The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers with a military escort toured Jabel ‘Aybal in Area B in an effort to assert their claim to the hill near Nablus. Israeli settlers also vandalized an agricultural structure in Ein al-Beida. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers with a military escort attacked Qusra, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, assaulting 1 and firing tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented students and teachers from reaching 27 schools in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also closed the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers, citing the Jewish celebration of Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli forces erected dirt mounts on 3 roads leading to Sabastia and its Roman ruins, preventing Palestinian travel. Israeli forces also seized 1 tractor in Deir Istiya and 1 car in Khirbet Humsa. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin, Ya’bad, Jalazone refugee camp, and Turmus ‘Ayya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers were filmed spitting on Christians in the Old City. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man in Silwan, causing bruises. Israeli forces assaulted 2 Palestinian women at the Chain Gate in the Old City near the Haram al-Sharif compound. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya and Silwan, including the son of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/2; HA, HA, HA 10/3; PCHR 10/5)

Jordan condemned the Israeli settler incursions into the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA 10/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 3 olive trees in Tel Rumeida in Hebron. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, al-Asakra, Bil’in, Turmus ‘Ayya, Jalazun refugee camp, Ya’bad, Burqin, and Bardala; Israeli forces injured 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas during the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israel forced 1 Palestinian man to demolish his commercial structure in Silwan. Israeli authorities also issued 3 demolition orders for homes in Silwan. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/14; UNOCHA 9/26)

Fighting broke out in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon after Palestinian Islamist groups launched attacks, injuring 6. A committee of Palestinian factions in the camp had announced on 9/5 that security forces would begin raids to find the accused killers of Fatah general Mohammad al-Armoushi who was killed on 7/30. The security forces also said that on 9/8 they would begin clearing militants who have been occupying UNRWA-run schools in the camp. (AP 9/8)

The Israeli Ministry of Education sent letters to schools in East Jerusalem threatening to revoke their licenses if they teach the Palestinian curriculum printed by the PA. (PCHR 9/14)

The Israeli Civil Administration advanced plans for creating 22 solar power plants in West Bank settlements. Haaretz reported that the plans were approved 2 weeks ago. A source in the Civil Administration told the newspaper that Palestinians will not be able to decide not to purchase electricity generated in the settlements. (HA 9/7)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, and the EU condemned remarks by PA president Mahmoud Abbas, who said in a speech at the Fatah Revolutionary Council that Adolf Hitler killed European Jews over ‘social functions’ such as usury, rather than out of anti-Semitism. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo also stripped Abbas of the Grand Vermeil de Paris medal which he received from her in 2015. Abbas’ remarks were published by the pro-Israel group Middle East Media Research Institute which is known for distorting statements by critics of Israel. Spokesperson for Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said Abbas was quoting American and Jewish historians and that he “full[ly] condemn[ed]” the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. On 9/10, an open-letter by leading Palestinian intellectuals condemned Abbas’ statements (ALM, AP, HA, HA, NYT, QDS, REU, REU, WAFA 9/7; REU 9/8; ABC, AP, HA 9/9; Letter 9/10; HA, HA 9/11; AP, HA 9/13)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that “[m]any of the elements of a pathway to normalization [between Israel and Saudi Arabia] are now on the table. We do not have a framework, we do not have the terms ready to be signed. There is still work to do,” further stating that there is a “broad understanding of many of the key elements.” (HA, REU 9/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized more than 20 Palestinian-owned vehicles in al-Bireh with racist graffiti and by slashing tires. Israeli settlers with military escort brought their cattle to graze on Palestinian lands, leading to a confrontation between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Burqa and the Za‘atara checkpoint, causing damage. Israeli forces razed an olive grove in Wadi Fukin, uprooting 30 olive trees. Israeli forces also raided Qalandia refugee camp, injuring 7 with rubber-coated bullets and dozens of others with tear gas; 1 was arrested. 9 other Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Shukheidim, Jalazun refugee camp, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Nablus, and Awarta. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Silwan. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel stabbed 6 Israeli Jewish people and rammed them with his car in Beersheba, killing 4 and wounding 2 others before he was shot dead by an Israeli bus driver. The Palestinian man, who was a resident of Hura, was said to be a supporter of ISIS and was reportedly arrested in 2015 and 2016 for attempting to join ISIS in Syria. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; HA, HA 3/23; ALM, HA, HA, HA, PCHR 3/24; ALM, HA 3/25; UNOCHA 4/10)

1 Palestinian resident of Sheikh Jarrah was sentenced to 1 year in prison on classified charges. (WAFA 3/22)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan met in Sharm El Sheikh, discussing energy stability, food security, and international issues. (AJ, AX, HA, REU, REU 3/22; HA, HA 3/23)

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, the UN special rapporteur Michael Lynk charged Israel with committing crimes of apartheid. Special Rapporteur Lynk wrote that Israel has “an institutionalized regime of systematic racial oppression and discrimination ... where Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs in East Jerusalem and the West Bank live their lives under a single regime which differentiates its distribution of rights and benefits of the basis of national and ethnic identity, and which ensures the supremacy of one group over, and to the detriment of, the other.” (NYT 3/23; HA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized dozens of olive trees and stole harvesting equipment and olives in Salem. Israeli settlers also stole olive harvesting equipment in Yatma. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands near Burqa, causing damage to olive trees. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from harvesting olive crops in the seam zone near Qalqilya. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house under construction in Sika, displacing 7 people; Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians protesting the demolition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian woman, accusing her of attempting to stab a soldier near Beit Surik. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in al-Bireh, Turmus Ayya, Beit Fajjar, al-Tira, and Qabatiya; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Damascus Gate plaza, assaulting 2 minors and 1 journalist; 9 were arrested. 3 others were arrested during house raids in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/21)

In Israel, 1 Palestinian Israeli man was shot dead in Ba’ana, marking the 100th member of the Palestinian Israeli community to be killed in what is described as intra-communal violence in 2021. Some Palestinians in Israel have complained that Israeli police are uninterested in solving murders in the community. The issue is said to be addressed in the upcoming Israeli budget negotiations as more money will be allocated to policing in Palestinian towns and cities. The Israeli police solve 71% of murders in the Jewish community, but only 23% within the Palestinian communities in Israel. 83 of the 100 Palestinians killed had died in cases that involved firearms. (AJ 10/16; HA 10/17; HA, TOI 10/18)

Israel revoked the East Jerusalem residency rights from a 36-year-old Palestinian man who had lived in the city his entire life. Israel claimed that the man, an attorney for Addameer, failed to show allegiance to Israel. The man had spent 7 years in Israeli prison. (WAFA 10/18; MDW, MEE 10/19)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on the UN to send monitors to the West Bank to help prevent Israeli settler attacks, as the frequency of the attacks on Palestinians has been rising in recent months. A sharp escalation during the olive harvesting season has been recorded. (WAFA 10/18; MEMO 10/19)

Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde visited Israel in an effort to mend ties between the 2 countries, which have been cold since Sweden recognized the State of Palestine in 2014. Foreign Minister Linde met with Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid and president Isaac Herzog. Israel conveyed to Linde’s predecessor Margot Wallström that she was not welcome in Israel after she pointed out that Israel was committing extrajudicial killings in 2016. (AP 10/18; HA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Dheisheh refugee camp and 1 at a checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 minors in Silwan and 1 at the Damascus Gate plaza. (WAFA 10/17; WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/21)

Israel denied a Palestinian citizen of Israel, who had been released after 6 years in Ramon prison, entry into Gaza where her husband and 7 children live. Israel said it denied her entry because she is an Israeli citizen and is therefore not allowed to enter Gaza. The woman was charged with spying on Israel. The woman was later reunited with her family in Gaza on 10/20. (MEE, MEMO 10/18; WAFA 10/20)

An Israeli court in Jerusalem upheld the Israeli municipality’s decision to demolish al-Yusufiya Muslim cemetery in East Jerusalem to make space for a settler Bible park project. Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces last week over the demolition as human remains were found in the rubble of the demolition. (MEMO 10/18)

The Israeli high court of justice postponed the evacuation of settlers cultivating Palestinian land in the Shiloh Valley near Turmus ‘Ayya upon request by Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz. The settlers will be allowed to work the land until 9/25/2022, when they will receive a plot of land within the Green Line. The justices said the settlers would not be allowed to work the land “except for essential agricultural work to preserve the existing situation.” The high court of justice accepted Defense Minister Gantz’s request, citing the Jewish sabbatical year shmita prohibiting agricultural labor in the ‘Land of Israel’ every 7 years. (HA 10/17)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), and the Palestinian People’s Party (PPP) said in a joint statement that the PA had stopped paying the 3 parties their monthly stipends to stifle their criticism of the PA. the PFLP, DFLP, and PPP are all members of the PLO. The 3 parties have all publicly criticized the PA’s increase in dialogue with Israel and repression of dissent. (MEMO 10/18)

Israeli authorities said that the military had reprimanded a soldier who used excessive force against 1 Israeli activist demonstrating with Palestinians on 9/17. The soldier will be barred from promotion for 3 years and from attending a commander’s course. (ABC, AP, TOI 10/17)

Israel, Germany, Italy, the UK, France, India, Greece, and the U.S. began a military air exercise dubbed “the Blue Flag.” The exercise is scheduled to run through 10/28. (HA 10/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor succumbed to his injuries after 74 days in intensive care after being shot by Israeli forces in the neck near Ramallah on 5/14. Israeli settlers began construction work around a spring in Wadi al-Malih. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in Nablus, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces seized electric cables and an excavator in as-Samu. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Deir Balut, Silwad, Sur Baher, al-Ubeidiya, Wadi Abu Freiha, Hebron, Qabatiya, Meithalun, and Tammun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sheikh Jarrah. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 7/26; WAFA 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

Kahanist Israeli lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party called the Palestinian Israeli deputy speaker of the Knesset Ahmad Tibi a terrorist before being forcefully removed from the Knesset podium he was speaking from. Ben-Gvir’s smear happened after he refused to address Tibi as “Mr. Speaker.” (HA 7/26; MEMO, TOI 7/27)

Tunisian president Kais Saied ousted the Tunisian government and froze the parliament in what was said to be a coup. Tunisian forces also stormed the Al Jazeera offices in Tunis and expelled the staff from the premises. Tunisians had taken to the street on 7/25 to protest the government after a new COVID-19 spike and continued economic difficulties. (AJ 7/25; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU 7/26)

In Lebanon, Najib Mikati secured 72 of 118 votes in the Lebanese parliament to be approved as the new prime minister-elect. Saad Hariri resigned as prime minister-elect on 7/15 after failing to form a government 9 months after being picked to do so. Mikati has been Lebanon’s prime minister twice before, in 2005 and 2011-14. (AJ, REU 7/25; AJ, AJ, AP, F24, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU 7/26)

U.S. president Joe Biden and Iraqi prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi agreed, during a meeting at the White House, that all U.S. combat troops would leave Iraq by the end of 2021, leaving only U.S. personnel for advisory roles. (HA, MEMO 7/26; MEE, REU 7/27)

4 members of congress, Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Katie Porter (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), urged the Biden administration to speak out against companies that sell cyber intrusion tools, such as NSO Group, and to consider sanctioning such companies and the regimes that use their tools. The members’ call follows reporting from 7/18 that NSO Group, with approval from the Israeli government, sold its Pegasus spyware to foreign governments, which have used the spyware on journalists, activists, and heads of other countries. (Tom Malinowski 7/26; HA, MEE 7/27)

Florida governor Ron DeSantis (R) urged the Florida State Board of Administration to place Ben & Jerry’s and its parent company Unilever on the state’s list of companies to be examined in relation to boycotts of Israel. The move comes as Ben & Jerry’s announced on 7/19 that it will stop selling its ice cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and end its licensing to an Israeli-based franchise. (HA, HILL 7/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to more than 100 hay bales south of Hebron. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during a raid in Ya‘bad; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential tent and 2 agricultural tents, and seized solar panels in al-Samou. Israeli forces also razed a tract of land near Khirbet Umm al-Khawas in the Masafer Yatta area for settlement expansion. 21 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Tubas, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Qatanna. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/3)

The Israeli Jerusalem affairs ministry told a Jerusalem court that it had frozen plans by settler organization Ateret Cohanim to open a Yemeni Jewish heritage center in Silwan as part of its plans to Judaize East Jerusalem. (HA 6/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency by 30 days. (WAFA 6/1)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with Omani officials in Muscat and the Kuwaiti prime minister Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah in Kuwait. (WAFA, WAFA 6/1)

The PA summoned representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, the UK, and Bulgaria to express dissatisfaction with the countries’ votes in favor of protecting Israel from investigations at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 5/27. (WAFA 6/1)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, during the ceremony for Mossad’s new chief David Barneam that if he had to choose between “[f]riction with the United States and eliminating the Iranian threat—eliminating the existential threat wins.” (AP, HA 6/1)

Israel summoned the ambassador of Argentina to Israel because of the country’s vote at the UNHRC on 5/27 to investigate potential Israeli war crimes. In the past couple of days, Israel has also summoned the ambassadors of Mexico and the Philippines over their votes at the UNHRC. (JP 6/1)

During a trip to Israel, senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told Fox News that Israel is planning to ask the U.S. for $1 billion in military aid to “replenish the Iron Dome batteries” after the 11 days of escalation of violence last month, which Israel dubbed “Operation Guardian of the Walls.” (HA, HILL, REU 6/1; AJ 6/2)

17 Democratic U.S. senators led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) signed a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel is conditioning the allowance of much of the humanitarian aid into Gaza on a number of demands to Hamas, including releasing 2 Israeli citizens and the bodies of 2 soldiers. The senators also called on Secretary Blinken to see that aid to Palestinians be raised to the same amount as before former president Donald Trump slashed it. (AX 6/1; HA 6/2)

According to the Financial Times, almost 200 Facebook employees have asked the company to set up a task force to investigate claims that the company suppresses pro-Palestinian voices on its social media platforms. (AJ 6/2; WAFA 6/4)

EU representative to Palestine Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff said, during a press conference held in front of the ruins of the al-Jala high-rise in Gaza City, that reconstruction of Gaza required Israel lifting its blockade of the area. (WAFA 6/1)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor succumbed to wounds sustained from Israeli live ammunition on 5/18. Israeli settlers leveled land in Kisan. Israeli settlers also set up mobile homes south of Hebron. Israeli forces also raided Jaba‘, injuring 4, including 1 minor, when Palestinians confronted the forces. Israeli forces also raided ‘Araqa, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition, when Palestinians confronted the forces. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 7 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided al-Makassed Hospital, leaving without making arrests. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City, al-Tur, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 4 Palestinians were killed and many were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 232 to 236, including 65 children and 3 pregnant women. The casualties included: 1, and 9 wounded, including 3 children, during an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 1, and 1 wounded in an air strike on Bayt Lahiya; 2 in an air strike on a car traveling in Jabaliya. Israeli air strikes also hit power lines near Rafah, causing a total electricity blackout in the city. Israeli forces attacked 1 house in Khan Yunis, causing damage, but the missile remained unexploded as it landed on a bed, saving the family living in the house. 4 factories were also destroyed by Israeli air strikes in an industrial zone east in al-Muntar. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was injured by an anti-tank missile rocket fired from Gaza at a military bus. 1 rocket from Gaza hit a house in Ashkelon, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession for 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was killed by Israeli police on 5/19 in Umm al-Fahm; 3 were arrested; a general strike was also called in Umm al-Fahm in protest over the killing. (AJ, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/20; MEE, PCHR 5/21; NYT 5/26; PCHR 5/27)

It was reported that a ceasefire between Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Palestine, and Israel had been brokered by Egypt and would take effect at 2 a.m. on 5/21. Prior to the reporting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had called a meeting at the security cabinet. Shortly after the 2 sides announced the ceasefire, U.S. president Joe Biden praised Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his role in the ceasefire and Prime Minister Netanyahu for agreeing to it. Biden said in remarks that “Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and to enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and democracy,” in what can be viewed as a slight shift in the paradigm of U.S. statements on Israel and Palestine. President al-Sisi also praised President Biden for his work on the ceasefire agreement. Several prominent Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate welcomed the news of the ceasefire, but said it was time to do more to resolve the roots of the conflict. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called for the world to address the core issues, saying that the ceasefire is not enough. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, AX, GDN, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 5/20; AM, AP, CNN, FOX, HA, HA 5/21)

Haaretz reported that 90% of the Israeli citizens charged for the violence in Israeli towns and cities since the start of the Hamas-Israel escalation were Palestinian citizens of Israel. District prosecutors have been criticized for not indicting Jewish-Israelis. (HA 5/20)

Adalah filed a petition on behalf of Palestinians in Shayk Jarrah to have Israeli police remove checkpoints around the neighborhood, which are severely impeding the residents’ freedom of movement. The checkpoints are also meant to block entry of Palestinians who are not residents of the neighborhood, as many residents remain threatened by evictions. (Adalah, HA 5/20)

The Israeli Electric Company said it would not restore the damaged power lines in Gaza until 2 Israelis, believed to be held captive by Hamas, and the bodies of 2 dead Israelis are returned to Israel. (HA 5/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with German chancellor Angela Merkel about efforts to get a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. President Abbas also met with German foreign minister Heiko Maas in Ramallah. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 5/20)

Before the ceasefire was announced, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh wrote a letter to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asking for “mobilization of Arab, Islamic and international support” in ending Israeli air strikes. (AP 5/20)

Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani said that the country had reached an agreement in principle with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signatories about complying with and having the U.S. rejoin the deal. (HA 5/20)

U.S. senator and chair of the Senate budget committee Bernie Sanders (D-VT) said he would introduce a resolution of disapproval of a $735 million arms sale to Israel. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 5/20)

At the UN, U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that the U.S. had “not been silent,” despite blocking UN security council statements criticizing the violence from the latest escalation between Hamas and Israel. UN general-secretary António Guterres said he was “deeply shocked by the continued air and artillery bombardment” of Gaza and said that Gaza’s children lived in “hell on Earth.” No unified statement was released by the UN general assembly. (AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, REU 5/20)

1 Jewish AP reporter was fired after Stanford University College Republicans criticized her for pro-Palestinian activism while she was a student at the school, before she was hired at AP. Later, more than 100 AP journalists wrote an open letter to AP criticizing the decision. (SFGATE 5/20; FOX, MEE, MEMO 5/21; MEE 5/22; MEE 5/24)

The foreign minister of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia visited Israel upon the invitation of Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi to be briefed on the Israeli-Hamas escalation. In meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the 3 foreign ministers were shown parts of a drone that had been shot down on 5/18 that Netanyahu claimed was Iranian. (ALM, HA 5/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 13 olive trees in Hares. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others were injured by tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Qalqilya, arresting 1. 4 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem, Qalandia, and Hizma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 50 using rubber-coated bullets, beatings, and tear gas near the Haram al-Sharif compound, Silwan, Issawiyya, Wadi al-Juz, and Shaykh Jarrah; 4 were arrested. In Gaza, several dozen rockets were fired at Israel and Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza east of al-Bureij refugee camp; causing damage; 2 groups, the 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, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/23; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 4/24; HA 4/25; PCHR 4/29)

Israeli public security affairs minister Amir Ohana condemned attacks against Jewish-Israelis in Jerusalem on 4/22, despite the fact that large crowds of right-wing Israeli activists and Israeli settlers had attacked Palestinians throughout Jerusalem, leading to more than 100 injuries. The attacks were planned by the Lehava group, which has links to right-wing Israeli lawmakers in the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party. The U.S. embassy in Israel said that the U.S. is “deeply concerned about the incidents of violence” and called on “all responsible voices” to promote calm. Jordan condemned the violence, saying that Israel as “the occupying power” in East Jerusalem must protect the Palestinian residents against the violence. The UAE also later called on Israel to protect Palestinians from “acts of violence committed by right-wing extremist groups in the occupied East Jerusalem.” (HA 4/23; WAFA 4/24; WAFA, WAFA 4/25; AP, WAFA 4/26)

Saudi Arabia announced an indefinite ban on Lebanese agricultural products after finding 5.3 million pills of the amphetamine Captagon hidden in a shipment of pomegranates. (AJ 4/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive seedlings, stealing 22 of them in Tell. Israeli forces sealed off 8 villages near Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians in 1 of the villages, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Beita, injuring 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Anata, and 1 at a checkpoint in Halhul. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli police physically assaulted and arrested 3 Palestinians in Silwan after stopping their car. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, rockets launched from Gaza landed in an open area near Beersheba, where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting during his election day campaign; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently attacked Gaza with fighter jets and helicopters, firing 5 missiles at sites near Gaza City and at 1 site in Dayr al-Balah, causing severe damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/25)

Israel closed all crossings for the Israeli elections. (WAFA 3/21)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that a single Fatah list would get 43% of the votes for the parliamentary elections while Hamas would win 30%; 18% were undecided. However, within the population of Fatah supports, some 10% would vote for a party headed by Mohammad Dahlan and 7% for a party head by Nasser al-Kidwa. (AP, HA, PCPSR 3/23)

Israelis voted in the general elections for the 4th time in 2 years. This time, there was not an obvious coalition to formed either, as many right-wing parties had promised not to support a government with Benjamin Netanyahu as its prime minister. Netanyahu, who had convinced the Palestinian-Israeli party Ra’am (United Arab List) to break with the Joint Arab List, also relied on religious Zionist parties, to the right of his Likud party, to be able to form a government. Those parties, including a significant majority of Likud, were vocally opposed to being in a governing coalition with Palestinian-Israelis. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas said after the election that he was not wedded to either the right wing or left wing at that point. Meretz (Vigor) and Labor both had a better election than anticipated and went over the electoral threshold. So did the terrorist-supporting Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), made up by followers of Meir Kahane. The Joint Arab List ended up with 6 mandates, down from 15, partially a result of lower Palestinian-Israeli voter turnout and because Ra’am received 4 mandates that previously would have gone to the Joint Arab List. (REU 3/22; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA 3/24; ALM, HA, HA, REU 3/25; AJ 3/26)

The Middle East Quartet members met for the 1st time since 2018 to discuss “meaningful negotiations” between Israelis and Palestinians. PA president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the statement made by the Quartet. (AP, REU 3/23; HA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/26)

The Dutch foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country for clarification as to why PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki had his VIP travel card confiscated after meeting with ICC personnel in the Hague. The Dutch foreign ministry said that “the ICC must be able to carry out its work without interference.” (HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA 3/23)

In the West Bank, large groups of Israeli settlers chanted racist slogans at Palestinians in Hebron and Israeli forces closed off large portions of the city for its Palestinian residents. Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 1 Palestinian minor in Jayyous. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor with stones in the French Hill neighborhood, causing severe injuries to his face. Some 230 Israeli settlers also stormed the Haram al-Sharif compound; the PA and Jordan condemned Israel for allowing the settlers access. Israeli forces raided Silwan leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. In Israel, Israelis attacked a transport van and its Palestinian driver in West Jerusalem after yelling that the driver was “Arab,” when the Palestinian driver tried to escape the mob he inadvertently killed 1 Israeli man with his vehicle; Israeli police initially arrested the Palestinian man but released him 36 hours and started rounding up 12 Israelis who had attacked the Palestinian man; the Palestinian man’s lawyer said in court that the attack was “a lynching.” (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; JP 3/1; HA, PCHR 3/4)

All checkpoints to Gaza and the West Bank were closed by Israel for the Purim holiday. Closures ended at midnight. (HA 2/25)

The Israeli cabinet approved starting to vaccinate Palestinians from the West Bank holding Israeli work permits and Palestinians working in Israeli settlements. Vaccination centers will be set up at West Bank crossings. The decision came days after the PA said that Israel and the PA had agreed that Israel would vaccinate Palestinian workers. (AP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, TOI 2/28)

8 of 9 judges on the Israeli supreme court voted to overturn the Israeli central elections committee’s decision to disqualify the Palestinian-Israeli Labor party candidate Ibtisam Mara’ana from running in the Israeli elections. The Israeli central elections committee disqualified Mara’ana from running upon request by the racist far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party on 2/17. (HA 2/28)

Israel designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity organization a terrorist organization for its ties to the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine. (JP 2/28)

The Syrian army said Israel fired rockets at southern Damascus from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; there were no reports of casualties or damage. (AP, HA 2/28; AJ, JP 3/1)

Iran rejected an invitation to discuss reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) at an informal meeting with the U.S. and European stakeholders, saying that European and American parties have made actions and statements in the recent past that do not make the timing right for Iran. Iran later said that the U.S. should lift the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration before the parties can begin to engage on reviving the JCPOA. (AJ 2/28; REU 3/1)

Some 450 lawmakers in European countries and in the EU parliament signed a letter to EU High Representative Josep Borrell and European foreign ministers urging them to pressure Israel to stop the “de facto annexation” of the West Bank. (HA 2/28; WAFA 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on several structures, including a mosque, and punctured the tires of 3 vehicles in Kafr Malik near Ramallah. Israeli settlers also uprooted 30 olive trees near Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces arrested 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli authorities also approved cutting down around 2,000 olive trees south of Bethlehem. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians were hospitalized after suffering from tear gas inhalation east of Rafah. In the Israeli city of Afula, local Jewish Israelis, including the city’s mayor, protested the sale of a home to a Palestinian-Israeli family. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/16; HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/17)

The Israeli Jerusalem municipality approved naming streets in the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem after Jewish rabbis. (HA 6/17)

The chairman of Qatar’s National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza Mohammed al-Emadi met Israeli and Palestinian officials in Israel and Gaza to discuss the implementation of the cease-fire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in May. The Qatari delegation also delivered $20 million for vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and for humanitarian projects. Some 108,000 families will receive $400 in 4 $100 payments. (HA 6/16; HA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a sign for a planned community in the Golan Heights called Trump Heights, named after U.S. president Donald Trump. Netanyahu decided to dedicate a settlement construction project to President Trump after Trump unilaterally recognized Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights. (HA 6/16)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt told The Jerusalem Post that the U.S. administration may delay the unveiling of the U.S. peace plan until November 2019 because of the upcoming Israeli elections in September. In the interview, Greenblatt also said that he supports U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman’s statement from 6/8 that Israel has a right to annex parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA 6/16)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, over 10,000 people attend a funeral procession in Ramallah for the Palestinian killed by Israeli soldiers on 12/15, and a general strike is held in the surrounding villages. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians during a raid of a village w. of Jenin, and several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers later detain a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin. Separately, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 4 homes under construction nr. Bethlehem and patrol nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians in Silwan during raids and house searches, as well as 2 Palestinian youths on their way home from school. After the 12/15 killing of a Palestinian in Qalandia, right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif early in the morning. Also, clashes break out in various neighborhoods around East Jerusalem and 3 Palestinians are arrested. (MNA, WAFA 12/16; IMEMC 12/17; PCHR 12/18)

A day ahead of the Palestinians’ promised submission of their draft res. to the UNSC, various Palestinian, U.S., EU, Arab, and Israeli officials meet to discuss their options. PA FM al-Maliki meets with French FM Fabius, and he offers to back the French draft UNSC res. if a couple of critical amendments are made. Separately, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry flies to London to hold talks with senior PLO official Saeb Erakat and PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj, and later with an Arab League delegation. Kerry asks the Palestinians to delay submitting their draft so he can conduct further meetings with PA Pres. Abbas. Russian Dep. FM Mikhail Bogdanov reiterates Russia’s support for the Palestinian UNSC res. during a meeting with Palestine’s Amb. to Russia Fayed Mustafa in Moscow. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

The Israeli Defense Ministry and the U.S. military conduct a 2d test of the Arrow-3 antiballistic missile system, designed to defend Israel from hypothetical Iranian nuclear weapons, but the test fails. (HA, TOI 12/16; AFP 12/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and Israeli soldiers injuring around 30 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. In response to Palestinian youth who were throwing stones and empty bottles at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, IDF troopssurround a school and fire tear gas into its yard, causing no injuries. Israeli forces deliver stop-work notices in 2 villages nr. Hebron, both of which are outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Shortly after, the soldiers clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in the area, dozens of whom suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian man who is suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed on 10/30 by Israeli security forces. They had previously delivered an order to punitively demolish the home on 11/19, but the Israeli High Court of Justice froze the order. They also deliver a demolition order to a 19-person residence in the Old City. Separately, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian children at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 12/15; HA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Rome to discuss the rival draft UNSC res. being prepared by the Palestinians and the French. Netanyahu opposes both, saying, “We will not accept attempts to dictate to us unilateral moves on a limited timetable.” Kerry then meets with French FM Fabius, UK Foreign Secy. Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini in Paris. Separately, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby meets with Fabius in Paris. Fabius hopes to persuade the Palestinians and the Arab League to back the French draft as a compromise, avoiding a U.S. veto. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/15)

Iranian and U.S. diplomats hold bilateral talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program ahead of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on 12/17. The 2 sides agreed to a 7-mo. extension to the talks on 11/24. (AFP 12/15)

In the West Bank, senior PA official Ziad Abu Ein dies hours after sustaining injuries in a confrontation with IDF soldiers at a nonviolent demonstration in Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah. Palestinians gather to protest Abu Ein’s death, sparking further clashes with IDF troops; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured, several others are moderately injured from live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber-coated metal bullets, and 3 are arrested. Separately, Israeli authorities declare approximately 10,000 dunams of Palestinian land in the n. Jordan Valley to be a closed military zone. In the morning, a unit of Israeli soldiers conducts military drills nr. a school in c. Hebron, then fires tear gas canisters at the school, injuring dozens of Palestinian students and teachers. Israeli settlers attack several Palestinians nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries. Then, s. of Nablus, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian factory. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian’s car in Silwan, completely destroying it. Israeli settlers attack an Egged bus driven by a Palestinian, breaking his windshield with a rock. Israeli police escort a group of right-wing Jewish activists into Haram al-Sharif. They also detain 1 Palestinian woman at a gate to the compound. Separately, IDF troops detain an 8-year-old Palestinian on his way home from school in Silwan and 4 Palestinians late at night during house searches and raids in al-Thawri. (AJ, HA, JP, MEMO, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 12/10; HA 12/11, 12/13; PCHR 12/18)

Labor Party leader Isaac Herzog and Hatnua Party leader Livni agree to run on a joint list in the 3/17/2015 election. Their agreement stipulates that, should they win, Herzog will serve as PM for 2 years, then Livni will take over for the next 2. (HA, JP 12/10)

Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore; they detain and confiscate 1 fishing boat and arrest 1 fisherman. Later in the day, Israeli naval vessels fire on another group of fishing boats, forcing them to flee, damaging 1 boat, and confiscating 5 trawling nets. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts synchronized patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon (firing tear gas and stun grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries); conducts late-night patrols in Nur al-Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm; and conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Nablus. Israel’s Jerusalem planning comm. approves plans for the right-wing settler group Elad to build a new archeological tourism center in Silwan, East Jerusalem in the Western Wall yard opposite al-Aqsa Mosque. The complex will include offices, museum and conference space, an underground car park, and 2 underground “archeological tunnels” that will run north under the Mughrabi gate and south under the area housing the Umayyad Caliphate palaces (which Israel calls the Temple of Solomon). (JP 2/14; WT 2/15; PCHR 2/16; OCHA 2/17)

Three Iranians are arrested as they flee a mysterious explosion in their Bangkok apartment. One of the men throws grenades at a taxi that refuses to stop for him and at approaching police, seriously injuring himself only. The 2d man is arrested at Bangkok airport attempting to leave the country. The 3d makes it out of Thailand but is detained when he lands in Malaysia. Israel and the U.S. suspect the bombings are linked to the 2/13 Indian and Georgian attacks and earlier incidents in Thailand (see 1/13) and Azerbaijan (see 1/24), but they have no evidence the men were plotting against Israeli or Jewish targets. Thai police and outside experts doubt, but do not rule out, an Israeli connection, saying the operation was very amateurish and the men could have been arms runners or involved in other illegal activity in Bangkok. (NYT, WP 2/15; WP, WT 2/16)

In East Jerusalem, some 200 Palestinians protesting the settler incident in Silwan on 6/26 and the Jerusalem Planning Commission’s 6/21 preliminary approval for the rezoning and demolition of 22 Palestinian homes demonstrate outside the settlers’ Beit Yonatan apartment building. The Palestinians throw stones, bricks, and Molotov cocktails at Israeli police who attempt to disperse them, leaving 6 policemen injured. In the evening, 10s of Jewish settlers break into the al-Rajabi quarter of Silwan, clashing with local Palestinians and opening fire indiscriminately, causing no serious injuries; IDF troops intervene, firing rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at the Palestinians, seriously injuring 1 and lightly injuring 10. Meanwhile, Israel begins construction of 20 new housing units for Jews at the Shepherd Hotel site in East Jerusalem’s Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood. In the West Bank, the IDF fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas at Palestinians and international activists staging a weekly nonviolent demonstration against the separation wall nr. Bethlehem (10s suffer tear gas inhalation); conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, nr. Nablus. In the 2d such incident in Gaza since 3/2010 (see Quarterly Update in JPS 156), Hamas-affiliated police raid the Palestine Islamic Bank, presenting a warrant for the seizure of all the money ($16,000) fr. the account of a Hamas-affiliated educational organization whose assets had been frozen by the PA, taking the money at gunpoint when the teller refuses. Officials of the acting Hamas government say a court had ruled that the PA action freezing the organization’s assets was illegal. (ITV 6/27; NYT 6/28; PCHR 7/1; OCHA 7/2; JPI 7/9)

PC holds the 1st mtg. of its 2d session. Mbrs. reelect (62-20) Ahmad Qurai` as PC speaker. (PR 3/28)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak holds separate mtgs. with Arafat, Israeli PM Netanyahu's adviser Dore Gold, Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri, Syrian FM Shara` on the Har Homa situation and Netanyahu's 3/19 proposal for skipping the interim negotiations. (MM 3/20; RE, RL 3/20 in WNC 3/21; SATN 3/20 in WNC 3/21; WP 3/21; RE 3/21 in WNC 3/24)

In Bethlehem and Bayt Omar, 100s of stone throwing Palestinians protesting the Har Homa construction clash with IDF troops, who respond with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, sound grenades. PA security forces sporadically attempt to hold back demonstrators, beating them with batons. (WP, WT 3/21; NYT 3/22)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) holds a large rally in al-Yarmuk r.c. in Damascus to protest Israeli construction in East Jerusalem. (QPAR 3/20 in WNC 3/21)

5 Jewish families seize, move into a Palestinian building in Silwan under the protection of heavily-armed private security guards. The Israeli government says it is legal for settlers to "acquire" home in the area. 9 Palestinian homes have been taken by settlers over the past 6 yrs. (PR 3/28)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus-area village of Burqa, Palestinian child dies of gunshot woundsuffered during demonstration 2/5 [NYT 2/8; FJ 2/14]. Dayr al-Balah youth dies in E. Jerusalem hospital from army-inflicted head injuries [WP 2/8]. General strike is observed throughout E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. All government schools in E. Jerusalem are ordered closed [NYT 2/8]. Unanimous finding by Israeli High Court calls for creation of appeals court in Gaza Strip and W. Bank. Strike by Gaza's 300 Palestinian lawyers enters 6th week [NYT 2/9]. Palestinian youths riot in East Tapiot, Jewish neighborhood in E. Jerusalem, breaking windows, blockading streets, and fighting police. Police fire tear gas, rubber bullets to break up crowd [LAT 2/9].

Arab World: Iraqi Foreign Ministry official denies having direct contacts with Israeli officials during 1985 negotiations to build oil pipeline [WP 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Ummar, village north of Hebron, Israeli forces fire into crowd of stone throwers, killing 3, wounding at least 7. In nearby Bayt Fajjar, residents burn bus used to transport workers to Israel; at least 10 are wounded in clash between villagers and army. At least 1 is shot during demonstration in Halhul. In village of Jabal al-Mukabir, soldiers close off 2 roads after stone throwers attack Jewish houses. Police use military-delegated emergency powers to impose curfew on Jerusalem refugee camp after violent demonstrations in 4 E. Jerusalem neighborhoods [NYT, WP 2/8]. Violent demonstrations and clashes with police are reported in Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, 'Isawiyyah village, and nearby Silwan village. At least 9 are injured by police trying to disperse demonstrations. Shu'fat camp, north of Jerusalem, isordered under curfew after violent nightlong demonstration [FJ 2/14]. Military imposes curfews in Qalqiliyyah, 'Aqbat Jabir refugee camp, Tulkarm-area village of Hibla, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Kafr Malik after violent demonstrations. In Tulkarm, curfew is temporarily lifted to allow food distribution. Curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm camp, Bani Na'im, 'A'idah camp, Jalazun camp, Am'ari camp, and 'Arrub camp [FJ 2/14]. Reports indicate 2 villagers are shot, killed: 1 during demonstration i Tulkarm, another in clash in Ayyub. Both demonstrations are instigated by rumors of settler attacks against Palestinians [WP 2/10]. UN officials report treating 37 residents of Jabalya refugee camp for beating injuries after army raid. At least 1 is shot, wounded in Khan Yunis [WP 2/8]. Soldiers conducting search for stone throwers in Burayj camp, seize youth, beat him, and leave him in orange grove; boy dies in hospital [LAT 2/9]. Arab World: PLO fighters surround house near 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon where gunmen are believed to be holding 2 UNRWA employees [LAT 2/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During a visit to Jerusalem, Australian P. M. Hawke indicates he is willing to mediate between Israel and the PLO, calls for mutual recognition [FJ 1/30]. Landowners from Bayt 'Ula village hold news conference, allege Israeli authorities are threatening to confiscate all their agricultural and grazing lands [FJ 1/30]. Near Bethlehem, Neve Daniel settlers and soldiers uproot 200 olive trees and grape vines in ongoing land dispute with Arab residents of al-Khadir village [FJ 2/6]. Jewish extremists vandalize 25 cars in Silwan village, near Jerusalem [FJ 2/6]. Military officials close Gaza City's al-Azhar school for one week in connection with anti-occupation protests [FJ 2/6].

Arab World: Nayaf Khalil al-Bayad is hanged in Jordan for the murder of PLO Executive Com. member Fahd al-Qawasmi [Fl 2/13].

Other Countries: U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee releases report on Iran-contra affair, indicating Israel played major role in deal and Israeli official may have used some profits from the arms sales for "other projects" [NYT 2/2; WP 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound 3 demonstrators and arrest hundreds more during protest in Khan Yunis mosque against deportation of Muhammad Dahlan [WP 1/30; FJ 2/6]. Army uses tear gas to break up demonstration at Balatta refugee camp [FJ 2/6].