The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Arab al-Milehat, stealing nearly 30 sheep. Israeli forces uproot 50 trees in Sarta while preparing to build a settler road. Israeli forces also raid Jenin, assaulting 2 Palestinians. Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, and Ramallah. In Jerusalem, Israelis raid and vandalize a Muslim shrine, declaring it a Jewish holy site. Israeli forces install a watchtower fitted with surveillance camaras at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 86 people. Israeli forces also kill 10 Palestinians waiting to receive aid in Gaza City. The Red Crescent evacuates 24 people from al-Amal Hospital and delivers water and food to the hospital. In Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks Israeli forces in Manara and Malkia. Israeli forces kill 2 Hezbollah members near the Syrian border. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26)

More than 29,692 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,879 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,545 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 237 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 94 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 2/25; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/26)

The Israeli military says it has withdrawn from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. (AJ 2/25)

The Gaza Media Office accuses Israel of 19 different war crimes, including deliberate killings, torture, forced displacement, hostage-taking, using hunger as a weapon of war, bombing homes, schools, and places of worship, targeting heritage sites, and targeting medical centers. (AJ 2/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA 2/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells CBS News that the Israeli invasion of Rafah will happen regardless of a ceasefire deal, saying a deal would only delay the invasion. The war cabinet discusses the plans for the ground invasion of Rafah and ceasefire negotiations. An Israeli delegation is said to be traveling to Doha for continued talks next week. Israel’s Channel 12 News reports that Netanyahu added a new demand to the recently concluded U.S., Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari ceasefire talks, stipulating that high-profile prisoners released in the exchange are deported to Qatar. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel will continue attacking Lebanon even if a ceasefire deal is reached in Gaza. (AP, NYT 2/24; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 2/25; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 2/26)

Aaron Bushnell, an active-duty soldier from the U.S. Air Force wearing his uniform self-immolates outside of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. In a livestream, Bushnell says that he “no longer will be complicit in genocide” and that he is doing an extreme act of protest which he says is not extreme in comparison to what people are experiencing in Palestine “at the hands of the colonizers.” As he burns, he chants “free Palestine.” Bushnell later dies in hospital. Bushnell is the second person to self-immolate outside of an Israeli diplomatic post in the U.S. An unidentified woman holding a Palestinian flag self-immolated outside of the Israeli consulate in Atlanta in December 2023. (AJ, HA, NYT 2/25; AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 2/26; AP 2/27)

UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis calls on UN members to provide “sustainable and predictable financial and political support” to UNRWA. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini says food aid has not been delivered to northern Gaza since 1/23. (AJ, WAFA 2/25; AJ 2/26

The information ministers of the OIC hold an extraordinary session in Turkey, condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza and calling for an unconditional ceasefire. (WAFA 2/24; AJ, WAFA 2/25)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority is refusing to grant visas to employees of international NGOs operating in the West Bank and Gaza. (HA 2/25)

The New York Times says it is reviewing Israeli freelance journalist Anat Schwartz, who has contributed to the Times’ coverage of Hamas, for liking a tweet on X calling for turning Gaza “into a slaughterhouse.” (AJ 2/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burin, assaulting them at gun point and stealing tools, phones, and olive crops. Israeli settlers also raided Qarawat Bani Hassan, opening fire at Palestinians harvesting olives, forcing them to flee. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uprooted 55 trees using a bulldozer in al-Twana. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians in Khallet ad-Dabi, causing fractures and bruises on several of them. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Arab al-Milehat near Jericho. Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinians, including 2 children, during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Qalandia refugee camp; 5 of the Palestinians were killed in a drone strike on Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 28 Palestinians during raids in Jenin refugee camp and Qalandia refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land and uprooted 25 trees near Beit Umar. 52 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Salfit, Jenin, Tubas, Bayt Awa, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli settlers with a military escort also attacked Palestinians in al-Sawana, injuring 3, including 2 with baton rounds and 1 by assault. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Shaykh Jarrah, displacing 9. Israel also forced a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed 756 Palestinians, including the wife, son, daughter, and grandchild of Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh in an airstrike that was said to be targeting him. Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a bakery in Dayr al-Balah shortly after it received a shipment of flour. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage and injuries. In Lebanon, Israeli attacks killed 2 members of Hezbollah, increasing the number of Hezbollah members killed to 40 since 10/7. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked Aleppo International Airport, rendering it out of service, and killed at least 8 and wounded 7 others in a different attack in southwestern Syria. (AJ 10/24; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/25; AJ, AP, AP, AP, WAFA 10/26)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 6,547 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 17,439 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,500 were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 102 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 29 children. More than 1,833 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. The Committee to Protect Journalists said at least 24 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 20 Palestinians, 3 Israelis, and 1 Lebanese. The UN said the shortage of fuel was undermining its efforts to help Palestinians in Gaza. Israel told 40,000 Palestinians in Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis to evacuate to al-Mawasi. (AJ 10/24; HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA 10/25; AP 10/26)

The Palestinian Federation of Trade Unions said between 9,000 and 9,500 Palestinians from Gaza, employed in Israel, were in Israel on 10/7. 5,000 of them made it to the West Bank, with some 2,000 of them subsequently being arrested by Israel while 1,000 are unaccounted for. A Palestinian worker told Haaretz after he was released from an Israeli detention camp that Palestinians were held in the sun for 2 days without food, while they were blindfolded and their hands were tied. He also said he was beaten and threatened with death during an interrogation. (AJ 10/24; HA 10/25; HA, WAFA 10/26; AJ 10/28)

Oxfam said Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war, saying only 2% of the food that circumstances would have entered Gaza under normal circumstances has been delivered since 10/7 and that 104 trucks of food are needed daily to cover the needs of the population. (AJ 10/25)

Hamas deputy political leader Saleh al-Arouri and Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah met with Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. (AJ 10/24; AJ, HA, REU 10/25; HA 10/26)

U.S. president Joe Biden questioned the accuracy of the death toll reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health. Human Rights Watch said the data provided by the ministry is accurate, saying their own investigations are aligned with the ministry’s data. Biden also criticized Israeli settlers for “attacking Palestinians in places that they are entitled to be.” After a call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a readout of the conversation stated that they discussed a “pathway for a permanent peace.” Newly elected House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson’s first act as speaker was to bring a pro-Israel resolution to the floor, which passed 412-10, with 6 voting present. The U.S. said it will send 2 Iron Dome batteries and 300 interceptors to Israel. (AJ, REU 10/24; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT 10/25; AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU 10/26)

At the UN Security Council, the U.S. and UK vetoed a Russian resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. China, Gabon, Russia, and the UAE voted for the resolution while the 9 other members abstained. Russia and China vetoed a U.S. resolution calling for “humanitarian pauses.” The UAE also voted against it, while Albania, France, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, and the UK voted in favor. Brazil and Mozambique abstained. (AJ 10/24; AJ, REU 10/25; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, WAFA 10/26)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in a speech that he will not visit Israel as planned and that relations between the 2 states will not improve, calling Israel’s attacks on Gaza “inhumane.” Erdoğan also said Hamas is a liberation group that protects its lands and people.  (AJ 10/24; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 10/25; NYT 10/26)

French president Emmanuel Macron met with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who said the 2 discussed the “many, many civilian casualties” that could result from an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. Macron also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman. Macron said France will deploy a navy ship to bring aid to Gaza hospitals via Egypt. (AJ 10/24; HA, REU, REU 10/25; AP 10/26)

Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf called UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer’s refusal to call for a ceasefire “infuriating.” (AJ 10/24)

The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has asked Israel to hold off on its planned ground invasion of Gaza until the U.S. has bolstered its defenses in Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and the UAE. Haaretz reported that as of 10/22, 80 U.S. military planes have landed in Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus. (HA 10/24; HA, HA, NYT, REU 10/25)

Axios reported that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken has asked Qatar to “tone down” Al Jazeera’s rhetoric on the Israeli attacks on Gaza. (AJ 10/24)

Fans of the Scottish soccer club Celtic waived 100s of Palestinian flags during a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in Glasgow. (AJ 10/24; AJ 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in their home in the Masafer Yatta area, causing bruises. Israeli settlers also opened fire at Palestinians harvesting olives in Kafr Ni’ma; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinian homes in Hebron; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers, reportedly disguised as soldiers, also attacked Palestinians west of Jericho with stones and clubs, causing injuries and damage. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a funeral procession in Beit Umar, injured 1 other with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at al-Jalamah checkpoint, killing 2 and injuring 2 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, injuring 3 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring a minor with a baton round. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Far’un, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians near the separation wall west of Attil. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also demolished 2 agricultural structures in Mughayyir al-Abeed in the Masafer Yatta area. Additionally, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a hospital in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. A rocket, either launched from Gaza or an Iron Dome interceptor, hit Baqa ash-Sharqiya, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 6 others. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians in Silwan after they allegedly fired fireworks at Israeli forces. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Isawiya and Ras al-Amud. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians on suspicion of incitement and supporting Hamas. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired shells at a port west of Gaza City and Khan Yunis, damaging the port and fishing boats. Israeli airstrikes also killed hundreds of Palestinians and caused damage, especially to the Rimal, al-Karama, and al-Furqan neighbourhoods and Jabaliya. Gaza economy minister Juad Abu Smallah was reportedly assassinated by Israel. It was reported that white phosphorus bombs were dropped on al-Karama. UNRWA said its headquarters in Gaza was hit by Israeli bombs. Hundreds of rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza. Near Gaza, Israel said it had killed 4 militants at a beach north of Gaza and 2 in Kibbutz Re’im. Militants were also reported to have attacked Mefalsim, causing casualties. In Lebanon, militants fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli vehicle and Israeli forces attacked militants with a helicopter and artillery. Rockets were also fired toward Israel. In Syria, rockets were launched at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Israel fired artillery and mortar shells at Syria. (AP 10/7; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, REU 10/11)

Israel claimed to have regained full control of the area around Gaza, saying the bodies of approximately 1,500 Palestinian militants were found in the area. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 830 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes and 4,250 wounded since 10/7 as of 5.30 p.m. 22 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 4 children; 332 have been injured. Israeli media reported that as of 9 p.m. more than 1,000 Israelis and foreign nationals had been killed and 2,806 injured since 10/7. The UN said 263,934 Palestinians have been displaced, with 175,486 people sheltering at UN facilities. All but 1 mobile communications tower was destroyed in Israeli strikes. More than 610,000 people in Gaza were disconnected from the water supply due to Israeli actions. The Gaza Power Plant was reported to run out of fuel by noon on 10/11, with electricity currently limited to 3-4 hours per day. (AJ 10/9; AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, AP, AP, REU 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health called for the opening of a “safe corridor” to allow medical aid as hospitals are overwhelmed. 4 ambulances and 1 hospital in Beit Hanun were targeted by Israeli airstrikes, closing the hospital. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh said Israel was refusing to allow aid from the West Bank to enter Gaza. (AJ, AJ 10/10; WAFA 10/11)

Israeli military spokesperson Richard Hecht said Israel may not use the same “level of fidelity” in warning civilians before striking homes and apartment buildings. It had been reported that Israel no longer used smaller munitions to “knock” on the roofs of apartment buildings or call building managers before demolishing them with larger bombs. Hecht also called the parliament and ministries in Gaza legitimate targets. Hecht further said Palestinians in Gaza should flee to Egypt via the Rafah crossing, first saying that it is open and later tweeting that he did not know if it was open. Israel bombed the crossing on 10/9 after which it was closed. Israel also hit the crossing today. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the Israeli military would release “all constraints” on its attacks on Gaza and is “transitioning to a full-scale offensive.” The Israeli military said it had dropped hundreds of tons of bombs on Gaza and is emphasizing “damage, not precision.” (AJ 10/9; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/10)

The Israeli military began sending planes to Europe to collect reservists that have been called up. More than 300,000 Israeli military reservists were called in to participate in the Israeli assault on Gaza. (REU 10/9; AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel would hand out 10,000 rifles to volunteers in Israeli border communities and in Israeli settlements. (AJ, REU 10/10)

A plane carrying U.S. ammunition arrived in Israel. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier reached the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the U.S. for moving the carrier near Israel, warning of a massacre in Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10; AP 10/12)

Thousands of Jordanians protested in Amman against the Israeli attacks on Gaza, demanding the Israeli embassy be closed and that Jordan end its peace treaty with Israel. (REU 10/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre about the Israeli attack on Gaza. PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour wrote a letter to the UN Security Council calling Israeli actions, including intentional starvation of Gaza, “genocidal.” (REU, WAFA 10/10)

The Likud Party said the leaders of the parties in the Israeli government coalition have agreed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can form an emergency unity government. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman said on 10/8 that he will only join the unity government if the Israeli leadership commits to ending the policy of constraining Hamas and eliminates the organization. (HA, REU 10/10)

U.S. president Joe Biden gave a televised speech calling the Hamas operation on 10/7 “pure, unadulterated evil,” recounting unconfirmed Israeli narratives of militants committing rapes. Biden also compared Hamas to ISIS, attributed the operation to anti-Semitism, rather than resistance, and reiterated his stance in support of Israel, saying Israel has a “duty to respond,” despite the mass civilian casualties in Gaza. Biden further stated that the U.S. is sending ammunition and interceptors for the Iron dome to Israel. Lastly, Biden warned other countries and organizations against getting involved against Israel. Hamas called Biden’s speech deplorable and inflammatory, saying Hamas launched its operation to defend the Palestinian people and put an end to the occupation. Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about U.S. assistance. 392 members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-sponsored a resolution in support of Israel, calling the Hamas operation “barbaric.” It is unknown if the resolution will pass, as it is unclear if the acting speaker of the House Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has the authority to bring the resolution to the floor. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/10; FWD, HA, REU, REU 10/11)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan said the U.S. was in talks with Egypt and Israel to create a humanitarian corridor for residents of Gaza. (HA, REU 10/10)

The U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Israel on 10/12 for meetings with Israeli leaders. Blinken will also travel to Jordan. UK foreign secretary James Cleverly is also scheduled to arrive in Israel on 10/11. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10; REU 10/11)

U.S. homeland security advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said the U.S. is working on different options to ensure that all U.S. citizens can leave Israel by air, sea, and land. There are currently no direct flights from Israel to the U.S. Many other countries, including France, Germany, and Canada, said they are planning on offering their citizens flights out of Israel. (AJ, HA 10/10)

President Erdoğan spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin about measures to halt the Hamas-Israel conflict and deliver humanitarian aid. Erdoğan also said he is having talks with regional leaders to negotiate a halt to the war. Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke about protecting civilians in Gaza. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/10; AJ, AJ 10/11)

Houthi leader Abdel Malek al-Houthi said that if the U.S. intervened in the attack on Gaza it would respond with drones and missiles. (AJ, HA 10/10)

Berlin police banned pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned for 10/11, saying expressions of solidarity with Palestine pose a threat to public order. Australian police said a planned pro-Palestinian protest scheduled for 10/15 will be an unauthorized activity. (HA 10/10; REU 10/11)

UK home secretary Suella Braverman sent a letter to English and Welsh police, saying that waiving Palestinian flags may in some instances be illegal in cases where it is “intended to glorify acts of terrorism.” (AJ 10/10)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell said he had invited PA and Israeli foreign ministers Riyad al-Maliki and Eli Cohen to an EU foreign ministers meeting to discuss the situation in Palestine and Israel. Borell also said that Israel must adhere to international law, saying Israel violates the law by imposing a total blockade on Gaza. Borell further said that the “overwhelming majority” of EU states are against cutting aid to Palestinians, as suggested by some EU officials. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

The UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk said the total siege of Gaza imposed by Israel was illegal under international law as it deprives civilians of goods essential to their survival. Turk also said Israeli airstrikes had struck residential and UN buildings as well as UN schools. (AJ, REU 10/10)

The UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel said that there was clear evidence that war crimes had been committed in Israel and Gaza. (AJ, UN, WAFA 10/10)

The office of the ICC prosecutor said the court mandate to investigate “the situation in the State of Palestine” extends to the current attacks. (REU 10/10) 

Sweden and Denmark suspended aid to Palestinians. (AJ, HA, REU 10/10)

The UAE donated $20 million in aid to Palestinians via UNRWA. (AJ 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 1 bulldozer in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Jericho and uprooted trees on the same property. Israeli forces also razed 75 dunams (18.5 acres) of land, uprooting 1,000 olive trees in Hijja. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Fajjar, Abu Shukheidim, Tuqu‘, Tarqumiyah, and Abu Dis. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians farming their land east of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 7/28; UNOCHA 8/5)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian killed on 7/6 to his family in Jaba‘. (WAFA 7/27)

The Israeli supreme court reversed its own ruling from 2 years ago to allow Israeli settlers to stay at the Mitzpeh Kramim settlement outpost. The initial ruling had deemed that the expropriation of the land where the outpost sits was not made in “good faith.” An expanded panel of justices at the supreme court found that it was made in “good faith.” (HA 7/27; AP, MEE 7/28; HA 7/31)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (AJ, AP, HA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 170 olive trees in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya and set 1 vehicle on fire in Asira al-Qibliya, writing “Jewish blood is not cheap” on nearby walls. Israeli settlers also opened fire on Palestinian vehicles driving near the Migdal Oz settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the al-Hamra checkpoint, smashing the windshields on 5 vehicles. Israeli settlers also threw stones at 1 Palestinian vehicle near Jericho, injuring the driver. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers stopped a Palestinian taxi driver near the Dead Sea before beating him. Israeli settlers also vandalized 2 vehicles in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raided Ya‘bad, arresting 4 of the family members of 1 Palestinian man who killed 5 people in Israel on 3/29. Israeli forces also took measurements for a punitive demolition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-Khader, causing tear-gas related injuries. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Rima, Ein Misbah, Deir Abu Masha‘al, Bir al-Basha, Kafr Qaddum, Balata refugee camp, al-‘Ibayyat, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; HA, PCHR, WAFA 3/31; +972 4/4; UNOCHA 4/10)

The Israeli cities of Netanya, Ramle, Holon, and Givatayim suspended construction and gardening work at public schools in an apparent effort to limit work by Palestinian laborers. Ramat Gan’s mayor also told building contractors in the city to end work on sites that “rely on Arab labor.” In addition, the Israeli military banned the entry of Palestinian workers into Israeli settlements. The restrictions on Palestinian workers come as 3 different attacks were carried out in Israel over the past week, including 2 by Palestinian citizens of Israel and 1 by a Palestinian from the West Bank. (HA 3/30)

Israel’s security cabinet decided to revoke work permits for relatives of Palestinians who have attacked Israelis and pushed forward a plan to reinforce the separation barrier. Israeli police also asked the security cabinet to limit access to the Haram al-Sharif compound to Muslim worshippers 60 and older—a request the security cabinet did not immediately respond to. Prime minister Naftali Bennett also called on all licensed Israelis to start carrying a weapon. (HA 3/30; HA, HA 3/31)

Prime Minister Bennett spoke with U.S. president Joe Biden, who offered his condolences after 11 people have been killed in attacks in Israel in the past week. (HA 3/31)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. (HA, REU 3/29; ALM, HA, REU 3/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at 4 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Marda. Israeli settlers also attacked 1 Palestinian man near Burqa; the man was treated at a hospital for fractures to his hand. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up a settlement outpost in al-Muarrajat between Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers also vandalized 2 solar panels in Burin. Israeli forces closed the Shufa and al-Kafiyat checkpoints. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian farmers trying to work their lands near Qusra, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 6 residential and commercial structures in al-Khalediya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qabatiya, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, Beita, ‘Urif, Tammun, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler rammed 1 Palestinian minor with their car in Silwan. In Israel, 1 Palestinian man shot and killed 5 people in Bnei Brak, including 2 Ukrainian nationals, 1 police officer, and 2 Israeli civilians, before he was shot and killed. The Palestinian man was from the West Bank town of Ya‘bad and was in Israel without a permit working nearby. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. (AX, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/29; AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; HA, HA, PCHR 3/31; ALM, HA 4/1; HA 4/3; UNOCHA 4/10)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. King Abdullah called on Israel to respect Palestinian access to the holy places in Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan. (AJ, HA 3/29)

The PA and Agence Française de Développement signed agreements worth $32 million for the restoration of the Saint Hilarion Monastery in Gaza and construction of a water reservoir west of Ramallah and a seawater desalination plant in Gaza. (WAFA 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp; injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also demolished 1 fence in Jericho. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Beitin, Ein Yabrud, Bayt Rima, Qalqilya, Jaba‘, Dayr Abu Da‘if, Dheisheh refugee camp, and As-Samu; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians in Jabel Mukaber held a general strike in protest against planned Israeli demolitions in the neighborhood. (WAFA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/17; UNOCHA 3/25)

The Knesset passed a bill amending the citizenship law to ban Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza married to Israeli citizens from obtaining Israeli residency or citizenship. The bill passed 45–15, with the United Arab List and Meretz in the government coalition opposing it. Interior minister Ayelet Shaked who spearheaded the efforts to pass the bill called the passage a victory for Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state” rather than a “state for all its citizens.” (HA, JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/10; AJ, AP, EI, HILL, MDW, MEMO, WAFA 3/11; HA, HA, MEMO 3/12; ALM, MEMO, WAFA 3/14; MEMO, WAFA 3/17)

Prominent Palestinian lawyer and activist Salah Hamouri was placed in administrative detention after arrest on allegations of being a member of the PFLP. Hamouri, who lives in East Jerusalem, was 1 of the 6 Palestinians who in November 2021 discovered that his phone was infected with Pegasus spyware from the Israeli NSO Group. (MEMO 3/8; HA 3/13; WAFA 3/28)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. King Abdullah II called for Israel to preserve the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem and to establish a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as the capital along the 1967 borders. (ALM, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 3/10)

The U.S. Senate passed a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill, including $1 billion of “emergency” Iron Dome missile defense system funding to Israel. The House and Senate tried to pass the standalone bill for the Iron Dome funding to Israel, but the military aid was consistently blocked from being fast-tracked by senator Rand Paul (R-KY). Also in the omnibus spending bill was an additional $3.3 billion in military aid on top of the $1 billion for Iron Dome spending, and $500 million for missile-defense partnerships between the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, the bill included funding for the Israel Relations Normalization Act, $219 million in aid to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza via the Economic Support Fund, $40 million in security assistance to the PA, and $50 million for the Middle East Partnership Act. (AP, HA, MEMO 3/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during clashes in Jericho. Israeli forces also sealed the entrance to Asira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land in Jalud to expand a nearby settlement, and demolished residential tents and agricultural structures in Kisan. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 who were shot by live ammunition and injured by Israeli forces near the entrance to Kafr Malik; 2 during raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp and Bayt Umar; and 1 at the Allenby border crossing. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24; PCHR 10/1)

Fatah and Hamas leaders said they have agreed to the 1st Palestinian elections since 2006. Fatah official Jibril Rajoub said that “[w]e have agreed to first hold legislative elections, then presidential elections of the Palestinian Authority, and finally the central council of the Palestine Liberation Organization.” A member of the Fatah Central Committee also said that “[w]ithout Jerusalem, there will be no elections.” It is unclear how national elections will include East Jerusalem as Israel refuses to let Palestinian East Jerusalemites participate in Palestinian elections. The 2 factions also agreed to a common vision of action to end the dispute between the 2; the vision would be presented on 10/1. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24)

Foreign ministers of Jordan, Germany, Egypt, and France held a joint press conference in Amman, calling for resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. The 4 foreign ministers also praised the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization deals with Israel. (AJ 9/24)

At the UN General Assembly, the king of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa said, via video link, that Bahrain’s normalization of ties with Israel will help facilitate a 2-state solution and that Bahrain still adheres to the parameters stipulated in the Arab Peace Initiative. (AJ 9/24)

Late at night, the IAF conducts 3 waves of air strikes targeting 25 Hamas sites across Gaza; the strikes cause massive damage and injure 3 Palestinians (2 near Rafah and 1 near Khan Yunis). The strikes reportedly come in response to the spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza in recent weeks. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze several dunams of Palestinian land near Hebron, with the intent to expand neighboring settlements. They also level approximately 40 dunams (approximately 10 acres) of Palestinian land near Jericho. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (WAFA 6/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 6/20; PCHR 6/21)

An ailing Palestinian dies at the Erez border crossing. The Israeli authorities summoned him for an interview that could have led to him being granted a permit to travel to Israel for medical attention. The deceased submitted two previous applications for an interview, but both were rejected, with the Israeli authorities citing security concerns. (PCHR 6/21)

Egyptian security sources say that Egyptian president al-Sisi has decided to keep the Rafah border crossing open for another two months, until after the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha in late 8/2018, for “humanitarian reasons.” The crossing has already been open for 1 month, far longer than any opening since 2014. (TOI 6/19; YA 6/20)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley announces that the U.S. has formally withdrawn from the UNHRC, reiterating the Trump administration’s complaints about the council’s chronic anti-Israel bias. She says the move is “not a retreat” and that the Trump administration would still like to help reform the UNHRC. Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomes the move, condemning the “biased” and “hostile” UNHRC. (HA, JP, TOI 6/19)

After Netanyahu decides again to postpone the planned evacuation and demolition of 7 buildings in the Palestinian village of Susiya near Hebron, Israeli settlers accuse him of succumbing to U.S. pressure. “The Israeli government’s folly is indescribable,” one settler leader says, pointing to the upcoming visit from U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law Kushner and U.S. special representative Greenblatt. (JP, TOI, YA 6/19)

In Amman, Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets with Kushner and Greenblatt, who are on a tour of the region to promote their Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. (HA, TOI 6/20)

After yet another day of heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli security cabinet decides to remove the metal detectors installed at the entrances to the sanctuary after the deadly attack, on 7/14 in the evening. A senior Israeli official says that some cameras installed on 7/23 will be removed as well. In a statement, the cabinet says it has “accepted the recommendation of all of the security bodies to incorporate security measures based on advanced technologies and other measures instead of metal detectors to ensure the security of visitors and worshippers in the Old City and [at Haram al-Sharif].” According to the Israeli press, the new measures include heat-sensing “smart cameras” with facial recognition technology, and that their installation will be part of a NIS 100 m. (approx. $28 m.) plan that could take as long as 6 mos. to implement. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/24; TOI 7/25)

Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Hizma n. of Jerusalem; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured (he will succumb to his injuries on 7/27). In the West Bank, Birzeit University students march toward a checkpoint outside the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah to protest the 7/21 killings. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 4. IDF troops also patrol in Nablus, Sa‘ir nr. Hebron, and al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah; and conducts further patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to sneak into Israel armed with a knife. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya twice, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/24; MNA 7/25; PCHR 7/27)

Following a day of Israeli-Jordanian tensions and negotiations over the deadly attack in Amman on 7/23, the Jordanian authorities allow the staff of the Israeli Embassy in Jordan, including the security guard who killed the 2 Jordanians, to return to Israel. The Israeli authorities first allow Jordanian police to hear the guard’s description of the incident. With rumors to the contrary circulating on social media, the Israeli press reports that Jordan did not condition the release of the guard on the removal of the metal detectors at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/24; MNA 7/25)

U.S. rep. Greenblatt arrives in Israel to “support efforts to reduce tensions in the region,” according to a senior Trump admin. official. “Pres. Trump and his administration are closely following unfolding events in the region,” the official adds. “We are engaged in discussions with the relevant parties and are committed to finding a res. to the ongoing security issues.” Meanwhile, the UNSC holds a closed-door meeting on the Haram al-Sharif crisis. No details of the discussion are reported. (HA, TOI 7/24)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in c. Nablus. Less than an hour later, they shoot and injure a Palestinian photojournalist attempting to cover the story. The IDF also conducts raids in a village nr. Jenin, confiscating property and arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians on raids in the Old City and Ras al-Amud. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/23; PCHR 7/30)

Israeli chief negotiator, Dep. PM Shalom meets with PLO secy.-gen. Erakat for “trustbuilding” talks in Amman. They present initial proposals for restarting peace negotiations. The meeting will be 1st reported on 7/26. (MNA, TOI 7/26; HA, MNA 7/28)

Israel’s Civil Admin. grants permits for the construction of 1,065 new residences in various settlements around the West Bank, including infrastructure developments that will connect 296 residences to utilities in the Beit El settlement. (HA, TOI, YA 7/22; PCN 7/23; MNA 7/24)

UNRWA issues an urgent appeal for contributions, reaffirming that it is running at a budget deficit of around $100 m. and that if it does not receive sufficient pledges, UNRWA schools will be forced to close throughout the Middle East. (AFP, UNRWA 7/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Ramallah; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child with a sponge-tipped bullet during clashes in Issawiyya, leaving the boy blind in 1 eye. (MNA 11/13; PCHR 11/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Israeli PM Netanyahu in Amman to discuss the recent tensions in Jerusalem. They agree to a series of practical measures designed to restore calm, and they do not announce them to the press. The Jordanian govt. will consider returning its amb. to Tel Aviv based on Israel’s implementation of its share of the measures. Kerry meets PA Pres. Abbas earlier in the day, but the Palestinian leader did not attend the 3-way meeting. (BBC, HA, MNA, REU, ToI 11/13)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. Meanwhile, 2 mbrs. of Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, Saraya al-Quds Brigades, die in an accidental explosion nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian children gathered on agricultural lands nr. the UNRWA school for boys in al-Jalazun and close to Beit El settlement, wounding 1 seriously. Separately, at al-Fawar junction nr. Hebron, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters who are demonstrating in solidarity with prisoners, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho at night. (MNA, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/29)

Pope Francis arrives in Amman at the beginning of a 3-day trip to the region that will also take him to Israel and the oPt. (REU 5/24)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry calls Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to express disapproval over plans for new construction in Ramat and Gilo settlements. Meanwhile, Jordanian FM Nassar Judeh, in a joint press conference in Ramallah with PA FM Riyad Malki, announces that Kerry will shortly be in Amman for a 4th visit to Jordan to discuss peace efforts. (AFP, HA 6/2; JP 6/3)

Rami Hamdallah, president of an-Najah University, announces that Pres. Abbas has asked him to replace Salam Fayyad as prime minister and form a new govt., adding that most ministers will remain in post. Fayyad resigned on 4/13 and has been serving as a caretaker. U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry welcomes the appointment, but the decision is denounced by Hamas, whose spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum says that Abbas should have implemented the reconciliation deal achieved in Cairo in 5/2013, rather than name his own appointee. Meanwhile, senior Fatah leaders Nabil Shaath and Othman Abu Gharbieh arrive in Gaza to take part in talks with representatives of all factions about national reconciliation. (AFP, MNA, REU 6/2; JP 6/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian workers, injuring one farmer with live ammunition as he picks watermelons. Following the incident, an IDF spokesperson says that soldiers shot at Palestinians attempting to damage the border fence. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of the Gaza Strip, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Jenin, Tulkarm, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya at night. (MNA 6/2; PCHR 6/5)

Israeli Air Force planes conduct low-altitude fly-overs in the Bekaa Valley and other parts of e. Lebanon. (DS 6/3)

Israeli media report on an internal Foreign Ministry document that predicts that the EU will increase efforts in 2013 to pressure Israel and the Palestinians to reach an agreement. The report suggests that the EU may try to promote the establishment of an actual Palestinian state independent of negotiations with Israel. Other Israeli media report that the PA is seeking to join a number of international organizations in the light of their successful UN statehood bid, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Israel’s Foreign Ministry is apparently seeking to stymie these efforts through its ambassadors in countries where the organizations’ headquarters are located. Meanwhile, Palestinian officials in Ramallah claim that Israel is refusing to renew the VIP cards of several senior PA officials, complicating their ability to move freely around the West Bank and Israel. (HA, JP, ToI 12/26)

Israeli and Palestinian officials confirm that Israel will allow materials for private construction into the Gaza Strip for the 1st time since mid-2007. The deal will allow up to 20 trucks of gravel to enter the territory daily through Kerem Shalom crossing in the south. (MNA 12/25; AFP 12/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF raids the Palestinian village of Yatta in the south, sparking a clash with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured when he is hit in the head by a tear-gas canister. The IDF patrols in Tulkarm, nearby Nur Shams r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PNN, WAFA 12/26; MNA, PCHR 12/27)

Fatah’s Revolutionary Council meets in Ramallah to discuss internal and national issues, including the next steps to take following the UN bid and subsequent Israeli settlement expansion. (MNA 12/26)

Anonymous Israeli officials confirm a story in al-Quds al-Arabi that PM Netanyahu secretly met Jordan’s King Abdallah in Amman recently (no dates reported) to discuss the risk of Syria’s chemical weapons falling into the hands of armed Islamist groups. (REU 12/26)

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense against Gaza enters its 3d day, leaving another 11 Palestinians dead and bringing the Palestinian death toll since 11/14 to 30, around 1/3 civilians. Intense levels of Israeli air strikes continue, with 40 attacks before dawn and at least 200 overall during the day; reports estimate some 500 targets struck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the operation began. The IDF bombs Gaza’s Ministry of Interior building and the offices of Hamas’s acting PM Ismail Haniyeh. Palestinian armed groups fire a total of 190 rockets into Israel, including a rocket that lands in an open area nr. Gush Etzion settlement bloc s. of Jerusalem, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli cabinet approves Israeli DM Ehud Barak’s requests to mobilize 75,000 reservists. Israel’s FM Avigdor Lieberman states that the 2 goals of the operation are to restore deterrence and destroy long-range missiles. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to protest the attack on Gaza, including a rally of hundreds of Hamas activists in Ramallah. IDF forces injure dozens of Palestinians in the solidarity protests, seriously wounding 1 man in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya with a tear-gas canister to the head. (AP, HA, Guardian, JP, MNA 11/16)

Internationally, there is a mixture of support for Israel’s actions and caution regarding escalation. The U.S. Senate unanimously passes a resolution expressing support for Israel’s ‘‘right to act in self-defense.’’ UK foreign secretary William Hague warns Israel against staging a ground incursion into Gaza. Egyptian PM Hesham Kandil visits the Gaza Strip, during which time Israel temporarily stops its attacks. Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi condemns Israel’s operation and pledges Egyptian support for the Palestinians. Meanwhile, UN high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay condemns Israel’s aerial bombardment of Gaza as well as Palestinian rocket fire. (HA, Guardian, JP, MNA, REU 11/16)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and land confiscations held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 Palestinians are wounded by a tear-gas canister and rubber-coated steel bullet respectively, and in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 Palestinian is wounded by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 11/22)

Egyptian security forces say that unidentified militants fire 3 rockets into Israel from the Sinai Peninsula nr. Rafah. No damage or injuries are reported. (MNA 11/16)

In Amman, Jordanian protests over rising fuel prices continue for a 4th day. Protesters clash with security forces, and a rally of several thousand passes off largely peacefully; chants include demands for the departure of King Abdallah II. (WP 11/16)

A senior Palestinian official speaking anonymously says that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators plan to meet soon, for the 1st time since 1/25/12 in Amman. Meanwhile, Netanyahu holds a rare news conference, saying that he still hopes to reach a peace deal with the Palestinians based on a 2-state solution. He states: “I don’t want a binational state. . . . For as long as it depends on me, we will ensure the Jewish and democratic character of Israel.” (WT 4/4) Netanyahu calls on the Israeli military to delay the eviction of the Jewish settler families who moved into a Hebron house several days ago without securing the proper permits, saying they should be allowed to remain in the house until their case is heard in court; the settlers ignore the IDF’s 4/2/12 eviction orders. (NYT 4/4)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) rejects a PA request to sign the ICC’s founding treaty (the Rome Statute), reaffirming that only internationally recognized states can join the court. The ruling means the automatic rejection of a PA request for the ICC to form a permanent war crimes tribunal to investigate Israeli actions during its 2008–9 Operation Cast Lead offensive against Gaza. The only alternative is for the UNSC to ask for a tribunal. (NYT, WP 4/4)

Late in the evening, IDF troops on the c. Gaza border e. of Gaza City fatally shoot a knife-wielding Palestinian teenager who approaches the border fence; his family says the boy had made comments about wanting to avenge the death of his sister, who was killed during Israel’s Operation Cast Lead assault on Gaza in 2008–9. In the West Bank, OCHA reports that the IDF has removed 5 barriers, gates, and unmanned checkpoints nr. Nablus and Tulkarm that have been in place since 2000–2, greatly improving movement between Nablus and Bayt Dajan and Zawata, and among Tulkarm, Izbat Shufa, and Shufa. The IDF patrols in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm and 1 each nr. Jericho and Jenin in the morning; conducts rare daytime arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin; conducts afternoon patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 2 nr. Ramallah (synchronized); conducts late-night patrols in `Ayn al-Sultan r.c., Jericho (twice), Tulkarm, and 1 village each nr. Jenin (firing stun grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries), Jericho and Salfit; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Umar. (OCHA, PCHR 4/5)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into demolished Dahaniyya airport site in s. Gaza, arresting 2 Palestinians (including 1 Fatah mbr.). The IDF conducts morning patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jericho; conducts afternoon patrols in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, plus 1 village nr. Ramallah; conducts late-night patrols in al-Bireh, Jericho, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Ramallah; conducts late-night house searches nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police seal for 30 days a Palestinian charity and a kindergarten with alleged ties to Hamas. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

Hamas leader Mishal arrives in Amman with Qatar’s crown prince Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and senior Hamas delegation (including his deputy, Musa Abu Marzuq, and 4 other senior officials) to meet with King Abdallah. Mishal says Hamas is eager to establish “unique relations” with Jordan, would “respect the limits and ceilings of any relationship determined by the two sides,” and would seek to maintain the security and stability of Jordan, but he does not say whether Hamas has asked to reopen a Hamas office in Jordan. Most analysts believe (e.g., NYT 1/30) that Hamas will not centralize in 1 new location but will diversify. Cambridge expert Khaled Hroub says, “with newly emerging governments in the post-Arab Spring era, many of them Islamist, Hamas wants to be hosted and embraced and have offices in these countries.” He also argues that this marks a “paradigm shift” in Hamas led by Mishal to embrace the Arab Spring’s promotion of nonviolence, which would make it easier for new governments to embrace and support Hamas. (NYT, WP 1/30)

The EU’s Ashton meets again (see 1/25/11) with Abbas in Amman to urge him to continue the talks. Afterward, Jordanian FM Judeh states that no further Israeli-Palestinian talks are scheduled, as the sides need to “assess where we are and how to move to the next stage.” Meanwhile, PLO EC mbr. Hanan Ashrawi says: “There has been no progress whatsoever. . . . There are no talks anymore. We don’t want to be complicit in this game of deception.” (HA 1/26, REU, WP 1/27, Asia Times 1/31)

IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers who stray too nr. the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, forcing them to flee. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 5 villages nr. Ramallah and 2 nr. Jericho in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Salfit in the afternoon; patrols in Kafr Qaddum late at night; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron; escorts Jewish settlers enter Kafr Haris village nr. Salfit late at night to pray at a local shrine. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

The State Dept. says Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams will hold a 2d round of talks in Amman on 1/9. Israeli DM Ehud Barak says that “it is clear that [the position paper handed to Israel by the PA on 1/3] is unacceptable in its present state. . . . Long negotiations await us.” (NYT 1/6, 1/10)

OCHA reports that Jewish settlers vandalized more than 10,000 Palestinian olive trees in 2011. The IDF demolished 622 structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem during 2011 (compared to 431 in 2010), displacing 1,094 Palestinians (compared to 594 in 2010). (OCHA 1/5)

Israel temporarily bans 12 Jewish extremists fr. the West Bank for periods of 3–9 mos. as part of Netanyahu’s crackdown against price-tag attacks. The IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit in the evening; and in al-Bireh, Jericho, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Ramallah late at night. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes nr. Jericho; demolishes 2 Palestinian stonecutters’ workshop (confiscating stones worth more than $25,500) and a scrap metal shop in Azariyya; enters Hebron during the day to arrest 1 Palestinian. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed, 1 is injured in a tunnel collapse on the Rafah border. Gaza’s Central Drug Store receives a 2d shipment (see 12/18/11) of medicines and medical supplies fr. the West Bank that should cover needs for 5 wks. (WP 1/6; PCHR 1/12; OCHA 1/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that since the 11/24 Abbas-Mishal meeting seemed more symbolic than substantive and the PLO/PA has not made moves since the 11/1/11 UNESCO vote to gain membership in other UN organizations, he is considering releasing VAT taxes. (NYT 11/29) (see 11/23/11)

King Abdallah of Jordan hosts Israeli pres. Shimon Peres in Amman to discuss reviving Israeli-Palestinian talks. (NYT 11/29; JPI 12/9)

Israeli naval vessels fire warning shots at Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, detaining and confiscating the boat, arresting 1 fisherman, and returning another fisherman to Gaza through the Erez crossing. Late at night, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border responding to 2 loud explosions inside Gaza in an open area n. of Bayt Lahiya fire into Gaza for 20 mins., causing no reported damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah and 1 nr. Salfit during the day; conducts late-night patrols in Jericho. An Israeli military court convicts a 2d Palestinian teenager fr. Awarta in the murder of 5 Jewish settlers in Itamar on 3/11/11; another Palestinian teen was convicted on 9/13/11. (PCHR 12/1; OCHA 12/2; JPI 12/9)

In the 1st Lebanese-Israeli crossborder attack since 10/2009, unidentified assailants fire 3 rockets fr. s. Lebanon into n. Israel, damaging 2 buildings in the western Galilee, but causing no injuries. Israel responds with artillery fire, causing no reported damage or injuries. UNIFIL calls for “maximum restraint.” (DS, NYT 11/29; NYT, WP, WT 11/30)

U.S. Dep. Secy. of State Burns meets with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss ways of reviving peace talks with the Palestinians. U.S. officials say that they are trying to find ways around Palestinian demands for a settlement freeze in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, but give no details. (NYT 11/22; JPI 12/2)

The IDF makes a late-night incursion into s. Gaza, patrolling in and firing on residential areas of Rafah, causing no injuries and making no arrests. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them back to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF raids and searches the home of a PA police officer nr. Jenin, arresting him; patrols in 7 villages nr. Ramallah, in 1 instance firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them. (PCHR 11/24; OCHA 11/25)

PA Tourism and Antiquities M Hamdan Taha says that now that Palestine has full membership in UNESCO (see QU in JPS 162), it is planning to seek world heritage status for the old cities of Hebron and Jericho. An application for Bethlehem is already in the works and is expected to have a better chance now that Palestine has membership. The PA also plans to seek recovery of artifacts looted by Israel, increase funds for preservation and excavations, and use its status to force Israel to stop calling West Bank sites “Israeli antiquities.” (WP 11/22)

King Abdallah of Jordan makes an official visit to Ramallah (his 1st in 10 yrs.) to hold talks with PA pres. Abbas on their independent efforts to reconcile with Hamas and personally to inform Abbas that Jordan has invited Damascus-based Hamas leader Khalid Mishal (barred fr. visiting Jordan since 1999) for an official visit to Amman. The king stresses that any improvement in ties with Hamas is not intended as a move against the PA or as a gesture to Jordan’s Islamist opposition. The U.S. reportedly has expressed displeasure to Jordan over the Mishal visit and hinted that U.S. aid could be cut if Jordan reconciles with Hamas. (NYT, WP 11/22; JPI 12/2)

Unidentified gunmen reportedly fire across the Jordanian border into Israel, n. of Beit Shean, wounding 2 Israeli border patrolmen. The assailants then fire on, throw grenades at IDF soldiers who respond to the scene, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 2. IDF helicopters strafe the border area and no-man's-land, killing 2 gunmen, entering Jordanian territory only after obtaining the permission of the Jordanian security liaison. No group claims responsibility. Amman denies the gunmen are Jordanian, saying there is no proof they infiltrated fr. the kingdom. (BBC, CNN, REU 12/25; NYT, WP, WT 12/26; AYM 12/27 in WNC 12/28; QA 12/27, JT 12/28 in WNC 12/31; WJW 1/3)

Meanwhile, some 20 IDF tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs) temporarily enter Tamun in area A to arrest 7 Hamas mbrs. The IDF also fires on Palestinian fishing boats off Gaza, on residential areas of Rafah; but lifts the encirclement of Jericho, reporting a drop in violence there. (BBC, CNN, REU 12/25; NYT, PCHR, WT 12/26; AP, WT 12/27)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Overnight, Palestinian assailants throw hand grenades at an IDF post nr. Gaza's Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. In retaliation, the IDF sends tanks and bulldozers into the camp at dawn, firing 15 shells, demolishing 5 Palestinian homes and a PSF post; the 700 yd. incursion, the deepest into PA-controlled territory since IDF field cmdrs. were given (5/6) free rein to carry them out, leaves 27 Palestinians homeless. Later, the IDF fires machine guns toward journalists, Palestinians digging through the rubble in search of their possessions. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Bethlehem, Jabaliya, Jericho, Khan Yunis; opens a new settler bypass road linking the Jewish settlements of Mevo Dotan, Homesh, Shaked. A pipe bomb explodes in the Old City of Jerusalem, wounding 2 people. For the 2d day, Jewish settlers in Hebron attack, seriously injure 3 Palestinians (ages 6, 14, 16). (HP, PMC, WP 5/12; PCHR 5/17)

In Amman, Jordanian security forces violently disperse 100s of Jordanians taking part in 2 Palestinian solidarity rallies sponsored by the Muslim Brotherhood to mark the 53d anniversary of the Nakba. (HP 5/12; al-Ra'i 5/12, JT 5/13 in WNC 5/14; QA 5/14 in WNC 5/15; MM 5/15; JT 5/16 in WNC 5/17; MEI 5/18)

With PM Netanyahu's knowledge, Israeli Infrastructure M Ariel Sharon secretly holds mtg. with Arafat dep. Abbas to discuss each side's position on final status negotiations. FM Levy, DM Mordechai are not told of the mtg. (NYT, WT 6/29; MM 6/30; YA 6/30 in WNC 7/2; MM 7/1, 7/2; CSM 7/3; PR 7/4; JP 7/5; SA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MEI 7/11)

In Hebron, IDF shoots, wounds 8 Palestinian demonstrators. (MM 6/16)

Palestinian Hakam Subhi Qamhawi dies in the PA General Intelligence interrogation center in Jericho. General Intelligence says he died of a heart attack. (LAW 6/17)

In Amman, the prosecution rests in the Daqamsa case. (JT 6/17 in WNC 6/19; JT 7/6 in WNC 7/8) (see 5/27)

In s. Lebanon, a Lebanese civilian is wounded when a bomb explodes nr. his truck. In a separate incident, 1 IDF soldier is killed, 3 are wounded when their tank hits a Hizballah land mine. (MM 6/16; VOL 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

In Elat, PA suspends negotiations for several hours in protest over Jericho closure, Israeli delay in letting PSF head Col. Jibril Rajub leave Jericho to attend negotiations. Israeli FMin. criticizes closure, urges IDF to lift it. IDF agrees to ease it. (MM 9/28; IDF Radio, ITV, QY, VOP 8/28 in FBIS 8/28)

In Jericho, 100s of Palestinians riot in protest of closure, temporarily take over IDF command post, wounding 3 border policemen. PA police quell riot, make no arrests. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/28; MM 8/29; WJW 9/7)

Israel, Jordan sign cooperation agmt. on health. (RJ, QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Amman for talks with PM Kabariti regarding Jordanian-Palestinian relations, peace process, upcoming Arab League mgt. (RJ 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; RJ 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Brazilian FM Luiz Felipe Lampreia, group of leading Brazilian businessmen discuss trade issues with PM Rabin, FM Peres in Israel. (JP 8/29 in FBIS 8/31)

Knesset holds special plenum to discuss security situation in wake of 8/21 bombing, large-scale protests by right-wing settlers. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

In reaction to Pres. Mubarak's demand 8/25, Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir expresses regret for IDF soldiers alleged killing of Egyptian POWs during 1956, 1967 wars but says Israeli law does not permit a person to be prosecuted for a crime committed more than 20 yrs before. (ITV 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; MM, WT 8/29; MA 8/29 in FBIS 8/31; CSM 8/30; JP 9/2)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Arafat in Jericho, discusses implementing next stage of DOP, encourages donor countries to fulfill pledges, praises PA efforts to curb violence; meets quickly with King Hussein in Amman to brief him on visit, assure him U.S. will forgive debt; returns home. (JTV, RJ, VOP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/12; al-Quds 6/12 in FBIS 6/15)

PM Rabin tells cabinet that even when IDF redeploys fr. areas of the West Bank, Israel will retain the right to enter main Palestinian population centers to maintain security. Civil Administration officials present Rabin with plans to transfer authority over agriculture, energy, insurance, local administration, trade and industry, labor, postal services. (QY 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/12)

In Cairo, Israel, PA close 2-day round of talks on expanding self-rule, reach draft agmt. on transferring responsibilities for labor to PA. (MENA 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/9)

IDF dismantles a military base in `Illar nr. Tulkarm. (CSM 6/9)

Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development meets in Amman. (JTV 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Quadripartite (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) technical comm. on refugees convenes for 1st time in Beersheba. (IGPO 6/6; VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/7) (see 3/7)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross, Pres. Asad discuss agenda for Syrian-Israeli talks to be held in Washington 6/27. After mtg. Ross heads to Cairo to meet with FM Musa, stops on way to brief PM Rabin on talks with Syrians. (MM 6/7; RE, SATN 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; MM, WT 6/8)

German Chancellor Kohl meets with Arafat in Jericho, pledges additional $7 m. to the PA, says Germany will consider investing in industrial parks. (VOP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; CSM 6/8; VOP 6/10 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/13; BT 6/22)

In Geneva, PA Labor M Samir Ghawshah represents PA at International Labor Org. (ILO) mtg., blocks U.S., Israeli motion to delete topic of Palestinian workers' conditions fr. the agenda. (PWR 6/95)

Israeli parliament approves $70 m. for army to begin "Rainbow II"--a plan calling for months of construction of new bypass roads for settlers in and a slowly phased withdrawal fr. West Bank. (WP 6/8)

Natan Sharansky announces formation of new Movement for Israel and Immigration to aid immigrants economically, socially politically; says he may turn it into a party aimed at coalescing Russian immigrants into voting bloc for Israel's 1996 elections. (JP 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; JP 6/17; NYT 6/20; JP 6/24; CSM 6/27)

Israeli State Atty. rules that Shin Bet interrogator who caused death of Palestinian detainee 4/25 "could not and should not have expected a fatal result of his actions," will not be criminally prosecuted. (NYT 6/8) (see 4/28)

Senate passes Pres. Clinton's antiterrorism bill 91-8. Bill expands government use of wiretaps, gives FBI greater access to phone and credit card reports, expands authority to deport or refuse entry to immigrants, bans fundraising for foreign organizations designated as terrorist by State Dept., allows U.S. citizens to sue terrorist groups for personal injuries sustained in attacks. (NYT, WP, WT 6/8; WJW 7/27) (see 6/20)

Jordan's 1st amb. to Israel, Marwan Muasher, arrives in Tel Aviv to assume his duties. Israel's 1st amb.to Jordan, Shimon Shamir, arrives in Amman to take his post. (MM, WT 4/6; RJ, JT 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/15; WJW 4/20)

U.S. envoy Ross arrives in Israel for brief shuttle btwn. Israel, Syria; meets with PM Rabin, military Chief of Staff Shahak, senior IDF officials to discuss security arrangements within framework of agmt. with Syria. Israelis present demand for 1:9 geographical ratio for demilitarized zones. Ross will transmit Israeli suggestions, concerns to Syria 4/7. (MM 4/6; IDF Radio 4/7 in FBIS 4/7; MA 4/7 in FBIS 4/10)

Israeli, Egyptian FMs meet in Paris to try to solve NPT conflict . Egypt says it is willing to sign a ban on chemical weapons in exchange but no final compromise is reached. Sides agree to continue discussions within Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control, upgrade working group talks to FM level. (WP 4/5; CSM 4/6; MBC, MENA 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; HA 4/19 in FBIS 4/20)

Israeli Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer says he will present plan to ministerial comm. for additional 5,600 homes beyond Green Line, incl. 1,300 units in Matityahu settlement, 3,000 units in Ma'ale Adumim, finishing work on 800 units in Giva'at Ze'ev. (MM 4/7; QY 4/6, JP 4/7 in FBIS 4/7)

Arafat decides to replace editorial board of Jericho-based al-Aqsa newspaper with journalists who are Fatah mbrs. Decision is criticized as interference with freedom of press. (ITV 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Congressional hearings open on Clinton's Omnibus Counterterrorism Bill to speed deportation of illegal immigrants suspected of terrorism, prohibit fundraising for organizations the pres. deems dangerous, grant FBI broader authority to investigate, order wiretaps. Arab-American, Muslim groups protest bill, fearing it will be used to discriminate against them, curb legitimate fundraising. (WP 4/7)

Bomb explodes on Gaza border as IDF foot patrol passes, wounding 1 soldier. No one claims responsibility. (JP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; NYT 4/7)