The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area; no injuries are reported. Israeli settlers also open fire at 2 commercial structures and an electric transformer in al-Naqura, causing a power outage in the village. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Tuqu’, threatening Palestinian shepherds. Israeli settlers also set up 3 mobile homes in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians after they allegedly shot and killed 1 Israeli settler and injured 10 others on a highway near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli forces also bomb Jenin using a drone, killing 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injuring 15 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in ad-Doha. Meanwhile, Israeli forces detain 2 10-year-old Palestinian boys for 6 hours in Sinjil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians outside of the compound’s Lions Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 97 people, including 18 people from the same family in a home in Gaza City. 5 patients die at the Nasser Hospital due to the lack of power and oxygen as Israeli forces continue to occupy the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kafr Remen, Tayr Harfa, Jbaa, Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras, Khiam, Umm al-Tut, and Shehin, killing 4 people in Kafr Remen. Hezbollah attacks an Israeli military building in Kfar Yuval. In the Red Sea, a ship is hit by 2 missiles fired from Yemen. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system shoots down a ballistic missile the Houthi movement says is fired by its forces. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,465 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,530 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 42 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a statement after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, saying the government will submit plans for 2,350 new settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, 300 in the Keidar settlement, and 694 in the Efrat settlement in response the killing of an Israeli settler earlier in the day. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says Israeli settlers’ right to freedom of movement in the West Bank overrides that of Palestinians’, adding he will further limit the freedom of movement for Palestinians. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

Israel confirms its forces are building a new road through central Gaza “to move logistics and soldiers.” (AJ 2/22)

Prime Minister Netanyahu presents his post-war plan for Gaza to the Israeli war cabinet, which includes installing “local officials” to govern the area, “maintain an indefinite freedom to operate throughout” Gaza, enlarge the “buffer zone” inside Gaza, and the complete demilitarization of Gaza before reconstruction is allowed to begin. Netanyahu’s plan also includes the permanent closure of UNRWA and the rejection of “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state. The Times of Israel reports that Israel has agreed to allow U.S. flour to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/23)

Defense Minister Gallant meets with U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, saying Israel will expand the authority of Israeli negotiators to reach a prisoner exchange deal in Paris over the weekend. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby calls the meetings McGurk had with Gallant and Egyptian officials “constructive.” (AX 2/21; AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU 2/22; AJ, NYT 2/23)

Jordanian representatives, including Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, give statements to the ICJ on the fourth day of the hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, saying Israeli policies and practices show that Israel intends for the occupation to be permanent. Japan’s representative argues that even territory that is not internationally recognized cannot be acquired by force. Ireland’s representative says Israel has committed serious breaches of international law during its occupation. China says the issue of Palestinian self-determination is a UN issue, countering a U.S. argument made on 2/21, and argues that because of the occupation the right to self-defense lies more with the Palestinians than with the Israelis. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Mauritius also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini writes a letter to UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis, saying Israel is making a “concerted effort” to dismantle UNRWA, including by ordering UNRWA to leave a vocational center in East Jerusalem and pay Israel $4.5 million for using the facility, pointing out that the facility was given to UNRWA by Jordan in 1952. Lazzarini also says Israel is only giving UNRWA staffers visas for 1-2 months, that Finance Minister Smotrich has threatened UNRWA with revoking its tax exemption, that an Israeli bank has blocked the UNRWA account, and that Israeli customs has suspended shipments of goods to UNRWA. (AJ 2/22; AJ 2/23)

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the situation in Gaza. UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland and representatives from Doctors Without Borders brief council members on the situation. (WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

U.S. president Joe Biden says in a tweet that the “overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas . . . In fact, they’re also suffering as a result of Hamas’ terrorism.” (HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

After a 2-day G20 meeting in Brazil, EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell and Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira say that there is unanimous agreement among the G20 members in support of a 2-state solution. (REU 2/22)

The Houthi movement announces that Israeli, UK, and U.S.-owned ships are banned from the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ 2/22)

Haaretz reports that Israeli forces shot and killed an Israeli citizen and injured his girlfriend on 10/7/2023, mistaking them for Palestinians. (AJ, HA 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring a Palestinian, and attempt to set a house on fire. Israeli settlers also begin construction of a settler road in al-Muarajat. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid al-Minya, threatening Palestinians. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian, uproot streets, and damage property during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue demolition notices for a house and an agricultural structure in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their 3-story apartment building in at-Tur, displacing 5 families comprising 23 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 118 people, including 12 at a square in Nuseirat refugee camp, 22 in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp, 25 in a home in Dayr al-Balah, and 2 at a Doctors Without Borders shelter for staff members and their families in Khan Yunis. 8 patients die due to a lack of power and oxygen and 21 people are evacuated from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, killing a woman and a child. Hezbollah militants fire rockets at Israeli military bases in Metila and Matzuva. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing 2 people in an apartment building. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 4 Houthi-related sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; AJ, AJ, UNOCHA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,313 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,333 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 101 children. More than 4,528 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. The UK and Jordan airdrop 4 tons of aid to the Tal al-Hawa Hospital. 50 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/21; UNOCHA 2/22)

Khaled Shawish becomes the ninth Palestinian prisoner to die in an Israeli prison since 10/7/2023. 53-year-old Shawish had been imprisoned by Israeli since 2007. 20 lawyers representing Palestinians at the Ofer military court announce a strike, citing poor treatment of Palestinian prisoners and defense lawyers, including beatings of prisoners on their way to court and searches of lawyers entering Israeli facilities. (AJ, WAFA 2/21; HA 2/22)

UNOCHA reports that around 4,000 Palestinians were displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2023, including 1,326 from demolition of which 173 were from punitive demolitions, 911 during Israeli military operations which destroyed 220 structures, 1,539 from settler violence, and 200 due to movement restrictions in the Masafer Yatta area. (UNOCHA 2/21)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office announces that it will prosecute the head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Ekrima Sa’id Sabri for incitement to terrorism, saying he visited families of Palestinians who carried out attacks on Israelis in October 2022. (HA 2/21)

Israeli military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issues a warning to Israeli soldiers that “improper conduct” including unjustified use of force, destruction of property, and looting are criminal actions. Tomer-Yerushalmi says her office has “come across cases of improper conduct.” (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland, EU representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzman, and World Bank country director for the West Bank and Gaza Stefan Emblad in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, long-term aid for rebuilding Gaza, and the PA’s financial crisis. (WAFA 2/21)

The Knesset votes 99 to 9 to reject “international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 2/21)

At the third day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the U.S. argues that the ICJ should not order the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories without security guarantees. Hungary similarly says the ICJ should not exercise its jurisdiction. Colombia, the Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, the UAE, Russia, France, the Gambia, and Guyana also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/21; NYT 2/22)

UK House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle breaks with precedent by allowing the Labour Party to introduce its own amendment to a motion introduced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) calling for a ceasefire. The Labour Party amendment waters down the language of the SNP motion, removes language criticizing Israel, and adds language defending its conduct. The Labour motion is adopted after SNP and Conservative Party MPs leave the vote in protest. (AJ, AJ, AP 2/21; AJ, AP 2/22)

The UK High Court of Justice rejects a petition to suspend UK arms exports to Israel. The Guardian reports that the UK is considering suspending arms export licenses to Israel if Israel invades Rafah. (AJ, GDN 2/21)

A video from 2/15 shows U.S. congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) telling a pro-Palestinian activist that “I think we should kill them all if that makes you feel better. Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It is time to pay the piper.” (AJ, HA 2/21)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. intelligence community has assessed with “low confidence” that some UNRWA staffers took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, suggesting that the U.S. has not seen corroborating evidence. (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

The European Broadcasting Union says it is reviewing the lyrics of the Israeli song submitted to the Eurovision contest to examine if it is too political. The song is titled “October Rain” and is about events on 10/7/2023 and its aftermath. The Israeli contestant, Russian Israeli singer Eden Golan, performed in Russian-annexed Crimea in 2016. (HA, NYT 2/22)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian child succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Zawata on 10/30. Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinian farmers in Beit Umar, causing damage to a vehicle and forcing the Palestinians to flee. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and Beit Umar, including a child and a 70-year-old man. Israeli forces also shot and injured 8 Palestinians during raids in Qabatiya, Tubas, and Dheisheh refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished the family home of senior Hamas member Saleh al-Arouri in Aroura; Israeli forces placed a flag in the rubble of the house saying Hamas equals ISIS. Israeli forces also uprooted 12 olive trees and razed farmland in Farkha. 52 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 200 Palestinians. Israel said it had attacked 300 targets in Gaza and assassinated Hamas commanders Nasim Abu Ajina and Ibrahim Biari in airstrikes. The airstrike that Israel claimed killed Biari killed at least 50 people injured 150 in Jabaliya refugee camp and leveled 30 residential buildings; Hamas denied that Israel had killed Biari. Hamas said it killed an Israeli soldier and damaged 2 vehicles near Gaza City. Israel said 15 soldiers had been killed during the ground invasion today. Rockets were fired at Israel causing damage and injuries. Israel said it shot down a drone near Eliat; the Houthi-led government in Yemen claimed responsibility. In Lebanon, Israel said it intercepted a surface-to-air missile fired at an Israeli drone and killed a member of Hezbollah. (HA 10/30; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31; AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT 11/1)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 8,525 Palestinians have been killed, including around 5,700 women and children, and 21,543 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. 1,800 Palestinians, including 940 children, have been reported missing. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 125 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 35 children. More than 2,209 have been injured. Israel said 15 soldiers were killed in Gaza, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. 59 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called the pace of aid entering Gaza “completely inadequate.” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder described Gaza as “a graveyard for thousands of children” and “a living hell for everyone else.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31; HA, NYT 11/1)

Amnesty International said Israel had used white phosphorus smoke artillery shells in South Lebanon between 10/10 and 10/16 “indiscriminately, and therefore unlawfully.” Amnesty said Israel injured 9 civilians with white phosphorus in Dhayra on 10/16. The Lebanese civil defense said it was fighting wildfires in South Lebanon that it claimed erupted due to Israel firing white phosphorous shells. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 10/31)

Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obaida said Hamas will release a number of captives who hold non-Israeli passports in the coming days, saying “we do not want to hold them in the Gaza Strip.” Abu Obeida also said the Israeli soldier Israel claimed to have freed on 10/30 was not held by Hamas. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Qatar. Gaza Interior minister, Iyad al-Bazom, said Israel is seeking to separate northern Gaza from the south with its ground invasion. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 10/31)

Fatah called for a general strike on 11/1 in response to the attack on Jabaliya refugee camp. PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, discussing the situation in Gaza and the need for a political solution to the Israeli occupation. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31)

The Shin Bet warned the Israeli government of an “explosion” in violence in the West Bank due to the increase in Israeli settler attacks. (AJ 10/31)

The Israeli military issued an temporary order of 2 year minimum sentences for Palestinians in the West Bank who are convicted of having an association with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Lions’ Den, and ISIS and 1 year for incitement, attempting to enter a restricted location, and obtaining information about the restricted location in the context of terror organizations. (HA 10/31)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian prime minister Mustafa Madbouly said Egypt is ready to sacrifice the lives of millions to ensure Palestinians do not flee or are forcefully displaced to Egypt. (HA 10/31)

Bolivia announced that it has severed ties with Israel due to “the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip.” Israel condemned Bolivia for supporting “terrorism.” Bolivian Israeli ties were restored in 2020 by the right-wing interim President Jaenine Anez after they were first cut by President Evo Morales in 2009. Columbia and Chile recalled their ambassadors from Israel for consultations. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan condemned Israel’s massive airstrike on the Jabaliya refugee camp. Qatar called the attack “a new massacre against the defenseless Palestinian people.” Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said “I am sorry to those innocent men, women and children in Jabalia Refugee Camp that the world could not protect you. This blatant disregard for human life must be condemned unequivocally,” calling for a ceasefire. The Arab League reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 11/1)

The Financial Times reported that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked his Austrian and Czech counterparts to lobby EU members to pressure Egypt into taking refugees from Gaza. Germany and France reportedly dismissed the idea. (AJ 10/31)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke to King Abudullah II of Jordan, discussing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli president Isaac Herzog discussed aid and the need to protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. has told Israel that the need for fuel in Gaza was urgent. Responding to a question about Prime Minister Netanyahu comparing Palestinians to the biblical people Amalek, Kirby said, “I am not qualified to speak much on biblical history, but we have been crystal clear on our concern about genocidal behavior about any leader. That is not what we are seeing Israel desire to do,” further claiming that Israel is trying to prevent civilian casualties. U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda-Thomas Greenfield said the U.S. “is deeply concerned by the significant uptick in violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.” The U.S. deployed a F-15E fighter jet squadron and special forces to Jordan. 25 U.S. heavy transport planes also landed in Jordan. The Pentagon said the U.S. has soldiers in Israel helping with identifying captives held by Hamas. The U.S. criticized Lebanon for not filling its presidency, leaving it vacant for 365 days. At the U.S. Senate, a member of Code Pink was removed while castigating Secretary Blinken for U.S. complicity in the Israeli attacks on Gaza, while several others held their hands, covered in red dye, raised. Blinking told the Senate that the U.S. and other countries had discussed the future of Gaza, including having the PA govern there. The U.S. Senate confirmed, in a 53-43 vote, former Treasury secretary Jack Lew as the next U.S. ambassador to Israel. All Democrats and Republican senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rand Paul (R-KY) voted to confirm Lew. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU 10/31; AJ, NYT, REU 11/1)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell discussed the need to restore a “political horizon and relaunch the peace process” with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and representatives from the OIC. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/31)

A poll commissioned by the Arab American Institute found that Arab American support for U.S. president Joe Biden has decreased 42% since 2020. 40% of the people polled said they would vote for Donald Trump, 17.4% for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and 3.8% for Cornel West, while 25.1 said they were undecided. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/31)

Virginia attorney general Jason Miyares said he will open an investigation into American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), alleging that the organization was providing support to terrorist organizations and was not fundraising with a proper registration. AMP denied the allegations and said Miyares was “attempting to score political points with hateful extremists.” (AJ, HA 10/31)

4 Belgian transport workers’ unions issued a joint statement calling on their members to refuse to handle military equipment bound for Israel, labelling Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide. (REU 10/31)

Director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Craig Mokhiber, resigned in a letter to UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk, saying the UN was failing in its mission to stop genocide in reference to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Mokhiber accused the U.S., the UK, and parts of Europe of being complicit in the Israeli genocide in Gaza. (GDN, NYT 10/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron 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, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 1 is struck by a tear gas canister and in Nabi Salih, where 5 are wounded by bullets. (PCHR 3/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells Israeli television that the govt. would give up “some settlements” in the West Bank as part of a peace agreement, but that he would “ensure the number will be as small as possible,” if talks progress that far. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. recognizes Israel as a Jewish state but that Palestinian recognition is not a precondition in peace talks. (JP, REU 3/7)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits Jordan for talks with King Abdallah in Aqaba on the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces across the country, including Suez, Alexandria, and al-Arish, 3 protesters are killed and 48 wounded. An Egyptian official says 17 police officers are wounded in the clashes in Cairo. (AFP, REU 3/7)

Iranian Foreign Ministry official Hamid Baidinejad says that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have held “substantive and useful” talks in Vienna in preparation for the next meeting of chief negotiators on 3/18. EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton confirms the Iranian official’s assessment of the talks, via a statement from her office in Brussels. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In response to the Israeli allegations regarding the ship intercepted in the Red Sea on 3/5, Iranian FM Zarif rejects Israeli allegations, calling claims of Iranian involvement a “lie.” Senior Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Baths denies the group’s involvement in the seized missile shipment. (AFP, AP, REU 3/7)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian demonstrators with live ammunition nr. Jabaliya r.c., close to the border fence, wounding 16, some of whom were also struck by tear gas canisters. The Israeli military claims that hundreds of protesters throw stones at soldiers during the incident. Later, Palestinians fire 2 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians outside the entrance to Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, shooting and wounding 6 protesters with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches in Bethlehem and 1 village nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in Hebron and 1 nearby village in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron and Salfit at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Kafr Qaddum (2 struck by bullets). (HA, MNA 2/14; PCHR 2/20)

Pres. Obama holds a summit with Jordan’s King Abdallah in Palm Springs, California, where the 2 discuss the ongoing IsraeliPalestinian negotiations, Syria, and other regional issues. Obama pledges $1 billion in loan guarantees for Amman, and renews a 5-year aid package. In Jordan, a protest takes place to call for Abdallah to revoke the peace treaty with Israel, with around 1,200 demonstrators affiliated with the local Muslim Brotherhood participating. (AFP, AP, REU 2/14)

The spokesperson for the Syrian opposition, Louay al-Safi, says that the second round of peace talks in Switzerland have reached a dead end, after a day of separate meetings between UN-Arab League joint special envoy Brahimi and the 2 sides. Meanwhile, sources at the OPCW say that Syria has relinquished only 11% of its chemical weapons, and is likely to miss the deadline for the stockpile’s destruction. (AP, REU 2/14)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and VP Joe Biden meet with senior Arab officials including the Bahraini, Egyptian, Jordanian and Qatari FMs, and representatives from the PA, Arab League, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia for talks on the peace process. Qatari PM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jassem al-Thani, speaking on behalf of the Arab League delegation, cites the possibility of a border agreement that includes mutually agree and minor land swaps between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Kerry affirms the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that promised full normalization for Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied territories (including the Golan). (AP, REU 29/4)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response to recent rocket fire (see also 4/27), Israel closes the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, further restricts movement through the Erez crossing to ‘‘humanitarian cases,’’ though it cancels visits for Gazan families of Palestinians jailed in Israel (VIPs were the only others allowed to cross Gaza). Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishermen off the south Gaza coast east of Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers evict several hundred Bedouin from Wadi al-Malih village in the Jordan Valley after declaring the area a live fire training zone (see 4/24). Meanwhile, Israel demolishes 4 Palestinian apartments in the al-Tur neighborhood of East Jerusalem, as well as a water well and utility room in the al-Fawar r.c. in Hebron. The IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon. At night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem, in Hebron, in 5 villages nr. Hebron, in Nablus, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus, injuring 2. (AFP, MNA REU 4/29; PCHR 5/2)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon urges the Syrian government to allow experts into the country to investigate reports of alleged use of chemical weapons. Damascus wants any investigation limited to a 3/2013 incident nr. Aleppo while Ban wants to also include a 12/2012 incident in Homs. (see 4/24) (AP 4/29)

Israeli newspaper Yedi’ot Aharonot reports that the EU is preparing a new plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, to be presented following the forthcoming Israeli elections. The plan reportedly will be detailed and aim to complete negotiations on core issues during 2013. The initiative is sponsored by the British and French foreign ministries, but could be adopted by the whole EU. The PA subsequently says it is unaware of such a plan. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdallah tells the French media that his country is working with European countries to restart the stalled negotiations. (AFP, JP 1/13; JP 1/14)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that Israel’s Defense Ministry has published plans for around 200 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Rotem in the Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu tells the cabinet that the government will ‘‘not allow anyone to harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim,’’ referring to the removal of Palestinian activists from the Bab al-Shams protest camp in the E1 area. (AFP, JP 1/13)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning and in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus at night. (PCHR 1/17)

Armed Palestinians protest in Jenin r.c., demanding the PA security forces return confiscated weapons to the resistance. The PA vows (1/14) to investigate the demonstration. (MNA 1/14)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad meets Arab League mbrs. to discuss the PA’s cash crisis and ways of raising the $100 m. promised by Arab countries but as yet undelivered. Fayyad claims that the situation may push 1.5 m. Palestinians into poverty. The Arab League agrees to form a delegation to press mbr. states to meet their financial obligations to the PA. (AP, MNA 1/13)

Senior IDF officers brief Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Syrian armed opposition groups have taken up positions along the border of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (JP 1/13)

The Pentagon is sending briefings to senators in order to rebut what it calls ‘‘myths’’ about Defense Secretary–designate Chuck Hagel in the face of opposition to his appointment, in particular by pro-Israel groups. (WT 1/13)

In Washington, King Abdallah, Pres. Clinton hold talks on the peace process, bilateral economic ties. Previously, Abdallah said he would bring with him a message for Clinton fr. Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein (see 10/4); the U.S. says Abdallah brought no message, though one might exist. Some reports maintain that U.S. officials told Jordan that Abdallah should not pass the message to Clinton, since the U.S. was not interested in a dialogue with Iraq. (WP 10/13; DUS 10/13 in WNC 10/15; MEI 10/15; AYM 10/18 in WNC 10/19; WT 10/20; SA 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

Barak orders 15 of the 42 unauthorized settlements constructed after the Wye accord to be dismantled; allows 11 others to stay; says remaining 16 may remain for now, but new building is forbidden. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; JT, MENA 10/13 in WNC 10/15; CSM 10/14; AYM, al-Quds 10/14 in WNC 10/18; JP 10/22) (see 10/10)

Israel says it will let DFLP head Hawatimah into the occupied territories now that he has expressed support for the peace process. (WP 10/13; MEI 10/29)

The Israeli High Court rules that Muhammad Abbas, head of the Palestine Liberation Front, is immune from trial in Israel for the 1985 Achille Lauro hijacking during which hijackers shot dead U.S. citizen Leon Klinghoffer. (WP 10/13)

In Ramallah, Palestinian nationalist and Islamist organizations (including, ALF, DFLP, Fatah, FIDA, Hamas, the Palestine Liberation Front, PFLP, PPP, PPSF) hold unity talks aimed at drawing up a list of principles for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Participants call on Arafat to approve the PC's law on the independence of the judiciary, release political detainees fr. PA prisons. (al-Quds 10/14 in WNC 10/18)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. reopens after 3-month military-ordered closure and immediately receives new closure order [NYT 2/4]. Hebron Polytechnic Institute and Hebron U. are closed indefinitely. Israel postpones indefinitely reopening of schools in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 2/7]. In Nazareth, 50 Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish leaders condemn Israeli measures in occupied territories, express support for uprising [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'i coalition Islamic Resistance Front threatens to kill Israeli soldier held captive for 2 years [WP 2/2].

Other Countries: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Paris before returning to Washington [WSJ 2/2]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution setting forth UN role in Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and calling on Israel to abide by Geneva Convention terms [WP 2/2]. In Rome, Jordan's King Hussein visits with Pope John Paul II, meets with Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of 'Anabta near Tulkarm, stone-throwing Palestinians attack army bus, settlers' cars, and police vehicle after blockading road. Israeli fires on demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 1. Officials are uncertain whether shots were fired by soldiers or settlers. Army patrol later disperses crowd with live ammunition, wounding 2 more. Settlers attack village during curfew, vandalizing houses, cars [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Crowds throw rocks, bottles and block roads in cities, villages, and camps throughout W. Bank; 3 Palestinians are wounded in Jenin, and 2 are injured by army gunfire in Hebron-region village of Bani Na'im; village is placed under curfew. Violent disturbances are also reported in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Israeli authorities arrest 14 Palestinians during raid of Jerusalem's Thuri quarter [FJ 2/7]. More than 20 are arrested in early morning raid in Nablus [WP 2/2]. Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Duhayshah, Tulkarm, and Am'ari refugee camps and Nablus are under curfew [FJ 2/7]. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Burayj camp following violent stone-throwing demonstrations; curfew is lifted in Dayr al-Balah camp. Violent clashes are reported in Gaza Strip camps and cities; many Palestinians are injured by army gunfire and beatings [FJ 2/7]. At least 40 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [NYT 2/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nazareth, more than 7,000 Israeli Palestinians demonstrate peacefully in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. MK 'Abd al-Wahab Darawshah announces at demonstration that he is resigning from Labor party to protest army's policy of beating Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 1/24; CSM 1/25]. Between 30,000 and 50,000 Israeli Jews participate in Peace Now-organized rally in Tel Aviv [WP 1/24; NYT 1/25]. Curfew on Jerusalem's al-Tur neighborhood is lifted after all male residents are rounded up, interrogated; 4 are arrested [WP 1/24]. Commercial strike continues in W. Bank despite army policy of breaking locks to force merchants to open [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: Morris Abram, head of Conference of Presidents of Am. Jewish Organizations, criticizes Israel's policy of beating demonstrators [WP 1/25]. Asst. Sec. of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Richard Murphy meets with Arab League representative Clovis Maksoud and diplomats from Jordan, Tunisia, and Kuwait to discuss U.S. role in Middle East peace process [NYT 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israel says it will increase supervision of soldiers in the field after charges of excessive brutality. Soldiers raid Am'ari refugee camp near Ramallah, arresting at least 11 [NYT 1/24]. Scattered demonstrations occur in Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem areas. Most curfews remain in effect [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Syrian troops detain 3 Palestinians leaving Shatila camp [FBIS 1/25].

Military Action:

Druze and Phalange militia exchange fire in Chouf; US Marines on full alert and deploy in firing positions as IDF patrol confronts Marines at checkpoint near Lebanese University; IDF armored car backs into barbed wire fence at another Marine checkpoint; US Embassy expresses concern over incidents to Israeli Government.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following week of meetings in Tripoli, Libya, PFLP, DFLP, PFLP-GC, Saiqa and PSF statement rejecting Fez and Reagan plans and any form of recognition or negotiation with the expansionist Zionist entity, adherence to armed struggle to liberate Palestine and all the occupied Arab territories; Lebanese- Israeli-US negotiators, meeting for 51?2 hours at Khalde, discuss ending state of war and security zone, make enough progress to turn issues over to subcommittee of Antoine Fattal, Eli Rubenstein, Christopher Ross, and form another subcommittee to deal with timetable for withdrawal of troops.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak says Arabs must act on Reagan plan by end of year, PLO Chairman should recognize Israel, unilaterally if necessary; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam tours Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar; King Hussein returns to Jordan from talks with King Fahd in Saudi Arabia.

US and Other Countries: Habib and Draper will divide responsibilities to accelerate the peace process; State Department refuses to qualify last week's statement suggesting possibility of shortening the autonomy period; US says USSR has sent 90 aircraft, mostly MiG-21s, and 12 SA-5 missiles to Syria, which would be particularly effective against E2-C Hawkeye surveillance aircraft used by Israel in Lebanon war; 2 US soldiers in multinational force in Sinai wounded in mine explosion near Ofira; former Presidents Carter and Ford, in joint article, say that Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza is a major obstacle to any moderate Arab initiative for peace in the Middle East, and urge King Hussein to join autonomy talks; West German Foreign Minister Genscher attacks Israeli settlement policy, does not recognize the PLO or support an independent Palestinian state, but supports the June 1980 Venice Declaration that the PLO be involved in the peace process.

Military Action:

IDF bus in Kfar Sil ambushed by Lebanese National Resistance using rocket propelled grenades and machine guns, IDF returns fire into groves alongside road; artillery, rocket and hand-to-hand fighting in Tripoli.

Casualties:

21 IDF wounded in ambush, bringing total IDF casualties in 3 weeks to 25 wounded, 6 dead, and since Sept. 1, total IDF casualties are 104 killed, 203 wounded; one attacker killed by IDF; 19 killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: MK Charlie Biton, at lunch hosted by PLO in New York, calls for Palestinian state on the West Bank, urges US to negotiate directly with the PLO, Israel to cut military spending; Bedouin whose herds were seized in December win order nisi from Israeli High Court calling for Defense Ministry, Chief of Staff and Nature Reserves Authority (Green Patrol) to give reason within 10 days why the herds should not be returned; Palestinian union activists, journalists, writers and poets from Nablus, Tulkarm and Hebron arrested and detained by military authorities now number over 300 in Fara'a prison.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Kuwait calls on Arab states to exert economic pressure on US, then goes to Damascus for celebration of 18th anniversary of Fateh; Lebanese and Palestinian women from Bourj al-Barajneh protest detention of relatives; 3-week training by US Marines of Lebanese Army air assault battalion completed with display of heliborne hit and run attacks; $10 million worth of US military equipment, including 24 APCs, trucks and spare parts, for Lebanese Army arrives at Beirut port.

Arab Governments: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Aziz says Iraq is encouraging the PLO to negotiate with Jordan, and does not oppose peace negotiations between Israel, the PLO and Arab partners.

US and Other Countries: US expresses official concern to USSR over construction of SA-5 missile sites in Syria, as USSR Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin is called to the State Department to meet with Undersecretary for Political Affairs Lawrence Eagleburger; Senator Paul Tsongas (D-MA) meets with Begin, then Hussein, tells reporters if Syria is obstacle to peace and troop withdrawal from Lebanon, this obstacle must be removed, and that Begin told him he accepts Hussein in the peace process but will never freeze settlements

Military Action:

IDF building first Israeli settlements in South Lebanon; IDF reinforces positions in western Bekaa. establishes radar station; Palestinian women arrested in Sidon for belonging to armed cells (following an assassination attempt of doctor close to Phalange); IDF harrassing LNM militia with sniper fire; Lebanese Army column enters West Beirut, occupies position behind and to south of IDF positions; PLO Lebanon representative Shafiq al-Hout presides over transfer to Lebanese Army of PLO stores, heavy weaponry; Abu lyad returns to Tripoli three days after evacuation; Major Haddad erects roadblocks north of Tyre as IDF forces sweep through orchards, fields arresting 75.

Political Responses:

lsrael/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Communist Party Rakah strongly criticizes US proposals as hegemonic, aimed at splitting Arab liberation movement; protests against invasion of Lebanon by Democratic Front for Peace and Equality in the Galilee banned by Israeli police; youth killed during demonstrations in Nablus; Israelis split over Reagan proposals (Sharon says Israel won't discuss proposals; Peres says Jordan has agreed to participate in peace process on basis of Reagan proposals).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Central Committee meets in Tunis to define PLO position before Arab summit and respond to Reagan proposals; Lebanese divided over attitudes toward continued Israeli military presence in Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Assad meets with PLO delegation; Egypt praises positive aspects of proposals following talks with Weinberger.

US and Other Countries: Austrian Chancellor Kreisky calls Sharon, Begin fascists.