In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish an agricultural structure in Qusra. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians in Maghayyir al-Abeed in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces arrest 16...
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March 3, 2024
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January 30, 2024
In the West Bank, Israeli forces dressed as Palestinian civilians and medical staff raid the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, killing 3 Palestinians receiving treatment at the hospital. Israeli forces...
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January 29, 2024
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child near the Tekoa settlement, claiming he had attempted to stab soldiers. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 2 Palestinians during...
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December 5, 2023
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia. Israeli forces also raided Jenin, injuring 7 and uprooting streets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and...
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November 4, 2023
In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian and threatened others during a raid in Yarza. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Khirbet Quweis in...
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October 17, 2023
In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike killed 471 Palestinians in al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The hospital, which was filled with patients and Palestinians seeking shelter from Israeli bombardment...
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September 8, 2023
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Bab...
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June 5, 2023
In the West Bank, 2 Israeli soldiers were injured after being hit by a vehicle in Huwwara; 1 Palestinian man was arrested in relation to the incident. Israeli settlers raided Kafr Thulth, throwing...
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish an agricultural structure in Qusra. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians in Maghayyir al-Abeed in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Husan, Nablus, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Beit Fajjar. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 90 people, including 9 in an attack on an aid truck in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also open fire at Palestinians waiting to receive flour in Gaza City, causing injuries. 4 Palestinian children die at the Kamal Adwan Hospital due to hunger. In Lebanon, Hezbollah attacks Israeli forces along the Blue Line. Israeli forces bomb Ayta ash Shab and Khiam, (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; AJ 3/4)
More than 30,410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,230 children and 8,860 women, and around 71,700 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 411 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 105 children. More than 4,606 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, 244 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,432 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. 130 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 3/3; UNOCHA 3/4)
Haaretz reports that Israel is holding Palestinian prisoners in makeshift cages that do not have walls, beds, or toilets near the Atarot police base. (HA 3/3)
A delegation of Hamas officials, led by Khalil al-Hayya, arrives in Cairo for ceasefire talks. Israeli media reports that the Israeli delegation left Cairo after claiming that Hamas declined to share a list of captives that are still alive. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 3/3; REU 3/4)
PA president Mahmoud Abbas appoints Khaled Abdel Aziz Taha Dudin as governor of Hebron, Ghassan Mohammad Bakr Daghlas as governor of Nablus, and Kamal Muhammad Mahmoud Abu al-Rub as governor of Jenin. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with U.S. senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) in Ramallah, calling on the U.S. to support an immediate ceasefire and saying Palestine needs a Marshall Plan to recover once the Israeli war on Gaza is over. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/3)
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz arrives in Washington D.C. for meetings with U.S. vice president Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other officials. It is reported that Gantz’s trip is not done in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is said to be angry that Gantz is meeting with U.S. officials. Israel’s military claims that its initial review of the Flour Massacre on 2/29 finds that most of the deaths were due to a stampede. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman calls for early elections. (AP, HA, NYT, REU 3/2; HA, HA, HA, REU 3/3; AP, NYT 3/4)
During a speech in Selma, Alabama, Vice President Harris says “[w]hat we are seeing every day in Gaza is a tragedy,” calling for an immediate 6-week ceasefire. Harris also says Israel must open up additional crossings and not impose “unnecessary restrictions” on aid. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 3/3; NYT 3/4)
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation changes the title and some of the text of the Israeli song for the Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union rejected the song “October Rain” for being too political. The changes were reportedly done upon request by Israeli president Isaac Herzog. (HA, REU 3/3)
The New York Times reports that a forthcoming UNRWA report will charge Israel with “a range of ill-treatment” experienced by Palestinians taken from Gaza to detention centers in Israel. The report is based on interviews with 100 of the 1,002 Palestinians that have been released back to Gaza after being detained in Israel. (NYT 3/3)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces dressed as Palestinian civilians and medical staff raid the Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, killing 3 Palestinians receiving treatment at the hospital. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in Qiffin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid Nur Shams refugee camp and Tulkarm destroying 2 homes, displacing 12 people, and causing vast destruction to infrastructure. Israeli forces also demolish the Palestinian Equestrian Club in Qalandia. 18 Palestinians are arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 5 people. Israeli forces demolish a commercial structure in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, Rafah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 114 people. Israeli forces also detain dozens of Palestinians after raiding a shelter in Shati’ refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid al-Amal Hospital, killing at least 1 woman and forcing people sheltering there to leave. Palestinians discover 30 bodies in a mass grave at a school in Beit Lahiya. The bodies are handcuffed and blindfolded. UNRWA says its staff and thousands of displaced Palestinians have been forced to leave Khan Yunis due to Israeli attacks. 3 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires rockets at a site in Metula. In the Red Sea, U.S. forces say they shot down a cruise missile fired from Yemen. (REU 1/29; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30; AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/31; AJ, UNOCHA 2/1)
More than 26,751 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 65,636 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 374 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,382 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 222 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,283 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 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, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 134 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/30)
Israel hands over the bodies of 80 Palestinians it has killed in Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem crossing. (AJ, REU, WAFA 1/30; UNOCHA 1/31)
Israel acknowledges it is pumping water into tunnels under Gaza. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 1/30)
5 Israeli prison guards accused of beating Palestinian prisoner Thaer Abu Asab to death in the Ketziot prison on 11/18/2023 are transferred to a different prison unit while Israel investigates the incident. (HA 1/30)
PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with ambassadors and representatives from European countries in Ramallah, briefing them on the situation in Palestine. President Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30)
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh says Hamas is reviewing the ceasefire proposal formulated by Israeli, Qatar, Egypt, and American officials in Paris over the weekend. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will not agree to a ceasefire deal that includes a large-scale release of Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT 1/30)
The Knesset House Committee votes to expel Hadash-Ta’al MK Ofer Cassif, referring the impeachment to the Knesset plenum. (AJ, AP 1/30; HA, REU 1/31)
The UN Security Council expresses concern over the “rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.” U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says the U.S. needs to see “fundamental changes” to UNRWA before it resumes its funding. Thomas-Greenfield also says the U.S. has reached out to Israel for more information about the allegations made by Israel against 12 UNRWA staffers. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 1/30; AJ, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 1/31)
The heads of UN agencies issue a statement calling on countries that have suspended aid to UNRWA to reverse their decisions. Sweden and New Zealand join the list of countries that have suspended funding of UNRWA. After suspending funding for UNRWA on 1/26, Canada announces a $28.8 million contribution to the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization, earmarked for Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/30; WAFA 1/31)
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says Israel has a right to “bring terrorists to justice” in response to questions about the Israeli raid at the Ibn Sina Hospital. The Red Cross says the Israeli killing of the 3 people contravenes international law. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Washington D.C., discussing a “just and durable solution for the Palestinian cause,” according to a Qatari statement. (AJ 1/30; AJ 1/31)
U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) issues a statement calling on the Biden administration to restore funding of UNRWA. (AJ 1/30)
Kataib Hezbollah announces a suspension of hostilities against U.S. forces, saying it does not want to “embarrass” the Iraqi government. (REU 1/30; AJ 1/31; REU 2/1)
Times of Israel reports that Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant told Israeli lawmakers that Israel should be able to operate in Gaza the same way it operates in the West Bank after the war, using the Israeli raid on the Ibn Sina Hospital as an example. (AJ 1/30)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child near the Tekoa settlement, claiming he had attempted to stab soldiers. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 2 Palestinians during a raid in Dura. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Yamun. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child during a raid in Silwad. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian woman during a raid in Nahalin. Israeli forces also assault 3 Palestinians during a raid in Ya’bad. Separately, Israeli forces open fire at the Jenin Governmental Hospital and demolish infrastructure during a raid in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in az-Za’ayyem, displacing 6 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 215 people, including 45 in airstrikes on 2 buildings in Gaza. Israeli forces also storm a UN shelter in Gaza City, arresting Palestinians. 15 rockets are fired at Tel Aviv, 6 are intercepted; no damage is reported. In Haifa, Israeli forces shoot and kill a person who rammed an Israeli soldier and exited his vehicle with an axe. In Lebanon, Israeli forces kill 2 members of Hezbollah. Hezbollah claims 13 attacks on Israeli military positions, including in Biranit and Zar’it; 2 Israeli soldiers are injured in the attack on Biranit. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb a site near Damascus, killing 7 people. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/29)
More than 26,637 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 65,387 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 371 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 94 children. More than 4,382 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,269 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 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, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 102 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/29; UNOCHA 1/30)
Israel orders the evacuation of Shati’ refugee camp and the Gaza City neighborhoods Sheikh Radwan and Tel al-Hawa. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA 1/29)
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri tells Reuters that Hamas’s position remains that Israel must guarantee that its attacks on Gaza end before Hamas starts releasing Israeli captives. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 1/29)
Palestinian officials say the PA will reform itself to comply with U.S. demands by appointing new governors in the West Bank and Gaza, making changes to the personnel of the PA security forces, appointing new staff at the its foreign consulates and embassies and at ministries, improving the financial system, appointing new directors at public institutions, improving tax collection, opening the communications market, and improving government oversight to combat corruption. Axios reports that senior security officials from the PA, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt met in Riyadh on the 1/18, discussing plans for Gaza after the war and ways to involve a revitalized PA in Gaza. According to the report, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt called on PA general intelligence service director Majed Faraj to ensure that the PA makes serious reforms, including providing more power to a new prime minister. Saudi Arabia is also said to have briefed the other parties on its requirements for normalization with Israel, including practical and irrevocable steps by Israel toward the creation of a Palestinian state. (AX 1/29; HA 1/30)
Shin Bet director Ronen Bar meets with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel in Cairo, discussing Israeli-Egyptian tensions and Israeli plans to further attack Rafah. (AX 1/29)
The Knesset House Committee hears legal arguments on the motion to expel MK Ofer Cassif from the parliament over his support for the South African genocide case against Israel. 85 MKs have said they support expelling Cassif. If the committee approves the motion to expel, then support from 90 MKs will be required to expel Cassif, who can then appeal to the Supreme Court. (AJ, HA 1/29)
The EU announces it will review its funding of UNRWA after Israeli allegations that members of UNRWA are connected to Hamas. Austria and Romania announce they are suspending funding for UNRWA, becoming the 11th and 12th countries to do so since 1/26. Pakistan calls the suspensions of UNRWA funding “unjustifiable.” 20 human rights organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, issue a statement expressing “concern and outrage” over the funding suspensions. Israel claims in an intelligence dossier seen by Reuters that 190 UNRWA employees are Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants, while 10% of all 13,000 UNRWA employees in Gaza have affiliation with 1 of the 2 groups. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/29; HA 1/30)
The UN begins its fact-finding mission to investigate sexual assaults allegedly committed by Hamas members on 10/7/23. UN envoy for sexual violence in conflict Pramila Patten urges potential victims to “break your silence.” (HA, NYT 1/29; AP 1/30)
Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz says he canceled a meeting with UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini, saying “Lazzarini should draw conclusions and resign. Supporters of terrorism are not welcome here.” (AJ, HA 1/29)
Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Washington D.C., discussing developments in Palestine and a lasting solution to the Palestinian cause, according to a Qatari statement. (AJ, AJ, AX 1/29)
UK foreign secretary David Cameron tells Arab ambassadors in London that the UK, with its allies, is looking at recognizing a Palestinian state to make the path toward Palestinian statehood “irreversible.” (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/30)
19 U.S. Democrats in the Senate, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), send a letter to Secretary Blinken asking for clarification on the bypassing of Congress in sending aid to Israel. (HA 1/29)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia. Israeli forces also raided Jenin, injuring 7 and uprooting streets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 4, including a disabled man, in Qalqas, al-Arroub refugee camp, and Baqa al-Hatab. Israeli forces also sealed 2 printing facilities in Dawha, claiming they were printing incendiary materials. Meanwhile, Israeli forces uprooted 31 olive trees in Nahalin. Israeli forces also seized a vehicle in Qablan. 38 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalandia, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolished a building in Bayt Hanina, displacing 13 people. In Gaza, at least 300 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Khan Yunis. Israel said it had surrounded and invaded Khan Yunis. Israeli troops also laid siege to the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. Rockets were fired at Israel, injuring 2 in Ashkelon. In Lebanon, Israeli forces killed a Lebanese soldier and injured 3 others in an attack on a Lebanese military base; Israel later expressing regret, saying it would review the incident. 3 rockets were fired at Kiryat Shmona. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/6)
More than 16,248 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 6,387 children and 4,257 women, and around 43,616 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 252 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 65 children. More than 3,325 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 87 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.9 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 1,207 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire ended on 12/1. UNRWA said 130 of its staff members have been killed by Israeli forces since 10/7. The UN said dozens of trucks carrying aid, including fuel, entered Gaza but did not provide the actual number. Rafah was the only area to receive aid for the third day in a row. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/5)
At the beginning of the day, PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said at least 15,900 Palestinians have been killed and 40,900 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 10/7, saying the final number of dead will be much higher since many are buried in rubble. (REU, WAFA 12/5)
The PA Ministry of National Economy said 29% of business in the West Bank have been completely or partially closed since 10/7 due to Israeli actions. (WAFA 12/5)
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said Israeli calls for Palestinians to evacuate do not work, stating the “so-called safe zones . . . are not scientific, they are not rational, there are not possible, and I think the [Israeli] authorities are aware of this.” (AJ 12/5)
Amnesty International released an investigation saying that 43 Palestinian civilians were killed on 10/13 in Israeli attacks where U.S.-made JDAM bombs were used. The U.S. said it was reviewing the Amnesty investigation. (AJ 12/5; REU 12/6)
The PA warned against reported Israeli plans to flood tunnels in Gaza with seawater, saying it would lead to the collapse of residential buildings and infrastructure and to the mixing of ground, sea, and wastewater. (AJ 12/5)
Israeli police approved the “March of Maccabees” in the Old City of Jerusalem on 12/7, where Israeli right-wingers will march in support of removing the Islamic Waqf in order to replace it with full Israeli control over the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, HA, HA 12/5)
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel has killed half of Hamas’ military commanders in Gaza. Netanyahu also said that Israel is the only power that can keep Gaza demilitarized after Israel’s war, rejecting suggestions that an international force be deployed in Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA 12/5; NYT 12/6)
Prime Minister Netanyahu also met with families of Israeli captives held in Gaza. Some of those who attended the meeting labelled it a farce and insulting. (HA, HA, REU 12/5; AJ 12/6)
Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry met with senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Chris Coons (D-DE) in Washington D.C., discussing efforts to end Israel’s war on Gaza. (AJ 12/5)
The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council called for an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza at a summit in Doha. Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said at the summit that Israel was committing genocide, called support for Israel’s actions “a disgrace,” and urged the UN Security Council to force Israel back to the negotiations on a ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, HA 12/5)
U.S. vice president Kamala Harris’s National Security Advisor Phil Gordon met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog, war cabinet members Benny Gantz, Tzachi Hanegbi, Ron Dermer, and Gadi Eisenkot, and opposition leader Yair Lapid, updating them on meetings Harris and Gordon held with Arab leaders in Dubai during the COP28 climate conference. Harris is leading the Biden administration’s efforts on securing another ceasefire. (AX, HA 12/5)
U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken announced that that the U.S. has put new visa restrictions on violent Israeli settlers, saying Israel is not doing enough to combat settler violence. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant later condemned Israeli settler violence, saying only the military, the police, and the Shin Bet have a right to use violence against Palestinians. USAID administrator Samantha Power visited El Arish airport in Egypt where aid to Gaza arrives, saying more “must be done to protect civilians” and for aid to enter Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 12/5)
U.S. president Joe Biden said at a fundraiser that he had heard reports “of women raped, repeatedly raped, and their bodies being mutilated while still alive” by Hamas militants on 10/7. Hamas denied the accusations. (REU 12/5)
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution, H.R. 894, declaring that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism in a 311-14 vote; 94 Democrats voted present. The resolution also condemned the phrase “from the river to the sea.” (AJ, HA, NYT 12/5; AJ 12/6)
5 U.S. pro-Israel organizations, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of North America, the Anti-Defamation League, AIPAC, and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, created a joint lobbying arm called The 10/7 Project to promote pro-Israel narratives to journalists and U.S. lawmakers. (HA 12/5)
Deutche Welle reported that applicants for citizenship in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt will be required to declare their support for Israel’s right to exist to obtain German citizenship. (AJ 12/5)
CNN reported that the U.S. expects Israel to end its mass ground invasion of Gaza in January 2024. (AJ, HA 12/5)
The Washington Post reported that Israeli sources have estimated that 5,000 out of 30,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza have been killed since 10/7. (AJ, WP 12/5)
Dabke, the Palestinian national dance, was included on the UNCESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. (WAFA 12/5)
In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian and threatened others during a raid in Yarza. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Khirbet Quweis in the Masafer Yatta area, stealing the olive harvest and a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 8 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also opened fire at vehicles near Ya’bad, causing damage. 50 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Umar, Bethlehem, Jaba’, Balata refugee camp, Deir Jarir, and Nil’in. 1 Israeli soldier was lightly wounded by gunfire near Nabi Ilyas. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed 231 Palestinians and injured 650 others. Israel bombed al-Nasser Children’s Hospital and al-Wafa Hospital in Gaza City, reportedly killing patients and causing damage, including to solar panels. Israel also bombed al-Fakhoora School in Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 15 people and injuring 45. Hamas said it killed 5 Israeli soldiers northwest of Gaza City. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes and Hezbollah attacked several Israeli army posts. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)
The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,488 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,900 children and 2,430 women, and 24,173 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,200 people were buried in rubble, including 1,250 children. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 43 children. More than 2,274 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. The generators at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza shutdown due to a lack of fuel. 30 truckloads of aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing. No injured people or foreign passport holders were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/4)
Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said 60 Israeli captives were missing after intense Israeli bombing and that the bodies of 23 captives were trapped under rubble. Abu Obeida also said Hamas fighters had destroyed 24 Israeli military vehicles in Gaza in the past 24 hours. (AJ, HA, REU 11/4)
Iranian state-run IRNA news agency said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. (REU 11/4; AP, REU 11/5)
Al-Haq said it had documented abuses of Palestinian workers from Gaza who were in Israel on 10/7, including beatings, arbitrary detention, having their property stolen, and degrading treatment. 1 worker said he saw people beaten to the point that they were unable to walk, and dead Palestinians being urinated on by Israeli settlers. (AJ 11/4)
Axios reported that Israeli officials told the news outlet that Israel was working on a plan accept the delivery of fuel to southern Gaza under an international monitoring regime. (AJ, AX 11/4)
Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said when Israel finishes its attack on Gaza, the area will be under Israeli military control for years. (HA 11/4; HA 11/5)
Turkey and Chad recalled their diplomats in Israel. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin “Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have written him off.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)
U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar in Oman. Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati, who also took part, urged Blinken to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to end “Israeli aggression” in southern Lebanon. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi said Israel was committing war crimes and that Jordan does not accept the Israeli claim that Israel is acting in self-defense. Blinken dismissed the group’s call for a ceasefire, insisting on calling for “pauses.” Before meeting Blinken, the group held a meeting with PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 11/4; AP 11/6)
Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with UK foreign minister James Cleverly, discussing the situation in Gaza. (AJ 11/4)
France said Israel had hit a French cultural institute in Gaza, saying it was in dialogue with Israel to understand why the institute was hit. Agence French Presse (AFP) called for an investigation into the Israeli bombing of its offices in Gaza City, saying the Israeli statement on the bombing “does not explain the extent of the damage caused to the AFP bureau,” and that the bombing “sends a deeply troubling message to all the journalists working in such difficult conditions in Gaza.” (AJ 11/4)
U.S. president Joe Biden said progress had been made on the issue of “humanitarian pauses.” U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) called for “pauses,” saying Israel was violating international law with its indiscriminate killing in Gaza and that Israel was offending U.S. values. (AJ, AP 11/4)
Thousands of people protested in Washington D.C., Paris, Berlin, London, and elsewhere around the world, demanding an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. 300,000 reportedly partook in the demonstrations in Washington D.C. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 11/4; AJ, AJ, NYT, WAFA 11/5)
In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike killed 471 Palestinians in al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The hospital, which was filled with patients and Palestinians seeking shelter from Israeli bombardment, had received evacuation warnings from Israel on 10/14, 10/15, and 10/16. Israel claimed it was an errant rocket fired by Hamas that caused the mass casualties, however all evidence presented by Israel was debunked in subsequent investigations. Other Israeli airstrikes killed around 200 Palestinians, mostly in Rafah and Khan Yunis. Israel also assassinated the head of Hamas’ Shura Council Osama Mazini, who led negotiations on the prisoner exchange that saw Gilad Shalit transferred to Israel in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in 2011, and Hamas commanders Muhammad Alwadia, Ayman Nofal, and Akram Hijaz. Israeli airstrikes also reportedly killed 3 members of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh’s family. 6 were killed in an airstrike on an UNRWA school sheltering Palestinians in al-Maghazi. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In the West Bank, there were large demonstrations against the PA and the Israeli bombing of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital throughout the West Bank, with PA forces violently dispersing Palestinian protesters, killing a 12-year-old girl in Jenin with live ammunition, and injuring many others with tear gas. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians, including a minor, during raids in Halhul and Nabi Salih. An elderly Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 10/13 in Nablus. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians, injuring 8 with live ammunition in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted an ambulance driver near al-Arroub refugee camp, causing a fractured arm and bruises. Israeli forces arrested Palestinian Legislative Council speaker Aziz Dweik during a raid. 115 others were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus, including 50 Palestinians from Gaza who were employed in Israel before being expelled to the West Bank. The Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners’ Affairs Authority said Israel has arrested 680 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked targets north of the Blue Line. Hezbollah said it fired an anti-tank missile at a vehicle in Metula; 3 were reportedly injured. Israel said it killed 4 people who had entered Israel from Lebanon. 4 were also killed in an Israeli airstrike west of Yarine. In Jordan, protesters attempted to storm the Israeli embassy in Amman. (AP 10/7; AJ, AP, HA, REU 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 10/18)
The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 3,500 Palestinians have been killed and 12,500 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 61 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 13 children. More than 1,230 had been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,229 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians 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 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists said 13 Palestinian, 3 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese journalist have been killed in attacks relating to the Israel-Hamas war since 10/7. (AJ 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; HA 10/18)
UNRWA said parts of southern Gaza, containing about 14% of the population, received water for 3 hours. The remaining seawater desalination plant in Gaza shut down due to a lack of fuel. (AJ 10/16; HA 10/17)
Hundreds of trucks carrying aid to Gaza were stuck near the Rafah crossing as Israel continued to prevent safe passage into Gaza. Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry said the crossing was not officially closed but was not functioning due to being targeted 4 times by Israel. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU 10/17)
UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said Israel’s siege and order to evacuate northern Gaza could breach international law. (AJ, REU 10/17)
Israel attempted to deny that it killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians in an airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, presenting a range of questionable evidence to put the blame on Islamic Jihad. Israeli government social media accounts published what it claimed to be evidence that it was a rocket misfire not an airstrike, but later deleted the videos when a New York Times journalist questioned the timing of the videos. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said “[a]ccording to our intelligence, Hamas checked reports and understood it was a Palestinian Islamic Jihad misfire, then launched a global media campaign to inflate numbers of casualties.” Israel has previously employed misinformation campaigns to deflect blame for atrocities, on occasion then taking responsibility long after the event, as in the case of the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. A UK Channel 4 investigation said evidence presented by Israel was both likely fabricated and contradictory, but did not reach a conclusion regarding the origin of the blast. Israeli president Isaac Herzog called reports that Israel conducted the airstrike “21st century blood libel.” Many Western leaders called for an investigation or referred to the loss of life without condemning the perpetrators. Leaders in the Middle East were unequivocal in their condemnation of the Israeli airstrike. King Abdullah II of Jordan, PA president Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi canceled meetings with U.S. president Joe Biden scheduled for 10/18 in Amman. The UAE and Russia called a meeting of the UN Security Council on 10/18 on the attack on the hospital. U.S. Defense Department spokesperson Sabrina Singh said in response to questions about the incident that Hamas puts “their command and control units inside hospitals,” adding the U.S. does not know who the perpetrator was. Biden said he spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu and that his national security team will gather information about the incident. Large demonstrations were held in Washington D.C., Turkey, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Morocco. (AJ, AP 10/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AP, C4, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18)
The PA foreign ministry accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide aimed at removing all Palestinians from Gaza. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics said Israel has killed at least 3,057 Palestinians since the beginning of 2023, including 2,793 in Gaza and 264 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (WAFA, WAFA 10/17)
Fatah’s military wing, al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, called on President Abbas to step down as the head of Fatah’s Martyrs and Prisoners Commission. (AJ 10/18)
Military spokesperson Hagari ruled out a ceasefire, saying Israel continues to “prepare for the next stages of war.” Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the Israeli campaign would take several months. The Israeli military also said that it could not confirm that white phosphorus was used in attacks on Gaza but maintained that it would not be “unlawful” in certain situations. Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai said, “[w]hoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome. Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.” Shabtai also said he had outlawed demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. (HA 10/17; AJ, HA, WAFA 10/18; AJ 10/19)
After the Israeli airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, President Abbas traveled back from Amman to Ramallah to hold an emergency meeting. In a speech Abbas called the airstrike a heinous crime and declared 3 days of mourning. Earlier in the day Abbas met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in Amman. Blinken later called Abbas to offer condolences on the massacre at al-Ahli Arab Hospital. PA envoy to the UN Riyad Mansour called on the UN Security Council to intervene by demanding a ceasefire. (AJ 10/16; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/17; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18)
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with South African foreign minister Nalendi Pandor, who conveyed support for Palestine and expressed sadness for the loss of innocent life in Gaza and Israel. (AJ 10/16; REU 10/18)
The Knesset National Security Committee approved legislation allowing Israeli prisons to admit new inmates above their legal capacity, which would worsen conditions for Palestinian prisoners. Since 10/7, family visits have been suspended, public phones have been blocked, and all electrical devices have been cut off from power. The Hadassah University Hospital refused to treat a Palestinian militant captured by Israel, saying it would “offend national feelings.” (HA, HA 10/17)
The U.S. announced that President Biden will visit Israel on 10/18. The New York Times reported that Biden’s visit will postpone Israel’s planned ground operation in Gaza by at least 24 hours. The Times also reported that Israel has asked the U.S. for $10 billion in emergency aid. Secretary of State Blinken said the announcement was made after Prime Minister Netanyahu committed to allowing aid to enter Gaza and to establishing safe zones at an 8-hour long meeting of the Israeli war cabinet that Blinken attended. New York governor Kathy Hochul said she will visit Israel. Biden also said he will visit Jordan. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said he would push through an emergency aid package to Israel “as quickly as possible.” 6 Republican senators introduced legislation to end all U.S. funding for UNRWA. All senators except Rand Paul (I-KY) sponsored a resolution in support of Israel’s war against Hamas. (AJ, HA 10/16; AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/17; HA 10/18)
King Abdullah II said Jordan and Egypt would not take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza, calling it a red line. Abdullah II also met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. Scholz warned Hezbollah and Iran to stay out of the Hamas-Israel war. Scholz later traveled to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, invoking the German genocide of the Jewish people as a reason for Germany to “ensure Israel’s existence and security.” Lebanese foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Israel was “pouring oil on fire” at the Lebanese border. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said Egypt will host a summit on the situation in Gaza on 10/21. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU, REU 10/17; AP, HA 10/18)
Iranian sources told Al Jazeera that the U.S. had sent the Iranian UN representative a message warning Iran of war if it enters the conflict. (HA 10/17)
U.S. Central Command commander Michael Kurilla arrived in Israel for meetings with Israeli military leaders. The U.S. also sent 2,000 Marines to the Middle East. (AJ, HA, HA, HA 10/16; HA, REU 10/17; AP 10/18)
Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict during a meeting in Beijing. (AJ, AJ, HA 10/17)
159 U.S. citizens were evacuated from Israel headed for Cyprus on a cruise ship. Nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens have left Israel on State Department-charted planes to Europe since 10/13. (AJ, HA, HA 10/16; HA 10/17)
Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa said Japan will donate $10 million in emergency aid to Gaza. Spain said it would donate $1 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Netherlands pledged $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. (AJ 10/16; HA, REU, REU, REU 10/17)
The EU held a video conference for the leaders of its 27 members to discuss the situation in Gaza and find a unified stance after EU member states had expressed dissatisfaction with the EU leadership’s pro-Israel statements, including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s failure to call on Israel to abide by international law during her visit on 10/17. Irish president Michael D Higgins called von der Leyen’s comments about Israel’s attacks “thoughtless and even reckless,” questioning where she gets the authority to speak on behalf of the EU on the issue. After the meeting, the EU leadership agreed to condemn Hamas’ operation in Israel on 10/7, expressed solidarity with the people of Israel, said Israel has a right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law, and called on Hamas to release all captives. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16; AJ, EU, HA, REU 10/17)
Germany’s Mainz 05 soccer club suspended Dutch Egyptian player Anwar El Ghazi for a pro-Palestinian social media post. (AJ 10/17)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Bab al-Rahma prayer hall, confiscating items and causing damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/14; UNOCHA 9/26)
At least 20 people were wounded in clashes between Palestinian factions in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon. Fighting reignited on 9/7 after a month of relative calm. (AJ, AP 9/8; HA 9/9)
Palestinian officials said Israel would reopen the Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing from 9/10. Israel closed the crossing on 9/4. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 9/8)
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco southwest of Marrakesh, killing more than 2,000 people and causing extensive damage in the south of the country. PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended condolences to King Mohammed VI and offered to send PA rescue teams to the country. (AJ 9/8; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10)
Apple Inc. made an urgent security update for iPhone operating systems after researchers at The Citizen Lab discovered that the Israeli NSO Group had found a new way of infecting iPhone users with its Pegasus spyware. The Citizen Lab said an iPhone belonging to “an individual employed by a Washington D.C.-based civil society organization with international offices” was targeted by NSO. (CitizenLab 9/7; REU 9/8; HA 9/10)
15 Democrats in the U.S. Senate, led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), wrote a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration not to accept Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver program, saying Israel does not grant equal treatment to Palestinian Americans. (AX, MEE 9/8; HA, WAFA 9/9; TOI 9/10)
In the West Bank, 2 Israeli soldiers were injured after being hit by a vehicle in Huwwara; 1 Palestinian man was arrested in relation to the incident. Israeli settlers raided Kafr Thulth, throwing stones at Palestinians and Palestinian property and setting 1 vehicle on fire; 1 Palestinian was also injured by a baton round fired by Israeli forces who intervened to aid the settlers. Israeli settlers also raided Ein Samiya, uprooting trees and throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces issued notifications that Israel will seize 42 dunams (10.3 acres) of land in Sarta and Bruqin to expand a settler road. Israeli forces also seized 1 tractor in Beit Furik. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Tuqu, Hebron, Beit Umar, Dahariya, and Deir al-Ghusun. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/8; UNOCHA 6/18)
A 2-year-old boy who was critically injured by Israeli forces on 6/1 succumbed to his wounds. The PA condemned the killing, saying that 28 Palestinians children had been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of 2023. The PA also called the Israeli investigation into the incident whitewashing. (ABC, AP, BBC, CNN, GDN, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 6/6; HA, WAFA 6/7; HA 6/8)
Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces on 4/24 to his family in East Jerusalem and ordered the family to limit the number of participants at the funeral to 25. (WAFA 6/5)
Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh and other high-ranking officials met with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel in Cairo, discussing reconciliation. PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with Kamel last week. Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah also met with Kamel in Cairo. It was reported that the Hamas and Islamic Jihad leadership were invited to Egypt to discuss Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s plan to develop Gaza, including increasing Egyptian electricity supply, rebuilding infrastructure, building a port, and developing a gas field. (QDS, QDS, QDS 6/5; MEMO, QDS 6/6; HA 6/8)
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with representatives from Palestinian parties in the Knesset and local council to discuss the rising murder rates in those communities. Netanyahu said he agreed to form a ministerial committee, that he would chair, to address the issue. 89 Palestinians have been killed in Israel in mostly gun-related violence in 2023. (HA, HA 6/5; HA 6/6)
U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke at the annual AIPAC conference in Washington D.C., saying that the Biden administration is committed to normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but that such a deal is “not a substitute for progress between Israelis and Palestinians.” Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to promote a normalization deal. (AJ, AX, DoS, HA, NYT 6/5; ALM, CNN, MDW, REU 6/6)
U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said in a statement that the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the PA’s report on the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh contains important insights and that it should be released to the public. Van Hollen was able to review the report after weeks of delays by the State Department in providing the report. (AJ, HILL, REU 6/5; MEE 6/6)