeli at his workplace near Ashdod. (AJ, BBC, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Jericho, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured during a confrontation with Israeli forces that was sparked by a demolition of a 5-story Palestinian-owned building in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, incendiary balloons were sent toward Israel from Gaza, causing fires, and 1 rocket was launched at Israel. Israel fired missiles at Gaza near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Bayt Lahiya, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 occasions; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/18; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA 8/19)

The Gaza power plant stopped producing electricity as Israel stopped all deliveries of fuel to Gaza on 8/13. Palestinians in Gaza only have between 3-4 hours of electricity a day, as opposed to 8-12 hours, because of the power plant closure. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 8/18)

Secretary general of the PLO Saeb Erakat attacked the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for not condemning the UAE’s move toward normalization, violating the Arab countries’ consensus of not making agreements with Israel until Israel and Palestinians have negotiated a peace agreement. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the UAE-Israel deal nonsense and said that the UAE “have turned their backs on everything: the rights of the Palestinian people, the Palestinian state, the two-state solution, and the holy city of Jerusalem.” At the meeting, attended by officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Abbas praised the steps toward Palestinian organizational unity. (HA, REU, WAFA 8/18)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports that Israel would support U.S. sales of advanced weapons to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between the 2 countries. A spokesperson for the Sudanese foreign ministry said that Sudan is looking at normalizing relations with Israel; however, after Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the news and said the dialogue had been going on since 2/2020, the Sudanese foreign ministry walked back the announcement, saying that normalization had not been discussed. The prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said that Pakistan would not recognize Israel until the establishment of a Palestinian state acceptable to Palestinians. (HA, HA, REU 8/18; AJ 8/20)

Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank protested against the UAE’s decision to normalize its ties with Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and 1 with a tear gas canister to his head. Israeli forces and Palestinians also clashed west of Ramallah with young Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli forces firing live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, al-‘Amari refugee camp, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home under construction in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, causing extensive damage to 7 houses and minor injuries to 4 Palestinians; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel. It was reported that Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had decided not to allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza as collective punishment for the incendiary balloons landing in Israel. Gantz has also ordered a halt of fuel transfers to Gaza and halved the fishing zone. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jaffa demonstrating against the impending demolition of an 18th century Muslim cemetery. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and chairman of the Hamas politburo Ismail Haniyeh spoke via phone. According to WAFA, Haniyeh expressed Hamas’s support for a collective Palestinian movement. (WAFA 8/13)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Turkey is considering suspending its diplomatic ties with the UAE in light of the UAE’s decision to establish ties with Israel. Oman called the UAE’s decision “historic.” (HA, REU, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15)

U.S. congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced a bill co-sponsored by 6 other members of the house which seeks to prohibit U.S. funding for areas annexed by Israel. (WAFA 8/17)

The U.S. lost a bid at the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran. 11 members abstained, Iran and China opposed, and the U.S. and the Dominican Republic were the only members voting in favor. Russia called for a world summit to avoid further “confrontation and escalation.” (AJ, HA 8/14; AJ, HA 8/15; AJ 8/17)