The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man is crushed to death in line at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm, the same checkpoint where 1,000s of Palestinians protested poor conditions on 12/21. An Israeli settler hits a 10-year-old Palestinian boy with his car nr. Bethlehem, moderately injuring him. Overnight, 2 Israeli settlers throw Molotov cocktails at a Palestinian home nr. Hebron and leave racist price-tag graffiti. Israeli forces demolish a home nr. Hebron and raze a nearby agricultural area. IDF troops detain 8 Palestinian children outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah, then fire tear gas canisters at their parents when they attempt to recover their children. They also arrest a 14-year-old Palestinian girl after she throws stones at Israeli settlers’ cars. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Burin village, then IDF troops open fire on the Palestinians with live ammunition, injuring 4. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces arrest 3 Palestinian fishermen. In East Jerusalem, unknown assailants throw stones at a bus in Shaykh Jarrah, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian woman. A Jewish Israeli vandalizes the Dormition Abbey nr. the Old City. Then, a Palestinian man stabs an Israeli settler in the back with a screwdriver nearby, moderately injuring him. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian on charges related to violent threats against Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/31; WAFA 1/1; OCHA 1/15; DS 1/29)

Under the aegis of the State of Palestine, Pres. Abbas signs a request to join the ICC, and signs many other international treaties and conventions, at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Fatah at the presidential compound in Ramallah. The ICC will take up to 60 days to process the request. (MNA 12/30; AM, JP, MNA, NYT, 12/31; MNA, WAFA 1/1)

Hundreds of employees of the Hamas-run govt. in Gaza go on a 1-day strike, protesting the PA unity govt.’s decision on 12/30 to rehire civil servants who lost their jobs when Hamas came to power in 2007. (MNA 12/31; AFP 1/1)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rejects a petition to ban all punitive home demolitions, a policy resurrected following the 6/2014 abduction and killing of 3 Israeli settler teenagers. The court also rejects a petition to block the demolition of the Jabal Mukabir homes of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. (Israel’s Supreme Court froze the demolition order for the synagogue attackers’ homes on 11/27.) It also, however, freezes the 2d order to demolish the home of the Palestinian who allegedly attempted to assassinate right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29. (HA, JP, TOI 12/31; HA 1/1)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops violently disperse 2 separate groups of Palestinian protesters, injuring 3 with live ammunition nr. the Erez border crossing and 4 nr. Shuja‘iya. Separately, Israeli soldiers fire live ammunition at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, the Gaza power plant shuts down, having exhausted its fuel reserves. Scheduled power outages increase from 12 to 18 hours a day, on average, with all electricity consumed having been purchased from Israel and Egypt. Meanwhile, Hamas prevents 37 children orphaned during OPE from attending a 1-week publicity tour to Israel and the West Bank sponsored by an Israeli nongovernmental organization, saying that the trip’s goal was normalization. In the West Bank, an 8-year-old Palestinian from Nabi Salih is moderately injured when a leftover Israeli sound bomb explodes in his hand. IDF troops raid a school in a village s. of Bethlehem. Later, Israeli forces raze agricultural land in a village s. of Nablus, then set up earth mounds in the area in preparation for military exercises. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah, as well as Askar r.c. and Jenin r.c.; patrols nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, and Jericho. An Israeli settler hits a 7-year-old Palestinian boy with his car, moderately injuring him, before fleeing the area s. of Hebron. PA security forces conduct a late-night raid n. of Ramallah and arrest 1 Palestinian journalist. (MNA, NYT, WAFA 12/28; EI, MNA 12/29; YA 12/30; PCHR 12/31; OCHA 1/2)

Senior Hamas official Abu Marzuq criticizes the Palestinian leadership for amending the proposed UNSC res. without consulting Hamas. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls PA Pres. Abbas and asks him to delay the submission of the amended res. until after the Israeli elections on 3/17/2015. (MNA, TOI 12/28; HA, TOI 12/29; ALM 12/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a 3d day in a row. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian’s workshop in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. Later, Israeli soldiers violently disperse Palestinians protesting the occupation and distributing Christmas gifts in Bethlehem. IDF troops also arrest 1 Palestinian youth n. of Hebron and fire tear gas canisters at Palestinian students in c. Hebron, then close down a nearby checkpoint when the students throw stones. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in a village nr. Ramallah; patrols nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, dozens of rightwing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif and tour the area. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court indicts 8 Palestinians on charges relating to incitement, quoting material from their personal Facebook pages. (IMEMC, MNA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/25, 12/31)

A Palestinian prisoner in a PA detention center in Qalqilya dies of complications related to a heart condition. (MNA 12/23)

Pres. Abbas says that the PA will “no more deal with the Israeli govt.” if the UNSC fails to pass the res. proposed on 12/17. Hamas opposes the res. and calls for its withdrawal. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 12/23)

Revoking its 2011 approval of the Delek Group-Noble Energy alignment, the Israeli Antitrust Authority recommends that the 2 U.S. and Israeli energy companies either sell off their shared stake in offshore natural gas fields or end their cooperation agreement. (TOI 12/23; JP, JTA 1/4)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij arrest 3 Palestinians as they attempt to cross the border fence into Israel. Late at night, Israeli soldiers stationed nr. Jabaliya open fire on a group of stone-throwing Palestinians, injuring 5. Off the n. coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on several Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. Meanwhile, the union of hospital sanitation workers suspends its strike after PA ministers agree to pay the salaries of 750 mbrs. who had not received full wages since 6/2. Overnight, 1 Palestinian is killed and 4 are injured in an explosion at a Hamas military facility in s. Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with around 30 stonethrowing Palestinians nr. Nablus, lightly injuring 1 with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also assault and arrest 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Jenin. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; patrols nr. Hebron and Tubas. Dozens of Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians nr. Burin village, s. of Nablus, after the settlers cut down an electricity line that leads to a Palestinian home. In East Jerusalem, municipal officials accompanied by security forces deliver 11 demolition orders to residences in Silwan. Elsewhere, 140 right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif, sparking verbal confrontations with Palestinian worshippers. Israeli forces detain 3 Palestinian photographers during the incident. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/18; PCHR 12/25)

Reps. of the major Palestinian political parties meet in Gaza and discuss a 5-point initiative jointly presented by the PFLP and Islamic Jihad to kick-start the national reconciliation process. Meanwhile, 1,000s of supporters of Mohammad Dahlan, the exiled former PA and Fatah official, gather in a Hamas-approved demonstration as a corruption trial against him opens in the West Bank. Pres. Abbas orders several Fatah officials to be fired from the PA for helping organize the demonstration. (AHR, AP, MEMO, MNA 12/18; FT 2/4)

The U.S. announces that it will oppose the proposed UNSC res. submitted by the Palestinians on 12/17. Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian official says that the Palestinian res. lacks the support of 9 mbrs. of the UNSC, which would be required for the res. to pass, and is vulnerable to a veto by a permanent mbr. state. (AP, HA, MDW 12/18; AFP 12/19)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, over 10,000 people attend a funeral procession in Ramallah for the Palestinian killed by Israeli soldiers on 12/15, and a general strike is held in the surrounding villages. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians during a raid of a village w. of Jenin, and several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers later detain a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin. Separately, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 4 homes under construction nr. Bethlehem and patrol nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians in Silwan during raids and house searches, as well as 2 Palestinian youths on their way home from school. After the 12/15 killing of a Palestinian in Qalandia, right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif early in the morning. Also, clashes break out in various neighborhoods around East Jerusalem and 3 Palestinians are arrested. (MNA, WAFA 12/16; IMEMC 12/17; PCHR 12/18)

A day ahead of the Palestinians’ promised submission of their draft res. to the UNSC, various Palestinian, U.S., EU, Arab, and Israeli officials meet to discuss their options. PA FM al-Maliki meets with French FM Fabius, and he offers to back the French draft UNSC res. if a couple of critical amendments are made. Separately, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry flies to London to hold talks with senior PLO official Saeb Erakat and PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj, and later with an Arab League delegation. Kerry asks the Palestinians to delay submitting their draft so he can conduct further meetings with PA Pres. Abbas. Russian Dep. FM Mikhail Bogdanov reiterates Russia’s support for the Palestinian UNSC res. during a meeting with Palestine’s Amb. to Russia Fayed Mustafa in Moscow. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

The Israeli Defense Ministry and the U.S. military conduct a 2d test of the Arrow-3 antiballistic missile system, designed to defend Israel from hypothetical Iranian nuclear weapons, but the test fails. (HA, TOI 12/16; AFP 12/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the n. border open fire on a group of stonethrowing Palestinians, injuring 4. A Palestinian is injured in an explosion nr. the French Cultural Center in Gaza City. (A small armed group takes responsibility for the attack on 12/18.) In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as the recent death of a senior PA official on 12/10 nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, and 1 village nearby (Bayt Umar), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). Two Palestinians are hit by tear gas canisters in Bil‘in and 7 are shot with rubbercoated metal bullets elsewhere. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man throws vinegar at a family of 5 Israeli settlers nr. Bethlehem, lightly injuring all of them. (The Israeli press 1st reported the story as an acid attack.) Another Israeli settler hits the Palestinian man with his car and shoots him in the leg, moderately injuring him. Shin Bet officers arrive soon after to detain the Palestinian man. The IDF then conducts a raid of his home. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol of Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes in which 3 Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also patrols in the n. Jordan Valley, where they assault a Palestinian farmer and lightly injure him. IDF troops fire tear gas at dozens of Palestinians throwing stones at the soldiers; 1 Palestinian youth and 1 Israeli officer are injured. Israeli soldiers also conduct a raid s. of Bethlehem; patrol in Tulkarm. Following a march marking Hamas’s 27th anniversary, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police increase their patrols and deploy additional officers around Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WP, YA 12/12; MNA, TOI 12/13; IMEMC 12/14; AFP, PCHR 12/18; EI 12/22)

The Israel Prison Service threatens to move the 70 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike since 12/9 to criminal sections of their prisons, which would decrease their quality of life, if they continue their strike. (MNA 12/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry phones Russian FM Sergey Lavrov and PA Pres. Abbas separately to discuss the French and Palestinian draft UNSC res. Kerry pressures Abbas not to end security coordination with Israel in response to the 12/10 death of senior PA official Ziad Abu Ein. Following the call, senior PLO and Fatah officials postpone their meeting to discuss a response until 12/14. (JP, MNA 12/13)

The Portuguese parliament adopts a recommendation calling on the govt. to recognize Palestinian statehood “in coordination with the EU.” (AFP, TOI 12/12; HA, IMEMC, WAFA 12/13)

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing, which has been closed since 10/25, the day after 30 Egyptian security troops were killed by Sinai Province of the Islamic State (then known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis). In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron; closes the Hawara checkpoint at the s. entrance to Nablus; patrols nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a mentally disabled Palestinian woman is detained and taken to the Russian compound detention center for questioning during a court hearing for her daughter, who was arrested for defending her mother from Israeli security forces on 11/25. Israeli forces conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Issawiyya. At a prison nr. Beersheba, Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian mother and her 2 infant children while they are visiting their incarcerated father. (The infants are released on 11/27 and their mother on 11/30.) (MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 11/26; MNA, PCHR 11/27; MNA 11/30; PCHR 12/4; OCHA 12/5)

Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq criticizes the UN’s Gaza reconstruction mechanism, saying that its architect, UN Special Coordinator Robert Serry, did not reach out to confer with Hamas and that the group rejects the mechanism. Abu Marzuq also describes the mechanism as a way for PA Pres. Abbas to sidestep Hamas. (MEMO 11/26)

Israeli interior minister Gilad Erdan cancels the residency of the widow of 1 of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18, effectively deporting her and her 3 children back to the West Bank. The woman remains in East Jerusalem while she appeals the decision. (TOI 11/26, 12/3; PCHR 12/4)

The UNGA overwhelmingly approves 6 new res. relating to Palestinian rights, methods for achieving justice for the Palestinians, and Jerusalem. (IMEMC 11/26)

In the West Bank, an Israeli bus driver runs over 2 Palestinians at al-Jalama checkpoint in Jenin, killing 1 and injuring the other. It has not been determined if the collision was intentional or accidental. IDF troops detain a Palestinian at a military checkpoint e. of Jerusalem, arrest 2 in Hebron, and arrest 1 at a checkpoint e. of Nablus. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in al-Fawar r.c. and nr. Ramallah, arresting 5, including a Hamas official; patrols nr. Hebron and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security officers shoot tear gas canisters at 2 Palestinian men, moderately injuring them; arrest a young woman after she tries to stop the soldiers from physically assaulting her disabled mother. Later in al-Tur, Israeli security forces violently disperse Palestinians gathered for a funeral, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated metal bullet. Additional clashes break out in Silwan. In West Jerusalem, a group of Israelis verbally and physically assaults a Palestinian. (AFP, IMEMC, MNA, WAFA 11/25; IMEMC, MNA 11/26; IMEMC, PCHR 11/27)

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) releases a statement condemning the “nation-state” bill that Israel’s cabinet passed on 11/23. PA Pres. Abbas and Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin separately denounce the bill. (TOI, WAFA, YA 11/25; GDN 11/26)

The Palestinian prisoner’s club at Rimon prison declares a state of emergency after clashes on 11/24 and increasing restrictions in the prison. (PNN 11/25)

Israeli fin. min. Yair Lapid blocks the transfer of NIS 70 m. (around $17.8 m.) to fund the relocation of an army base in the Beit El settlement, which was ordered by DM Moshe Ya’alon and PM Netanyahu. Lapid says that a cabinet vote would be required for a transfer of this magnitude. (HA 11/25; IMEMC 11/26)

In the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops stationed nr. the border open fire on an unarmed 10-year-old Palestinian boy, critically injuring him. Later, the IDF arrests 3 Palestinians who cross the border fence into Israel nr. the Kerem Shalom crossing. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather nr. ‘Askar refugee camp (r.c.) to throw stones at Israeli military vehicles, sparking clashes with the IDF that leave 1 Palestinian injured. IDF troops deliver demolition orders to 5 Palestinian families n. of Qalqilya and temporarily seal all entrances to ‘Azun village e. of Qalqilya; patrol nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. Late in the evening, the IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches in Bil‘in, detaining mayor Basil Mansur, sparking clashes with stone-throwing local residents; conducts arrest raids nr. Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 10s of Palestinian women refuse to submit their ID cards to Israeli security officers outside Haram al-Sharif, defying a new Israeli access restriction; Israeli security forces beat several of the women with rifle butts to disperse them. Meanwhile, Israeli security forces escort 30 right-wing Jewish activists into Haram al-Sharif. Separately, IDF troops conduct arrest raids and house searches in 3 other areas of East Jerusalem. At an Israeli cabinet meeting, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates his pledge to maintain the status quo at Haram al-Sharif, meaning that he intends to respect Jordan’s custody of the area. In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs a Jewish Israeli with a screwdriver, injuring him; Israeli police set up roadblocks around the area in effort to capture the assailant, but he escapes. Late at night, a Palestinian bus driver is found hanged in his bus in West Jerusalem. Israeli authorities allege suicide, but the man’s family believes that Israeli settlers killed him in retaliation for the earlier stabbing. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces break out in al-Tur, East Jerusalem, in response to the bus driver’s death. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/16; AFP, IMEMC, JP, MNA 11/17; PCHR 11/20)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry calls Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmoud Abbas and tells him the U.S. will veto any UN Security Council (UNSC) res. on ending the Israeli occupation within 2 years. Abbas has been circulating such a res. since his speech at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on 9/26/ 2014. (AP 11/18)

Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni postpones until 11/23 a debate in her comm. over a new “nation-state” bill, which would enshrine Israel’s status as the national homeland of the Jewish people in the Basic Laws. Netanyahu says that he may sidestep the comm. debate and introduce the bill in the Israeli cabinet. (JTA, REU 11/16)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces detain 5 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 2 nearby villages in the morning, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus, and in Salfit; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers from Yitzhar torch about 100 olive trees in Hawara nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian drives his car into a light rail station, killing a baby and injuring another 8 people. (An Ecuadorian citizen will succumb to her injuries on 10/26.) The driver is immediately shot and killed by police. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that PA Pres. Abbas is responsible for inciting such acts. Separately, Palestinian protesters in Issawiyya and Silwan clash with Israeli security forces. (HA, JP, MNA, REU 10/22; PCHR 10/23; HA 10/26)

Unknown assailants in the Sinai Peninsula fire small arms and an antitank missile across the border into Israel at IDF troops, injuring 2. The IDF returns fire, killing 3. (AFP, HA, REU 10/22)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and in Qalqilya; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, and in al-Bireh. (PCHR 10/23)

The Fatah Central Comm. issues a statement supporting PA Pres. Abbas’s plans to go the UNSC for a res. establishing a time line to end occupation. During the meeting, Abbas thanks Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt for supporting his plan. Meanwhile, PLO chief negotiator Erakat says that “it is really difficult to convince at least 9 mbrs. in the UNSC to vote in favor.” Unnamed Palestinians officials say that 7 mbrs. of the council have already agreed to support such a res. (JP, YA 10/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathered to protest outside Ofer prison, injuring 2 with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 are struck by a tear gas canister and sound bomb. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities bar men under the age of 50 from praying at Haram al-Sharif. PA Pres. Abbas urges Palestinians to defend the holy site “by any means necessary,”speaking at a meeting in al-Bireh on threats to Jerusalem and the holy sites. (MNA 10/17; PCHR 10/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Nil‘in, and Wadi Fukin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israel bars men under 50 years old from entering Haram al-Sharif. (MNA 9/26; PCHR 10/2)

PA Pres. Abbas addresses the UNGA, announcing that the PA, in coordination with the Group of Arab States at the UN, is working on a draft UNSC res. that will call for immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood and a specific timetable for the end of the Israeli occupation, with bilateral negotiations on key issues to be held over the course of that time. Several Palestinian officials later elaborate on the plan, saying that the exact timetable is not set, though it will be either 2 or 3 years. Abbas also uses unprecedentedly strong language to condemn Israel’s most recent assault on Gaza, calling it a “genocidal crime.” The U.S. and Israel are both critical of Abbas’s rhetoric and his proposals. (See Docs. B2 and B3 in JPS 174 for excerpts of the speech and a copy of the draft res. that the Associated Press published on 10/1.) (HA, JP, MNA, REU 9/26; AP, HA 9/27)

After a week of negotiations, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group conclude this round of talks in New York. They do not make any significant agreements or compromises ahead of the 11/24 deadline, with the key sticking points being Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity and the pace at which the U.S. will lift its sanctions. (State Dept., special briefing 9/26; Bloomberg 9/27)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif, leaving 15 worshippers injured. (HA, MNA 9/24; PCHR 9/25)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Cairo to discuss further implementation of the national reconciliation agreement signed in 4/2014. They discuss the possible obstacles to the return of the PA unity govt. to the Gaza Strip. (AFP, REU 9/24)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in New York, as world leaders convene for the UN General Assembly (UNGA). (MNA 9/24)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. al-Zahra, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries but arresting 5 fishermen. In a separate incident nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jericho, and Tubas. (PCHR 9/25)

On his way to New York, PA Pres. Abbas says that the Palestinian leadership is close to deciding if it will file complaints against Israel at UN institutions and courts. When he arrives, he meets with Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil al-‘Arabi and gives a speech at Cooper Union college, in which he calls on U.S. youth to “rethink Palestine.” (See Doc. B1 in JPS 174 for more on the speech.) (MNA 9/21) .

A Palestinian delegation travels to Cairo ahead of planned indirect talks on 9/23 with Israel. The talks will be exploratory in nature, with the goal of establishing parameters for future talks in 10/2014, and mediated by Egypt. Mbrs. include Fatah leader and delegation head Azzam al-Ahmad, Hamas senior official Abu Marzuq, and Islamic Jihad leader Khalid al-Batsh. Meanwhile, Fatah and Hamas officials meet in Cairo to discuss issues facing the unity govt., such as paying salaries and rebuilding the Gaza Strip. They will continue their talks on 9/24. (AP, MNA 9/22; MNA 9/23)

In the Gaza Strip, unexploded Israeli ordnance kills 3 Palestinians and injures 2 others in e. Gaza City. IDF troops open fire at gravel collectors nr. the border fence e. of Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. The IDF patrols in Jericho and 2 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Hebron. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Nil‘in, and Wadi Fukin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. (MNA 9/19; PCHR 9/25)

French Pres. Hollande meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss Abbas’s plans to go to the UN and ICC. In a joint press conference, Hollande says that a “solution to the conflict” between the Israelis and Palestinians will be put to the UNSC. (AFP, HA 9/19)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group meet in New York for talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program, with just weeks to go until the 11/24 deadline for a deal over Iran’s nuclear program to be reached. It is the 1st round of talks since the 7/20 deadline was extended. Participants suggest that the parties are close, but with difficult final issues still to resolve. Meanwhile, the IAEA reports that Iran is continuing to take action in compliance with the interim agreement. (AFP, AP, REU 9/19)

In East Jerusalem, a 16-year-old Palestinian dies of wounds sustained during clashes on 8/31. In the immediate aftermath of his death, the IDF says that his injuries were incurred when he was hit in the leg with a sponge-tipped bullet and then fell, hitting his head on the ground, while the youth’s family says that he was shot in the head at close range. (A Palestinian autopsy will contradict the IDF and corroborate the family’s story on 9/14.) In response to his death, Palestinians protest in several neighborhoods, including Wadi al-Juz, where Israeli police respond to stone-throwing with rubber-coated metal bullets. In the French Hill settlement, Palestinian demonstrators throw Molotov cocktails at a gas station, causing damage. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats in 2 separate incidents, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin. (HA, JP 9/7; PCHR 9/11; JP 9/15)

PA PM Rami Hamdallah says that the “govt. and the banks operating in the Palestinian territories were warned that if they make payments to former Hamas govt. employees in Gaza then the govt. and the people will be boycotted.” Separately, PA Pres. Abbas tells Palestinian media that “we will not accept the situation with Hamas continuing as it is at the moment.” Meanwhile, PA Dep. PM Muhammad Mustafa says that the PA is “looking for a temporary solution” to the problem of salaries for Hamas-appointed civil servants in the Gaza Strip, like sending money “through nongovernmental organizations such as the UN or any other entity.” He adds, “We want to avoid any legal confrontation with the U.S. whose law prohibits channelling money to Hamas because it’s blacklisted as a terrorist organization.” (AFP, MNA, WAFA 9/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages late at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid a number of houses in Issawiyya, arresting 2 Palestinians. (PCHR 9/11)

Israeli soldiers deliver land confiscation orders to Palestinians nr. Yatta s. of Hebron, declaring the seizure of 2,000 dunams (around 500 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for military purposes. (MNA, WAFA 9/7) 

PA Pres. Abbas arrives in Cairo for a 3-day visit. On arrival, Abbas says that Hamas is jeopardizing the PA unity govt. “There are 27 under secys. of ministries who are running the Gaza Strip, and the national unity govt. cannot do anything on the ground,” he says. Meanwhile, ahead of a meeting with Abbas, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil al-‘Arabi says that the Palestinian leader is ready for “real negotiations” with Israel in line with “the principles established in international resolutions.” (HA, ToI 9/6)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault with attacks on 41 targets, killing 11 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Israeli fighter jets and drones strike targets in n. Gaza, as well as nr. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, while IDF troops fire smoke bombs and live ammunition across the Israel-Gaza border in 1 location and Israeli artillery shelling hits 2 others. The armed Palestinian groups fire over 100 projectiles into Israel; of which, 3 land in urban areas, 73 land in open areas, and 17 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Meanwhile, Hamas executes 4 alleged collaborators with Israel in the courtyard of a mosque in Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, as well as 1 village nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with a group of Palestinian youth outside a checkpoint nr. Shu‘fat, and 1 Palestinian is wounded when the soldiers open fire with tear gas and rubbercoated metal bullets. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 8/23; PCHR 8/28)

Following talks between Hamas leader Mishal and PA Pres. Abbas in Doha on 8/21 and 8/22, Hamas publicly agrees to support Abbas’s application to join the ICC. According to PLO chief negotiator Erakat, only Islamic Jihad has not yet approved the document Abbas is asking all Palestinian factions to sign before he moves forward. (AFP, AP, MNA 8/23)

On the diplomatic front, Abbas travels to Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. After their meeting, Abbas says “my main goal is for the truce talks to resume in Egypt as soon as possible.” In an interview on Egyptian television, Abbas says that he is planning a major diplomatic initiative and that he will present the plan to U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, who is scheduled to visit the region in the coming days. The plan reportedly includes asking the UN to set a timetable for the Israeli occupation and signing the Rome Statue on behalf of the PA, which would give the ICC jurisdiction over cases relating to the occupation. For its part, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry releases a statement after the Abbas/al-Sisi meeting inviting the Israelis and Palestinians to return to Cairo for further cease-fire negotiations. (AJ, HA, WSJ 8/23)

Israeli PM Netanyahu holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon. Netanyahu compares Hamas to ISIS, in reference to the group’s 8/22 execution of collaborators, and blames the group for the latest escalation in violence. (AJ, HA, REU 8/23)

In the evening, 2 rockets are fired from Lebanon into n. Israel. No group claims responsibility for the attack, though Lebanese military officials suspect a small, local Palestinian group. Late at night, 5 rockets are fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli military officials say that a Palestinian group, not Syrian govt. forces, is responsible. Between the 2 sets of rocket attacks, 8 Israelis are lightly injured. (DS, JP, REU 8/23; AFP, HA, YA 8/24)

The IDF continues its aerial assault on the Gaza Strip with strikes on 46 targets, killing 5 Palestinians and injuring dozens more. The armed Palestinian groups launch approximately 130 projectiles into Israel, killing 1 Israeli child nr. Sderot, wounding 8, and causing damage across s. Israel. (One of the wounded Israelis, an IDF sgt., will succumb to his injuries on 8/29.) Meanwhile, Hamas executes 18 suspected collaborators with Israel, as the group’s crackdown on informants continues. PA Pres. Abbas’s office denounces the execution, calling it “extrajudicial.” In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian as they violently disperse Palestinians protesting OPE in Bethlehem. Additional clashes break out at demonstrations across the West Bank, including Qalandia, Ofer prison, Jalazun r.c., and Bayt Furik, where 10 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops conduct house searches and raid in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 2 nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Dura, arresting 3, including a mbr. of the Palestinian Legislative Council. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at a weekly demonstration against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 is wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet. In East Jerusalem, clashes break out in al-Tur when Israeli forces patrol the neighborhood. No injuries or arrests are reported. (YA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/28)

For a 2d day of talks, PA Pres. Abbas meets with Qatari emir Bin Hamad al-Thani and Hamas leader Mishal to discuss the continued Israeli assault and possible future cease-fire negotiations. The 2 Palestinian leaders make a statement calling on the UN to create a “timetable” for an end to the Israeli occupation. (MEMO, Yahoo! 8/22; AFP, HA, MNA 8/23)

Following the death of the Israeli boy early in the day, PM Netanyahu says that “Hamas will pay a heavy price” and that the “IDF and the Shin Bet will intensify their operations.” (HA 8/23)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault, launching air strikes on approximately 47 targets, killing 38 Palestinians and injuring dozens. Among the 38 are 3 high-ranking commanders in al-Qassam Brigades, who are killed overnight by Israeli fighter jets in Rafah. Five Palestinian civilians are also killed in the strike and at least 40 are injured. The armed Palestinian groups fire 109 rockets and mortars into Israel, with 7 landing in built-up areas and 13 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. One Israeli man is injured with mortar shrapnel nr. Eshkol. Meanwhile, Hamas executes 3 alleged collaborators with Israel, and arrests 7 others. In the West Bank, IDF troops level land nr. Salfit to clear space for an Israeli settlement to expand. Also, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Dayr Istya, ‘Askar r.c., al-Bireh, and Bayt Liqya, arresting 9 and issuing summons to 2. Clashes break out with Palestinians in Bayt Liqya, and the Israeli soldiers open fire with live ammunition, tear gas canisters, and sound bombs. Separately, the IDF conducts 4 separate incursions into Hebron and 3 villages n. of Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces and municipal officials enter Silwan to hand demolition notices to the owners of 2 apartment buildings where 19 Palestinians live. (MNA 8/21; HA 8/22; PCHR 8/28)

There is no major diplomatic progress as disagreements that led to the breakdown of talks on 8/19 remain between the Palestinian factions and the Israeli negotiators. Mishal says in an interview with Turkish Anadolu News Agency that Hamas will keep fighting until Israel meets its terms for a permanent truce, while Israel’s Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai says that Israel will not hold cease-fire negotiations as long as rocket fire from Gaza continues. PA Pres. Abbas travels again to Doha where he will meet with Qatari emir Bin Hamad al-Thani and Hamas leader Mishal to discuss the continued Israeli assault and possible future cease-fire negotiations. Also present are head of the Palestinian delegation in Cairo Azzam al-Ahmad, PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, and PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj. (AA, HA 8/21; MEMO, MNA 8/22)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault, launching air strikes on approximately 65 targets, killing at least 30 Palestinians and injuring over 100. The armed Palestinian groups fire more than 150 rockets and mortars into Israel, primarily toward Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and areas in the s. One rocket lands in the Israeli settlement Mod’in Ilit in the West Bank, causing damage but no injuries, and 23 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the West Bank, IDF troops, accompanied by bulldozers, enter areas nr. Nablus, the Jordan Valley, and Ramallah to demolish 3 homes and confiscate 6 tents, leaving 63 Palestinians homeless. Late at night, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Ramallah, Hebron, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 7. (AA, AFP, HA, REU, YA 8/20; PCHR 8/21)

In the evening, Israeli PM Netanyahu says in a press conference that the assault on Gaza will continue, but alludes to a new, regional “diplomatic horizon.” He calls on PA Pres. Abbas to play a “significant part” in his longterm plans. Earlier in the day, a Hamas spokesperson says that the Palestinian delegation has not been instructed to return to talks in Cairo and that “the Egyptian offer was a stillborn, and it was buried today.” (AFP, AP, HA, NPR, REU 8/20)

In the Gaza Strip, armed Palestinian groups and the IDF maintain the 5-day cease-fire on its final day. Palestinians in Gaza continue emergency relief efforts and, as more bodies are found in the rubble and more people succumb to their injuries, the Palestinian death toll since the beginning of OPE rises above 2,000. Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops enter Hebron overnight and destroy the homes of the 3 Palestinians they hold responsible for the kidnapping and killing of 3 teenage Israeli settlers in 6/2014, demolishing 2 and sealing 1 with concrete. During the demolitions, local residents clash with Israeli soldiers, and several Palestinians are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages s. of Jenin, Jenin refugee camp (r.c.), Hebron, and Ramallah, arresting or detaining 9 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops demolish an unlicensed home in al-Tur. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 8/18; PCHR 8/21)

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, as well as Egyptian mediators, conduct 6 hours of talks in Cairo during the day, with the goal of extending the 5-day cease-fire that is set to expire at midnight. They also work on the outline of an agreement, based on the 8/15 Egyptian proposal, that reportedly includes the opening of some crossings between Israel and Gaza, the importation of construction materials with international supervision, and the extension of the permitted fishing area to 12 naut. mi., with larger points of disagreement being deferred to future negotiations. The Israeli negotiators leave Cairo to brief PM Netanyahu and senior defense officials in the evening. PA Pres. Abbas travels to Doha, Qatar, for talks with Hamas leader Mishal and Qatari emir Shaykh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani. Late at night, Palestinian and Israeli negotiators confirm that the ceasefire will be extended an additional 24 hours, at the request of the Egyptian mediators. (AFP, AJ, HA, JTA, MNA 8/18)

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry announces that it plans to cohost a conference with Egypt in Cairo for reps. of donor countries to attend so they can coordinate the reconstruction of Gaza. The conference will be held on 10/12. (HA, REU 8/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to undertake emergency relief efforts, uncovering many bodies of people killed earlier during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE), while many more Palestinians succumb to injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the armed Palestinian groups continue to hold to the 5-day cease-fire. In the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers in Hebron throws stones at Palestinian houses on al-Shuhada Street and IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian in the clashes that follow. The IDF conducts raids on several houses in Dayr Istya, and patrols in 2 villages n. of Jenin. During the day, the IDF conducts 13 other incursions into various areas of the West Bank. (MNA 8/16; PCHR 8/21)

There are no talks held today between Egyptian mediators, the Palestinian delegation, and Israeli negotiators. Hamas head of foreign affairs Usama Hamdan responds to the Egyptian proposal of 8/15, saying Israel must accept the demands of the Palestinian people or face a long war, and that the proposal was, therefore, insufficient. Head of the Palestinian delegation and senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad says that he is quietly optimistic that a long-term agreement can be reached before the 5-day cease-fire expires on 8/18. Meanwhile, in a televised speech from Ramallah, Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas says that the “goal is to stop the fighting and to stick to the Egyptian initiative, and no other,” in an implicit reference to efforts by Qatar and Turkey to serve as alternative diplomatic channels. PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erakat meets with Hamas political office chief Khalid Mishal and urges him to continue talks with Israel based on the Egyptian initiative. The pair also reportedly discuss the possibility of Palestine becoming a mbr. of the International Criminal Court (ICC). (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 8/16)

In Tel Aviv, thousands of demonstrators gather in Rabin Square to protest the ongoing assault on Gaza with the slogan “Changing direction: toward peace, away from war.” Counterprotesters also congregate in Rabin Square, but Israeli police keep the groups separate. (HA, JP 8/16)

Meanwhile, the Qatari govt. announces that it will donate $1,000 to each Palestinian family whose home has been destroyed during the Israeli assault, of which there are reportedly 797. The funds will be disbursed through the Qatari Comm. for Rebuilding the Gaza Strip. (JP 8/17)

Soon after the planned 72-hour cease-fire takes effect, it breaks down and the IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 160 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups resume rocket fire, launching 38 into Israel. IDF troops are primarily active in Shuja‘iya in e. Gaza City, Bayt Hanun in the n. Gaza Strip, and Khan Yunis in the s. Gaza Strip. The cease-fire breaks down after both sides accuse the other of violating it during an incident in s. Gaza. According to the IDF, 2 hours after the ceasefire began, al-Qassam Brigades fighters attacked IDF troops demolishing a tunnel, killing 2 and capturing 1. The Hamas armed wing denies reports of the capture, saying that the soldier might have been killed in clashes before the cease-fire began. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents. The 1st dies in clashes nr. Tulkarm during protests against the assault on Gaza, and the 2d dies in Safa nr. Ramallah in similar circumstances. In the clashes in Safa, 5 are injured by live ammunition and 10 by rubber-coated metal bullets. At Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, IDF troops shoot and injure 6 Palestinians with live ammunition during protests. In Hebron, meanwhile, around 50,000 residents protest the assault on Gaza, leading to clashes with IDF troops in which 90 Palestinians are injured with live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Salfit and al-Jalazun r.c.nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). In Ni‘lin, 1 is seriously injured by a rubber-coated metal bullet; in Nabi Salih, 2 are seriously injured by rubber-coated metal bullets; and in Kafr Qaddum, 4 are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in ongoing demonstrations against the Gaza offensive, causing dozens of injuries. The clashes happen in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, Silwan, al-Tur, al-Suwana, Abu Dis, al-‘Izzariya, al-Ram, Qalandia, and Anata. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/1; PCHR 8/2)

U.S. officials express outrage and disappointment at the breakdown of the ceasefire. U.S. Pres. Obama calls for the release of the soldier that was reported kidnapped and says it will be “very hard to put a cease-fire back together again if Israelis and the international community can’t feel confident that Hamas can follow through on a cease-fire commitment.” White House spokesperson Earnest says that the U.S. “would encourage those who have influence with Hamas to get them back on to the terms of the cease-fire and to get them to abide by the agreements that they struck just yesterday.” Meanwhile, Kerry calls Qatari FM Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah and Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoğlu and urges them to use their influence with Hamas to release the soldier. Davutoğlu tells reporters that Turkey would do what it can. Kerry also speaks with PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas. Talks planned in Cairo are postponed until further notice. (AFP, AP, Guardian, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/1)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah speaks for the 1st time in public on the Gaza violence and accuses Israel of “state-sponsored terrorism” in a televised speech. (Guardian, HA, MNA, REU 8/1)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, killing 132 Palestinians. In one attack, Israeli artillery fire hits an UNRWA school serving as a shelter for the displaced, killing at least 16. Following the attack on the power plant on 7/29, electricity in Gaza City is only available for 2 hours a day and large areas of c. Gaza have no electricity at all. In the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire at IDF troops during a raid in Qublan village nr. Nablus, causing 1 injury. The IDF conducts raids during the day in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and 1 village nr. Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/30; PCHR 7/31)

In response to the attack on the UNRWA school, White House dep. press secy. Eric Schultz says that the Obama administration expects “a full, prompt and thorough investigation” into the shelling, but does not mention Israeli strikes in the area. UN Secy.- Gen. Ban condemns the Israeli attack on the UNRWA school “in the strongest possible terms” as “outrageous” and “unjustifiable.” PA Pres. Abbas says in a letter to Ban that Gaza has become a “humanitarian disaster area” and urges the UN to use “all tools available” to “provide relief and help to the Palestinian people.” (AFP, AP, HA, REU, YA 7/30)

Abbas continues talks with officials from Egypt, the U.S., and others, along with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, to work toward a cease-fire. Two Israeli officials visit Cairo for a few hours to discuss proposals for a truce with Egyptian officials. (JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/30)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, air, and sea, attacking over 90 targets and killing 104 Palestinians. One IDF strike on a UN-run school in Bayt Hanun kills at least 15, and wounds 200, mostly women and children seeking shelter. The Israeli army says it is investigating the incident and that “terrorists” opened fire at IDF personnel from the area of the school. Palestinians fire around 60 rockets into Israel, 15 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome, causing no damage or injuries (including 5 over Tel Aviv). On the ground in Gaza, al-Quds Brigades and al-Qassam Brigades claim to have killed 4 and 8 Israeli soldiers, respectively. In the West Bank, a reported 10,000 Palestinians gather in protest of the assault on Gaza and march from c. Ramallah to Qalandia checkpoint, where clashes with IDF troops break out. IDF troops kill 2 and injure more than 200 protesters, including 60 with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus in the morning. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces set up checkpoints to restrict access to Haram al-Sharif, leading to clashes and the arrest of 12 Palestinian youth. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/24; PCHR 7/25)

Secy. of State Kerry meets with UN Secy.- Gen. Ban in Cairo once more. Meanwhile, in Amman, PA Pres. Abbas meets with Jordan’s King Abdallah and says “there is hope for a cease-fire” along the lines of “the Egyptian initiative” before fuller negotiations about wider demands. Kerry reaches out to Turkish and Qatari diplomats in an effort to garner support from Hamas’s regional allies for his cease-fire initiative. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/24)

Rivlin is sworn in as the new pres. of Israel, succeeding Peres. (HA 7/24)

The IDF continues its assault of the Gaza Strip, killing 64 Palestinians, primarily in the s. Khan Yunis area. The IDF says that it is hitting “concealed rocket launchers, terror tunnels, militant compounds, and terror activity posts located within the premises of al-Wafa hospital.” Severe shortages in electricity, water, and medical supplies continue to affect Palestinians in Gaza, with the UN estimating that the total number of displaced has risen to 118,300. Palestinians kill 3 Israeli soldiers inside the Gaza Strip, and severely wound another 2, in an attack claimed by al-Quds Brigades. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into s. Israel at a diminished rate relative to previous days, causing no damage and killing 1 Thai worker nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian man during clashes that break out after a protest in Husan village nr. Bethlehem. Clashes also break out in Silwad, and IDF troops injure 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/23)

The FAA extends the previous day’s ban on U.S. airline flights to Ben-Gurion Airport for an additional 24 hours. (AFP, AP, JP 7/23)

In a televised speech from Doha, Hamas leader Mish‘al responds to the international calls for a cease-fire, saying that Hamas “cannot accept any proposal that does not include the lifting of the siege.” Mish‘al also calls for a “humanitarian truce” of a few hours “to evacuate the wounded and assist in the relief.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 7/23)

In response to an Israeli request on 7/20, the U.S. Defense Dept. agrees to resupply the IDF with arms from the War Reserves Stockpile based in Israel. Details of the sale are not reported until 7/30. (AFP, AP 7/23; Guardian 7/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban in Jerusalem, their 2d meeting of the week. Kerry says afterward that “we have certainly made some steps forward, but there is still work to be done.” Kerry also meets with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and then with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, before returning to Cairo with no sign of an imminent breakthrough that might enable a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva passes a res., 29–1–17, condemning Israel’s occupation and the current assault on Gaza, as well as commissioning an investigation into potential war crimes committed during the current Gaza conflict, with the U.S. casting the sole “no” vote. Israeli PM Netanyahu calls the vote a “travesty,” while Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni responds on Facebook with the comment: “Get lost.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says that there is a “strong possibility” Israel is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The IDF continues its attacks on the Gaza Strip from land, sea and air, killing 78 Palestinians, including 25 people from a single family nr. the border with Egypt and 10 who die in Khan Yunis after shells hit their home repeatedly as they try to flee. An air strike on a tower in c. Gaza City kills 11, including 5 children. IDF troops shell al-Aqsa Hospital in c. Gaza, killing 4 and wounding 70. Palestinian fighters kill 9 Israeli soldiers during the fighting on the ground. Al-Qassam Brigades target Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Ashdod with rocket fire, with over 50 rockets fired into Israel, causing no injuries. In an al-Qassam Brigades operation, 12 Palestinian fighters enter Israel by a tunnel nr. Bayt Hanun and attack an IDF site, killing 4 and destroying a jeep with an RPG shell. Ten of the Palestinian fighters are killed in the operation and the other 2 return through the tunnel. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron, 1 nearby village and al-Fawar r.c., and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/21; PCHR 7/22)

Speaking in a televised address, former Hamas PM Haniyeh says that “Gaza has decided to end the blockade by its blood and its heroism,” adding, “We cannot go back to the silent death” of the siege. Israeli DM Ya’alon tells a parliamentary comm. that the operation will continue “as long as necessary until the completion of the task.” However, Ya’alon mentions that the Israeli govt. would welcome the PA unity govt. exercising authority in Gaza, in an apparent reversal of policy. In Doha, Hamas leader Mish‘al meets with Pres. Abbas for the 1st time since the war began. PA spokesperson Abu Rudayna reiterates the PA leadership’s call for an immediate cease-fire as a way of realizing “the national goals of the Palestinian people.” In Cairo, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban holds talks with Egyptian FM Shoukri aimed at pressing for an immediate truce. Secy. of State Kerry also arrives in Cairo to facilitate the cease-fire talks. Kerry announces that the U.S. will send $47 m. in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Meanwhile, the IDF requests access to the U.S. War Reserves Stockpile based in Israel to resupply its munitions. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/21)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air and sea, and intensifies its ground offensive, especially in the Shuja‘iya neighborhood in e. Gaza City, killing 149 Palestinians. Palestinian fighters kill 13 Israeli soldiers and injure 53 others. In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians gathered to demonstrate in Hebron, Ramallah, and the surrounding areas, injuring dozens in Hebron, Qalandia, and Jalazun r.c. The rallies are celebrating the reported capture by Palestinians in Gaza of a live Israeli soldier. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Jenin during the day. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/20; PCHR 7/21)

In Tel Aviv, PM Netanyahu says that the IDF is carrying out “complex, deep, intensive activity” in the Gaza Strip, for which there is “very strong support within the international community.” At the same press conference, DM Ya’alon says that in his “assessment,” the “lion’s share of the tunnels” will be destroyed “in another 2 or 3 days.” In the evening, the UNSC holds an emergency meeting, at the request of Jordan’s reps., and expresses “serious concern about the growing number of casualties.” Mbrs. call “for an immediate cessation of hostilities.” In Doha, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban meets with Qatari emir Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and PA Pres. Abbas. While there, Ban condemns what he calls the “atrocious action” of the IDF in killing “dozens more civilians.” Hamas leader Mish‘al visits Kuwait for talks with the emir, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Arab League. The latter issues a statement describing Israel’s attacks on al-Shuja‘iya as a “war crime.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/20)