The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring a Palestinian, and attempt to set a house on fire. Israeli settlers also begin construction of a settler road in al-Muarajat. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid al-Minya, threatening Palestinians. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian, uproot streets, and damage property during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue demolition notices for a house and an agricultural structure in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their 3-story apartment building in at-Tur, displacing 5 families comprising 23 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 118 people, including 12 at a square in Nuseirat refugee camp, 22 in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp, 25 in a home in Dayr al-Balah, and 2 at a Doctors Without Borders shelter for staff members and their families in Khan Yunis. 8 patients die due to a lack of power and oxygen and 21 people are evacuated from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, killing a woman and a child. Hezbollah militants fire rockets at Israeli military bases in Metila and Matzuva. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing 2 people in an apartment building. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 4 Houthi-related sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; AJ, AJ, UNOCHA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,313 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,333 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 101 children. More than 4,528 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, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. The UK and Jordan airdrop 4 tons of aid to the Tal al-Hawa Hospital. 50 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/21; UNOCHA 2/22)

Khaled Shawish becomes the ninth Palestinian prisoner to die in an Israeli prison since 10/7/2023. 53-year-old Shawish had been imprisoned by Israeli since 2007. 20 lawyers representing Palestinians at the Ofer military court announce a strike, citing poor treatment of Palestinian prisoners and defense lawyers, including beatings of prisoners on their way to court and searches of lawyers entering Israeli facilities. (AJ, WAFA 2/21; HA 2/22)

UNOCHA reports that around 4,000 Palestinians were displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2023, including 1,326 from demolition of which 173 were from punitive demolitions, 911 during Israeli military operations which destroyed 220 structures, 1,539 from settler violence, and 200 due to movement restrictions in the Masafer Yatta area. (UNOCHA 2/21)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office announces that it will prosecute the head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Ekrima Sa’id Sabri for incitement to terrorism, saying he visited families of Palestinians who carried out attacks on Israelis in October 2022. (HA 2/21)

Israeli military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issues a warning to Israeli soldiers that “improper conduct” including unjustified use of force, destruction of property, and looting are criminal actions. Tomer-Yerushalmi says her office has “come across cases of improper conduct.” (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland, EU representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzman, and World Bank country director for the West Bank and Gaza Stefan Emblad in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, long-term aid for rebuilding Gaza, and the PA’s financial crisis. (WAFA 2/21)

The Knesset votes 99 to 9 to reject “international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 2/21)

At the third day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the U.S. argues that the ICJ should not order the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories without security guarantees. Hungary similarly says the ICJ should not exercise its jurisdiction. Colombia, the Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, the UAE, Russia, France, the Gambia, and Guyana also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/21; NYT 2/22)

UK House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle breaks with precedent by allowing the Labour Party to introduce its own amendment to a motion introduced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) calling for a ceasefire. The Labour Party amendment waters down the language of the SNP motion, removes language criticizing Israel, and adds language defending its conduct. The Labour motion is adopted after SNP and Conservative Party MPs leave the vote in protest. (AJ, AJ, AP 2/21; AJ, AP 2/22)

The UK High Court of Justice rejects a petition to suspend UK arms exports to Israel. The Guardian reports that the UK is considering suspending arms export licenses to Israel if Israel invades Rafah. (AJ, GDN 2/21)

A video from 2/15 shows U.S. congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) telling a pro-Palestinian activist that “I think we should kill them all if that makes you feel better. Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It is time to pay the piper.” (AJ, HA 2/21)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. intelligence community has assessed with “low confidence” that some UNRWA staffers took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, suggesting that the U.S. has not seen corroborating evidence. (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

The European Broadcasting Union says it is reviewing the lyrics of the Israeli song submitted to the Eurovision contest to examine if it is too political. The song is titled “October Rain” and is about events on 10/7/2023 and its aftermath. The Israeli contestant, Russian Israeli singer Eden Golan, performed in Russian-annexed Crimea in 2016. (HA, NYT 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal around 35 sheep from Palestinians in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces fatally shoot 3 Palestinians, including 2 children, at the Adora settlement; Israel says 1 settler is lightly injured. Israeli forces also beat an 18-year-old Palestinian to death during a raid in Zeita, 2 others are shot and injured with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces uproot streets during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp. In Gaza, telecommunications services are down throughout the territory for the ninth time since 10/7. Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Maghazi, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 151 people. Al-Aqsa Hospital runs out of fuel, leaving many patients at risk. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces conduct airstrikes in Meiss Ei Jabal, Marwahin, Yaroun, and Kafr Yarin, causing damage. 2 anti-tank missiles are fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13)

More than 23,708 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,350 women and children, and around 60,005 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 340 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 86 children. More than 4,148 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, 185 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,099 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 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 178 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. UNRWA says at least 330 Palestinian sheltering at its facilities have been killed in 1,135 Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. UNOCHA criticizes Israel for not allowing it to deliver aid in northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; WAFA 1/13)

Israel presents its defense at the ICJ in the genocide case brought against it by South Africa. Germany says it will speak in Israel’s defense. Namibia calls Germany’s decision shocking, noting that the first genocide of the 20th century was carried out by Germany in Namibia 120 years ago. The PA expresses dismay with Germany’s decision, saying it is shielding Israel from accountability. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says Canada does not accept the premise of South Africa’s case. After the hearing, South African justice minister Ronald Lamola says Israel failed to disprove the South African case. Israel’s military says it will activate a mechanism to investigate actions in Gaza suspected of being in violaton of international law. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says his country provided documents to the ICJ about Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying he believes Israel will be convicted of genocide. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; AJ, AJ, AP, HA 1/14; HA 1/15)

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza. (UNOCHA 1/12)

Walla news and Reuters report that an agreement has been made to allow the delivery of medications to Israeli captives held in Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu later confirms the agreement. (AJ, AX, HA, REU 1/12)

The Intercept reports that Al Jazeera cameraperson Samer Abudaqa was left to bleed out at the Farhana school in Khan Yunis on 12/15/23 after being hit by an Israeli airstrike, despite multiple organizations and journalist pleading with the Israeli military to let emergency workers evacuate him. (AJ 1/14)

The New York Times reports that the CIA has formed a task force to track Hamas leaders and find Israeli captives held in Gaza, providing its findings to Israel. The Times says U.S. officials believe Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar is hiding in a tunnel network under Khan Yunis and is surrounded by captives. (AJ, NYT 1/12; AJ, HA 1/13)

The HuffPost reports that U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has presented national security officials with a plan to link a Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement with the rebuilding of Gaza and Israeli acceptance of a single Palestinian body to control both Gaza and the West Bank. McGurk, who is said to be leading the U.S. post-war planning for Gaza, reportedly dubbed his plan “the Jerusalem-Jeddah Pact.” (HUFF 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly rammed an Israeli at a checkpoint near Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces were also filmed abusing and assaulting a gas station worker in the refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds and arrested 4 others during a raid in Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also issued demolition notices for the family homes of 3 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on 11/16 near Bayt Jala. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, the Masafer Yatta area, Hebron, and Ramallah. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 165 people, including Al-Quds journalist Jabr Abu Hadros and 6 members of his family in Nuseirat refugee camp and former Palestinian minister of awqaf and religious affairs and al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Sheikh Yousef Salameh in Maghazi. Israel also bombed near the Rafah crossing and hit the European Hospital, killing at least 5 people. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed and 13 were injured in combat. In Lebanon, Israel said it attacked several Hezbollah positions. In Syria, Israeli airstrikes killed 23 people, including 5 Syrians and 6 Iraqis, and wounded 18, near the Iraqi border. Israeli forces also bombed near Aleppo. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; AJ, HA, WAFA 12/31; AJ 1/2)

More than 21,672 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 56,165 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 312 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 79 children. More than 3,812 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 168 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 955 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. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. UNOCHA said more than 100,000 people have fled to Rafah in the past few days. UNICEF delivered 600,000 doses of vaccines to Gaza, saying that more than 16,800 infants have missed routine vaccines. UNRWA said 40% of Palestinians in Gaza were at risk of famine. 103 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/30)

The Gaza Ministry of Health held a press conference saying Palestinians captured by Israeli forces in Gaza were being tortured and held in poor condition. The ministry also said it had been able to reopen the medical facilities al-Arabi Hospital, Patient Friend’s Benevolent Society, Assahaba Medical Complex, al-Helou International Hospital, and several first aid centers. Lastly, it said that 5,300 people in critical condition needed to be evacuated to hospitals outside of Gaza to save their lives. 13 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially functioning, 9 of which are located in the south, the rest are out of service. (AJ, UNOCHA 12/30)

The armed wing of the PFLP, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, released a picture it said showed the body of 1 of the Israeli soldiers held captive in Gaza, saying he was killed by Israeli forces when they tried to rescue him. It was unclear if the soldier was taken captive on 10/7 or during the ongoing ground invasion. (AJ, HA, REU 12/30)

The PA foreign ministry said Israel was targeting UNRWA to expel the agency from Gaza. (AJ 12/30)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a press conference that the border zone between Egypt and Gaza, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, must be under Israeli control. Netanyahu also said Israel will attack Iran if Hezbollah expands its attacks on Israel. Ynet reported that Israel wants an underground wall along the Gaza border with Egypt. Netanyahu reportedly invited Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz to participate in the press conference, which they declined. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh said Netanyahu’s plans were “a blatant violation of agreements with Egypt and a termination of all agreements with the PLO,” calling on a unified Palestinian and Arab stance against it. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 12/30; AJ, AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/31)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israeli leaders will discuss resettling Palestinians in Gaza after the war. (AJ 12/30)

Israeli forces hacked the broadcast of the radio channel Voice of Palestine, issuing threats to people in Gaza. (WAFA 12/30)

The Wall Street Journal said that by mid-December Israel had dropped 29,000 bombs on Gaza, destroying 70% of homes, making Israel’s attacks “comparable in scale to the most devastating warfare in the modern record.” (AJ, HA 12/30; AJ, WAFA 12/31)

The New York Times reported that the Israeli military was so ill-prepared for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on 10/7 that soldiers used WhatsApp groups and social media posts to decide where to target. (AJ, NYT 12/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Bruqin. Armed Israeli settlers also threatened Palestinian shepherds in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces attempted to assassinate 3 Palestinians traveling in a vehicle near Balata refugee camp, firing a missile at their car; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also shot and injured 4 Palestinians, including 2 children, during raids in Tuqu’, al-‘Ayn, and Shuweika. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted a Palestinian in Hebron. Israeli forces also punitively demolished the family homes of 2 Palestinians prisoners in ‘Urif. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces severely assaulted a journalist, hospitalizing him in Wadi al-Juz. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians heading to the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, telecommunications remained cut off for the second day in a row, obfuscating reporting on the number of casualties. Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 100 Palestinians, including Al Jazeera journalist Samer Abudaqa and Palestinian New Press journalist Ramy Budair and 3 civil defense workers during an airstrike that also wounded Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh in Khan Yunis. Abudaqa was reportedly left to bleed out for 5 and half hours while rescue teams tried to secure safe passage during Israeli shelling of the area. Several members of al-Dahdouh’s immediate family were killed in an Israeli air strike on 10/25. Israeli forces also shot and killed 3 Israeli captives that had either been freed or escaped captivity in the Shuja‘iya neighborhood of Gaza City, mistaking them for Palestinians. The 3 were shirtless and holding up a white flag. The Israeli military called the incident “a tragic error.” Separately, 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage near Jerusalem. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Ramiya, Beit Lif, and near Alma al-Chaab, saying shots were fired toward Israel. Israel also dropped leaflets in Kfar Shuba, threatening residents to stop Hezbollah from operating in the area for their own safety. In the Red Sea, projectiles fired from Yemen hit 2 cargo ships. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 12/16; AP, REU 12/17; AP, NYT 12/18)

More than 18,897 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 51,000 had been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 280 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 72 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 119 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 648 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. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 115 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/15)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs released a report, saying 476 Palestinians, including 112 children, have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in 2023. Of the 476, 276 have been killed since 10/7. 12,566 have been injured, including 1,841 children. Israeli forces have also demolished 1,010 structures since 1/1, displacing 1,884 people while settler violence has displaced 1,442. (UNOCHA 12/15)

Israel said it found the bodies of 3 Israeli captives in Gaza, including 2 soldiers and a civilian. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society said 4,420 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. (HA, NYT, REU 12/15)

The Israeli security cabinet approved the reopening of the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing for humanitarian aid after U.S. pressure. Haaretz reported that the Israeli military, with approval from Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich and Otzma Yehudit leader  Itamar Ben-Gvir, had allowed 10,000 Palestinians from the West Bank to work in Israeli settlements upon request from settlement leaders. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, UNOCHA 12/15; HA 12/16)

The Foreign Press Association and Al Jazeera condemned the Israeli killing of Al Jazeera journalist Samer Abudaqa. Al Jazeera said it would refer the killing of Abudaqa to the ICC. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called Abudaqa’s death a “heavy loss” but said there was no indication that Israel deliberately targets journalists.  (AJ, AJ, HA 12/15; AJ, AJ 12/16; HA 12/17)

Israelis demonstrated in several places over the military’s killing of 3 Israeli captives in Gaza City. (HA 12/15; HA 12/16)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the 2 discussed “governance possibilities” for after Israel’s war. Abbas told Sullivan that the U.S. must intervene to prevent the forceful displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and to stop the bombing of Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 12/15)

Israeli heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu said Gaza must be “fully occupied.” (AJ, HA 12/15)

National Security Advisor Sullivan also met with Israeli officials for the second day in a row, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad director David Barnea. Sullivan told the press that the U.S. expects the Israeli war to transition to a phase that is “focused on targeting the [Hamas] leadership, on intelligence operations.” The U.S. also criticized Israel for attacking the Lebanese army 34 times since 10/7. (AJ, AJ, AP, NYT, NYT 12/15)

The UK, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the EU, Australia, and Canada issued a joint statement calling on Israel to take steps to end settler violence in the West Bank, calling the violence against Palestinians unacceptable. The statement said that settler impunity had led to unprecedented levels of violence. (WAFA 12/14; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 12/15)

A court in the Netherlands rejected a petition by human rights organizations to halt transfers of F-35 parts to Israel. (AJ, AJ, AP, REU 12/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Duma, setting cars on fire and attacking Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition who was trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also set fire to a tent near Kisan; the Palestinian couple who owned the tent were later reported missing. Elsewhere, an Israeli settler attempted to ram Palestinians on a street in Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Jericho, causing damage. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron using a tractor. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and injuring 1 other with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, killing 1 person and injuring 5 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and injured 12 others with tear gas in ‘Ayn Bus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalamah checkpoint, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing tear-gas related injuries. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Isawiya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 200 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Near Gaza, Palestinian militants attacked Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Be’eri; no injuries were reported. Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem, hitting targets around the city and in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, saying it was retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilian targets. Near the Blue Line, mortar shells were fired from Lebanon toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had 3 killed gunmen entering Israel from Lebanon; Hezbollah denied having an active operation into Israel. Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility. Israel later fired artillery shells at Marwahin and used combat helicopters to attack South Lebanon, killing 5 members of Hezbollah. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed and 5 injured by forces in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; HA 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 9:30 p.m. at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,800 injured in Gaza, while 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, had been killed and 295 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. Israeli media reported more than 900 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,616 injured. Israel said it had hit 500 targets in Gaza overnight and 1,100 since 10/7. Hamas said Israeli airstrikes have killed 4 Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reported that more than 187,518 Palestinians were displaced, including 137,427 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 790 housing units were destroyed and 5,330 were damaged since 10/7. (AJ, ALM, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; ALM, AP 10/10)

The Israeli emergency rescue organization Zaka said that the bodies of 108 Israelis were found in Kibbutz Be’eri as were the bodies of Palestinian militants. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the bodies of 70 militants were found in the town. (HA 10/10; AP 10/11)

Hamas’ Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said the Qassem Brigades would not negotiate the release of captives while Gaza was being bombarded. Earlier in the day Abu Obaida said Qassam Brigades would begin executing 1 Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a civilian target. There was no indication that the threat was carried out as civilian buildings were being bombed by Israel. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that Hamas is open to discussing a truce and all political dialogue. Hamas leader Ali Barakeh said only half a dozen members of Hamas planned the attack on Israel on 10/7 and none of its allies were informed but Hezbollah and Iran would join the battle if “Gaza is subject to a war of annihilation.” (AJ, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ, AP, HA 10/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Hamas-Israel war. In a statement, bin Salman’s office said Saudi Arabia “continues to stand with the Palestinian people in their pursuit for their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace.” (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9)

Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said Israel had regained control in all communities surrounding Gaza but that Palestinian militants still could be in the area. (HA 10/9)

Reuters reported that Qatar was mediating a prisoner exchange that will see Israeli women and children released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Egyptian sources also said that Egypt was in close contact with Israel and Hamas to prevent further escalation, calling on Israel to exercise restraint and Hamas to keep the captives in good condition. (HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10; HA 10/11)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that he had ordered that no power, water, food, or gas enters Gaza, saying “[w]e are fighting human animals and we act accordingly.” His office later said Gallant had ordered the intensity of the Gaza bombings to increase. Several Israeli politicians called for the formation of an emergency unity government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the emergency government should “bring about the complete elimination of Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party demanded that Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir not be part of the war cabinet and that no legislation unrelated to the war would be promoted. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/9; AP 10/10)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Netanyahu told U.S. president Joe Biden that Israel will invade Gaza. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is preparing for a prolonged war in Gaza and is assessing Israeli diplomatic, political, and military needs. The White House briefed members of Congress that Israel will need replenishment for the Iron Dome, ammunition rounds, precision-guided missiles, and small-diameter bombs. Biden said in a briefing that 11 U.S. citizens have been killed by Hamas and that there likely are U.S. captives being held in Gaza. The U.S. also said Iran was complicit in the Hamas attack and warned Iran about getting involved in the fighting. Iran denied any involvement or knowledge. (ALM, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, REU, REU 10/10)

Egyptian officials said they had warned Israel about an imminent attack from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office denied having received warnings. (HA 10/9)

President Erdoğan spoke to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, urging him to end indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. (AJ, ALM 10/9)

The UN Security Council convened a meeting on the situation in Gaza without releasing a statement. Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said 137,000 Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Guterres also said he was deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to prevent all power, food, and gas from entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AJ, HA 10/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken deleted a tweet on X in which he said he “encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire.” The tweet was replaced by language that supported Israel’s “right to defend itself.” (HA 10/9)

Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland evacuated hundreds of their own citizens and European and Israeli nationals from Israel. (HA, HA 10/9)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, France, and Italy issued a joint statement of support for Israel, saying the countries are coordinating to “ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.” (AP, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10)

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned violence against Palestinians and Israelis and criticized the U.S. for its “destructive policy” of undermining the Quartet by monopolizing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue during a press conference with Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (REU, WAFA 10/9)

The EU, Germany, and Austria said they suspended all aid to Palestinians in response to Hamas’ operation in Israel. None of the aid in question is delivered to Hamas. Later EU countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, objected to the EU Commission's decision and EU Crisis Management commissioner Janez Lanercic said the EU aid would continue. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ 10/10)

The Bank of Israel said it will sell $30 billion of foreign currency to maintain the shekel’s stability in light of the war with Hamas. The shekel had lost 10% of its value compared to the dollar in 2023 before the war. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 10/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort toured Solomon’s pools near Bethlehem and an archeological site near Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli settlers with a military escort also raided Jalbun, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces closed Route 60 near Huwwara for 3 hours, claiming stones were thrown at settler vehicles. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel closed the compound to young Palestinians during the incursion and Israeli forces prevented some Waqf employees from entering. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/4; AJ, HA, PCHR 10/5)

Israeli police arrested 5 Israelis for spitting on Christians and churches in the Old City of Jerusalem. 4 of the 5 were arrested shortly after a spitting incident at a church and the other was arrested for an incident earlier in the week. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 10/4; HA 10/7)

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 84 Palestinians had fled their homes in the Masafer Yatta area since July due to Israeli restrictions on their movement after the 2022 Supreme Court decision to allow Israel to forcefully transfer Palestinians living in the “firing zone.” (HA 10/4)

Haaretz reported that Israeli minister at the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich has been excluding the military advocate general official Eli Levertov from discussions on settlement expansion reportedly over Levertov’s objections to decisions made by Smotrich on settlements. (HA 10/4)

Jordan sent a letter to the Israeli embassy in the country complaining of Israeli settler tours at the Haram al-Sharif compound and settler attacks on Christians in Jerusalem. (WAFA 10/4)

Haaretz also reported that Qatar is considering providing additional aid to Gaza and that Israel is considering increasing the quota for Gazans to work in Israel. (HA 10/2; HA 10/4)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken overrode a Republican block on the dispersal of $75 million in food assistance to Palestinians hours before a clause would have seen the funds dispersed elsewhere. The State Department did not publish the outcome, which was instead announced by UNRWA-USA. (HA 10/4)

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz met with U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan at the White House for a briefing on the Saudi-Israeli normalization deal negotiations. It was reported that the White House is seeking to have Gantz’s party and other opposition parties replace the Religious Zionist Party and the Jewish Power Party if Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir oppose concessions to Palestinians as part of the normalization deal. (HA 10/5; ALM 10/6)

20 U.S. senators wrote a letter to U.S. president Joe Biden urging his administration to preserve the option of a two-state solution in a potential Saudi-Israeli normalization deal. The senators said Israel should commit to not annexing any of the West Bank; halt settlement expansion; dismantle illegal settlements, including those retroactively legalized; allow natural growth in Palestinian towns and cities; and allow Palestinians to travel within the West Bank without interference. The senators were led by Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Peter Welsh (D-VT). (HA 10/4; WAFA 10/5)

Palestinians across Israel and the oPt observe a general strike in commemoration of the Nakba and in mourning for the 58 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 5/14. Thousands march in their funeral processions, and thousands more gather along the border fence for a 2d consecutive day of Great March of Return protests. Israeli forces violently disperse these demonstrations, as well as smaller protests in East Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and at the Qalandia checkpoint; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Unidentified assailants cut down 300 Palestinian-owned grapevines outside Bayt ‘Aynun village near Hebron and leave racist graffiti in the area. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/15; HA, MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

Two Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained during the deadly violence in Gaza on 5/14. The 4 deaths today bring the death toll stemming from Israel’s response to the protests on 5/14 to 60 and the overall death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 106. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 4th consecutive day. (AP 5/18; OCHA 5/24)

The Israeli authorities temporarily reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing, having kept it closed since 5/12, after Palestinians set fire to a nearby pipeline. There are reports of Palestinian activists turning back 4 truckloads of medical supplies provided by the IDF. The organizers of the Great March of Return later confirm that they rejected medical supplies from “the executors of Monday’s massacre against the innocent.” (AP, TOI 5/15; MNA, JP, TOI 5/16)

PA president Abbas recalls PLO envoy in Washington Husam Zomlot in protest at the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. decision to block the UNSC from making a statement condemning the Israeli violence on 5/14. (WAFA, YA 5/15; HA, WAFA 5/16)

The Turkish Foreign Ministry orders Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh to leave Turkey in protest of the killings in Gaza on 5/14. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry orders the Turkish consul in Jerusalem to return home. Turkey recalled its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in the wake of the killings on 5/14. (ANA, HA, JP, TOI 5/16)

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Dayr Abu Mash‘al home of 1 of the Palestinians killed during the 6/16 deadly attack in Jerusalem. The demolition sparks clashes in the village; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops assault a Palestinian youth during a raid in Ramallah, arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in Shu‘fat refugee camp, allegedly for carrying a knife. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s southern border, 2 Islamist fighters emerge from a smuggling tunnel leading from Egypt into southern Gaza, and 1 detonates a bomb belt when Hamas security forces confront them, killing himself and 1 of the Hamas fighters and injuring 5 others. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in the Palestinian Bedouin villages of Umm Qabu, al-Atrash, and al-Sayyid. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/17; PCHR 8/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a 4th and final day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to pass through on their pilgrimage to Mecca. (MNA 8/17; OCHA 9/14)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct an early morning raid in Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, the Israeli authorities prevent a truck from passing through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on the grounds that it contains materials that could be used to build rockets. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya refugee camp (r.c.), causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and Issawiyya. (MNA 11/16; PCHR 11/17; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/16; OCHA 12/2)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize Israeli settlement outposts in the West Bank. Meanwhile, in response to the Israeli High Court of Justice’s 11/14 reaffirmation of its evacuation order for the illegal Amona settlement outpost, the Jerusalem Municipality approves demolition orders for 14 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat says that thousands of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem lack proper permits and should be held to the same standard as Amona, adding that “the Amona verdict leaves us no discretion to legalize building offenses.” (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 11/16; JP, MNA 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of 2 homes in Qalandia r.c. late at night, displacing 6 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing camp residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. The Israeli authorities revoke the entry permit of the governor of Hebron after he visits the home of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed a settler youth to death on 6/30. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and confiscate a car during late-night raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains its general closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, barricading at least 20 villages and patrolling throughout the region. (HA, MNA 7/3; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/4; JP, MO 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th of 5 planned days this week. (OCHA 7/5)

The Israeli govt. approves the construction of 600 new residences for Palestinians in the Bayt Safafa neighborhood of East Jerusalem, despite criticism from some of its right-wing mbrs. Israeli PM Netanyahu also advances plans for 800 new Jewish settler housing units in East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, a West Bank settlement nr. Jerusalem. A senior Israeli official refers to the 800 settler units as an effort to “sweeten the pill” for Israelis opposing housing construction for Palestinians. (HA 7/3; JP, WAFA 7/4; HA 7/8)

Before the weekly cabinet meeting, and in response to the recent uptick in violence in Hebron, Netanyahu says, “We will make a special effort to strengthen [settlements] and will propose a special plan for Kiryat Arba at the next cabinet meeting.” Kiryat Arba is the settlement where a youth was killed in her sleep on 6/30. (HA, JP 7/3; MO 7/5)

Cross-border violence continues in Gaza as IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting nr. the Erez border crossing and e. of al-Bureij r.c., injuring 14 Palestinians. The Israeli authorities then temporarily close the crossing. Later, IDF troops armed with sniper rifles open fire on a group of Palestinians in an agricultural area along the border fence nr. al-Bureij r.c., killing 1 and injuring 2. The IDF releases a statement describing the incident as an operation designed to “eradicate” a group of armed Palestinian fighters allegedly responsible for several attacks on IDF patrols along the border in recent weeks. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/21)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue amid the ongoing wave of violence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during early morning clashes in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF says that the soldiers used live ammunition only after the man attempted to stab 1 of them. In the evening, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinian youths in c. Hebron as they are walking home amid a minor protest (the IDF says that they stabbed a soldier in the area). A Palestinian driver rams and kills an Israeli settler nr. Hebron. The Palestinian driver reports the incident later in the day to Palestinian police as an accident. Later, another Palestinian driver rams an Israeli soldier and a settler outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem, injuring both. IDF troops shoot and kill the Palestinian when he exits his vehicle, allegedly holding a knife. After the incident, the IDF raids the Palestinian driver’s home nr. Hebron, issuing an arrest summons to his brother. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/21; EI 10/22)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters across the West Bank, injuring 18 Palestinians. Israeli forces also obstruct the entrance to Ni‘lin village nr. Ramallah with cement blocks, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition. The IDF conducts late-night raids throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem, arresting 41 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians and their property in the Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit areas. Palestinian schools and businesses in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem, conduct a general strike in protest of the Israeli authorities’ recent restrictions on access to the neighborhood. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/20; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 10/21; HA, PCHR 10/22; OCHA 10/23)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces bar 3 Palestinian journalists from entering Haram al-Sharif while right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Meanwhile, Israeli police and Palestinian youths clash for the 3d day in a row, in Issawiyya, injuring a Palestinian child. In Gaza, a Palestinian youth is seriously injured when he accidentally detonates an unexploded Israeli munition in Shuja‘iya. Israeli forces level land during a limited incursion e. of Rafah. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem and block off an agricultural road in a nearby village. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and nr. Salfit. Israeli settlers assault 3 Palestinians outside a settlement nr. Nablus. In Israel, 3 Jewish Israelis assault a Palestinian in Dayr Yasin nr. Jerusalem. (MNA, WAFA 9/8; JP, MNA 9/9; PCHR 9/10; OCHA 9/18; WAFA 10/1)

The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm (synchronized) and 1 nr. Ramallah during the day; patrols in Jenin, Jericho and 2 villages nr. Jericho and Ramallah late at night; and conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron. Hamas authorities in Gaza hang 3 Palestinian prisoners (all convicted of murder in 2004, 2009, and 2010). (PCHR 7/19; OCHA 7/20)

The Knesset education comm. votes to grant full university status to an academic center in Ariel settlement, deep in the West Bank, making it the first accredited Israeli university in occupied Palestinian territory. The decision comes as Palestinian medical students from al-Quds University in Abu Dis, just outside East Jerusalem, await a verdict on their appeal of a 2/2012 Israeli ruling that denied their request to be allowed to sit for Israeli exams that would certify them to practice in East Jerusalem or Israel. The Israeli government had denied the students permission to sit for the exams on the grounds that al-Quds was not an accredited Israeli university and could not gain accreditation because it was a Palestinian entity located in the West Bank. When they then sought permission to take the tests as foreigners, the Israeli court denied permission on the grounds that al-Quds could not be considered a foreign university, since it also has a campus in East Jerusalem. There has long been a shortage of doctors to treat Palestinians in East Jerusalem, where most Palestinian doctors are forced to work without licenses. (HA 2/13/12)

After 2 weeks of unsuccessful efforts to draft plans that would integrate ultraOrthodox Jews and Palestinian citizens of Israel into the Israeli military, Kadima head Shaul Mofaz quits PM Netanyahu’s governing coalition; Netanyahu does not try to dissuade him. Analysts believed the decision (e.g., NYT 7/19) hurts both Kadima and Likud, and might hasten early elections. (NYT 7/18, 7/19)

Fmr. Israeli government attorney David Scharia is named the UNSC’s chief counterterrorism lawyer, marking the first time that an Israeli has been appointed to a security post within the UN Secretariat. (WP 7/18)

Israel’s Jerusalem municipality approves construction of 2,500 new housing units in Gilo settlement. Also in East Jerusalem, the IDF demolishes 5 residential tents and 5 sheds in the Arab al-Jahalin bedouin community e. of Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 5 wells and water and electricity networks in Bayt Qad village nr. Jenin (marking the 1st Israeli demolition in Area B in 2012). The IDF also patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 each nr. Jericho and Salfit in the morning; in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the afternoon; and in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah late at night. Jewish settlers fr. Eliezer settlement nr. Bethlehem steal fencing surrounding a plot of nearby Palestinian crop land, leaving leaflets taking credit for the action signed by the ‘‘Green Helmets.’’ In Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed and 1 is injured in a smuggling tunnel collapse on the Rafah border. (PCHR 6/14; OCHA 6/15)

A Palestinian court convicts Muhammad Rashid, the former economic adviser to late PA pres. Yasir Arafat and political ally to Abbas adversary Muhammad Dahlan, of embezzling millions of dollars in public funds during Arafat’s rule. Rashid had been charged in 4/2012 by an independent Palestinian anticorruption commission created in 2010. While few if any Palestinians thought that Rashid (who has lived abroad for years and was convicted in absentia) was innocent, many saw the case against him as, in the words of Palestinian analyst Hani al-Masri (WP 6/21), ‘‘a reaction to a political dispute [with Abbas], not a continuous fight against corruption.’’ Other critics noted (WP 6/21) that the commission had been selective about the cases it chose to investigate, and that of the more than 80 cases it had investigated, few had led to charges against senior officials. (WP 6/21)

The IDF patrols in Tulkarm and 2 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 each nr. Jericho, Hebron, and Ramallah in the morning; stages 3 groups of synchronized patrols s. of Jenin (4 villages), e. and n. of Jenin (3 villages), and n. of Ramallah (2 villages) in the afternoon; conducts synchronized late-night patrols in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm; and conducts other late-night patrols in Jericho and nearby ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c., and in 1 village nr. Salfit. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches in East Jerusalem in the afternoon and nr. Hebron late at night; bulldozes Palestinian irrigation networks located between 2 Jewish settlements nr. Hebron; and confiscates a bulldozer and rock crusher from a Palestinian quarry n. of Jerusalem. (PCHR 5/23; OCHA 5/25)

The White House convenes a meeting with American Jewish leaders to reassure them that the Obama admin. is committed to keeping Iran free of nuclear weapons. In Israel, PM Netanyahu reiterates his position that ‘‘the objectives of Iran are clear: It wants to destroy Israel and is developing nuclear weapons to realize that goal.’’ (HA 5/21; NYT, WP, WT 5/22; WJW 5/31)

Unidentified gunmen fire on the home of Jenin governor Qaddura Moussa in apparent effort to assassinate him; the shots miss, but within hours Moussa dies of a heart attack. By 5/9, the PASF detains 10s of Palestinians in connection to the shooting but does not made a formal arrest. Those detained include a number of PASF officers, raising concerns of fissuring and infighting within the PASF. Others worry (see NYT 5/10) that gangs might be attempting to assert local authority. Jenin residents say that instability in Jenin has been growing since the 4/4/11 murder of Jenin’s Freedom Theater director, Juliano Mer-Khamis. The decline in Jenin worries Israel and the Quartet, which have considered Jenin a model for transition from Israeli to Palestinian security control. (NYT 5/10)

Israel’s Jerusalem municipality submits maps for plans for the massive housing construction (4,010 units, first announced in 10/2011) in Givat Hamatos settlement in s. Jerusalem. The drawings show new ideas for construction of 9 hotels (1,100 rooms) in the area, intended to make the area a major tourist center that would compete with Bethlehem by capitalizing on its close proximity to Bethlehem’s religious sites. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities seize a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem, and turn it over to a Jewish settler family that claims to own the land on which the house sits. (HA, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/3, 5/10)

In the morning, IDF troops make 2 incursions in to s. Gaza e. of Abassan and al-Qarara to level lands and clear lines of sight. IDF troops and a helicopter guarding the unit nr. Abassan fire on surrounding agricultural areas to keep Palestinians away, wounding 1 Palestinian. Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, an Israeli warplane fires a missile at a smuggling tunnel on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. OCHA reports that in the previous week, Israel granted 60 of 100 applications from Gazan UN staffers for 3-month multiple exit permits (rather than time-bound permits for specific events, valid for up to 1 week only). OCHA says this marks 1st time the UN has received so many long-term permits at one time and constitutes a considerable improvement in access for UN Gaza staff. In the West Bank, the IDF bulldozes 2 cow pens and 2 structures nr. a settler-only bypass road outside Hebron; demolishes a Palestinian home under construction without permits nr. Qalqilya. About 30 Palestinians rally in solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners outside the IDF’s Ofer prison nr. Ramallah; IDF troops fire live ammunition and tear gas at the demonstrators, wounding 3. (WP, YA 5/2; NYT, PCHR 5/3; OCHA 5/4)

The IDF ends is probe into the 1/5/2009 shelling of a house in Gaza City during Operation Cast Lead that killed 21 mbrs. of a family that had been ordered by troops on the ground to stay in the home, concluding that the building was not deliberately targeted and therefore the incident did not constitute a war crime. (WP 5/2; NYT 5/3)

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa visits al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in what he calls an unofficial visit to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and their claim to East Jerusalem. Many Egyptians and Muslims are angry that he broke an unofficial ban by Muslim clerics and Egyptian organizations on visiting areas under Israeli control. (WT 4/19)

Early in the morning, IDF troops make a brief incursion into c. Gaza e. of al-Bureij r.c., firing on the surrounding area; no damage or injuries are reported. Also in the morning, IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire on Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Khuza; a Palestinian woman 1,000 m. from the border is hit in the head with live ammunition and is seriously injured. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 9 residential structures, 6 animal pens in al-Khalayli bedouin community in area C nr. Jerusalem, displacing 54 Palestinians (including 34 children); conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Tubas; late-night patrols in Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities evict 2 Palestinian families fr. their homes in Bayt Hanina, ending a decade-long legal dispute with Jewish settlers over the ownership of the properties. (PCHR 4/19, 4/26; OCHA 4/27)

Weekly Palestinian protests against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion this week coincide with Land Day, the annual event to protest Israel’s discriminatory land policies. Israel seals the Erez crossing for 2 days (3/30–31), citing security concerns. Palestinians (accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold their weekly nonviolent demonstrations in Bil’in, Kafr Qaddum, Nabi Salih, and Ni’lin (with protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin also calling for reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas). IDF soldiers fire live ammunition (Nabi Salih only), rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at these protesters, injuring 11 Palestinians (including a child) and 1 international (4 Palestinians are wounded by live fire in Nabi Salih; the rest are hit by tear-gas canisters in Kafr Qaddum). Palestinians hold at least 5 other Land Day rallies in the West Bank (outside Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem, outside Ofer Prison and at 2 points along the separation wall nr. Ramallah, and at the Qalandia crossing n. of Jerusalem). IDF soldiers fire live ammunition (Ofer and Qalandia only), rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at these protesters, injuring 19 (including 2 children; at least 7 are hit by live fire and 1 is seriously injured by a tear-gas canister to the head). In Gaza, Hamas authorities allow 1,000s of Palestinians to conduct a nonviolent demonstration nearly a mile from the Erez crossing, deploying police to prevent the protesters from marching to the border. Nonetheless, IDF troops on the Gaza border fire on the demonstration, killing 1 Palestinian and wounding 37 (1 seriously; including 16 children). A major protest planned for East Jerusalem does not materialize. Inside Israel, some 2,000 Israeli Palestinians demonstrate in the Galilee, with no violence reported. (NYT, WP 3/31; OCHA, PCHR 4/5)

Nonviolent Land Day protests are also held in Jordan and Lebanon. In Lebanon, 100s of Palestinians and Lebanese gather at Beaufort castle, 9 miles fr. the Israeli border, where Lebanese military forces deploy to prevent them fr. marching to the border. In Jordan, some 20,000 Palestinians march toward the West Bank border but stop 4 miles. No violence is reported in either case. (NYT, WP 3/31)

The IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho in the morning; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin (firing stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, causing no injuries) and 1 nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; conducts late-night patrols in Jericho and nearby `Ayn al-Sultan r.c., 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Ramallah. (PCHR 4/5)

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 the morning, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border w. of the Erez crossing direct gunfire and 1 artillery shell at open areas around the former Nisanit settlement site, causing no reported injuries. IDF troops on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Lahiya launch 4 artillery shells at open areas near the border, causing no reported injuries. Late at night, Israeli warplanes make a total of 7 air strikes on greenhouses and open areas nr. the Bayt Lahiya border in the north, a suspected weapons factory in c. Gaza, and a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border, causing no injuries. A Palestinian civilian dies of injuries sustained in a 11/14/01 IDF air strike on a UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 9 Palestinian stores in al-Oja village in the Jordan Valley, n. of Jericho; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Ramallah (where they target the home of Hamas-affiliated Reform and Change PC mbr. ‘Abd al-Jabir Fuqaha, arresting him, summoning his son for interrogation, and confiscating his computer, phone, and files), in Nablus, and nr. Hebron; conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya (summoning 3 Palestinians for interrogation). In East Jerusalem’s Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood, Israeli security forces raid the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office and a protest tent outside, detaining Hamas-affiliated PC mbrs. Muhammad Toutah and Khalid Abu Arafa, who had been living at the ICRC offices since 6/2010 to protest Israel’s 9/2009 decision to revoke their Jerusalem IDs on the grounds that they are affiliated with a “terrorist organization” (i.e., Hamas); Israeli authorities expel them to the West Bank. Hamasaffiliated PC mbr. Ismail Ashkar comments, “Every time we move toward reconciliation and reactivating the Palestinian parliament, we see Israel targeting our lawmakers.” (AFP, JP, NYT, YA 1/24; WP, WT 1/25; PCHR 1/26; OCHA 1/27)

Israeli embassies and mission in the Hague, Brussels, London, New York, Boston, and Houston receive envelopes containing a suspicious white powder that turns out to be flour, raising fears of an anthrax attack. No one takes responsibility. (DS 1/24; JPI 2/3)

Anonymous Israeli officials say that 2 wks. ago, Abbas, under heavy Quartet pressure (especially fr. the U.S.), submitted a proposal for restarting talks that dropped demands that Israel halt settlement construction but demanded that Israel release in exchange 100 Palestinian prisoners jailed since before the Oslo process began. Israel rejected this on the grounds that (1) it would replace 1 precondition with another, and (2) it was vague about whether the talks that would result would be preparatory talks or direct negotiations between Abbas and Netanyahu. There is no official Palestinian, U.S., or Quartet comment on this. Another Israeli official says that Israel is concerned that if talks do not resume by 1/26/12, Abbas would resume Palestinian statehood efforts at the UN, including seeking membership in various UN organizations. (HA 12/28, 1/1)

Late at night, unidentified Palestinians fire 4 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response, Israeli warplanes carry out 3 air strikes on a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border and 1 air strike on a Hamas training site s. of Gaza City; damage but no injuries are reported. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts latenight arrest raids, house searches in Azariyya nr. East Jerusalem, in Hebron, and nr. Tulkarm. Israeli municipal officials in Jerusalem approve construction of another 130 housing units in Gilo settlement, s. of Jerusalem. (PCHR 12/29; YA 12/30; OCHA, PCHR 1/5)

As of this date, Congress has freed up only $40 m. of the $192 m. in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians that was frozen in light of the UN bid (see QU in JPS 162). USAID and the White House are pressuring Congress to release the rest of the money, calling it “in the interest of the Palestinians, Israel and the United States” to ensure continued development “vital to the establishing and strengthening the foundations necessary for a future Palestinian state.” (WP 12/29)

In light of Jewish settler violence against the IDF on 12/12, the Israeli cabinet approves several measures against right-wing Jewish extremists, including permitting their detention without trial (administrative detention) and trial in military courts, allowing soldiers in the West Bank to arrest them, and banning them fr. entering the West Bank; it does not label them “terrorists,” which would have allowed security forces even greater leeway to act against them. Hrs. later, Israeli police raid a Jerusalem apartment and arrest 6 Israelis for involvement in “recent events” targeting Palestinians and the IDF. In apparent “price-tag” attacks to protest the government moves: Jewish extremists set fire to the Nabi Ukasha mosque in West Jerusalem (Israeli authorities have barred Palestinians fr. using the mosque but have allowed Jewish settlers affiliated with the extremist Kach party to use the courtyard as a playground); Jewish settlers fr. Burkan settlement set fire to 2 Palestinian cars in nearby Salfit; and Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar set fire to 2 Palestinian cars in nearby Douma village nr. Nablus. (NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 12/15; PCHR 12/22; OCHA 12/23)

Under pressure fr. PA and Jordanian officials, Israel reopens the Mughrabi footbridge to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount (closed on 12/12/11), saying it will reinforce rather than rebuild it. Meanwhile, IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Gaza City fire on a Palestinian who strays too nr. the border fence while hunting birds, moderately wounding him. IDF troops in the West Bank conduct late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Fawar r.c. and Bayt Umar, both nr. Hebron. (NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 12/15; PCHR 12/22; OCHA 12/23)

Addressing 10,000s of Hamas supporters in Gaza City to mark Hamas’s 24th anniversary, Hamas acting PM Ismail Haniyeh says that “Today we say it clearly: Armed resistance and armed struggle are the strategic way to liberate the Palestinian land from the sea to the river,” but that if Israel were to turn over the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, Hamas could take a “temporary” respite “without Israel being recognized and without any concession being made.” Of note: at the rally, the flags of the Arab states are displayed except for Syria’s. (NYT 12/15)

The New York Times runs a long special report on a 6-yr. U.S. investigation of Lebanese Canadian Bank and its suspected role providing financial support to “terrorists.” U.S. officials allege—but refuse to release their evidence—that the investigation revealed that the bank laundered hundreds of millions of dollars fr. Hizballah criminal enterprises and that Hizballah had significant ties to Latin American drug cartels. U.S. investigators say the transactions also revealed a pattern “in which entities tied to Hezbollah have been buying up militarily strategic pieces of property in largely Christian areas” of Lebanon. Hizballah calls the claims “politically motivated propaganda.” U.S. admin. sources say that when the connections first came to their attention in fall 2010, some argued that the Hizballah link should be left unstated, but the admin. changed course (1) after Hizballah forced out Saad Hariri as PM and secured appointment of an ally in his place and (2) when the UN tribunal accused Hizballah of involvement in Rafiq Hariri’s assassination. (NYT 12/14)

IDF spokesman Maj. Guy Inbar acknowledges that Israel plans to relocate some 2,000 Bedouin fr. 20 encampments in the hills e. of Jerusalem (in area C) to clear the way for the expansion of Ma’ale Adumim settlement into the E1 zone to link it with Jerusalem. Officially, the government says the relocation plans are part of its broader initiative to “provide the bedouin across the West Bank with sites where they can build legally with access to water, electricity, and government services.” Construction in the E1 zone and settlers’ preparations for expansion of Ma’ale Adumim into the area have been planned since 2009, but this marks the 1st admission that the government has started logistical planning to remove the Bedouin population fr. the area. Meanwhile, Israeli DM Ehud Barak approves establishment of a new 40-unit settlement neighborhood and farm nr. Efrat settlement to expand the Gush Etzion settlement block s. of Bethlehem; the new settlement, to be called Givat Hadagan, was approved for development in the 1990s, with plans to build 500 housing units. Israel closes the old wooden Mughrabi footbridge (deemed unsafe) used by non-Muslims to reach the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount; the PA and Waqf officials protest, saying Israel plans to build a larger permanent structure to assert its control over the site, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews. Also in East Jerusalem, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Qalqilya twice in the afternoon; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem and Jenin. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus vandalize nearby Palestinian homes and cars twice during the day, including throwing a Molotov cocktail at a home. Jewish settlers fr. Karnei Shomron nr. Qalqilya stone passing Palestinian vehicles, injuring 3 Palestinians. (HA 12/12; NYT, WP 12/13; PCHR 12/15; OCHA 12/16; HA 12/18)

Israel’s new amb. to Egypt, Ya’akov Amitai, arrives in Cairo. Israel withdrew its former ambassador for safety reasons on 9/9/11, when Egyptian protesters ransacked the Israeli embassy (see QU in JPS 162). (WP 12/13)

With the completion of a section of the separation wall bordering Shu’fat r.c. in East Jerusalem, the IDF closes its Shu’fat checkpoint into Jerusalem and redirects traffic to a new modern checkpoint (begun in 2009 to serve as a future international crossing into Jerusalem). The move leaves more than 50,000 Palestinians living in Shu’fat r.c. and several surrounding Jerusalem suburbs (Ras Shihada, Ras Khamis, al-Salam, and part of ‘Anata) who hold Jerusalem IDs completely isolated fr. Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF clashes with mourners taking part in the funeral for Palestinian activist Mustafa Tamimi (see 12/10), causing no serious injuries; conducts daytime patrols in 3 villages nr. Salfit, 2 nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Jenin; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, in Bethlehem, and in Tulkarm; conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (PCHR 12/12, 12/15; OCHA 12/16; JPI 12/23)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approves $160 m. for the next stage of construction of the security fence along the border with Egypt, expansion of detention centers, and increased policing of companies that hire illegal workers. Since 1/2006, nearly 50,000 illegal workers, mostly fr. Eritrea and Sudan, have entered Israel via the Sinai, raising concerns among Israelis that the mounting influx of illegal African workers could undermine Israel’s Jewish character. (NYT, WP 12/12)

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

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

Retaliating for the 10/31 UNESCO vote, Netanyahu suspends the transfer of VAT taxes Israel collects on the PA’s behalf and orders accelerated construction of 2,000 settlement housing units in East Jerusalem’s Har Homa settlement and the nearby West Bank settlements Efrat and Ma’ale Adumim, calling it Israel’s “right and obligation” to build in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Palestinian IP addresses and Palestinian phone networks in the West Bank and Gaza come under “multiple attacks” by computer hackers originating from many countries; the PA says the attacks appeared linked to the UNESCO vote and it believes they were “organized by a state” [i.e., Israel]. (HA, NYT, WP 11/2)

The IDF drops flyers over Khan Yunis warning residents to stay away fr. the 300-m. no-go zone. IDF troops manning the observation towers on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing fire warning shots at Palestinians and international activists marching toward the border to protest Israel’s imposition of a no-go zone; no casualties are reported. In the evening, unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nr. Nablus and nr. Jenin; conducts late-night patrols in Jenin. The Israeli Comm. against House Demolitions (ICHAD) submits a report to the UN special rapporteurs on Palestine that concludes that Israeli policies in East Jerusalem (e.g., restricting building permits, demolitions, revoking permanent residency status) are forcing Palestinians to flee in what may constitute a war crime. In the West Bank, the IDF rearrests senior Hamas official Hassan Yousef in Ramallah for having links to a “terrorist” organization; Yousef was 1st arrested in 2005, was released on 8/4/11 as part of a mass release to ease prison overcrowding. (JP 11/1; PCHR 11/3; OCHA 11/4)

During the day, the IDF conducts intensive patrols in Jenin, Tulkarm, and 10 villages between the 2 cities, making no house raids or arrests. In the evening, the IDF reenters Jenin, searching a number of homes and arresting 1 teenager; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid and seal 3 offices of the al-Quds Development Association (see 10/23), accusing the group of having ties to Hamas and the PLFP; the association protests, noting that it is licensed to operate by the Israeli government. (PCHR 10/27; OCHA 10/28)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials in the former Erez industrial zone, forcing them to flee. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts early morning patrols in and around Tulkarm, midmorning patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, afternoon patrols in Tulkarm town and r.c. (where stone-throwing Palestinians confront the troops, who respond with tear gas and percussion grenades, causing no injuries), and late-night patrols in al-Bireh, Salfit, and 2 villages nr. Jenin and Ramallah; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the offices of the al-Quds Development Association in Dahiyat al-Barid, arresting the director and then raiding his home; later raid the al-Iman School in Bayt Hanina, arresting a teacher and then raiding his home. (PCHR 10/27; OCHA 10/28)

In Libya, rebel forces secure control of most of the country. The rebel-led Transitional National Council declares liberation and announces plans to form an interim government as Libyans celebrate nationwide. (WP 10/23, 10/24)

Unidentified assailants attack and damage Egypt’s national gas pipeline to Israel for the 3d time in a month and the 5th time since unrest in Egypt erupted in 2/2011 (see 7/11). IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers working nr. the border fence, grazing 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts synchronized morning patrols in 4 villages nr. Jenin; patrols in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm, 2 nr. Salfit, and 1 each nr. Jericho and Ramallah; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the IDF enters Silwan at midday, raiding a home and arresting a Palestinian. (JTA 7/31; PCHR 8/4; OCHA 8/5)

As many as 150,000 Israelis in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Beersheba, and 6 other cities protest the high cost of living, demanding economic reforms, “social justice,” and “a welfare state now.” In previous days, the Histadrut, Israel’s labor federation, said it strongly supports the demonstrations. (WP 7/31; NYT, WP, WT 8/1)