The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 1/2)

Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners, the 3rd such group freed in conjunction with understandings reached at the onset of the peace negotiations broached in 7/2013. Three return home to the Gaza Strip, 5 to East Jerusalem, and 18 go home to the West Bank. There are official welcomes for the returning prisoners in both the Gaza Strip and Ramallah. In a separate development, Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat says that the peace talks have proved a failure, “foiled” by Israel. Erakat says that the PA should seek membership in international agencies and forums. (HA, MNA 12/30)

Reps. from Iran resume talks with their counterparts from the P5+1 in Geneva, to discuss details about the implementation of the landmark nuclear deal signed on 11/24. The talks are a 1-day affair, and negotiations are set to resume in 2014. (REU 12/30)

The Lebanese army fires anti-aircraft guns at 2 Syrian helicopters it claims violated the country’s air space to fire missiles in a mountainous area nr. the border, resulting in no damage or casualties. (AP 12/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces strike an area nr. al-Maghazi r.c., wounding 2 Palestinians. In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man dies at a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin, after soldiers hold up a car en route to a hospital. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages at night; patrols in Qalqilya in the morning and in 3 villages and al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 12/29; PCHR 1/2)

The Knesset’s Ministerial Cmte. for Legislation advances a proposed law to annex the Jewish settlements in the Jordan Valley by a vote of 8–3. The bill will proceed for consideration by the full Knesset with govt. backing, despite opposition from Justice Minister Livni and Fin. Min. Yair Lapid. Netanyahu is reported to have advised Likud ministers against voting for the law. Meanwhile, EU Amb. to Israel Lars Faaborg-Anderson lodges a protest over the 12/26 decision to build 1,400 new housing units in West Bank settlements. (HA 12/29)

Two Katyusha rockets are fired from within Lebanon land nr. Israeli town Kiryat Shmona, causing no damage or injuries. Three other rockets fall within Lebanese territory. In response, Israeli forces launch 33 shells into the border region of s. Lebanon, also causing no injuries. (AP, HA, JP, REU 12/29)

Israel reopens the Kerem Shalom border crossing following a 4-day closure, allowing the entry of goods such as industrial fuel to run the Gaza Strip’s sole power plant, which resumes a cycle of 8 hours on, 8 hours off. In addition, 8 truckloads of strawberries and tomatoes pass through the crossing into Israel; the goods are bound for European markets. (MNA, WAFA 12/29)

U.S. Defense Secy. Hagel speaks on the telephone with Egypt’s DM Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and expresses concern about recent developments. Hagel urges for political inclusiveness ahead of the constitutional referendum scheduled for 1/2014. (REU 12/29)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 2 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli PM Netanyahu holds Hamas responsible for any attacks launched from the territory. The Israeli military conducts 1 air strike each in Gaza City and nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing some structural damage and wounding 2. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in Jenin and Hebron in the morning, in Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. Also, a Jewish settler driving nr. Salfit hits a Palestinian child, seriously injuring him. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 12/26; PCHR 1/2)

Anonymous Israeli officials tell AFP that the govt. will announce plans for new settlement construction next week, to coincide with the scheduled release of Palestinian prisoners on 12/29. In response, Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat warns against such a step, saying that the Palestinians are ready to seek membership in 63 international organizations, including the International Criminal Court. An anonymous senior EU diplomat tells Israeli television that “there will be very little understanding from the European governments” to any such announcement. (AFP, HA, JP 12/26)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces clash with residents in Tulkarm during a patrol, wounding 1 Palestinian child struck on the head by a stun grenade. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (MNA 12/25; PCHR 12/26)

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian sniper shoots and kills an Israeli Ministry of Defense contractor working on the border fence nr. kibbutz Nahal Oz, an attack claimed by the Popular Resistance Cmtes. In response, the Israeli military launches attacks on 6 separate sites across the Gaza Strip, killing 1 child in al-Maghazi r.c. and wounding a total of 10. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians collecting scrap metal close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1 with live ammunition. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. The IDF also demolishes 15 houses in Ras Karkar and Dayr Ammar villages nr. Ramallah, as well as properties in Fasayil village in the n. Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, Palestinians throw stones at a bus carrying Israelis nr. Qalqilya, wounding 1. (HA, MNA, REU 12/24; YA 12/25; PCHR 12/26)

In an attack on a police headquarters in Egypt’s Nile Delta, a bomb kills 15 people and wounds more than 100. Authorities blame the Muslim Brotherhood, which for their part condemn the attack and deny any connection to it. The attack is subsequently claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. Following the attack, Dep. PM Hossam Eissa reads a govt. statement declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization. In response to developments, the U.S. State Dept. condemns the bombing but also urges Egypt to have an “inclusive political process,” noting the Brotherhood’s condemnation of the attack. (AP, REU 12/24; AP, REU 12/25)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on a Palestinian close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, seriously wounding him. The military claims that it targeted a suspect planting an explosive device. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and in Nablus and Askar r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, a Palestinian stabs an Israeli policemen at Jab’a junction nr. Ramallah, wounding him. (HA, JP, MNA 12/23; PCHR 12/26)

Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat rules out extending peace talks beyond the 9-mo. deadline, claiming that contradictory statements attributed to him had been misunderstood. Erakat also says that there had been no direct peace talks in several weeks, with the sides meeting separately with the Americans to advance the process. (AP, JP, ToI 12/23)

In Israel, an explosive device detonates on a bus in Bat Yam, causing no casualties as the vehicle had been evacuated. Israeli police describe it as a “terrorist attack,” and a Hamas spokesperson in Gaza describes the bombing as a “heroic act.” No group, however, claims responsibility. In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, a rocket fired from inside the Gaza Strip lands in Egyptian territorial waters nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Hamas authorities say that the rocket was fired during a training exercise and reached Egypt by mistake. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 2 villages and alFawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit at night. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 12/22; PCHR 12/26)

Asst. Secy.-Gen. on Palestinian affairs at the Arab League Mohammad Sbeih says that Kerry intends to present Palestinian and Israeli leaders with a framework peace deal by the end of the month. Sbeih also reveals Abbas’ position on the peace agreement, including refusal of any Israeli military presence in the Jordan Valley, the entirety of East Jerusalem as the capital, limited land swaps of equal value, and no recognition of Israel as a “Jewish state.” (AP, MNA, ToI 12/22)

Reps. from Iran and the P5+1 suspend their talks in Geneva to resume after Christmas. (REU 12/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, wounding 1. The army says it targeted the group because it was laying an explosive device. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, in Nablus and Balata r.c., and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho at night. (MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

PA Pres. Abbas holds talks in Egypt with foreign ministers from Arab League mbr. states about the current state of the peace process. He also meets with Egyptian interim pres. Mansour to discuss regional developments and the national reconciliation effort with Hamas. (MNA 12/21)

Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi says that talks in Geneva with reps. of the P5+1 are continuing for a 4th day and making slow progress. According to Araghchi, the issue of uranium enrichment is still a point of contention. (AP, JP 12/21)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 1 Palestinian and wound 1 other close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, after the individuals had approached the fence to collect scrap metal. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on civilians nr. Jabaliya r.c. and also nr. Khan Yunis, wounding 2 in each case. In the Jabaliya incident, Israeli forces opened fire after Palestinians throw stones at border positions. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, 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, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries reported. (MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

UN-Arab League joint special envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi says that around 30 countries would be invited to the planned peace conference in 1/2014, and that the U.S. and the Syrian opposition oppose Iran’s attendance. (AP 12/20)

During an arrest raid in the Jenin r.c. in the West Bank, IDF troops kill 1 Palestinian and wound 6 others. En route to a suspect’s house in the camp, soldiers meet resistance from residents—including the use of an improvised explosive device—and respond with live fire. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. (HA, MNA 12/18, PCHR 12/19)

Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat tells reporters in Bayt Jala that the Palestinians and Israelis will require up to 1 more year to complete a peace deal, provided that a framework agreement can be put in place in the coming weeks. Erakat says that the Palestinians are thus prepared to extend talks beyond the 4/2014 deadline. (AP, REU, YA 12/18)

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Cmte. passes legislation, by a vote of 16–1, that would reform U.S. aid to Egypt, effectively lifting the hold on military aid that was put in place after the 7/2013 military overthrow of Egyptian pres. Morsi. The bill would amend the controversial “coup law” that forbids the transfer of U.S. aid to a country where a democratic govt. has been overthrown by the military; specifically, it would allow the pres. to waive that restriction on the basis of national security, providing that transferred aid supports democratization programs or facilitates new elections. (AP, REU 12/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and the nearby Askar r.c. and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate 10 dunams and restrict access to a further 500 dunams of private land in Qusra village nr. Nablus. The land in question lies between the village and illegal settlement outpost Esh Kodesh. Also, Israeli forces hand out evacuation orders to 10 Palestinian families in Barta’a al-Sharqiya village nr. Jenin. (MNA 12/17; PCHR 12/19)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya r.c., wounding 1. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the morning, and in Tubas and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village at night. Separately, Israeli forces notify Bedouin families nr. Bethlehem that they must evacuate their homes before military exercises are conducted. (MNA 12/16; PCHR 12/19)

Israel opens Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza to allow for entry of fuel and goods, and exit for 7 truckloads of strawberries and flowers bound for Europe. Israel also allows cement and gravel for UN projects to enter. (WAFA 12/16)

The EU’s Foreign Affairs Council announces that Israelis and Palestinians will be offered an unprecedented assistance package in the event of a final status peace deal. The incentives, under the bracket of “Special Privileged Partnership,” include political, economic, and security support. The EU also says that it is ready to contribute to post-conflict arrangements as part of ensuring any deal’s long-term viability. (HA 12/13; WAFA 12/16)

Israeli, Lebanese, and UN military officers meet to defuse tension following fatal crossborder gunfire the previous day. A statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says that the Lebanese soldier who killed an Israeli soldier was acting alone. Israeli DM Ya’alon says that the Lebanese authorities promised to punish the shooter. (AFP, AP, REU 12/16)

UN emergency relief coordinator Valerie Amos issues an appeal at a meeting of donor countries in Geneva for $6.5 billion for Syria and its neighbors, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, each of which host significant populations of Syrian refugees. Separately, UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres cites Turkish officials’ estimate that the number of Syrian refugees in the country will reach 1.5 m. by the end of 2014. (REU 12/16)

The Muslim Brotherhood-led Anti-Coup Alliance in Egypt announces that it will call for a boycott of the constitutional referendum scheduled for 1/2014. Spokesperson Hamza alFarawy says that the group rejects “any vote under military rule.” (AFP 12/16)

EU foreign ministers release a statement pledging to suspend some sanctions on Iran as soon as the IAEA verifies that Tehran has begun limiting its nuclear activities, in accordance with the 6-mo. interim agreement signed in 11/2013. Meanwhile, Iranian FM Zarif calls U.S. Secy. of State Kerry to protest the expansion of sanctions on 12/12. (AP, REU 12/16)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (PCHR 12/19)

UN OCHA publishes a report estimating that around 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to flee their homes due to flooding, and that 2 have died. Israel allows 450,000 litres of fuel into the Gaza Strip, paid for by Qatar. Meanwhile, an estimated 20 villages and neighborhoods in the Nablus district of the West Bank are without electricity. (AFP, MNA, REU 12/15)

A rogue Lebanese soldier shoots and kills 1 Israeli soldier along the border, hours after which Israeli troops shoot 2 Lebanese soldiers, injuring them, in a location nearby. Israeli DM Ya’alon declares that Israel sees the Lebanese govt. and Lebanese army as “responsible for what happens on their side.” (AP, HA, REU 12/16)

Iranian FM Zarif says that Iranian negotiators will resume talks on its nuclear program with the P5+1 group, after suspending negotiations on 12/12 to protest new U.S. measures targeting companies deemed to be evading sanctions. (AP 12/15)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian close to the perimeter fence nr. Khan Yunis. The IDF says that the individual ignored warnings to leave a military-designated “no go” area. Separately, Israeli forces on the n. perimeter fence shell an open area, causing no injuries. (JP, REU 12/14; PCHR 12/19)

Severe flooding from heavy rains affects large areas of the Gaza Strip, with UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness calling the impacted regions a “disaster area.” There are 96 reported injuries in flood-related incidents, according to the Health Ministry. In response, Israel announces that it will permit the import of 450,000 litres of industrial fuel into the Gaza Strip to restart the power plant that shut down 7 weeks ago. (AP, MNA 12/14)

Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour announces in a televised speech that a referendum on a new draft constitution will be held in 1/2014. (AFP 12/14)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops open fire on agricultural areas nr. Khan Yunis, causing no casualties. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in addition to 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli forces also demolish Palestinian-owned structures in the n. Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, around 100 newly-recruited Israeli soldiers enter Haram alSharif escorted by police officers. (MNA, PCHR 12/10)

In Israel, attackers vandalize a dozen cars and leave racist graffiti in Akbara village nr. Safed. (MNA 12/10)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry tells the House Foreign Affairs Cmte. that the Obama administration is requesting that negotiators be given time to do their jobs in talks with Iran, and for Congress to hold off on passing any new sanctions-related bills. Kerry affirms that it is a “very delicate diplomatic moment.” U.S. Senate Banking Cmte. chmn. Tim Johnson (D-SD) says he will not back new sanctions legislation at this time. Meanwhile in Geneva, Iranian delegation head Hamid Baeedinejad says that talks with the IAEA are going smoothly. The meeting is also attended by officials from the U.S., China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and the EU. (JP, REU 12/10)

U.S. Defense Secy. Hagel meets with the Qatari emir Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad and DM Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah, and signs a 10-year defense cooperation agreement that will govern interaction between U.S. and Qatari forces. (REU 12/10)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 12/12) 

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells his Likud-Yisrael Beitenu faction at the Knesset that the govt. is not on the way to a final-status agreement with the Palestinians, ahead of U.S. Secy. of State Kerry’s on 12/11, his 9th trip to the region since taking office. Netanyahu also reportedly rejects the U.S. Gen. John Allen’s security plan, saying it was important to maintain Israeli forces on the border shared with Jordan. Meanwhile, PLO Secy.-Gen. Yasir ‘Abid Rabbuh also rejects the U.S. security proposals, which he says will lead to a “total failure” of Kerry’s efforts. Separately, PA Minister of Prisoners Issa Qarage says that any delays to the scheduled release of a 3rd group of Palestinian prisoners on 12/29 will be considered a serious blow to the peace process. (AFP, AP, JP 12/9)

Israel, Jordan, and the PA sign a watersharing agreement that includes the proposed construction of a desalination plant in Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba, and a pilot study for a pipeline linking the Red Sea-Dead Sea. Israel also intends to sell more water from the Sea of Galilee to Jordan and to sell water to the PA at reduced rates. The agreement is signed at the World Bank in Washington. (See document A2 in JPS 171 for more on the water-sharing agreement.) (AFP, REU 12/9)

Ahmet Uzumcu, head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), says that the removal of chemical weapons from Syria, scheduled in 2 stages for 12/31 and 2/5/14, may be delayed slightly due to the difficulties of operating during the ongoing violent conflict. (REU 12/9)

Mohamed Badie, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, appears in a Cairo court for the 1st time since being detained on 8/20. Meanwhile, Egyptian armed forces shoot and kill an Islamist militant nr. Shaykh Zuweidi in the Sinai Peninsula, describing him as a leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AP, JP, REU 12/9)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on farmers working on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no casualties. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Salfit, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (PCHR 12/12)

Dutch PM Mark Rutte cancels a ceremony intended to inaugurate a new container scanner donated by his govt. for Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli authorities’ opposition to using the machine for resuming exports from Gaza to the West Bank. Meanwhile, the WHO releases a statement expressing concern over a humanitarian health crisis in the Gaza Strip due to a shortage in basic supplies. Over 30% of medicines and 50% of medical disposables are out of stock in Gaza. Also, the large generators used to power hospitals during 14-hour power cuts have frequent breakdowns. (HA, MNA 12/8)

UN inspectors have begun their visit to the Arak heavy water production plant. Meanwhile, Pres. Ruhani tells parliament that the success of the talks has already boosted the country’s economy, though he gives no specific figures. (AP 12/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian child outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, in response to a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at Beit El settlement. The 14-year-old was shot in the back, and witnesses say that he was not participating in the stone throwing. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Jenin, and Jenin r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Tulkarm at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian house and its residents in c. Hebron, causing some damage before Israeli forces intervene. Meanwhile, Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists participate in a demonstration in Nabi Salih to mark the 2nd anniversary of the killing of Mustafa al-Tamimi, a local resident. Israeli forces violently disperse the demonstrators, injuring 1 Palestinian with a live bullet to the jaw. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops fire shells at Palestinian farmers nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, media reports say that 3 rockets fired from inside Gaza land inside the territory, causing no casualties. (AFP, MNA 12/7; PCHR 12/12)

U.S. Pres. Obama says that the chances of reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran over its disputed nuclear program are 50-50 or worse, in comments made at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. (See document D1 in JPS 171 for extended excerpts of Obama’s remarks.) Meanwhile, IAEA spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi says that Tehran is proceeding with testing more efficient uranium enrichment technology, in remarks quoted by state news agency IRNA. (AP, IRNA, REU 12/7)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no casualties. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot a Palestinian civilian with live ammunition in c. Hebron during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Hebron at night; patrols 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, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Kafr Qaddum with 2 injured by tear gas canisters. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers vandalize property in a village nr. Nablus, leaving “price-tag” graffiti. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian worshippers at Haram al-Sharif, using tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets, and stun grenades, injuring around 40. (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/12)

As he departs Israel, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that Israel and the Palestinians are closer than they have been in years to achieving a peace deal. Speaking to reporters at Ben Gurion Airport, Kerry issues an upbeat assessment following 2 days of meetings with Netanyahu (who he met on 3 separate occasions) and Abbas (who he met once). Kerry says that 160 experts were involved in preparing a security plan presented by Gen. John Allen during the trip to both Netanyahu and Abbas (the details of which are not revealed). Separately, Israeli FM Lieberman tells the annual Saban Forum at the Brookings Institution in Washington that a deal is unlikely but talks are positive if only for the sake of conflict management. (HA, JTA 12/6)

An explosion targets IDF troops patrolling the border fence between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria, causing no injuries or damage. Army investigations conclude that the blast was from a bomb remotely-detonated as troops passed by. (YA 12/6; AFP 12/7)

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons announces in a statement that it has verified the destruction of Syria’s unfilled munitions, as well as the destruction of parts of buildings at weapons production facilities. (AP 12/6)

The UNGA approves Jordan’s 2-year term on the UNSC, taking the place that Saudi Arabia rejected on 10/18 as a protest over the UN’s response to the civil war in Syria. Jordan will assume its role on 1/1, having secured 178 votes from the body’s 193 mbrs. (AFP 12/6)

Off the n. coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no casualties or damage to the boats. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. Also, IDF troops bulldoze a dozen houses and agricultural buildings in the s. Jordan Valley n. of Jericho, leaving around 50 Palestinians homeless. (MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/5)

Israeli Defense Ministry figures obtained by NGO Peace Now show that DM Moshe Ya’alon approved construction of 3,000 housing units in West Bank settlements during the 1st 4 mos. of his term (3–7/2013). (HA 12/2)

The General Union of Palestinian Teachers launches an open strike. The union’s demands include a 2.03% increase of the cost-of-living salary, which has been deducted since the beginning of 2013. Abdul-Ghani al-Uweiei, spokesperson for the PA’s atty. gen., says that the minister of education has asked the atty. gen. to proceed with legal measures against the secy.-gen. of the teachers’ union. (MNA 2/12)

The Israeli army fires into Syria after its troops were shot at in the occupied Golan Heights. The original gunfire came from the Syrian side of the border, nr. Qunaytra, but it is unclear if it was intentional. No casualties are reported on either side. Separately, a Syrian mortar shell lands in Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights, causing no casualties. Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay says that evidence collected by UN investigators implicates Pres. Asad in the commission of war crimes. (HA, REU 2/12)

The Lebanese govt. authorizes the army to take charge of security in Tripoli for 6 mos., following frequent violent clashes between supporters and opponents of Syria’s Pres. Asad. The latest round of fighting saw 12 killed and more than 100 wounded. (AP 12/2)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot at Palestinian farmers working close to the perimeter fence nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night; patrols in Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c. in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces escort 24 Jewish Israelis at Haram al-Sharif, prompting clashes with worshippers. (MNA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)

An anonymous official in Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office says that the govt. will not be proceeding with the preliminary planning procedures for 24,000 settlement homes, as previously indicated on the Housing Ministry’s website. Israeli TV reports that the PA directly appealed to U.S. Secy. of State Kerry about the matter, threatening to quit the negotiations if the tenders were not cancelled. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas meets with opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog in Ramallah, and tells him he is keen to reach an agreement with Israel. In a statement released after the meeting, Herzog says, “We have a partner that is ready to go the distance for peace and take original, brave steps on core issues.” (HA, JP 12/1) 

Iranian pres. Ruhani says construction will soon start on a 2nd nuclear power plant, according to local media reports. Meanwhile, Iranian FM Zarif meets with his Kuwaiti counterpart Shaykh Sabah Khaled al-Sabah, on his 1st official visit to a Gulf Arab country. Following the meeting, Zarif says that the 6-mo. interim deal with the West is in the Gulf states’ interests. (AFP, JP 12/1)

Egyptian security forces violently disperse anti-govt. demonstrators in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, as the cmte. charged with amending the constitution approves changes to the text in the 2nd day of discussions. The new constitution give women and Christians “suitable representation” and also stipulates there must be elections, either parliamentary or presidential, within 90 days of the document’s adoption. The use of military tribunals for civilians is also scaled back, to be permitted only in cases of attacks on military personnel or property. However, the armed forces are given the exclusive right to name the defense minister for the next 2 presidential terms. The draft constitution is now handed over to Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour who has 1 mo. to call a national referendum. (AP, REU 12/1)