The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians near Nablus by throwing stones and physically assaulting them, causing their hospitalization. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Za’atra and injured 1 other; Israeli forces claimed that 2 were in a car and refused to stop at the checkpoint. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters at a checkpoint north of Ramallah, injuring 9 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, injuring 37 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jenin, injuring 1 with live ammunition while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 2 using live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 7 with live ammunition and 10 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also injured 1 with a tear gas canister in Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Huwwara checkpoint, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 13 at checkpoints in Tulkarm, Huwwara, and Jenin, and 1 was arrested during a late-night raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a sit-in protest against evictions in Shaykh Jarrah, spraying skunk water at protesters and arresting 3 residents. 6 other Palestinians were arrested, including 4 at a checkpoint in Issawiyya and 2 during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Tur. In Gaza, 10 Palestinians, including 1 child, were killed in Israeli air strikes, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 20 to 30, including 10 children. The casualties included: 2, and 2 injured in an air strike on a 7-story building in al-Shati camp; 6, and at least 8 injured in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; and 2 in an air strike near a chicken farm southwest of Dayr al-Balah. Additionally, Israeli air strikes damaged or destroyed dozens of buildings, including 1 14-story residential and commercial building, the Hanadi Tower west of Gaza City, 1 ice cream factory south of Gaza City, 1 health clinic and police station in Bayt Lahiya, 1 large school in Dayr al-Balah. Hamas reported that Israeli air strikes had destroyed all police buildings in Gaza. In Israel, 5 were killed by rockets from Gaza, including 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel, who were killed by a rocket fired from Gaza near Lydda, and 2 Jewish-Israelis and 1 Indian national in Ashkelon and Tel Aviv. 1 rocket fired from Gaza also damaged an Israeli pipeline in Ashkelon, igniting a large oil fire. A state of emergency was also declared in Lydda after a synagogue and some 30 cars were set on fire as Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel clashed. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israelis in Lydda after a protest erupted following a funeral of 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel who was killed by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10; 12 Palestinian-Israelis were injured by stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets. Clashes also ensued in Ramla and a synagogue, a marketplace, and a Muslim cemetery were set on fire. In Acre, 1 police station and 1 restaurant were set on fire. 19 Palestinian citizens of Israel were arrested after trash bins were set on fire and stones were thrown at Israeli police in Haifa. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Jaffa, arresting 3; 2 police officers were reportedly injured. Clashes between Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian-Israelis were also reported in Beersheba. Israeli forces said that the Iron Dome had intercepted 85-90% of around 850 rockets fired from Gaza since 5/10. (AJ 5/10; AJ, AJ, AX, CBS, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/11; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, CNN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI 5/12; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas canceled Eid al-Fitr celebrations to mourn for the Palestinians killed by Israel in the last couple of days. (MEMO 5/12)

A Spokesperson for the U.S. national security advisor said chief of Palestinian affairs at the U.S. embassy in Israel George Noll had delivered a letter from U.S. president Joe Biden to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. The spokesperson would not say what the letter was about, saying it was part of the administrations outreach to “the Palestinian leadership.” (HILL, WAFA 5/11)

The Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Israel was responsible for the escalation between Hamas and Israel, stating that “Israeli violations in Jerusalem . . . is what led to the ignition of the situation in this dangerous way.” Secretary-general Gheit’s comments came after a meeting of Arab League foreign secretaries discussing the situation. (AJ, REU 5/11)

Haaretz reported that Palestinian and Egyptian sources said that talks to end the escalation between Hamas and Israel had ended due to opposition from Islamic Jihad and Israel. Leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh said that the escalation was started by Israel and that Hamas is ready for “an escalation and ready for calm, on the condition that they end the aggression against al-Quds.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Hamas and Islamic Jihad have paid—and will pay—a heavy price for their aggression . . . It will take time. We’ll restore security for the citizens of Israel.” (AJ, HA, MEMO 5/12)

It was reported that the U.S. was delaying a UN security council (UNSC) statement addressing the Israeli aggression in Jerusalem, and escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. A UNSC emergency meeting was called on 5/9 by Tunisia and 9 other countries. The state department spokesperson Ned Price said secretary of state Antony Blinken, national security advisor Jake Sullivan, and deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman had talked to their Israeli counterparts and unnamed Palestinian officials. The White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that President Joe Biden’s “support for Israel security, for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people is fundamental and will never waver . . . We condemn ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including against Jerusalem.” (HA, HA, REU 5/11; AP, HA 5/12)

The 57 members of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation released a joint communiqué after an emergency meeting, calling Israeli attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound “barbaric” and said the nations consider Israel’s attacks a “serious violation of international law.” (HA 5/11)

The U.S. treasury department sanctioned 7 Lebanese people for transferring $500 million on behalf of Hezbollah. (AJ, AP, REU 5/11)

In the West Bank, about 30 Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers working their lands in Humra; Israeli left-wing activists who witnessed the attack said the settlers also attacked them, and that Israeli forces intervened on behalf of the Israeli settlers, firing tear gas at Palestinians. Israeli forces raided ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, injuring 2 with live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinian youth in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians in East Jerusalem in al-Bireh, Huwwara, Dayr Sharaf, Husan, the Qalandia checkpoint, and Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 1 arrest. 3 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints in Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers and right-wing Israeli activists gathered to attack Palestinians but were contained by Israeli forces. 1 Israeli settler was attacked by Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Damascus Gate, injuring 22 and arresting 17. 10 other Palestinians were arrested in the Old City after clashes with Israeli forces. Candidates of the upcoming Palestinian elections held a sit-in protest in front of the Orient House to demand that Palestinians in East Jerusalem partake in the elections. In Gaza, some 700 Palestinians protested by the Gaza fence against Israeli violence toward Palestinians in Jerusalem; 3 were reportedly injured by Israeli live ammunition and the protesters burned tires. 2 rockets were fired at Israel, with 1 intercepted and 1 landing in an open field; no damage was reported. 1 Palestinian was arrested after crossing into Israel via the Gaza fence. In Israel, Palestinian-Israelis protested the violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem on 4/22 in Umm al-Fahm. Israeli activists protested the right-wing Israeli violence in East Jerusalem on 4/22 and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA 4/25; HA 4/26; PCHR 4/29)

Israel used drones for the 1st time in the West Bank to drop tear gas at Palestinian protesters, occurring during the protest in Qalandia. The 1st time Israel used drones to drop tear gas against Palestinian protesters was in Gaza in 2018. (HA 4/28)

According to a Haaretz source, Hamas and Islamic Jihad sent a message to Israel via Egypt that the 2 groups are not interested in escalating tensions with Israel after several dozen rockets were fired at Israel on 4/23 and Israel fired missiles, causing damage in Gaza. 2 groups, Nidal al-Amoudi Division and the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, claimed responsibility for the rockets fired at Israel, saying they were in response to the violence by Israeli right-wing activists in Jerusalem on 4/22. (HA 4/24)

1 Iranian oil tanker was attacked by a drone off the coast of Syria. (AJ, AP, HA 4/24; AJ 4/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor and his father in Hebron. Israeli settlers also set up tents in Battir near Bethlehem. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 residential structure and 1 garden in Sabastiyya, 1 pool used for irrigation in Bayt Dajan, and a number of structures east of Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure near Tubas and dismantled and seized 1 wooden shed in Umm al-Jamal. Israeli forces also shot and injured 6 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during raids in Qalandia refugee camp; 1 Israeli soldier was also injured during the clashes, which lasted some 2 hours; 9 Palestinian-owned vehicles were damaged. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Birzeit, Bayt Umar, Qalandia, Hebron, and Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and razed farmland east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17, PCHR 11/19)

The PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh announced that the PA would resume coordination with Israel, including security coordination, after suspending ties in May. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said that Israel had promised to respect its agreements with the PA during “international negotiations conducted by the president [Mahmoud Abbas].” Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned the PA’s move, saying it undermines reconciliation efforts. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said during a Zoom conference organized by the Council of Foreign Relations that the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in the decision as the PA have struggled to find the resources to fight it. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/17; HA, TOI 11/18; HA 11/19)

Israeli said it defused explosive devices in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the de facto border of Syria. Israel later attacked Syria, striking 8 targets. According to the Syrian state media SANA, 3 were killed, 1 wounded, and Syria intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 10 people were killed in the strikes. Israel acknowledged to have attacked Syria, saying it was responding to the explosive devices and claiming that it had hit Iranian and Syrian forces in Syria. (HA, REU 11/17; AJ, HA 11/18; BBC 11/19)

Both Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president Reuven Rivlin congratulated U.S. president-elect Joe Biden via phone. (HA 11/17)

1 Jewish-Israeli was given a 7-year prison sentence for smuggling metals into Gaza and selling them to Hamas. He was also fined $60,000. (TOI, HA 11/17)

41 Democrats in congress cosigned a letter to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo, expressing concern about Israel’s demolition of the village Khirbet Humsa on 11/3, demanding that Secretary Pompeo condemn Israel’s actions. (Mark Pocan’s Office 11/17; HA, WAFA 11/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian teen and injured 2 others during a raid in Dayr Abu Mash‘al. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against settlement expansion southeast of Tulkarm, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 wall and issued demolition orders for 1 pond and 1 barn in Hizma. Palestinians protested against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Turmus ‘Ayya. Officials from the PA, PLO, Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad participated; Israeli forces injured 7 using rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, al-Ram, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled multiple areas of Gaza, causing damage. According to Israeli officials, incendiary balloons sent from Gaza toward Israel started 28 fires. Palestinians in Gaza protested the Israel-UAE normalization deal in Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage to 1 boat and minor injuries to 1 fisherman. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; AJ, REU, WAFA 8/20; PCHR 8/27)

The Sudanese foreign ministry fired its spokesperson after he said on 8/18 that Sudan was looking forward to normalizing ties with Israel, a claim that the foreign ministry denied that same day. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that “Saudi Arabia considers Israel’s unilateral policies of an annexation and building settlements as an illegitimate and detrimental to the two states solution . . . Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to peace as a strategic option based on the Arab Peace Initiatives.” The Arab Peace Initiative stipulates normalization with Israel is predicated on the establishment of a Palestinian state. U.S. president Donald Trump said later that same day that he expects Saudi Arabia to follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 8/19; AJ 8/20)

An Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike along Gaza’s border fence near Khan Yunis, killing 3 Palestinian minors. An IDF spokesperson says that the Palestinians were attempting to place a suspicious object along the border fence. Hours after the strike, hundreds of Palestinians march to the homes of senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) leaders demanding that they retaliate against Israel. PIJ then puts out a statement threatening to respond and rejecting the Israeli narrative about what the 3 minors were doing. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on Palestinian bird-hunters working near Bayt Hanun; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces chase a Palestinian shepherd off his land in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops assault and injure a Palestinian, arrest 9 other Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate a Palestinian vehicle during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlement security guards assault 2 Palestinians near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Anata refugee camp, and Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/28; MNA 10/29; PCHR 11/1)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 10/26. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 185. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/28)

The PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah for the first of 2 days of meetings on a variety of issues facing the Palestinian people. Opening the meetings, PA president Mahmoud Abbas says, “We are facing a historical moment; either to be or not to be.” He calls for the Palestinian people to support the PLO and reaffirms that there can be no Palestinian state without Gaza or a capital in Jerusalem. (HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/28)

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)

Israeli forces stage a multi-stage “controlled detonation” of an underground tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into Israel, killing 12 Hamas and PIJ fighters, and injuring at least 18 more. An IDF spokesperson says that the detonation was a preemptive move because the tunnel did not yet pose a threat to Israel, claims that the Palestinians were only killed because they rushed into the tunnel after the detonation and suffered smoke inhalation, and calls the tunnel a “gross violation of Israeli sovereignty.” A PIJ spokesperson says the group is “weighing its options” in response to the attack (PIJ reportedly built the tunnel). (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; MNA 11/3; HA 11/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during early morning raids in Jenin refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Amid the clashes, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian garbage truck driver. IDF troops also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin, and patrol in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian farmers harvesting olives south of Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire on 2 Palestinians at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, injuring 1 before arresting both. Three Palestinians are injured in the ensuing clashes. Israeli forces also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Hizma, and violently disperse a sit-in and dismantle a protest tent Palestinians set up in al-Bustan in 2009. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; PCHR 11/2)

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)

For the 2d time this week, IDF troops fire artillery shells and machine gun rounds at Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage to the sites and at least 3 neighboring homes. The IDF reports that the shelling was in response to gunfire emanating from Gaza earlier in the morning. (MNA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8)

The Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian to his family in East Jerusalem, having punitively withheld it since Israeli forces killed him on 2/19. His family is forced to pay a security deposit of NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,000), bury the body at al-Mujahidin Cemetery in c. Jerusalem, and limit the attendance at his funeral at 25 people. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes the walls of his own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Qalandia r.c., and Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin in unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 9 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus. Israeli undercover forces arrest 4 Palestinian customs officers who are conducting a surveillance operation outside Nur Shams r.c. overnight. The officers attempted to detain the Israelis without knowing they were undercover troops. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/6; WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)

A PIJ fighteris killed and 2 others are injured when a tunnel collapses along the Gaza-Israel border nr. Khan Yunis. (JP, MNA 7/19)

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, conducting raids and patrols throughout the day. Amid heightened tensions in the region, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 2 Israeli soldiers with a screwdriver outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (The Palestinian youth will succumb to his injuries on 7/19.) The IDF then closes the main road connecting Hebron to Jerusalem. The alleged perpetrator’s brother was killed in a similar confrontation on 4/14. Separately, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian truck nr. Hebron after it collided with an Israeli settler vehicle; the Palestinian driver is injured and arrested. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams and injures a Palestinian youth nr. Hebron. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of a Palestinian home nr. Jenin overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya, as well as in the Hebron district. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/18; MNA, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/21)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

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, health officials say that the death toll is rising as dozens of Palestinians die from injuries sustained during the Israeli assault and more bodies are recovered from the rubble of homes. (66 Palestinians die during the 5-day cease-fire, succumbing to injuries sustained in earlier attacks.) In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 8 Palestinians with rubbercoated metal bullets in n. Bethlehem during clashes outside Rachel’s Tomb. In the afternoon, the IDF enters Qalqilya, where a group of Palestinian children throw stones at them. The soldiers detain 2 children. The IDF conducts 5 patrols in various areas of the West Bank during the day. After the Friday afternoon prayer, hundreds of Palestinians attend protests nr. Bayt Furik and Qalandia against the Israeli assault on Gaza. Clashes break out with IDF troops in both places and 9 Palestinians are wounded (6 nr. Bayt Furik and 3 at Qalandia). In the evening, more clashes break out during demonstrations in Silwad village and at Ofer Prison. Two Palestinians are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets at each demonstration. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15; PCHR 8/21)

Israeli authorities release 3 Palestinian men that IDF troops captured during the ground invasion of Gaza. (MNA 8/16)

The Egyptian press reports that mediators in Cairo have offered a “final proposal” for a longterm agreement to extend the 5-day cease-fire. The agreement will reportedly end Israel’s military offensive, ease the siege, expand the fishing zone, and increase imports into Gaza. In addition, subsequent talks will deal with other issues such as prisoner swaps and establishing an airport and seaport for Gaza. Islamic Jihad spokesperson Yousef al-Hasayneh says that a truce agreement will be signed with Israel once the 5-day cease-fire ends. Israel’s security cabinet meets in Tel Aviv to discuss the ceasefire agreement and ongoing negotiations, their 2d such meeting in 24 hours. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/15)

On the 5th day of OPE, the IDF strikes multiple targets across the Gaza Strip, killing approximately 48 Palestinians, including 21 in a single strike on the home of a senior police commander in Gaza City. Air strikes also hit a center for the disabled, killing 2. The IDF warns Palestinians in the n. Gaza Strip to “leave their homes for their own safety,” adding that “it’s unsafe to be nr. Hamas.” Israel’s targets expand to include civilian institutions with suspected Hamas ties. Israeli naval forces raid the beach at al-Sudaniyya in the n. Gaza Strip, and clash with al-Qassam Brigades fighters. Palestinians fire some 70 rockets into Israel, and at least 6 are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. In the evening, al-Qassam Brigades launches 10 rockets toward Tel Aviv, but they cause no damage or casualties. Overall, 2 Israelis are injured nr. Beersheba in the day’s barrage. In addition to s. and c. areas, rockets also land nr. Efrat settlement in the West Bank, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian youth in Issawiyya, al-Tur, and Qalandia. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/12; PCHR 7/13)

Addressing the crisis in Gaza, the UNSC issues a presidential statement calling for a “de-escalation of the situation, restoration of calm, and reinstitution of the 11/2012 ceasefire.” It also expresses “serious concern regarding the crisis related to Gaza and the protection and welfare of civilians on both sides” and calls for “respect for international humanitarian law.” Media reports suggest that a cease-fire proposal is being drawn up at the initiative of the Palestinians with the involvement of Egypt and Qatar, but Islamic Jihad dep. head Ziad al-Nakhleh dismisses this as a rumor. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/12)

Unknown persons fire 3 rockets from inside Lebanon that land into n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with artillery fire toward “the source of fire.” (AP, REU 7/12)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 2 rockets into s. Israel. The 1st lands without causing damage or injuries, and the 2d is intercepted by an Iron Dome missile defense battery. Later in the day, IDF troops target 5 Islamic Jihad and Hamas sites across the Gaza Strip, injuring 6. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage, and arrest 2 fishermen. Meanwhile, 5 mbrs. of Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades and 1 firefighter die in an explosion in a tunnel nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 1 nearby village, Qalandia r.c. nr. Jerusalem, Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron and 3 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm and Nur Shams r.c. and 1 village nearby and Salfit at night. (HA, JP, MNA, ToI 6/19; PCHR 6/26)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that he expects the Palestinian unity govt. to dissolve, and that authorities are moving closer to finding the missing Israeli settler teenagers. Hamas senior official Salah Bardawil says, at a solidarity rally in Gaza, that Hamas is “capable of igniting a 3d intifada,” while Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri condemns continued security coordination between the PA and Israel. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas issues a statement denouncing Israel’s West Bank operation as “the most severe punitive reprisals.” (JP, MNA, ToI, WAFA 6/19)

Israel releases Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Ahmad ‘Attoun, discharging him at the Qalandia crossing and ordering him to Ramallah. Israel revoked ‘Attoun’s Jerusalem residency status in 9/2009 on the grounds that he was affiliated with a “terrorist organization” (i.e., Hamas) and warned him in 5/2010 to leave the city or face deportation to the West Bank (QU in JPS 157). He was arrested in East Jerusalem on 9/26/11, when he went to address a protest rally in Shaykh Jarrah, and was charged with “being illegally present in the city.” (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli municipal forces in East Jerusalem demolish a Palestinian home. IDF troops make a brief incursion into al-Shuja’iyya neighborhood in Gaza City, leveling land to clear lines of sight and exchanging gunfire with Palestinians, causing no injuries. Late in the evening the IDF carries out 2 air strikes at armed Palestinians preparing to fire rockets fr. Gaza City into Israel, the 1st killing 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. and wounding 2 in al-Shuja’iyya, and the 2d seriously wounding an unidentified armed Palestinian in al-Zaytun neighborhood. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin during the day; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Nablus and nearby Balata r.c., detaining around 12 PFLP mbrs. (including 1 senior mbr.) and 1 senior Hamas mbr. The IDF reports that 3 IDF soldiers have been arrested on suspicion of participating in “pricetag” attacks in the West Bank. Health officials in Gaza report that Gaza’s Central Drug Store is lacking 120 essential medicines and 140 essential medical supplies, including medicine for the anesthesia, cancer, hemophilia, and kidney dialysis (450 patients); the shortage is the result of poor coordination between the Min. of Health branches in Gaza and the West Bank (where no shortages are reported). (MNA 12/6; DUS, JP, Taiwan News, WT 12/7; PCHR, WP 12/8; OCHA 12/9; NYT 12/10; JPI 12/16; OCHA 12/23)

Hamas officials say that all main Gaza factions have agreed to reimpose their cease-fire immediately, while Egyptian mediators work to secure the compliance of smaller factions. Islamic Jihad says it will observe the moratorium as long as Israel also ceases fire. Israel does not comment. Before the new cease-fire goes into effect, the PFLP and other unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Grad and 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel does not respond. Israeli DM Barak authorizes construction of a kindergarten in Hebron’s Beit Romano settlement, home to some of the most extremist Jewish settlers. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot olive trees in Qasra village nr. Nablus; when local Palestinians try to drive them away, IDF troops intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition at the Palestinians, seriously injuring 1. The IDF also patrols in Kafr al-Dik village nr. Salfit. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, al-Ma‘sara, and Ni‘lin, as well as at the Qalandia crossing into Jerusalem. IDF soldiers beat and fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, causing no serious injuries, and arrest 2 Palestinians. (AP, MNA, YA 8/26; MNA, WP 8/27; PCHR 9/8; OCHA 9/9)

In Egypt, 100s of protesters rally outside the Israeli emb. after Friday prayers demanding the expulsion of the amb. (WP 8/28)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late night arrest raids in and around Jenin town and r.c., Nablus, and in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas (firing live ammunition and rubber-coated steel bullets on stone-throwing youths who confront them, wounding 6); fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, international peace activists taking part in a nonviolent demonstration against the separation wall in Ni‘lin (injuring 2 Palestinians, 1 international). Israel imposes new restrictions requiring Palestinian medical personnel fr. the West Bank who work in Jerusalem to enter Jerusalem only through the Qalandia checkpoint, the most crowded checkpoint, causing them significant delays. Heavy rains cause the collapse of 10 smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border, trapping and injuring at least 7 Palestinians. Egypt allows the entry of a delegation of Islamic Jihad officials fr. Gaza who are heading to Damascus for a wk. of internal discussions on Egypt’s proposed national unity plan ahead of national unity talks in Cairo on 11/9. Inside Israel, Hebrew University student Ali Baher, an Israeli Palestinian, is detained by campus security, questioned for 3 hrs., charged with “inappropriate conduct” for refusing on political grounds to shake hands with Pres. Shimon Peres, who randomly approached Baher while he was touring the campus library meeting with students; the university evicts Baher from campus housing and orders a disciplinary hearing (date not set) to decide whether he should be suspended. (MNA 11/2; OCHA 11/5; PCHR, Physicians for Human Rights–Israel press release 11/6)

Concerned by the escalating settler violence directed at Israeli security forces, the Israeli cabinet at its weekly meeting votes to suspend all direct and indirect government funding to unauthorized settlement outposts (especially citing infrastructure such as roads, garbage collection, and school buses) in the 1st de facto admission that public funds are used to advance illegal settlement. Olmert also proposes increasing arrests and administrative detention of Jewish settlers who break the law. The Jerusalem District Juvenile Court remands and indicts 3 Jewish settler girls (ages 12, 15, 17) for reckless endangerment, aggravated assault of security forces, and obstruction of a police officer for attacks against Israeli border police in Givat Harsina on 10/30. IDF district cmdr. Noam Tivon cancels plans to give a speech at a yeshiva in Efrat settlement nr. Bethlehem after Jewish settlers fr. Hebron threaten to hold a massive demonstration to block his visit, calling him an “expulsion criminal” for previously ordering the removal settlers fr. the unauthorized Federman Farm outpost. (YA 11/2; NYT, WP 11/3; WT 11/4; MM 11/4, 11/7)

Israel begins to allow more than 6,000 Palestinians stranded on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border to enter Gaza through Erez via the al-Oja cargo crossing s. of Rafah and bus them to Erez; 1 ailing Palestinian stranded at the crossing dies. Nr. Khan Yunis, Islamic Jihad mbrs. exchange heavy fire with an IDF unit patrolling the border inside Israel, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF searches stores, conducts random ID checks in Hebron; patrols in Qalandia. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar set fire to 100 d. of Palestinian olive and almond groves nr. Nablus. (NYT 7/29; WT 7/31; OCHA 8/1; PCHR 8/2)

When AMB, Islamic Jihad fire 9 rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the IDF shells n. Gaza for the 1st time since the 11/26 cease-fire went into effect, wounding 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. preparing to fire a rocket into Israel, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander and wounding 2; Israel says the strike was not intended to signal a change of policy or an escalation. The IDF also sends bulldozers into Gaza w. of Rafah to level land along the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian businesses, an animal pen in Barta‘a nr. Jenin; fires on stonethrowing Palestinian youths nr. the Qalandia checkpoint outside Jerusalem, seriously wounding 1 with a bullet to the head, lightly wounding 3 others; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Askar r.c., Balata, Nablus, Tulkarm and nr. Hebron, Jenin r.c. (exchanging fire with AMB mbrs., killing 1 AMB mbr., wounding 2), Ramallah, Salfit. Israeli police in riot gear remove the remaining 450 right-wing Jewish settlers and activists fr. the Homesh settlement site (see 3/26). Jewish settlers stone Palestinian cars nr. Jit Junction nr. Qalqilya, injuring 1 Palestinian. Jewish settler teenagers in Hebron ambush, beat a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy on his way home fr. school. Private Israeli security contractors working for Karme Tzur settlement nr. Hebron prevent Palestinian farmers fr. reaching their land nearby, beating 2, confiscating their equipment. Separately, Jewish settlers fr. Karme Tzur beat a Palestinian farmer working his land nearby. In Jabaliya r.c., ESF mbrs. fire on a car of Fatah mbrs., causing no injuries. In Bayt Hanun, suspected Fatah gunmen fire on the car of a senior Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr., seriously injuring him, his wife and 2 children, a bystander. (REU 3/28; NYT, WT 3/29; WP 3/30; OCHA 4/4; PCHR 4/5; NYT 4/8)

In Gaza, Islamic Jihad mbrs. fire on an IDF observation post on the border e. of Khan Yunis, sparking an exchange of fire that causes no injuries. Egyptian forces blow up 2 smugglers’ tunnels on the Rafah border. PA security forces discover, detonate a sophisticated roadside bomb nr. the border fence e. of al-Maghazi r.c. In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots a 17-yr.-old Palestinian during an arrest raid in Tulkarm r.c.; sends an undercover unit into Tulkarm town in a van with Palestinian license plates, fatally shoots a wanted Palestinian who attempts to escape; patrols in Qalandia r.c., firing on stone-throwing youths who confront the troops, wounding 1; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ and nr. Hebron, Nablus. In Gaza, 1 AMB mbr. is shot execution style in n. Gaza by Hamas gunmen who blame the AMB for the death of one of their mbrs.; later 2 ESF mbrs. are killed by a roadside bomb in the same area; shots are fired at FM Zahhar’s home, causing no injuries. Fatah mbrs. kidnap 9 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza; Hamas retaliates by kidnapping 5 Fatah mbrs. In Ramallah, AMB mbrs. angry at Abbas’s Presidential Guard for expelling them fr. the Muqata‘a fire on the diplomatic missions of Canada, China, Germany, causing no injuries. (MM 1/26; NYT 1/26, 1/27; WT 1/28; OCHA 1/31; PCHR 2/1)

The IDF begins imposing new regulations (announced 3/25) on Palestinians entering Jerusalem through Qalandia crossing nr. Ramallah: only Palestinians holding a permit to enter Israel may cross, even to enter the West Bank village of al-Ram (between Qalandia and the Green Line), effectively making the crossing an international checkpoint into Israel and annexing al-Ram. IDF drones fire on the car of AMB cmdr. Muhammad Hijazi as he drives in Gaza City in an apparent assassination attempt; Hijazi survives unharmed but his aide in the car, 2 Palestinian Security Forces officers nearby are wounded. The IDF also fires artillery shells at a group of Islamic Jihad mbrs. attempting to fire a rocket in the n. Gaza no-go zone, killing 1 Islamic Jihad mbr., wounding 3; fatally shoots an Islamic Jihad al-Quds Brigade mbr. Samir Furayhat in disputed circumstances during an arrest raid on Yamun (Islamic Jihad does not claim it was an assassination); conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm, in Nablus, nr. Qalqilya. (IMEMC, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, XIN 3/27; PCHR 3/30, 4/6)

The IDF fires missiles at a car in Gaza City, assassinating AMB mbrs. ’Atiya Abu Shari‘a and Suhail Bakir, wounding 3 bystanders; fires several missiles at roads around Bayt Lahiya, rendering them impassable. IDF undercover units, a bulldozer and some 25 vehicles enter Nablus, targeting and assassinating Islamic Jihad’s Nablus military cmdr. Raddad (targeted on 2/5) in an exchange of gunfire that also leaves 2 IDF soldiers wounded; hrs. later Palestinians gather at the scene and throw stones at IDF troops, who fire rubber-coated steel bullets at the youths, injuring 11. The IDF fires on stone-throwing Palestinians nr. Jenin; conducts arrest raids and searches shops in Qalandia r.c., firing on residential areas and wounding a Palestinian woman and 2 children; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Nablus and nr. Hebron; confiscates 129 d. of agricultural land in Bayt Hanina n. of Jerusalem for construction of the separation wall. Palestinians fire several rockets fr. Gaza towards Sederot, damaging 1 house, causing no injuries. (HA, WP 2/8; PCHR 2/9)

The IDF assassinates senior AMB mbr. Iyad Qaddas, firing a missile at a house where he is staying in Jabaliya r.c.; a 2d AMB mbr., Iyad Najjar, is killed and 1 AMB mbr. and 5 bystanders are wounded. Following the assassination, the PRC (firing rockets), IDF (responding with artillery and air strikes) trade heavy fire across the n. Gaza border, leaving 4 Palestinian civilians wounded. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes, 2 shops nr. Jenin; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Ramallah (including arresting the mayor of Bayt Laqia, who is a Hamas mbr.), nr. Tulkarm and in Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas; confiscates 10 d. of Palestinian land east of Bethlehem for construction of an IDF post. At the Qalandia checkpoint outside Ramallah, an AMB mbr. fatally stabs an IDF soldier, is arrested; the IDF immediately seals the crossing until further notice. PA police raid some 40 Palestinian homes in Hebron and Tubas, arresting more than 10 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in connection with the 12/5 Netanya bombing; Islamic Jihad denounces the raids and warns the PA against becoming an “arm of Israel,” while the AMB and PRCs warn that they will not renew the unilateral truce at the end of the yr. if the arrest campaign continues. (Israeli FMin. press release, XIN, YA 12/8; AFP, BBC, HA, JAZ, NYT, PCHR, REU, WP, WT, XIN, YA 12/9; HA 12/10; PCHR 12/15)

Overnight, the IDF deploys an artillery battery outside the s. Gaza Strip (since Operation First Rain, artillery has been positioned in Nahal Oz, outside the n. Gaza); begins massing troops in the Gaza border in case the Israeli cabinet calls for ground operations; conducts arrest raids, house searches in the n. West Bank targeting mostly Islamic Jihad mbrs. During the day, the IDF begins erecting a massive new checkpoint (the Zaatara checkpoint) s. of Nablus at Tapuach Junction that will sever the Nablus and Jenin districts from the rest of the West Bank, creating a northern West Bank canton; the crossing, which is similar to the Qalandia checkpoint that Israel has said will be treated as an international crossing, was approved by the IDF Central Command 9 mos. ago and should begin operation in 2 mos. An IDF drone fires on a car in n. Gaza that launched rockets toward Sederot (causing no damage), killing AMB mbr. Majid Nattat. Soon after, Palestinians fire another 2 rockets and a mortar toward Sederot, and the IDF carries out 2 air strikes on 2 roads leading to Bayt Lahiya; no injuries are reported in the exchange. Later, the IDF carries out another 3 air strikes on n. Gaza, causing no reported injuries; fires stun grenades to disperse Palestinians hoping to cross the al-Ram checkpoint into Jerusalem to mark the final Friday of Ramadan at al-Aqsa mosque. Late in the evening, the IDF launches F-16 air strikes on uninhabited areas of n. Gaza; patrols, shoots out street lights in Nablus; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron. Palestinians then fire an antitank rocket at the Erez crossing, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, 10,000s of Palestinians attend the Gaza funerals of the 7 Palestinians killed in the 10/28 Muhanna assassination; AMB, Hamas, Islamic Jihad hold massive armed marches, firing automatic weapons in the air in violation of their agmt. with the PA not to carry or use weapons in public. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba, escorted by IDF soldiers, severely beat 2 Palestinians in Hebron. Separately, Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba vandalize several Palestinian homes in Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Ramat Yishai violently beat 2 Palestinian teenagers in Hebron; the IDF intervenes and detains 1 Palestinian. Mofaz orders the eviction of 15 Jewish settler families living in the unauthorized enclave of Amona in Hebron. (AP, CSM, HA, IDF Radio, IMEMC, REU, YA 10/28; NYT, WP, WT 10/29; HA, IMEMC 10/30; OCHA 10/31; PCHR 11/10)

The IDF raids Tulkarm, arrests Islamic Jihad West Bank leader Shaykh Ibrahim Fayyad; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun, al-Bireh, Hebron, Qalandia r.c. and nr. Bethlehem, Jenin; raids, searches the Alms Comm. offices in Hebron, confiscating 3 computers. (XIN 7/31; PCHR 8/4)

The IDF fatally shoots an 11-yr.-old Palestinian girl in her home; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian children in Qalandia r.c., injuring 2 bystanders; conducts arrest raids in Jenin. Under pressure fr. the U.S., the IDF also evicts 200 Jewish settlers fr. a new enclave established in Hebron on the site of the 11/15 Islamic Jihad attack; settlers vow to reestablish the site. An IDF APC deliberately rams a Palestinian van nr. Maithalun, killing 1 Palestinian, injuring a 2d. (MM 12/19; WP 12/20, 12/21; LAW, PCHR 12/25; WJW 12/26; PM 12/27)

Israeli atty. gen. Elyakim Rubinstein asks the Central Elections Comm. to bar MK Azmi Bishara’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fr. participating in the 1/03 elections on the grounds that they advocate that Israel should be a state for all its citizens, which implicitly contradicts Israel’s founding principle as a Jewish state, and because they support armed attacks against Israel (a charge Bishara, NDA deny). Section 7(A) of the Basic Law: The Knesset allows the barring of candidates and political parties that deny “the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” (JTA l2/19; ADL 12/21)

U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell announces that although the U.S. has not finished reading the document, it believes that Iraq’s 12,000-page declaration “totally fails” to meet UN requirements for full disclosure and constitutes “another material breach” of UN res. 1441. (NYT, WP, WT 12/20)

The IDF attempts to assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Sidir by firing missiles at his car in Hebron; Sidir is injured, 2 Palestinian children are killed, 6 others are injured. (1 of the dead, 5 of the injured are bystanders.) A 3d Palestinian is killed in al-Bireh by an IDF tank shell. The IDF also shells, destroys a PSF headquarters in n. Gaza; enters Rafah to bulldoze 3 Palestinian homes; uproots 200 olive trees in Sinjil. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. Jewish settlers in Hebron severely beat 2 Palestinian girls. Palestinians, Israeli peace activists stage a nonviolent protest at an IDF roadblock in Qalandia. (HP, LAW, MM 12/10; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; WT 12/12; AYM 12/12 in WNC 12/13; HA, LAW 12/13)

Arafat, Sharon meet separately with Zinni, urge him not to cut his trip short. Powell says that Zinni will indeed stay, that he never really intended to leave but just wanted to pressure the sides to act. (AP, MM, NYT, WT 12/11) (see 12/9)

In Washington, Bush hosts the White House's 1st menorah-lighting and Hanukkah party. Speaking privately with American Jewish leaders, Bush reportedly assails Arafat and the State Dept., identifies with Sharon, says that winning the war on terror means getting rid of groups like Hamas, Hizballah. (MM 12/12; MM, WJW 12/13; NYT 12/14; AYM 12/14 in WNC 12/17; WP 12/15; JT [Internet] 12/19; JP 2/1)

In Brussels, EU FMs call on Arafat to dismantle the "terrorist networks" of Hamas and Islamic Jihad; to declare, in Arabic, the end to the "armed intifada." Also call on Israel to halt assassinations, settlement expansion, attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure. (AFP 12/10; NYT, WT 12/11; IRNA, MA, SA 12/11 in WNC 12/12; AFP, MM, WT 12/12; Le Monde 12/12 in WNC 12/13; DUS 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MEI 12/21)