The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 3 olive trees in Tel Rumeida in Hebron. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, al-Asakra, Bil’in, Turmus ‘Ayya, Jalazun refugee camp, Ya’bad, Burqin, and Bardala; Israeli forces injured 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas during the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israel forced 1 Palestinian man to demolish his commercial structure in Silwan. Israeli authorities also issued 3 demolition orders for homes in Silwan. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/14; UNOCHA 9/26)

Fighting broke out in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon after Palestinian Islamist groups launched attacks, injuring 6. A committee of Palestinian factions in the camp had announced on 9/5 that security forces would begin raids to find the accused killers of Fatah general Mohammad al-Armoushi who was killed on 7/30. The security forces also said that on 9/8 they would begin clearing militants who have been occupying UNRWA-run schools in the camp. (AP 9/8)

The Israeli Ministry of Education sent letters to schools in East Jerusalem threatening to revoke their licenses if they teach the Palestinian curriculum printed by the PA. (PCHR 9/14)

The Israeli Civil Administration advanced plans for creating 22 solar power plants in West Bank settlements. Haaretz reported that the plans were approved 2 weeks ago. A source in the Civil Administration told the newspaper that Palestinians will not be able to decide not to purchase electricity generated in the settlements. (HA 9/7)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, and the EU condemned remarks by PA president Mahmoud Abbas, who said in a speech at the Fatah Revolutionary Council that Adolf Hitler killed European Jews over ‘social functions’ such as usury, rather than out of anti-Semitism. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo also stripped Abbas of the Grand Vermeil de Paris medal which he received from her in 2015. Abbas’ remarks were published by the pro-Israel group Middle East Media Research Institute which is known for distorting statements by critics of Israel. Spokesperson for Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said Abbas was quoting American and Jewish historians and that he “full[ly] condemn[ed]” the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. On 9/10, an open-letter by leading Palestinian intellectuals condemned Abbas’ statements (ALM, AP, HA, HA, NYT, QDS, REU, REU, WAFA 9/7; REU 9/8; ABC, AP, HA 9/9; Letter 9/10; HA, HA 9/11; AP, HA 9/13)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that “[m]any of the elements of a pathway to normalization [between Israel and Saudi Arabia] are now on the table. We do not have a framework, we do not have the terms ready to be signed. There is still work to do,” further stating that there is a “broad understanding of many of the key elements.” (HA, REU 9/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with baton rounds; 1 of the victims, a minor, underwent surgery to have his eye removed after being shot in the eye. Israeli forces also issued a punitive demolition order for the family home of 1 Palestinian in ‘Urif, who was killed on 7/20 after he allegedly killed 4 Israeli settlers. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen, including a minor, and seized their boat 3 nautical miles west of the coast. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; WAFA 8/13; PCHR 8/17; UNOCHA 8/28)

Saudi Arabia appointed its ambassador to Jordan, Nayef bin Bander al-Sudairi, as its non-resident ambassador to the PA and consul general in Jerusalem. Al-Sudairi presented his credentials to PA president Mahmoud Abbas’ diplomatic adviser Majdi al-Khalidi during a ceremony in Amman. Israeli officials said that they had not been informed of the Saudi decision and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said that Israel “will not allow the opening of any kind of diplomatic mission” in Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA 8/12; AJ, HA, MEE, NYT, QDS, WAFA 8/13; CNN, HA, WAFA 8/14)

King Abdullah II of Jordan approved a bill that human rights groups say targets free speech in the country. The bill makes online speech, including comments “promoting, instigating, aiding, or inciting immorality,” demonstrating “contempt for religion” or “undermining national unity” punishable by months in prison or fines. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE 8/12; NYT 9/2)

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 forces punitively demolished the family home in Askar refugee camp of a Palestinian accused of killing 2 Israelis on 2/26 before being shot dead a week later. 2 Palestinians were wounded by live ammunition, 5 by baton rounds, and 185 by tear gas during the raid, while 60 were forced to leave their homes and were detained at a nearby mosque during the demolition. 3 homes in the same building as the demolished apartment were damaged along with 2 nearby buildings. Israeli forces issued 2 demolition orders for homes in al-Khader and 7 stop-work orders for homes in Sarta. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Abu Dis, Zababdeh, Siris, Aida refugee camp, al-Azza refugee camp, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/8; PCHR 8/10; UNOCHA 8/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan. (WAFA 8/8)

The Israeli Education Ministry accepted Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s refusal to fund a program that prepares Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem for higher education in Israel, canceling the program. (HA, REU 8/8; ALM 8/9)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said during a tour of the Lebanese border with Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that if Hezbollah escalates tensions with Israel “we will send Lebanon back to the Stone Age.” (HA, REU 8/8; AJ, ALM 8/9)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir met with the Cypriot justice and public order minister Anna Koukkides-Procopiou in Cyprus, marking the first time an EU member-state minister has met with Ben-Gvir. (HA 8/8)

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong announced that Australia has reinstated the term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” for the West Bank and East Jerusalem and defined Israeli settlements as illegal, reversing a 2014 decision to call Israeli-occupied areas “disputed territory.” (HA, MEE, WAFA 8/8; WAFA 8/9)

Austria signed a 3-year agreement to donate $10 million to UNRWA’s health program. (WAFA 8/8)

In the West Bank, 1 unidentified person shot and injured 1 Israeli settler and 4 Israeli soldiers near Ya’bad. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 8 others during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished a car scrap yard in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Tahta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued notifications that it will seize 70 dunams (17.3 acres) of land in Azzun ‘Atma and Masha. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya’bad, Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, Askar refugee camp, and Seida. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash shop in Shu’fat. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jabel Mukaber and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian fisherman with a baton round west of al-Sudaniyya. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/13; PCHR, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/15; UNOCHA 6/18; UNOCHA 7/8)

Israel’s military advocate general said that the soldiers responsible for the death of Palestinian American Omar As’ad on 1/12/22 will not be criminally prosecuted. 78-year-old As’ad died of heart failure after being arbitrarily detained and left on his stomach on the floor in a yard of an abandoned house while handcuffed, blindfolded, and gagged. The U.S. State Department said on 6/14 that it is seeking more information from Israel about the decision not to charge the soldiers. (AP, HA, REU 6/13; AJ, AJ, AP, BBC, HA, MDW, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 6/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas began his 4-day official visit to China. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 6/13)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill creating an ambassador-level position at the State Department focused on creating normalization deals for Israel. The bill, which passed 413-13, was co-sponsored by Democrat Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Republican Mike Lawler (R-NY). (HA 6/13; MDW 6/14)

The Lebanese parliament failed to elect a president for the 12th time. Lebanon has not had a president since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022. (AJ, AP, HA 6/14)

Amnesty International released a report on the Israeli attacks on Gaza between May 9 and May 13, calling on the ICC “to consider the applicability of the crime against humanity of apartheid within its current formal investigation.” Amnesty found that 31 Palestinians had been killed, including in unlawful killings and possible war crimes. Amnesty also found that 3 Palestinians in Gaza were possibly killed by rockets misfired by Palestinian armed groups. (AI 6/13; MEE 6/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 4 Palestinian-owned vehicles and wrote racist graffiti a building in Beit Iksa. Israeli forces made a large-scale midday raid on Nablus, killing 11 Palestinians, including 1 minor and a 72-year old man, more than 100 were injured by Israeli gunfire, including 6 critically. At least 2 anti-tank missiles were fired by Israeli soldiers at Palestinian buildings. Israeli forces also demolished 3 houses and 2 agricultural structures in al-Walaja. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house and issued demolition notices for 20 others in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Foqa. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 4 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated their boat west of Beit Lahiya. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, BBC, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, NYT, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; AJ, AJ, AX, GDN, HA, IN, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/23; MDW 2/24; NYT 3/1; UNOCHA 3/4)

The Israeli Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Council advanced plans for 3,144 new settlement housing units, including 956 that received final approval. (HA, JP 2/22; AP, PCN, PCN, WAFA 2/23; ALM 2/24)

The PA requested emergency meetings at the UN Security Council, Arab League, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to address the Israeli raid on Nablus (see above). U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. was “deeply concerned that the impact of today's raid could set back efforts aimed at restoring calm for both Israelis and Palestinians.” (WAFA 2/22)

Former Palestinian prime minister Ahmad Qurei, also known as Abu Alaa, died at the age of 85. An official state funeral was held for Qurei on 2/23 with participation of PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. (AP, HA, WAFA 2/23)

Papua New Guinea said it would open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem following a conversation between the foreign ministers of the two countries. (HA 2/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Qaryut. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the siege of Nablus at the Huwwara checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 4 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat within 6 nautical miles off the coast. (MEMO, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

An Israeli court approved the demolition of a school in al-Samiya. The school was inaugurated in January and built with EU funding. (WAFA 11/1; MEMO 11/2)

Israel held general elections for the 5th time since 2019. The right-wing bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu won a majority of the seats and is expected to form a government in the coming weeks. The Likud Party won the most seats with 32. Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid gained 24 seats while the third largest party was the Religious Zionism alliance, made up of the Zionist National Union-Tkuma and the Otzma Yehudit party and led by Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, which won 14 seats. The Palestinian parties Hadash-Ta‘al and the United Arab List each gained 5 seats. Balad, Meretz and the Ayelet Shaked-led Habayit Hayehudi did not make the electoral threshold. It was reported that the U.S. was considering a “no-contact” policy in dealing with a potential minister Ben-Gvir given his extremist ideology and actions. The voter turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel was 55%. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, MEE, NYT, NYT 11/1; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU 11/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, AX, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEMO, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 11/3; AJ, ALM, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, TOI 11/4; HA, HA, MDW 11/6)

Algeria hosted the 1st summit of the Arab League since 2019. The leaders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco did not attend the summit. PA president Mahmoud Abbas held a meeting with acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lambert on the sidelines of the summit. (WAFA 10/31; AJ, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered a stop-work order for a house in Fasayil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 1 house, 1 canopy, and 1 house stable in Isawiya. Israeli forces detained PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith before handing him orders not to enter the West Bank for 6 months. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians gathered at the Damascus Gate plaza with baton rounds and stun grenades; at least 1 was injured. 12 were arrested in the Old City and 2 in Bayt Hanina. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; WAFA, WAFA 4/6; PCHR 4/7; UNOCHA 4/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz on a phone call. The 2 spoke about efforts to facilitate calm for the Ramadan and Passover holy days. (TOI 4/5; ALM 4/6)

1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was sentenced to death in the UAE for possessing 0.5 kilo of cocaine. Joint List chairperson Ayman Odeh said he had been in contact with Israeli president Isaac Herzog and foreign minister Yair Lapid to have them help save her life. (AP, CNN, HA 4/5)

Palestinian-French lawyer and activist Salah Hamouri, who is currently held by Israel in administrative detention, filed a complaint to the prosecutor of the Paris judicial court in France against the NSO Group for illegally hacking his phone using Pegasus spyware. (AJ, WAFA 4/5; WAFA 4/6)

Front Line Defenders and Citizen Lab published an investigation, saying that 4 Jordanian activists and journalists had been targeted with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware between August 2019 and December 2021. (AP, HA, HA 4/5)

The World Bank approved an $8 million grant to the PA to help reform its public financial management. (WAFA 4/5)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rammed by car 1 Palestinian man walking at the Beit Sira checkpoint, killing the man; it was unclear whether the settler rammed the man intentionally. Israeli settlers also tried to attack a car repair shop in Bazariya, but were repelled by Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in Balata refugee camp; Israel claimed the man had opened fire at Israeli soldiers raiding the camp; no Israelis were injured. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator in Dura. 8 Palestinian minors were killed in a traffic accident in the Jordan Valley; PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a day of national mourning after the accident. 21 Palestinians were arrested in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, al-Far‘a refugee camp, and Tulkarm; during the raid in al-Far‘a refugee camp, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/6; PCHR 1/13)

Israeli deputy economy minister Yair Golan from the Meretz party called Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians a pogrom, in relation to attacks near at the Homesh settlement outpost. Deputy Economy Minister Golan was condemned by many Israeli politicians for his comments, and for calling the settlers “subhuman,” including by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who said Golan’s remarks were “bordering blood libel” and that “[s]ettlement activity in the West Bank represents modern-day pioneering.” (AP, HA, TOI 1/6; HA, MEMO 1/7; HA, MEMO 1/8)

The Dutch government announced that it will no longer provide funding to the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC). Israel put UAWC, along with 5 other Palestinian rights organizations, on its terror list on 10/22/2021, claiming that the organizations are linked to the PFLP. The international community, including the EU, has criticized the terror designations for the organizations, saying Israel have not provided any evidence to support its claims. The Dutch government’s decision follows an external review predating the Israeli terror designation, which found that UAWC employees have personal ties to members of the PFLP, but that no funding has been used for PFLP purposes and that there are no organizational links between the PFLP and UAWC. The PA condemned the Netherlands’ decision to end funding, calling it pandering to anti-Palestinian sentiments. (AJ, ALM, AP, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 1/6; AJ, WAFA 1/10; MEMO 1/11)

The Israeli military attorney told Adalah that it would not hand over the alleged evidence against the 6 rights organizations deemed terrorists by Israel, saying that the evidence is classified. (Adalah, WAFA 1/6)

Israeli Walla News reported that Israel’s director of European affairs at the foreign ministry, Aliza Bin Noun, shouted at European diplomats during a meeting where the Europeans complained about Israeli plans to build new settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (MEE, MEMO 1/7)

A U.S. district judge in New York dismissed a lawsuit brought against the PLO and PA for the stabbing of 1 American man in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank in 2018. The judge called the U.S. law the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018, that allows individuals to sue the PLO and the PA, unconstitutional. (REU 1/7; WAFA 1/8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Beit El settlement, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians employed by the Land Settlement Authority with stones and clubs in al-Shuyukh, injuring 1 with injuries to his head. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers clashed with Israeli forces as the latter evacuated the Geulat Zion settlement outpost near the Shiloh settlement. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian pupils heading to a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya for the 2d day in a row, injuring dozens with tear gas. Israeli forces also seized 2 residential structures and 5 agricultural structures in az-Za‘ayyem. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bil‘in, Jaba‘, Tulkarm, Sanniriya, Nablus, al-Ibayyat, and Deir Sammit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after he allegedly stabbed and wounded 2 Israeli soldiers in the Old City. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 2 agricultural structures in Isawiya. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Isawiya and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 2-5 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AP, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

1 39-year-old Palestinian prisoner died in an Israeli hospital of issues related to a heart condition. Palestinian Prisoners Center for Studies said he died due to medical neglect by Israel. (AJ, JP, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 11/18)

B’Tselem released footage that 1 of its activists had recorded in September, showing Israeli soldiers in Hebron rounding up 13 Palestinian children in the middle of the night and taking photos of them, asking them to say “cheese” for the camera. Many of the very young children are seen crying in the video. (HA, MEMO 11/17; AP, TOI 11/18)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Greenfield-Thomas. Ambassador Greenfield-Thomas urged the PA to end its payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families and to respect human rights issues. (HA, TOI 11/17; TOI, WAFA 11/18)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired 2 missiles from Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at Damascus, hitting 1 empty building. 1 of the missiles was intercepted by Syrian air defense. (AJ, AP, HA 11/17)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell told the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee that Israel has not provided the EU with any evidence proving their accusations that 6 Palestinian rights organizations are terrorist entities. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh was also present at the meeting and criticized the new Israeli government’s approach to Palestinians and stance against a 2-state solution. He also said Israel had to stop dealing with Palestinians in Gaza differently than it does West Bank Palestinians. (WAFA, WAFA 11/16; HA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17)

Qatar and Egypt signed a deal to supply fuel and building supplies to Gaza during the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting. The deal will see Qatar pay Egypt for oil and gasoline which will be given to Hamas and distributed at gas stations in Gaza and some funds will be directed at vulnerable families in Gaza and to help pay civil servants. The deal was reported to include a monthly transfer from Qatar to Egypt for distribution in Gaza of $30 million. (AJ, REU 11/17; MEMO 11/18; ALM 11/23; HA 11/27; HA 11/29; MEMO 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed pepper spray at 1 Palestinian and physically assaulted others in Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Hebron and al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. (WAFA 10/30; PCHR 11/4)

Israeli forces closed down al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinian worshippers between 3 p.m. on 10/29 and 10 p.m. on 10/30, only allowing Jewish worshippers. (WAFA 10/30)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19 pandemic-related state of emergency by another 30 days. The state of emergency was 1st instated in March 2020. (WAFA 10/30)

In Syria, 5 people were reportedly killed in an Israeli attack near Damascus. Syrian media reported that surface-to-surface missiles fired from Israel killed the 5 people in a daytime attack. (AJ, HA 10/30; TOI 10/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 Palestinian-owned truck in al-Khader. Israeli forces also issued an order that it will seize around 50,000 dunams (12,355 acres) of land in and around Kisan. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Husan. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian demolished 2 rooms added to his house in Jabel Mukaber. 6 Palestinians, including 4 minors, were arrested in the Old City and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Hamas security forces raided al-Azhar University, assaulting students for wearing the keffiyeh. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds near Beit Hanun; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 9/21; PCHR 9/23; ALM 9/28)

Israel closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Palestinian worshipers until midnight on 9/24, citing the Sukkot holiday. (WAFA 9/22; MEMO 9/23)

Hamas’s official in charge of prisoner affairs Zaher Jabarin said that Hamas had made a new proposal for a prisoner swap with Israel. According to the Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar, 1 proposal included swapping 2 Israeli prisoners and the remains of 2 Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in exchange for the 6 Palestinians who escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6 and were later rearrested, along with all women and children held by Israel. A 2d proposal included providing information about the 2 Israelis held by Hamas in exchange for the release of women, children, and some of the Palestinians rearrested after a prisoner swap in 2011, followed by the release of thousands of Palestinians and the release of the Israelis held in Gaza. (HA, JP, MEMO 9/21; ALM 9/22; MEMO 9/23)

A new poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 78% of the 1,270 Palestinians surveyed in the West Bank and Gaza wanted PA president Mahmoud Abbas to resign. The poll also found that 63% of the people polled believe that the PA or PA security leaders ordered the murder of Nizar Banat in order to silence his criticism of the PA. Lastly, the poll found that Marwan Barghouti has the most support of the potential presidential candidates brought up by the pollsters. (AP, HA 9/21; MEMO 9/22)

Progressive members of the Democratic Party in the house of representatives opposed adding $1 billion to funding of the Israeli Iron Dome to a stopgap government funding bill. Half the members of the progressive caucus said they would vote no on the bill if the Iron Dome funding was not removed, citing a need for transparency in military aid. The $1 billion, an addition to the $3.8 billion that Israel receives in military aid each year, will likely pass later either as a stand-alone bill or as an addition to the 2020 Defense Appropriations bill. House majority leader Steny Hoyer spoke to Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid, assuring him that Israel would receive the extra billion from the U.S, calling the issue a technicality. (MEMO 9/20; AA, AX, HA, HILL, POL, REU 9/21; AP, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, TOI, TOI, TOI, TOI 9/22)

At the UN general assembly, U.S. president Joe Biden said that his administration supports a 2-state solution with “a viable, sovereign, and democratic Palestinian state,” but that “[w]e are a long way from that goal at this moment.” Biden also said that the U.S. would reenter the Iran nuclear deal if Iran does. Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani criticized Israel’s policy of Judaizing Jerusalem and its assault on Gaza in May. (AA, HA, JP, MEE 9/21; TOI 9/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also leveled agricultural land near Bethlehem. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Shufa, Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Khader, Beit Fajjar, ‘Anata, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in al-Tur. In West Jerusalem, 5 Jewish Israelis attacked 1 Palestinian man, stabbing and beating him while he was on his way home after work. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 8/19; MEMO, MEMO 8/20; PCHR 8/26; TOI 8/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, thanking him for his support of Palestine. South Africa has been 1 of the most vocal opponents of the African Union decision to readmit Israel as an observer state on 7/22. (WAFA 8/19)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh stressed that all aid to Palestine must go through the PA. Later, Qatar announced that an agreement to transfer Qatari aid to Palestinian families had been made and that the process does not involve the PA. The agreement that will remain in effect until the end of 2021 will see some 100,000 Palestinian families in Gaza receiving a monthly stipend of $100 from Qatar, which will be transferred to banks in Gaza via a UN bank account in New York. The UN World Food Programme provides ATM cards to the Palestinians in Gaza for the aid and Israel will approve the list of Palestinian families eligible. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said a separate mechanism would be set up for Palestinians in the West Bank where the PA will distribute funds. Haaretz sources said that part of the reason the PA was circumvented in the process of providing aid to Gaza was due to the possible legal procedures against the PA if aid money was provided to people affiliated with Hamas. Hamas later praised the agreement. (HA 8/17; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 8/19; AJ, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO 8/20)

Israel’s foreign and alternate prime minister, Yair Lapid, told Israeli Channel 11 that there will not be a 2-state solution during the current government. Foreign Minister Lapid said that a 2-state solution is his preferred outcome, but that there is not any agreement for it within the current government. (JP 8/20)

Israeli forces used Lebanese air space to attack areas surrounding Damascus and Homs in Syria, allegedly killing 8, including 4 civilians. Lebanese defense minister Zeina Akar condemned Israel for violating its air space and flying at low altitudes. (AJ, AP, HA, TOI 8/19; MEE 8/20)

A shipment of Iranian fuel embarked toward Lebanon after a group of Shiite businessmen with help from Hezbollah bought the fuel. Lebanon has suffered a severe fuel shortage in recent months as its economy continues to deteriorate. Lebanese president Michel Aoun said that the U.S. will help Lebanon with its fuel shortage by providing electricity through Egyptian natural gas via Jordan and Syria. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU, REU 8/19; HA, MEMO 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian shepherd on his land near Qalqilya, leading to his hospitalization. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Burin and Turmus ‘Ayya, causing damage to windshields. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Aqraba; no arrests were made. 14 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against Israeli threats of evictions of dozens of Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah; at least 20 Palestinians were reported injured. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/3; MEMO, WAFA 5/4; AJ, AJ, HA 5/5; PCHR 5/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency with another 30 days. (WAFA 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents on Palestinian-owned land in Taqqua and 2 mobile homes in Asira. Israeli forces demolished barracks and construction materials in Jinsafut. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Kaubar, Jalazun refugee camp, al-Izzariya, Qalandia, Sa‘ir, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; PCHR 4/8)

The PA sent letters to members of the Quartet for Middle East Peace, urging them to pressure Israel to allow East Jerusalemites to partake in the upcoming elections. (WAFA 4/5)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas went to Germany for a medical checkup. President Abbas was later said to be in good health. (AJ, AP, HA 4/5; AJ, AP, WAFA 4/7; WAFA 4/8)

The trial against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu began after many delays. Prime Minister Netanyahu is charged with fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. Netanyahu’s trial began on the same day as Israeli president Reuven Rivlin started consulting with Israeli party leaders to determine who will go 1st at trying to form a government. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 4/5; HA 4/6)

The Jerusalem Post reported that the pharmaceutical company Pfizer has halted shipments of 700,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Israel because the country owes the company payment for 2.5 million doses of vaccines already delivered. Israel made a deal with the company, allowing them to use more collected data by the Israeli health system, and paid more per dose than any other country. (JP 4/5)

Former Jordanian crown prince Prince Hamzah bin Hussein, who was put under house arrest on 4/3, said in a voice recording that he will not stay silent, thus disobeying the Jordanian army’s orders not to communicate with anyone. Prince Hamzah is accused of being part of a plot against his half-brother King Abdullah II. Later in the day, Prince Hamzah was said to have pledged allegiance to King Abdullah in a letter after talking to his and Abdullah II’s uncle Prince Hassan. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 4/5; HA 4/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive seedlings, stealing 22 of them in Tell. Israeli forces sealed off 8 villages near Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians in 1 of the villages, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Beita, injuring 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Anata, and 1 at a checkpoint in Halhul. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli police physically assaulted and arrested 3 Palestinians in Silwan after stopping their car. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, rockets launched from Gaza landed in an open area near Beersheba, where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting during his election day campaign; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently attacked Gaza with fighter jets and helicopters, firing 5 missiles at sites near Gaza City and at 1 site in Dayr al-Balah, causing severe damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/25)

Israel closed all crossings for the Israeli elections. (WAFA 3/21)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that a single Fatah list would get 43% of the votes for the parliamentary elections while Hamas would win 30%; 18% were undecided. However, within the population of Fatah supports, some 10% would vote for a party headed by Mohammad Dahlan and 7% for a party head by Nasser al-Kidwa. (AP, HA, PCPSR 3/23)

Israelis voted in the general elections for the 4th time in 2 years. This time, there was not an obvious coalition to formed either, as many right-wing parties had promised not to support a government with Benjamin Netanyahu as its prime minister. Netanyahu, who had convinced the Palestinian-Israeli party Ra’am (United Arab List) to break with the Joint Arab List, also relied on religious Zionist parties, to the right of his Likud party, to be able to form a government. Those parties, including a significant majority of Likud, were vocally opposed to being in a governing coalition with Palestinian-Israelis. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas said after the election that he was not wedded to either the right wing or left wing at that point. Meretz (Vigor) and Labor both had a better election than anticipated and went over the electoral threshold. So did the terrorist-supporting Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), made up by followers of Meir Kahane. The Joint Arab List ended up with 6 mandates, down from 15, partially a result of lower Palestinian-Israeli voter turnout and because Ra’am received 4 mandates that previously would have gone to the Joint Arab List. (REU 3/22; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA 3/24; ALM, HA, HA, REU 3/25; AJ 3/26)

The Middle East Quartet members met for the 1st time since 2018 to discuss “meaningful negotiations” between Israelis and Palestinians. PA president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the statement made by the Quartet. (AP, REU 3/23; HA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/26)

The Dutch foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country for clarification as to why PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki had his VIP travel card confiscated after meeting with ICC personnel in the Hague. The Dutch foreign ministry said that “the ICC must be able to carry out its work without interference.” (HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA 3/23)

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 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 forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including 1 minor by live ammunition as they were protesting the Psagot settlement east of al-Bireh; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli municipality demolished a staircase leading to the Lion’s Gate at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians as they were headed to the funeral of 1 Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 11/25 at a checkpoint in the West Bank, near East Jerusalem. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 11/29; WAFA, WAFA 11/30; PCHR 12/3)

The WHO delivered 15 ventilators to Gaza hospitals as the COVID-19 virus continues to challenge the Gazan health system. The ventilators were paid for by Kuwait. (REU 11/29; HA 11/30)

An Israeli court rejected a petition filed by Palestinians to reclaim their land that had been seized by Israel and used by settlers to build settlement outposts south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The ruling paves the way for Israel to legalize the settlement outposts. (HA 11/30)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the King Abdallah II of Jordan in the Jordanian city of Aqaba. In a statement released by Jordan after the meeting, Jordan reaffirmed its commitment to a Palestinian state. President Abbas later traveled to Egypt, meeting with secretary-general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit and the Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry. Abbas is scheduled to meet with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 11/30. This marked the 1st time Abbas left the West Bank in 2020. (WAFA 11/28; HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/29; WAFA, WAFA 11/30)

The Israeli security cabinet approved the transfer of $756 million to the PA in tax funds but continues to withhold $181.5 million that the PA pays to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and their families. (HA 11/29)

According to Iraqi officials, 1 Iranian senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard, Muslim Shahdan, had been killed in an air strike along with 3 others as they entered Syria from Iraq in a car. There were no reports of who carried out the air strike, but Israel has frequently been carrying out air strikes in Syria and Iraq and is believed to have assassinated an Iranian nuclear scientist on 11/27. (HA, TOI 12/1)

UN secretary-general António Guterres said in a statement commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that “the question of Palestine remains distressingly unresolved,” and criticized Israel for continuing to make a 2-state solution less viable. (WAFA 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers in al-Ibrahimi Mosque during morning prayers at the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Sahour, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/5)

The PA requested help from the UN to get a baptismal font back that was seized by Israel near Bethlehem on 7/20 this year. The baptismal font dates back to the 5th century. (WAFA 10/29)

A large Israeli military drill in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights caused massive damage with some 1,500 dunams (400 acres) burned by fires sparked from the drill. (TOI 10/29; HA 10/30)

U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper visited Israel, meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. Haaretz reported on 10/27 that Israel has requested F-22 fighter jets from the U.S., which are currently only used by the U.S. military. Meanwhile, the White House notified Congress of its intent to sell 50 F-35 fighter jets to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between Israel and the UAE. (AJ, HA, HA 10/29; LT 10/30)

The CEO of Golan Heights Winery in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights said in a statement that his wines will be sold in the UAE starting this week. The UAE does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in the occupied Golan Heights. (HA, REU 10/29)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem will be able to list Israel as the place of birth. The spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the U.S. decision. (HA 10/28; HA, REU, WAFA 10/29; AJ, IN, REU 10/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issued demolition orders for 4 Palestinian-owned houses in Bani Na‘im and took measurements for a punitive demolition of a house owned by the family of an alleged attacker in the village. Israeli forces also uprooted 22 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Ras Karkar. In East Jerusalem, Israel informed PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith that he was no longer allowed to leave Silwan and that he could not contact some 50 individuals, including PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles offshore; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; PCHR 9/10)

At a virtual Arab League meeting, a majority of countries rejected a Palestinian proposal to condemn the UAE for its normalization deal with Israel. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki accused the U.S. of blackmailing Palestinians and some Arab countries. The secretary-general of the Arab League Ahmad Aboul Gheit reiterated that the Arab Peace Initiative remains the Arab League’s stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (HA 9/8; AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10)

According to senior advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia has allowed Israeli commercial air traffic to use Saudi Arabian airspace. Kushner also said that the U.S. peace plan presented in January was aimed at “trying to save the two-state solution, because . . . if we kept going with the status quo . . . ultimately, Israel would have eaten up all the land in the West Bank.” The U.S. peace plan allows Israel to annex 30 percent of the West Bank. (HA 9/9; TOI 9/10)

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)

In the West Bank, Israel delivered demolition notices for 1 residential tent and 1 animal barn in Atuf. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned agricultural lands southeast of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work near Tulkarm. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities banned PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from entering the West Bank for 6 months. Governor Ghaith was summoned by Israeli forces earlier in the day. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza after incendiary balloons from Gaza sparked fires in southern Israel. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz ordered the entire Gaza fishing zone closed as collective punishment for incendiary balloons and rockets sent toward Israel. 1 Palestinian man was also seriously injured after coming in contact with an Israeli unexploded ordnance near al-Zaytun. Palestinian officials said that Gaza’s only power plant would stop producing power from 8/18 due to Israel’s embargo on fuel going to Gaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 1.5 nautical miles off Gaza City and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron. President Macron said that the 2 spoke about resumption of peace negotiations. (HA, WAFA 8/16)

Israel and the UAE began direct talks to arrange the details of establishing full diplomatic relations. The 2 countries and the U.S. announced on 8/13 that the UAE would normalize ties with Israel. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview that the U.S. had asked him to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank in exchange for normalization with the UAE. He further stated that he had no choice in the matter and that annexation was still part of the U.S administration’s peace plan. In an interview with Haaretz, UAE director of strategic communications of the ministry of foreign affairs Hend Al Otaiba said that the UAE and Israel are working toward exchanging ambassadors. When asked about if the embassy would be located in Jerusalem, Al Otaiba answered, “We’re bound by international resolutions as well as an Arab position that wants an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.” The PA ambassador to the UAE arrived in Ramallah after being withdrawn because of the UAE-Israel deal. (HA, HA 8/16; HA, HA, 8/17)

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)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in al-Khadir. Israeli forces raided Jenin, dismantling a PA COVID-19 checkpoint and injuring 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jenin refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces seized a Byzantine-era baptismal font from a church in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also seized 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for an Israeli national park near Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Yatta, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat ad Wadi al-Juz. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Bureij, no injuries were reported. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/20; PCHR 7/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukri in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

An Israeli court remanded the PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for 7 days. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19; it was the 17th time he has been arrested by Israeli forces since being named governor in 2018. Gheith had previously been released after 2 days but this time his lawyer told Agency French Presse that he is being probed over “planning an act of terrorism.” (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YAHOO 7/20)

Syrian state media reported that Israel fired missiles from Israel-occupied Golan Heights toward Damascus, but that the missiles were intercepted. Israeli media later reported that some missiles had not been intercepted and 5 people had been killed and 11 injured in the attacks. Hezbollah later said that 1 of their members had been killed in attacks. (HA, REU 7/20; HA, HA, JP 7/21; AJ, HA 7/23)

Austria contributed with $8.8 million for UNRWA programs. Separately, the EU donated $4.6 million to UNRWA to help deal with the agency’s COVID-19 response. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp and Sa‘ir; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a store near Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah, Bayt Hanun, and Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the Coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 4/9)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and head of Islamic Jihad in Palestine Ziad Nakhleh talked on the phone. (WAFA 4/4)

In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Qusra in a funeral procession for the Palestinian shot by a settler 11/30. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 2 cars during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp, al-Qarara, and Juhur al-Dik, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/7)

Following days of unconfirmed reports and rumors from the White House, PA pres. Abbas calls upon the leaders of 8 Arab states to pressure U.S. pres. Trump into delaying or cancelling his proposed move of the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. According to a PA spokesperson, Abbas “warned categorically that taking such a step would lead to the destruction of the peace process” and create an “uncontrollable situation” in the region. (TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issue stopwork orders to Palestinians building a road between agricultural areas near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Hebron. The raids in Qalqilya spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, Wadi al-Juz, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel, and open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 9/16; MNA 9/17; PCHR 9/21)

A senior U.S. official says that the Trump administration is not expecting any breakthrough in its efforts to restart PalestinianIsraeli peace talks during the UNGA this week in New York, despite Trump’s scheduled meetings with PA pres. Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians remains one of the president’s highest priorities, but the UN meetings will primarily focus on other issues and serve as check-in opportunities,” the official adds. (HA, TOI 9/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Jabal Mukabir. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya 4 times, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 8/10)

Jordan’s King Abdullah meets with PA pres. Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the recent tension at Haram al-Sharif, the U.S.-led peace efforts, and regional developments. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/7)