The Palestine Chronology

In Gaza, 7 Palestinians were killed, including at least 4 by Israeli airstrikes, and 36 were injured on the second day of the Israeli assault on Gaza. 2 Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a field in Abasan al-Kabira, while 2 Palestinians were killed and 2 injured in an airstrike on a field in al-Shuka east of Rafah. 8 Palestinians, including 3 children and 3 women, were injured in airstrikes on al-Salem near Rafah. 1 Palestinian was killed and 1 woman seriously injured when a missile fell on their house in Beit Lahiya, 2 minors were killed and 12 others were injured when a missile fell on a house in Gaza City, and 13 were injured after a missile fell on a house in Beit Hanun. PCHR said its initial investigation raised suspicion that these 3 incidents could be from rockets misfired from Gaza. Islamic Jihad started firing rockets at Israel 35 hours after Israel assassinated 3 of their members and after 3 separate rounds of airstrikes. In Israel, rockets launched from Gaza caused damage in Ashkelon and Sderot, injuring 1 Israeli. 2 Israeli Channel 13 journalists were assaulted by an Israeli man using pepper spray while reporting in Tel Aviv. The TV channel has been attacked by Israeli politicians for airing a chyron reading “Green light from the prime minister: Women and children killed overnight in Gaza.” In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Qabatiya, killing 3 Palestinians. Israeli forces escorting Israeli settlers also shot and injured 2 Palestinians near Deir Dibwan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces uprooted olive tree saplings in Wadi Fukin and uprooted hundreds of olive trees and destroyed 20 water tanks in Tarqumiyah. Israeli forces also raided Tubas; 1 Israeli soldier was injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized 1 digger in Maeen. Israeli forces also demolished 3 Palestinian-owned homes in Ein ad-Duyuk al-Foqa. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 10. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, NYT, QDS, REU, TOI, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10; AJ, AP, HA, PCHR, PCHR, REU, WAFA 5/11; UNOCHA 5/19)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp on 4/24 to the PA. (WAFA 5/10)

UN secretary-general António Guterres condemned the civilian deaths caused by Israeli attacks in Gaza and said, “Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law.” Guterres also condemned the launching of rockets at Israel. The Arab League called Israel’s attacks on Gaza “barbaric” in a statement after an emergency session. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 5/10)

The UAE, France, and China called a closed-door emergency meeting at the UN Security Council on the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The U.S. prevented a statement critical of Israel from being published. (HA 5/10; HA 5/11)

The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate condemned Israeli restrictions on press crews entering Gaza to cover the Israeli assault. (WAFA 5/10)

Al-Mayadeen TV and Al Jazeera reported that Palestinian factions in Gaza agreed to a ceasefire but insisted that Israel commit to stopping assassinations, which Israel refused to do. (HA, REU 5/10; AJ 5/11)

Haaretz reported that based on UN data Israeli settlers had vandalized around 5,000 trees in the West Bank in the past 5 months. (HA, MEE 5/10)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. (QDS 5/10)

U.S. congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced a resolution to recognize the Nakba, cosponsored by Betty McCollum (D-MN), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Cori Bush (D-MO), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Coinciding with introduction of the resolution and the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, Tlaib had arranged an event to commemorate the Nakba in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, but the event was canceled on the day by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) then facilitated the event to take place in a nearby Senate office building. (MDW, MEE 5/10; AJ, ALM, HA, MDW, MEE 5/11)

Breaking the hours-old cease-fire in Gaza, the IAF conducts air strikes on a number of sites across Gaza reportedly used as staging areas for incendiary kite and balloon attacks; 6 Palestinians are injured. The IDF says that it detected mortar fire from Gaza overnight, and that the renewed air strikes were a response to Palestinians breaking the cease-fire. Israeli drones strike 3 more sites in near Bayt Hanun and Rafah later in the day, injuring 3 Palestinians. Throughout the day, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence into Israel, sparking at least 17 fires. Meanwhile, an explosion in Gaza City kills 2 Palestinians and injures 3 others. One of the deceased was the commander of a rocket unit in al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an armed group affiliated with Fatah, sparking rumors that Israel was responsible for the explosion. The Palestinian press reports the explosion as a “work accident.” Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces place two new iron gates at the entrances to Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village near Jerusalem slated for evacuation and demolition. They also demolish 2 rooms in Palestinian-owned buildings near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during morning raids in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (4 Palestinians are injured). They also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Jenin, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma and clash with stone-throwing Palestinian minors during a raid in al-Ram. (AHR, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/15; MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/19)

Israeli sources say that the cease-fire reached on 7/14 includes a stipulation that Hamas and PIJ will gradually stop the incendiary kite and balloon attacks. “If in the past, 50 balloons were flown every time, for example, then now 20 balloons will be flown, tomorrow 10, and the next day less,” the source says. “That’s the agreement, and that is what has been decided between the sides.” Later, Netanyahu denies the report. “I heard it being said that Israel has agreed to a cease-fire that would allow the continuation of terrorism by incendiary kites and balloons; this is incorrect,” he says. “We are not prepared to accept any attacks against us, and we will respond appropriately.” Hamas officials say that the cease-fire covers rockets and mortars, but not incendiary kites and balloons. (JP, WAFA, YA 7/15)

After a night of rocket fire emanating from Gaza, the IAF conducts air strikes on at least 9 Hamas sites across Gaza in the morning; 4 Palestinians are injured. Hours later, armed groups in Gaza launch more than 190 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, injuring 4 Israelis near Sderot and causing light damage. The IAF retaliates with air strikes across Gaza into the night, targeting approximately 40 Hamas sites in and around Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 15 are injured. According to an IDF spokesperson, the strikes also “destroyed, vaporized” a Hamas command post in Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian minor near Nablus. It’s unclear what caused the confrontation. IDF troops violently disperse protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (1 Palestinian is injured), arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Hebron, and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian agricultural structure near Nablus. (EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/19)

Following a day of violence and regional and international mediation efforts, Hamas and PIJ announce that they’ve agreed to a cease-fire in Gaza. Egyptian diplomats reportedly brokered the deal. (WAFA 7/14; HA 7/15)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 7/13, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 132. (HA, WAFA 7/14)

In Gaza, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1. They then cross the fence, arrest the injured Palestinian, and take him to a hospital in Israel. The IDF claims that the minors were attempting to damage the border fence and enter Israel. Later, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinians approaching the border fence near Rafah, injuring 2. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 130th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/27; PCHR 6/28; PCHR 7/5)

A coalition of armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, including Hamas and PIJ, jointly release a statement claiming credit for the rocket fire into Israel on 6/26. “All bombings will be responded to with bombing; we will not accept the continued IDF attacks.” (HA, JP 6/27)

Hours after Israeli air strikes across Gaza on 6/19, Hamas and other armed groups launch approximately 45 rockets and other projectiles toward Israel; 3 fall short of the border fence, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 7, and the rest fall in open areas in Israel, causing no major damage or injuries. The IAF then conducts retaliatory strikes on a number of Hamas and PIJ sites in Rafah and near Gaza City, causing major damage. Late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off Gaza’s coast near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver near Bethlehem. It’s unclear why they opened fire. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home near Jerusalem, arrest 13 Palestinians, and injure 1 during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 Palestinian home each in Abu Dis and Qalandia refugee camp. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-Tur. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/20; MNA, PCHR 6/21; PCHR 6/27)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 124. (MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 6/21)

In the wake of the rocket fire from Gaza in the morning, Hamas and PIJ issue a joint statement claiming responsibility and threatening to retaliate for any future Israeli strikes in Gaza. “We are committed to a formula of a strike for every strike,” the statement reads. “We will not allow the enemy to dictate a new formula.” Earlier, an IDF spokesperson explained the IDF’s decision to escalate their response to incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza on 6/19: “We struck at a greater intensity, with the intended message for Hamas to understand that we will not allow this situation to continue.” (HA, TOI 6/20)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt meet with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. They discuss possible humanitarian projects to help improve conditions in Gaza and the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. (HA, TOI 6/20)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Palestinians fly a number of incendiary kites and balloons across the fence into Israel, sparking fires in 17 locations. The IAF then conducts an air strike targeting a group of Palestinians in Gaza allegedly preparing to launch an incendiary balloon near Rafah; 2 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, the IAF bombs Hamas and PIJ sites in and around Gaza City, destroying a vehicle that reportedly belonged to a Palestinian responsible for many incendiary kite and balloon attacks in recent weeks. Israeli drones bomb a group of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near al-Maghazi refugee camp late at night, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin. (HA 6/16; PCHR 6/21)

Ahead of a U.S. delegation’s visit to Israel and a number of other Middle Eastern countries this week, a PA spokesperson calls the trip a “waste of time” because the Trump administration has lost the support of the Palestinians. “The round of meetings that began in New York [on 6/15], whose purpose is to bring a meaningless plan, won’t achieve anything,” he says. (TOI 6/16)

In retaliation for the cross-border attack in Gaza on 5/26, the IDF fires artillery shells at Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) sites east of Dayr al-Balah and Rafah, killing 3 Palestinians, including 2 PIJ fighters, and completely destroying 1 of the sites. The IDF says that PIJ fighters planted an improvised explosive device along the border fence earlier in the day. Later, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring all of them. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy 700 grapevines in a Palestinian vineyard near Hebron. Later, an Israeli settler reports extensive vandalism in his vineyard near Ramallah, apparently in retaliation for the earlier attack. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, searching for the Palestinian who dropped a marble slab on an Israeli soldier amid clashes on 5/24. They arrest 5 Palestinians, sparking minor clashes; 13 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also arrests 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrols near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver when she allegedly ignores their calls to stop driving toward them. The Israeli police say that they suspected her of carrying an explosive device under her clothes. Separately, Israeli security forces arrest 6 Palestinians for waving Hamas flags at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/27; HA, MNA 5/28; PCHR 5/31)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli artillery shell a Palestinian rickshaw transporting PIJ fighters near Rafah, killing 4 and injuring several others. Israel’s Army Radio reports that the men were transporting explosives. PIJ says that the 4 died during unspecified “preparations.” Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, and a small number of Palestinians at a Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops evacuate and dismantle an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus (settlers erected it on 4/13). When some of the settlers throw stones and otherwise resist the IDF, the soldiers arrest 3 of them. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 4/27)

Along Gaza’s southern border, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the Palestinian side of the border fence detonates near an IDF jeep, injuring 4 Israeli soldiers (2 seriously). The IED was reportedly installed during demonstrations along the border on 2/16. Israeli forces in the area attack and destroy a local armed group’s observation post in southern Gaza and shell 5 other Hamas targets. After the initial wave of strikes, unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel, causing minor damage to an Israeli home. Late at night, Israeli jets conduct air strikes on 12 Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) sites near Gaza City and Rafah, injuring 2 Palestinians and causing an unknown amount of damage. Amid the exchange, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Rafah, killing 2 and seriously injuring the other 2. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian mourners in Halhul near Hebron after a funeral procession for 1 of the Palestinians whose body the IDF returned to his family on 2/16; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Nablus and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/17; HA, WAFA 2/18; HA 2/19; EI 2/20; PCHR 2/22)

Two PIJ engineers are killed and tens of bystanders are injured in an explosion in Umm al-Nasr village near Bayt Lahiya in northern Gaza. PIJ initially accuses Israel of targeting the engineers with a drone strike. An IDF spokesperson denies any Israeli involvement, and PIJ later says that the explosion was an accident and that the 2 men mishandled explosives. Separately, unidentified parties fire 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel late at night; 1 falls short of the border and the other lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing major damage. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; HA, MNA, WAFA 12/13)

For a 6th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt and Israel gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (protests have steadily declined in size since 12/8). IDF troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem and nearby al-‘Arub refugee camp, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 14 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, an elderly Palestinian woman suffers a fatal heart attack late at night when Israeli soldiers raid her home near Jericho. They also shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian they claim was attempting to stab Israeli soldiers outside the Ariel settlement. An IDF spokesperson later states that the Palestinian was not carrying a knife, but was among a group that was “suspected of an attempt to attack on the border.” Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in central Hebron, allegedly after he is found to be carrying a knife; arrest 34 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; MNA, WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/14)

For a 2d day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in al-Bireh, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah and nearby Nabi Salih, Nablus, Tulkarm, across East Jerusalem (Issawiyya, al-Tur, and the Old City), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are killed, approximately 100 are injured (including 4 journalists), and at least 20 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian at the entrance to al-Bireh near Ramallah. Israeli soldiers also arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (AP, HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/8; EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel: 1 falls short of the border fence; 1 is intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; and 1 lands in Sderot, damaging a number of cars. The IAF launches air strikes on 4 Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 2 Hamas fighters and injuring at least 20 Palestinians, including a 6-month-old child. (EI, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/9)

PLO secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat says that the Palestinians have decided not to engage in any talks with the U.S. until Pres. Trump reverses his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also says that they are still evaluating what other steps to take in response. (AJ, TOI 12/8)

The UNSC convenes a special session to discuss Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. UNSC members England, France, Italy, Bolivia, Uruguay, Senegal, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and Russia jointly reject the new U.S. policy on Jerusalem. Later, PA pres. Abbas welcomes “the international consensus condemning Trump’s announcement, as was apparent at the [UNSC] session this evening.” (HA, WAFA 12/8)

The Czech Foreign Ministry denies rumors that Pres. Zeman intends to move the Czech embassy to Jerusalem and reaffirms Czech commitment to European Union (EU) policy regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the issue of Jerusalem. Later, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini confirms that the Czech Republic intends to conform to the EU’s position on Jerusalem. (HA, WAFA 12/8)

Israeli settlers shoot and kill a Palestinian farmer outside Qusra village near Nablus. The Palestinian press reports that they killed the man when he tried to stop them from entering his fields. According to the Israeli press, the settlers were hiking in the area when a group of Palestinian youths surrounded them and threw stones at them, provoking the shooting. Following the incident, minor clashes break out between Palestinian youths and IDF troops; 2 Israeli soldiers are lightly injured. Also, settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their property in Qusra and nearby Asira village; 10 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier are injured in the ensuing clashes. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinian farmers after they refused an evacuation order of their lands near Hebron. The IDF issues arrest summons for 2 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian and her daughter in the Old City, causing light injuries to both. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Gaza City on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/30; PCHR 12/7)

Unidentified persons in Gaza fire several mortar shells at IDF troops patrolling along Gaza’s northern border, causing no injuries. The IDF launches strikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) positions in Bayt Hanun, Gaza City, and Rafah (3 Palestinians are injured). The IDF later says that PIJ was responsible for the mortars, and that the attack was likely retaliation for the Israeli demolition of a PIJ tunnel on 10/30 (see JPS 47 [2]). (HA, MNA, TOI 11/30; PCHR 12/7)

Unidentified persons stab to death an IDF soldier at a bus station in Arad, southern Israel (on 12/4, the Shin Bet will announce the arrest of 2 Bedouin Palestinians in connection with the stabbing). (HA, TOI 12/4)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. late at night, demolishing several small structures and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and an agricultural structure outside Aqraba in the n. Jordan Valley, and raze 2 animal barns and another agricultural structure nr. Nablus. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian child in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces demolish a structure in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. They also confiscate a number of boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no serious damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/17; WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/19)

Concluding 3 days of talks in Moscow, Hamas and Fatah officials agree to form a new Palestinian unity govt. Under their agreement, the various Palestinian factions, including PIJ, will join the PLO and form a new Palestine National Council over the next 2 mos., which will choose a new PLO Exec. Comm. (HA, JP, TOI 1/17; AJ 1/18)

The Israeli authorities release Shaykh Raed Salah from Ramon Prison, where he had served 9 mos. on charges of incitement. Salah was head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel before it was outlawed in 11/2014. (HA, YA 1/17)

Cross-border violence in Gaza continues for a 4th day. Hamas forces fire at least 2 mortar shells at an IDF position overnight nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces then shell Hamas positions in e. Rafah and an Islamic Jihad position nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Also in Gaza, 3 Palestinian children die in a house fire sparked by a candle they were using because power outages have lasted 18 hours per day. Hamas officials will blame the Israeli blockade for their deaths. Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez crossing; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 300 elderly Gazans visit Haram al-Sharif after the Israeli authorities lift a 2-week ban on Gazans’ Friday visits to the sanctuary. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, OCHA, TOI, YA 5/6; HA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

An Islamic Jihad fighter in Gaza succumbs to injuries sustained while fighting the IDF in 2006. Meanwhile, dozens of Gazans gather in front of UNRWA’s offices in Rafah to protest a perceived lack of support. In s. Israel, Israeli police raid a slaughterhouse in a village nr. Beersheba, arresting more than 100 Palestinians from the West Bank working without proper permits. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a workshop under construction nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin, arresting 19 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah. (MNA, WAFA 3/28; PCHR 3/31)

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs Defense Minister (DM) Moshe Ya’alon to stop returning to the PA or their families bodies of Palestinians killed after committing serious crimes against Israelis. Sources in Netanyahu’s office refuse to comment on his motivation. (ALM, JP 3/28; HA, TOI 3/29)

A senior Fatah official reported on the Hamas and Fatah national reconciliation efforts following 2 days of talks in Doha on 3/26–27. He says they agreed to form a national unity govt. comprising Hamas, Fatah, and other factions, and to hold legislative and presidential elections within 6 mos. In addition, they agreed that a new unity govt. would work according to the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) guidelines (i.e., pursuing a 2-state solution by way of negotiations). Other reports say that the talks produced only 1 agreement: to not discuss the talks with the media. (TOI 3/28; JP 3/29)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets conduct an air strike targeting a vehicle in the Syrian Golan Heights between 10 and 15 km from the Israeli border, killing at least 4 of the PIJ mbrs. allegedly responsible for the 8/20 rocket attack on Israel. In Gaza, 2 Palestinian children are injured when an unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates in n. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison) and Kafr Qaddum; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. Israeli forces also conduct house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Hebron; patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli officials deliver demolition notices to a mosque, house, and apartment in Silwan, where there has been a recent increase in Palestinian home demolitions and evictions in order for Israel to increase the neighborhood’s Jewish settler population. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting against the Israeli occupation in Abu Dis, causing no serious injuries. (MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 8/21; JTA, MNA 8/22; PCHR 8/27)

In Gaza, a group claiming affiliation with the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) fires a rocket into Israel nr. Ashdod, causing no damage or injuries (the group will not take credit until 6/1). Holding Hamas responsible for any projectile fire from Gaza and asserting that Islamic Jihad was the culprit, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets strike 4 Islamic Jihad, Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC), and Hamas training sites in Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing damage but no casualties. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis and then nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring a fisherman in the later incident. Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage into Gaza only (they will keep it open through 5/28). In the West Bank, IDF troops chase down, shoot, and injure 4 Palestinian workers nr. Qalqilya. Separately, 4 Israeli soldiers detain and assault a Palestinian trying to cross over the separation wall nr. Qalqilya. Unidentified gunmen shoot and injure a Palestinian man in s. Hebron. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches late at night in and around Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians; patrols during the day nr. Jericho and Hebron. Israeli forces photograph an electricity network nr. Hebron, then deliver a notice demanding its operations be suspended. They also deliver a stop-work notice for a water well under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a late-night raid in Jabal Mukabir, arresting 1 Palestinian. (AP, HA, MNA, WAFA 5/26; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/28; JP 6/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli unexploded ordnance nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse over 1,000 Palestinians, mostly women, demonstrating nr. Qalandia to mark International Women’s Day, moderately injuring 4. They also violently disperse Palestinian activists as they are removing a metal gate installed at the entrance to a village nr. Bethlehem and a group protesting land expropriation in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli soldiers accompanied by Israeli settlers violently disperse Palestinians nonviolently protesting s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts patrols and house searches in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. The PASF raids Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinian; 2 bystanders are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids nr. the Old City, arresting 8 Palestinians; disperse a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at the Jerusalem Light Rail in Shu‘fat, arresting 2. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man in Silwan, moderately injuring him. (AP, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/12)

In Cairo, Islamic Jihad’s delegation departs after 6 days of negotiations with the Egyptian authorities on opening the Rafah border crossing. According to sources close to the talks, the Egyptians have agreed in principle to completely open the crossing once the violence in the Sinai Peninsula subsides, the PA unity govt. has staffed the crossing, and Hamas commits to not to interfere in Egyptian affairs. Also, Egyptian officials announce that the Rafah crossing will open on 3/9–10. (AFP, MNA 3/7)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, UK Foreign Secy. Philip Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini meet to review recent progress in their negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. (TOI 3/6, 3/7; DPA 3/8)

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

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

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

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

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

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by air, land, and sea, killing 64 Palestinians with strikes on approximately 100 targets. Attacks occur before and after a humanitarian cease-fire running from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. local time. The cease-fire is not observed in areas of Rafah where IDF ground troops are targeting and destroying tunnels. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets over Ashdod and Ashqelon, causing no injuries. Other rockets land nr. the Gaza border, also causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Tulkarm. The IDF patrols during the day in 2 villages nr. Jericho and al-Bireh. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man kills an Israeli when he drives an excavator into pedestrians on the sidewalk. Israeli police shoot and kill the driver on the spot and later describe the incident as a “terrorist attack.” In a separate incident, armed Palestinians open fire on an Israeli soldier nr. Hebrew University, injuring him. In Issawiyya, dozens of Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces, causing no serious injuries. At Haram al-Sharif, Israeli security forces enter to escort right-wing Jewish activists out of the area. Clashes break out with Palestinian worshippers, 10 of whom are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/4; PCHR 8/5)

In Cairo, reps. of Israel and Hamas agree to a 72-hour humanitarian cease-fire to begin on 8/5 at 8:00 A.M. local time, with Egyptian officials urging reps. of all sides to attend further talks to negotiate a longer term cease-fire. Reps. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad meet with Egyptian intelligence officials to discuss a plan to end the violence. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU 8/4)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law a joint res. appropriating $225 m. in supplemental funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The Senate and House previously passed this res. on 8/1 in 2 of the final actions taken before the 2 chambers adjourned for a 1-mo. recess in 8/2014. (AP 8/4; REU 8/5)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air, killing 92 Palestinians. In one strike, 10 mbrs. of one Palestinian family in the Rafah area are killed. In another incident, an Israeli air strike on a UN-run school in the s. Gaza Strip kills 10 and wounds 30. Armed Palestinian groups continue firing projectiles into Israel, with al-Qassam Brigades firing 119 rockets and mortar rounds, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian child during clashes nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit, and al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 8/3; PCHR 8/4)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban denounces the Israeli attack that damages the UN school as a “moral outrage and a criminal act.” State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says in a statement that the U.S. is “appalled by today’s disgraceful shelling” and urges Israel to do more to prevent civilian casualties. The IDF says the strike was targeting Islamic Jihad operatives in the vicinity of the school. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU, YA 8/3)

Meanwhile, the IDF confirms that in the incident on 8/1 that led to the breakdown of the cease-fire, the soldier was killed in action rather than kidnapped, as was originally reported, and says that it is preparing for the final stage of the destruction of Hamas’s tunnels. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, REU 8/3)

A delegation of reps. from Hamas and Islamic Jihad arrives in Cairo to prepare for indirect cease-fire talks with Israeli officials, to be mediated by Egyptian and U.S. officials. Israel does not send envoys as scheduled. The Palestinian delegation, joining officials from the PA, presents joint demands for a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/3)

The IDF launches dozens of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing 28 Palestinians and wounding approximately 550. There are fatal strikes in Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya, among others. Palestinians fire dozens of projectiles into Israel, with 1 rocket hitting a house in Ashdod, causing damage. Other targeted towns include Beersheba, Ashqelon, and Sdot Negev in the s., and Rehovot, Yavne, Lod, Ramle, and Gadera in the c. Iron Dome batteries intercept 2 rockets fired at the Jerusalem area and 2 others fall in open areas. A mortar shell injures 2 Israeli soldiers close to the border. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/10; PCHR 7/11)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that attacks will continue to “expand and continue until the fire on our communities is over and the quiet returns.” The PM also tells mbrs. of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comms. that a cease-fire with Hamas is not on the agenda. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Abu Ahmad says the “factions in Gaza are not going to surrender.” At an emergency meeting of the UNSC in New York, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban says that “it is now more urgent than ever to try to find common ground for a return to calm and a cease-fire understanding,” and that he has been in contact with Israel, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the Arab League, the U.S., and the EU. Palestinian UN amb. Riyad Mansour tells the meeting that the international community is obliged to ensure protection of Palestinian civilians, and accuses Israel of violating its responsibility as an occupying power. Israeli UN amb. Ron Prosor says Hamas is “committing a double war crime: targeting Israeli civilians while hiding behind Palestinian civilians.” Pres. Obama telephones PM Netanyahu and tells him that the U.S. is willing to help negotiate a cease-fire. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says that Kerry has been “reaching out to countries in the region” including Qatar and Egypt, which “can play a role in bringing an end to the rocket fire from Hamas.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/10)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 25 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Attacks are claimed by 4 groups: the PRC, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and al-Mujahidin Brigades. The IDF strikes 9 targets across the Gaza Strip throughout the day. A strike in al-Bureij r.c. kills 2 mbrs. of Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades. Later, during the night, the IDF strikes 14 more targets, killing 9 fighters from al-Qassam Brigades and wounding 4. Six of the fighters are killed in a tunnel collapse, which the IDF says is unrelated to air strikes. One Israeli air strike in Bayt Hanun wounds 5 civilians, including a child. Separately, IDF troops open fire from the border nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 15 residents with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Salfit and Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, damaging 1. In a separate incident, settlers assault a priest nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, around 100 Palestinian youths clash with Israeli security forces, and there are similar clashes in Abu Tur and Hizma. Israeli police detain 6 Jewish men in connection with the murder of Palestinian teenager Abu Khdeir on 7/2. In Israel, meanwhile, a group of bedouin in Tel Sheva nr. Beersheba throw Molotov cocktails and stones at passing cars nr. the Jewish town of Omer, causing damage. There are further violent protests in Shafa ‘Amr, in the Galilee, as well as in Nazareth and nearby town Iksal. Some 200 protesters try to block Route 70 at Yavor Junction in the n. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, YA 7/6; PCHR 7/10)

In the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu and FM Lieberman disagree about how to deal with the escalating situation in Gaza and s. Israel. Netanyahu criticizes Lieberman and Economy Minister Bennett for their repeated public calls for a full ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, and urges ministers to be “level-headed and responsible.” Meanwhile, Israeli authorities decide to reduce the fishing zone open for Gaza fishermen from 6 naut. mi. to 3. (HA, JP, MNA 7/6)

In the Gaza Strip, armed Palestinians fire 4 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with 8 air strikes in the Gaza Strip, targeting military training sites belonging to Hamas’s Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades, and the Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC) in the c. Gaza Strip, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Damage is sustained, and 2 civilians are wounded when they are hit by shrapnel in separate attacks. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy dies, succumbing to injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike on 6/11. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Ramallah and 8 villages nearby, Nablus and 4 villages and ‘Askar r.c. nearby, Tulkarm and 3 villages and Nur Shams r.c. nearby, Tubas and 1 village and al-Fara‘a r.c. nearby, Jenin and 1 nearby village, Jericho and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nearby, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Jerusalem, and al-Bireh at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers stone Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, injuring 3 and causing damage. Separately, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their homes in Susia nr. Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA 6/14; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the Israeli govt. holds the PA responsible for the fate of the 3 missing Israeli teenagers, since “the terrorists originated from Palestinian territory.” Anonymous PA officials tell the media that Abbas has instructed his security services to help in the manhunt. Meanwhile, the IDF continues intensive sweeps of the s. West Bank, and wideranging arrest raids, which pick up 80 Palestinians, including 4 mbrs. of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). The IDF also imposes a closure on the s. West Bank, from Bethlehem to the Hebron region. IDF sources tell the media that the working assumption is that the youth are alive. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/15)

In the Gaza Strip, an Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad is secured. A leader of the Palestinian group, Khaled al-Batsh, writes on Facebook that “intensive Egyptian contacts and efforts” mean a restoration of “the agreement for calm . . . in accordance with understandings reached [on 11/21/12] in Cairo,” a reference to the end of Operation Pillar of Defense. Hamas Dep. FM Ghazi Hamad says that Egypt deliberately ignored the govt. in Gaza and communicated directly with Islamic Jihad, a claim corroborated by an anonymous Egyptian security official. Following the cease-fire, the Popular Resistance Cmte. (PRC) fires 8 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes against 4 sites in Rafah and Jabaliya, targeting a PRC training camp and Izzeddin alQassam Brigades sites, causing damage but no injuries, except in Rafah, where 3 civilians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians during a clash with mourners at a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 13/3; PCHR 3/20)

Israeli science minister Yaakov Peri says that unless Palestinians agree to an extension of peace talks, it would be difficult for Israel to go ahead with a scheduled 4th prisoner release. Israeli FM Lieberman says that “negotiations should be extended to the end of the year at least.” Separately, Israeli authorities approve construction permits for 387 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem, part of the 1,500 unit-plan approved in 2/2012 by the Jerusalem municipality. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry tells the House Foreign Relations Cmte. that PM Netanyahu’s insistence on a public statement of recognition from the Palestinians of Israel as a Jewish state is “a mistake.” (AIC, AFP 3/13; JP 3/14)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinians from the Saraya al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in an air strike nr. Khan Yunis, shortly after they had fired a mortar shell toward IDF troops. Later in the day, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions nr. Khan Yunis and nr. Rafah alongside the border fence to level land. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen working off the coast nr. Gaza City, and arrest 2, before releasing them later. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound an unspecified number of Palestinian youth during clashes nr. al-Azza r.c. in Bethlehem, at a rally organized to protest Israel’s recent killing of Palestinians. Separately, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets in clashes in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, after locals throw stones at soldiers conducting a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 villages and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nearby, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 3/11; PCHR 3/13)

The Knesset passes a new law that raises the threshold for entering the parliament from 2% to 3.25% of the vote in a general election. (The bill was previously approved by the cmte. on 3/3.) The bill passes with 67 yeas, though the vote is boycotted by all the opposition parties, including Labor, Shas, and United Arab List Ta’al. (HA 3/11)

A small homemade bomb explodes in front of the Israeli embassy in Cairo, causing no damage or injuries. (REU, ToI 3/11)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion nr. Khan Yunis to level land. In response, Palestinians from Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the PFLP, fire 2 mortar shells at the tanks, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, the military wing of the DFLP, the National Resistance Brigades, claims responsibility for firing 2 mortar shells at an Israeli military position nr. Dayr al-Balah. Later, 3 Palestinians are wounded by an Israeli air strike nr. Khan Yunis, and 1 child sustains minor injuries. An Israeli air strike also targets a training site for Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures 3 Palestinians in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem during clashes sparked by an arrest raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 1/9; PCHR 1/16)

Reps. from Iran and the P5+1 meet in Geneva to discuss implementation of the 6-mo. interim deal they agreed to on 11/24, 2 weeks before the deal is due to take effect (on 1/20). The discussions will take 2 days and are being formally held by Iran’s Dep. FM Araghchi and EU senior negotiator Helga Schmid. (AFP, AP 1/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. Jewish settlers from Beit El nr. Ramallah throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, while in a separate incident, settlers uproot some 40 Palestinian olive trees in the s. Hebron hills. In East Jerusalem, Jerusalem municipality-owned bulldozers level lands to make a trench between Issawiyya village and French Hill settlement, at the request of the latter’s residents. (MNA 9/9; PCHR 9/12)

Palestinian official Nabil Shaath tells the media that U.S. Secy. of State Kerry had “guaranteed us in writing” that talks would start from the 1967 lines, with State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf subsequently denying such a document. (NYT 9/9)

The EU announces a €52 million assistance package to help PA development schemes, such as municipal infrastructure projects and private sector-led economic initiatives. The aid is the final part of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument assistance, with the total contributed to the Palestinians in 2013 now standing at €300 million. (MNA 9/9)

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov makes a statement calling for military action against Syria to be averted through a plan for the internationally coordinated destruction of Damascus’s chemical weapons’ arsenal. The dramatic intervention is welcomed as a possible breakthrough by Pres. Obama, who faces opposition in Congress and among the public to any U.S. military intervention. Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid postpones a scheduled test vote for lawmakers to assess the Russian plan. Syrian FM Walid Muallem welcomes the Russian proposal as a way of preventing “an American aggression.” (AFP, AP, REU 9/9)

The Egyptian military’s offensive in the Sinai continues, with security forces killing a further 9 militants and arresting 10 nr. Rafah. In 2 separate incidents in c. Sinai, gunmen open fire and wound 3 soldiers. In addition, Egyptian forces destroy 6 smuggling tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border located n. of Rafah, with an Egyptian official claiming that more than 90% of the smuggling tunnels have now been destroyed. As part of the operation, Egypt’s military claims to have seized caches of weapons including a mortar belonging to Palestinian Islamic Jihad. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU 9/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops uproot more than 1,200 olive tree saplings, raze 40 dunams (4 dunams = 1 acre) of land, and demolish a water tank nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Qalqilya and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/23)

Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas holds talks in Cairo with Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi about the peace process, and efforts to advance national reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas. While in Cairo, Abbas also meets with Palestinian Islamic Jihad head Ramadan Shallah. (JP, MNA 5/16)

Armed men kidnap 7 Egyptian security officers in the Sinai, in between Arish and Rafah. There is no indication of the identity or motives of the kidnappers. (AP, REU 5/16)

As Operation Pillar of Defense continues, the IDF carries out air strikes on 133 targets across Gaza, killing 31 Palestinians, including several children, bringing the Palestinian death toll to 146. The IDF says that those killed include 18 Islamic Jihad and Hamas fighters. IDF air strikes kill 3 Palestinian journalists, attacks condemned by Reporters Without Borders. Palestinian armed groups fire 140 rockets into Israel, killing 1 IDF soldier and 1 Israeli Defense Ministry contractor, bringing the Israeli death toll to 5. In addition, 2 Israelis are wounded by a rocket strike on a building in s. Israel. The Iron Dome intercepts 51 rockets. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Izzedin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB) claim responsibility for the killing of 6 alleged Palestinian collaborators with Israel in the streets of Gaza City. (AP, HA, MNA, REU 11/20)

U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem to urge Israel to deescalate the situation in Gaza. At the press conference afterward, she says that the U.S. is pleased with the success of the Iron Dome defense system. In Cairo, Hamas chief Mishal and Islamic Jihad chief Shalah meet with Egyptian intelligence chief Raafat Shehata in an effort to finalize details of a cease-fire agreement with Israel. Egyptian sources hope that a deal will be signed in Cairo on 11/21 and will include not only an immediate cease-fire, but more long-term negotiation of an easing of Israel’s Gaza blockade. The UN Security Council (UNSC) convenes to discuss the situation in Gaza and Israel but does not come to any conclusions. Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby visits Rafah with some 10 Arab foreign ministers to show solidarity with the Palestinians. (AP, Guardian, HA 11/20)

In the West Bank, Palestinians clash with IDF forces at the funerals in Hebron and al-Nabi Salih for the 2 Palestinians killed (see 11/19) in demonstrations against Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Jenin, Tulkarm and 2 nearby villages, Hebron and 2 nearby villages, Bethlehem, 1 nearby village, and Dahayshah r.c. and Aida r.c. (both in Bethlehem) at night. (MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/22)

Jordanian protesters hold rallies across the country and issue a call for a ‘‘popular uprising’’ against the government in light of rising fuel prices and unpopular economic policies. This is the 7th consecutive day of demonstrations. (HA 11/20)