The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Burqa, throwing stones at homes and vandalizing 2 vehicles. Israeli forces raided a girl’s school in al-Eizariya, causing damage to school property. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler was injured in a ramming incident near Qalandia. 1 Palestinian suspect was arrested. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian at a light rail station in the French Hill neighborhood, claiming he had stabbed a settler. Israeli authorities forced 1 Palestinian family to demolish parts of their own home in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians near the Gaza fence, claiming that 1 of them had opened fire at Israeli soldiers; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. (AP, HA, HA, QDS, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/21; PCHR 9/27)

Israel assassinated 2 people in a drone strike in Beit Jann west of Damascus. The 2 were reported to be members of Islamic Jihad, which Islamic Jihad denied. Israeli tanks also attacked 2 temporary structures erected by the Syrian army near the Golan Heights. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 9/21)

The UN release a report saying that Israeli settler violence had displaced more than 1,100 Palestinians in the West Bank since 2022. The report also said that the UN had counted an average of 3 settler attacks a day. (AP, HA, UNOCHA 9/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly at its annual meeting, warning that peace in the region is impossible without the “Palestinian people enjoying full legitimate and national rights.” Abbas criticized world leaders for not holding Israel accountable for its atrocities and called on UN members to recognize the State of Palestine. It was reported that Palestinian officials had trouble getting meetings for Abbas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly due to the publication on 9/7 of Abbas’ remarks at the Fatah Revolutionary Council in August that were said to be anti-Semitic. President Abbas met with UN secretary general Antonio Guterres. (HA 9/20; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 9/21; WAFA 9/22)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with U.S. state department special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in New York. (WAFA 9/21)

PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said in an interview that the Palestinian leadership is confident that Saudi Arabia would protect Palestinian interests in a potential normalization deal with Israel and that the Saudis have accepted the Palestinian position on the negotiations, including restarting peace talks and protecting Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Haaretz reported that the Palestinian demands includes a settlement freeze, expanding Areas B and C, full membership at the UN, reopening the PLO office in Washington, and reopening the U.S. consulate in East Jerusalem. Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen told Israel’s Army Radio that there is a likelihood that a normalization deal can be finalized in the first quarter of 2024. (HA, REU 9/21)

The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly annual meeting in New York. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on representatives from some 30 countries at the meeting to help the PA overcome its political and financial challenges. (WAFA, WAFA 9/21)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Democratic Republic of Congo will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and that Israel will open an embassy in Kinshasa after meeting Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi at the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly meeting. (REU, TOI 9/21; AJ 9/22)

The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has proposed that the potential Saudi nuclear program, which is part of the Saudi-Israeli normalization negotiations, will be run by the U.S. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called reports that the Netanyahu government is open to uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia “reckless and irresponsible.” (HA, HA, MEE, WSJ 9/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, for the 4th night in a row, Palestinians protested the Israeli-imposed restrictions on the Old City during the month of Ramadan; Israel limited the number of Palestinians from the West Bank who were allowed to partake in the 1st Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Haram al-Sharif to 10,000, requiring all to have been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Israel also closed the Damascus Gate plaza; 6 Palestinians were reported injured, including 4 who were hospitalized. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles, on 2 different occasions, west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/16; HA, HA 4/17; PCHR 4/22)

The speaker of the Iranian parliament said Iran had enriched uranium at 60 percent after Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said it would do so in response to the Israeli attack on the Natanz nuclear site on 4/11. (AP, HA, REU 4/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers toured Joseph’s Tomb. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during a late-night raid in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in and around Tubas and al-Bireh, and 2 were arrested at a checkpoint south of Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces tampered with loudspeakers at the Haram al-Sharif compound, making them unusable for the call for prayer; the violation of the status quo agreement was condemned by Jordan’s foreign minister and the PA presidency. Israeli forces also prevented iftar meals to be delivered to Palestinian worshipers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 4/13; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/14; PCHR 4/15)

Israel closed all crossings to Gaza and the West Bank for Israeli Independence Day. (PCHR 4/15)

1 Israeli-owned ship was said to have been attacked off the coast of the UAE. Israeli sources blamed Iran, saying the ship had sustained minor damage from an unmanned drone or missile strike. Iran also announced that it would escalate its uranium enrichment to 60 percent in response to the Israeli attack on the Natanz nuclear facility. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, Iran is only allowed to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent purity. The UK, France, and Germany called the Iranian announcement “regrettable” and said it jeopardized the JCPOA talks, while U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken called the move “provocative.” (AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 4/13; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU 4/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at vehicles and houses in Sarta and threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Rawabi. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned agricultural land in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli forces punitively razed agricultural lands in Dayr Nidham after an Israeli settler was injured by a stone-thrower on 1/3. Israeli forces also blocked all entrances and exits to Dayr Nidham for the 2d day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including 2 with live ammunition and 1 with a rubber-coated bullet in ‘Aqabat Jabir during a raid; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided a hospital in Tulkarm, firing stun grenades. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier west of Ya‘bad. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Khadir and demolished 1 agricultural structure, 1 water well, and 6 fences in Anabta. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Surayf, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers made roadblocks and vandalized Palestinian-owned cars near the Old City. 6 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)

Iranian forces seized a South Korean tanker headed to the UAE from Saudi Arabia. An Iranian government official also said that Iran had resumed 20% uranium enrichment at the Fordow nuclear facility. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 1/4; HA 1/10)

Ahead of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit on 1/5, Saudi Arabia reopened its land border with Qatar, and Kuwait reopened air space and sea borders to the country. This comes after a 3.5-year dispute between Qatar and Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, where the quartet of countries claimed that Qatar is sponsoring terrorism, an allegation Qatar has denied. (AJ, ALM 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 9 camels from 2 herders near Bethlehem; according to the owners, they were told they could retrieve the camels if they paid $1,050 for each. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a rally on the 16th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat in Tuqu‘; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor harvesting olives near ‘Azun ‘Atma using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in al-Fawar refugee camp and Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 minors were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Bayt Umar. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Kaubar, al-Bireh, al-Fawar refugee camp, Sa‘ir, and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Sur Bahir, displacing 5 Palestinians, including 4 children. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 senior Fatah officials. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; PCHR 11/12)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat was laid to rest in his native Jericho after a memorial ceremony in the Mukata’a in Ramallah attended by senior PA officials. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; WAFA 11/12)

The International Atomic Energy Agency, an arm of the UN, said that Iran has now stockpiled 12 times the amount of low-enriched uranium set as the limit under the JCPOA agreement which the U.S. abandoned in May 2018. (AJ 11/11)

The prime minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, died at the age of 84. Salman Al Khalifa had been prime minister since Bahrain’s independence in 1971. Crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was appointed as the new prime minister. (AJ, HA, REU 11/11)

Islamic Relief USA donated $2.44 million to UNRWA for programming in Gaza. (WAFA 11/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nabi Salih and Jalazun refugee camp; during the raid in Nabi Salih, Israeli forces sprayed pepper spray at the mother of 1 of the arrestees; during the raid in Jalazun refugee camp, 1 Palestinian was shot by live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished several structures belonging to 1 Palestinian family in Issawiyya. In Gaza, incendiary balloons were launched toward Israel, causing fires. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said that the explosion in Natanz at the uranium enrichment site on 7/2 was sabotage. (AJ, REU 8/23)

U.S. advisor to the president Jared Kushner told CNN that the normalization deal between the UAE and Israel “should increase the probability of them [the UAE] getting it [sales of F-35 from the U.S.].” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that weapon sales were part of the normalization deal. (HA 8/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized agricultural equipment belonging to a Palestinian farmer in Khirbat Jabara near Tulkarm. In Nablus, Israeli forces fired at Palestinian security forces in what Israeli forces called a mistake; 1 Palestinian police officer was injured. 12 Twelve Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. Meanwhile, a Palestinian was handed a demolition order for his house. In Gaza, a Palestinian medic who was shot during the Great March of Return protests in May succumbed to his wounds. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 222. (HA, WAFA 6/10; HA, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/11)

The Israeli supreme court ruled in favor of the settlement group Ateret Cohanim’s acquisition of 3 buildings in the Christian quarter of the Old City in East Jerusalem belonging to the Greek Orthodox church. The ruling ended a 14-year-long legal battle that started when church officials sold the buildings without the knowledge of the larger body of church officials, leading to the ousting of the then patriarch. (HA 6/11)

The International Atomic Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amano said that Iran had increased its uranium enrichment. Iran had previously announced that it would start increasing its uranium enrichment if Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signatories did not uphold their commitments to the agreement. (HA 6/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence, moderately injuring each of them; e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Egyptian naval forces detain 9 Palestinian fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 7 are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing summons to another; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, in and around Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jenin. The PASF clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus; 2 young boys are injured in the crossfire. (MNA 3/20, 3/21; PCHR 3/26; MEE 5/6)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon calls Israeli PM Netanyahu and urges him to renew his commitment to the 2-state solution. Meanwhile, the UN Commission on the Status of Women approves a res. condemning Israel for the grave situation of Palestinian women under occupation. (MNA, YA 3/20; AP, MNA, TOI 3/21)

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) submits a formal res. to FIFA, the body governing international soccer, calling for the Israel Football Association (IFA) to be suspended until Palestinian players and coaches are allowed to move freely, facilities can be developed without obstruction, Israeli settler soccer clubs are banned from playing in IFA competitions, and the IFA takes “firm action” to eliminate racism in its leagues. The res. is scheduled for a vote at the annual FIFA conference on 5/29. (REU 3/31)

On the 5th day of bilateral nuclear negotiations between reps. of the U.S. and Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland, Iran’s delegation is forced to return to Tehran 2 days early after Pres. Hassan Rouhani’s mother dies. The negotiations will resume on 3/26. Meanwhile, an IAEA report on Iran’s compliance with the JPOA is leaked to the press. It concludes that Iran is upholding its commitments, including capping uranium enrichment at 5% and holding any “further advances” at its enrichment facilities and the Arak heavy water reactor. Separately, 367 mbrs. of the U.S. House of Representatives send a letter to Pres. Obama calling for congressional oversight on any agreement between the P5+1 and Iran to review the proposed sanctions relief. The letter will be released on 3/23. (AP, GDN, REU, TOI 3/20; YA 3/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian in Bayt Liqya village nr. Ramallah during a patrol. Meanwhile, PA security forces kill a man in Hebron during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron during the day. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, sinking 1 boat. (MNA, REU 10/16; PCHR 10/23)

Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq confirms that indirect cease-fire talks with Israel will resume at the end of 10/2014 in Cairo. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls for a resumption of the peace negotiations during remarks at a State Dept. event for ‘Id al-Adha. (AFP, REU, YA 10/16)

EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif hold a 2d day of talks in Vienna, and also meet with senior diplomats from the P5+1 group. The focus of the talks are remaining differences related to lifting sanctions and Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. (REU 10/17)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Nil‘in, and Wadi Fukin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israel bars men under 50 years old from entering Haram al-Sharif. (MNA 9/26; PCHR 10/2)

PA Pres. Abbas addresses the UNGA, announcing that the PA, in coordination with the Group of Arab States at the UN, is working on a draft UNSC res. that will call for immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood and a specific timetable for the end of the Israeli occupation, with bilateral negotiations on key issues to be held over the course of that time. Several Palestinian officials later elaborate on the plan, saying that the exact timetable is not set, though it will be either 2 or 3 years. Abbas also uses unprecedentedly strong language to condemn Israel’s most recent assault on Gaza, calling it a “genocidal crime.” The U.S. and Israel are both critical of Abbas’s rhetoric and his proposals. (See Docs. B2 and B3 in JPS 174 for excerpts of the speech and a copy of the draft res. that the Associated Press published on 10/1.) (HA, JP, MNA, REU 9/26; AP, HA 9/27)

After a week of negotiations, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group conclude this round of talks in New York. They do not make any significant agreements or compromises ahead of the 11/24 deadline, with the key sticking points being Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity and the pace at which the U.S. will lift its sanctions. (State Dept., special briefing 9/26; Bloomberg 9/27)

IDF strikes in the Gaza Strip continue, except in the hours following the govt.’s acceptance of the Egyptian cease-fire, killing 13 Palestinians. The IDF warns 100,000 residents of the al-Zaytun and al-Shuja‘iya neighborhoods to evacuate before morning on 7/16. Palestinians fire more than 120 rockets into Israel, including dozens directed at Tel Aviv, in a barrage claimed jointly by al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades. Nr. the Erez crossing, 1 Israeli civilian is killed by a mortar shell while distributing food supplies to IDF soldiers. Nine rockets are intercepted by Iron Dome, and the rest caused no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/15)

Israel’s security cabinet votes 6–2 in favor of accepting the Egyptian cease-fire proposal from the previous day, and the IDF stops all strikes for several hours. PM Netanyahu says that if Hamas rejects the initiative, Israel will have “legitimacy” to take further action “to restore quiet.” PA Pres. Abbas, in Cairo for talks with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi, calls for the acceptance of the proposal. However, Hamas rejects the text, describing it as “an initiative of kneeling and submission,” and both the armed Palestinian groups and the IDF continue hostilities. Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that the group was ignored by Egyptian mediators, with Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Batsh commenting that “initiatives shouldn’t be proposed through media outlets, but rather through the obvious channels, which are resistance factions and their leaders.” An unnamed senior PLO official says that “the Egyptians coordinated the initiative with Abbas and ignored Gaza,” and thus “Hamas leaders felt humiliated by the fact that the proposal was released without them being consulted about its contents ahead of time.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/15; PCHR 7/16)

After Hamas rejects the deal, Netanyahu vows to “significantly expand our offensive,” saying that the group “will pay for its decision.” Meanwhile, Dep. DM Danny Danon describes the Israeli govt.’s response to the Gaza crisis as a “failure” and Netanyahu fires him. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/15)

Suspected Salafi jihadists fire 3 rockets from the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, into Israel, wounding 4 civilians in Eilat. (REU 7/15)

In Vienna, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers continue their negotiations leading up to the 7/20 deadline for a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s disputed nuclear program. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says they “have made progress . . . but there’s still more work to do.” Iranian FM Zarif says that Iran wants to “arrive at a solution everyone can be happy about.” The key issues remaining are Iran’s centrifuges and its uranium enrichment capacity over the next 10 years. (ALM, NYT 7/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian teenager in Dura nr. Hebron, in clashes with residents during a raid. Separately, IDF troops also shoot and kill 1 Palestinian resident of Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, in clashes during another raid. IDF troops also wound 5 Palestinians in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem during an arrest raid. Israeli forces demolish the home of Turkey-based Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri in ‘Aroura village nr. Ramallah. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 6 villages nr. Hebron, in Nablus and in 3 villages, ‘Askar r.c., ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, 3 villages nr. Salfit, Jenin and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, al-Bireh, Ramallah, and Qalqilya at night. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, REU 6/20; PCHR 6/26)

In Vienna, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group end the round of talks that began on 6/16. Iranian FM Zarif says “there has been progress, but major disputes remain.” The diplomats began drafting a final agreement during this 5-day round of talks. A 6th and final round of talks in Vienna is scheduled to begin on 7/2, ahead of the 7/20 deadline. Separately, the IAEA releases a report saying that Iran has eliminated almost all of its most sensitive stockpile of enriched uranium. (AJ, BBC 6/20)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on armed Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. Subsequently, a rocket is fired from Gaza into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In 3 further, separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting straw close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, wounding 1; violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries; and, open fire on Palestinians collecting raw materials nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike, wounding 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tubas and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jericho, and in Qalqilya at night. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attack 2 Palestinians on a road nr. Ramallah, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Issawiyya and lightly injure 6 Palestinians during a raid on a bakery. (MNA 5/23; PCHR 5/29)

The IAEA announces in a quarterly report that Iran has cut its stockpile of higher-enriched uranium by around 80%, in compliance with earlier agreements. The report also says Iran is meeting its other obligations. (AP, REU 5/23)

In the n. Sinai Peninsula nr. al-Arish, unknown persons blow up a gas pipeline, disrupting the natural gas supply to an industrial zone. (AP 5/23; MNA 5/24)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Gaza City to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fawar r.c., al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron, in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and in Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-’Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned structures in Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Ras al-Amud. (AFP, MNA 5/14; PCHR 5/15)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in London, where Kerry is attending talks with international partners on Syria and Ukraine. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki subsequently says Kerry made it clear that “while the door remains open to peace, it is up to the parties to determine whether they are willing to take the steps necessary to resume negotiations.” (AP 14/5)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Gaza to discuss the makeup of a unity govt., with Hamas chief negotiator Musa Abu Marzuq saying that talks would be finalized the following week. PM Ismail Haniyeh states that Hamas authorities will “clean the road to reconciliation from all obstacles and landmines” and calls on PA authorities in the West Bank “to take the same path and to maintain freedoms.” (HA, MNA 5/14)

Representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries open negotiations in Vienna, with the goal of reaching a final agreement by 7/20. Substantial gaps remain, including on the future of uranium enrichment in Iran. As an initial step, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif meet to put into writing what has already been agreed, as embodied by the 11/2013 interim deal. (HA 5/14)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, while separately, Israeli forces fire 2 missiles that land close to the Egypt border fence, causing no injuries. Separately, off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a school in Burim village nr. Nablus. The settlers, along with IDF troops, subsequently clash with Palestinians, leaving 6 villagers injured. Separately, a Molotov cocktail is thrown at a settler’s car in the same area. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem and Al-‘Ubaydiyya village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and PA Pres. Abbas meet for a 2d day in Paris. An unnamed State Dept. official characterizes the talks as “constructive.” PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna tells Palestinian media that there can be no agreement, whether framework or final, that does not include Arab positions based on international resolutions, in a reference to the 2002 Arab League peace initiative. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that he held separate, and secret, meetings with diplomats from Italy, Norway, Austria, and the UK, to discuss the ongoing negotiations. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU 2/20)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that amounts of enriched uranium in Iran’s stockpile have decreased significantly for the 1st time in 4 years, and also confirms that Iran is meeting its commitments under the 6-mo. interim agreement signed in 11/2013. Meanwhile, representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries end talks with a framework for future negotiations and an agreement to hold their next meeting in Vienna on 3/17. However, little progress is made in this most recent meeting on the question of identifying Iranian concessions to be exchanged for a reduction in sanctions. Separately, the UK and Iran resume diplomatic relations, which were severed in 11/2011 when students ransacked the British embassy in Tehran. Bilateral relations will now be conducted directly “through non-resident charge d’affaires and officials,” according to a UK Foreign Office spokesperson. (AFP, AP, REU 2/20)

Egyptian military forces kill 10 suspected militants in a raid on Shaykh Zuwayd in n. Sinai, a death toll that officials claim includes senior mbrs. of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AP 2/20)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, arresting 2 and confiscating a boat. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and wounds a Palestinian nr. Hebron who the military says charged them. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in 1 village and alFawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers and Palestinians clash nr. Bayt Furik and Itamar settlement, after settlers enter the village’s olive grove. (JP 1/20; PCHR 1/23)

A rocket fired from inside Egypt strikes the outskirts of Israeli resort Eilat, causing no damage or injuries. It is later claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AFP 1/20; INN 1/21)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon withdraws the invitation to Iran to join the Syria peace talks, after the SNC threatened to cancel its own participation should reps. from Iran attend. The UN Secy.-Gen.’s spokesperson Martin Nesirky says that Ban is dismayed at Iran’s refusal to endorse the 6/30/12 Geneva Communiqué, as demanded. Ban later says that he thought he had reached an “oral understanding” with Iranian FM Zarif, before extending the invitation. Iranian spokesperson Marzieh Afkham says that Ban’s change of mind shows he faced “some pressure.” (AP, REU 1/20; AP 1/21)

The 6-mo. interim deal reached by reps. from Iran and the P5+1 on 11/24/13 goes into effect. Iran unplugs banks of centrifuges and the EU and U.S. partially lift sanctions, and focus turns to a new phase of negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton says she hopes a new round of talks with Tehran could start within a few weeks. The IAEA reports that Iran has begun diluting its stockpile of enriched uranium and that enrichment at the Natanz plant is suspended. (AP, REU 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces open fire with live ammunition during a raid of Silwad village nr. Ramallah, wounding 4. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers nr. Hebron cut down or vandalize around 40 Palestinianowned olive trees. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in where 1 is wounded by a bullet and Nabi Salih where 2 are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. (MNA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that Israel has informed the U.S. that the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners will be postponed 1 day, to 12/30. (MNA 12/27)

A car bomb in Beirut kills 7 people and wounds more than 50, including Mohammad Chatah, former minister and mbr. of the March 14 coalition. Former PM Saad Hariri hints that Hizballah is behind the attack and Fares Souaid, secy.-gen. of March 14, calls for the creation of a govt. that excludes Hizballah. (AFP, DS, REU 12/27)

Clashes break out across Egypt between supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and security forces, 3 are killed and 87 wounded, with more than 250 arrested. The group’s supporters had gathered to protest the govt.’s classification of the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization on 12/24. (AFP, AP, REU 12/27)

Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calls for new direct talks with the U.S. over Tehran’s nuclear program. Separately, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, says that the country is building a new generation of centrifuges for uranium enrichment, in what is seen as a gesture toward hard-liners unhappy with the ongoing negotiations with reps. of the P5+1 in Geneva. (AP 12/27)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, wounding 1. The army says it targeted the group because it was laying an explosive device. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, in Nablus and Balata r.c., and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho at night. (MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

PA Pres. Abbas holds talks in Egypt with foreign ministers from Arab League mbr. states about the current state of the peace process. He also meets with Egyptian interim pres. Mansour to discuss regional developments and the national reconciliation effort with Hamas. (MNA 12/21)

Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi says that talks in Geneva with reps. of the P5+1 are continuing for a 4th day and making slow progress. According to Araghchi, the issue of uranium enrichment is still a point of contention. (AP, JP 12/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian child outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, in response to a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at Beit El settlement. The 14-year-old was shot in the back, and witnesses say that he was not participating in the stone throwing. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Jenin, and Jenin r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Tulkarm at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian house and its residents in c. Hebron, causing some damage before Israeli forces intervene. Meanwhile, Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists participate in a demonstration in Nabi Salih to mark the 2nd anniversary of the killing of Mustafa al-Tamimi, a local resident. Israeli forces violently disperse the demonstrators, injuring 1 Palestinian with a live bullet to the jaw. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops fire shells at Palestinian farmers nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, media reports say that 3 rockets fired from inside Gaza land inside the territory, causing no casualties. (AFP, MNA 12/7; PCHR 12/12)

U.S. Pres. Obama says that the chances of reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran over its disputed nuclear program are 50-50 or worse, in comments made at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. (See document D1 in JPS 171 for extended excerpts of Obama’s remarks.) Meanwhile, IAEA spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi says that Tehran is proceeding with testing more efficient uranium enrichment technology, in remarks quoted by state news agency IRNA. (AP, IRNA, REU 12/7)

In the West Bank at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages; Jenin, Jenin r.c., and 1 nearby village; 2 villages nr. Bethlehem; and Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also patrol in Tulkarm in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 11/28)

Reps. from Iran and the P5+1 reach a deal in Geneva. The “Joint Plan of Action” establishes a 6-mo. interim period, in which the 2 sides swap confidence-building measures to facilitate negotiations over a long-term agreement. Specific measures include a 5% limit on Iran’s uranium enrichment, well below the level required for weapons-grade material, and approximately $4.2 b. in sanctions relief. (To read the full text of the agreement, see document A1 in JPS 171.) The interim deal is endorsed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Pres. Hassan Ruhani, while U.S. Pres. Barack Obama says the agreement cuts off Tehran’s possible routes to a nuclear bomb. Separately, reports surface in the media that the U.S. and Iran had been holding secret talks since 3/2013, away from the P5+1 track, reportedly led by Dep. Secy. of State William Burns. It is also reported that Obama advised Netanyahu of these talks in 9/2013. (AP, HA, REU 11/24; AP 11/25)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. (PCHR 9/19)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov meet the UN’s Special Envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi in Geneva, to discuss both plans for an international peace conference, as well as the more pressing question of a plan to neutralize Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile. Following the meeting, Brahimi says he hopes to have a 2d peace conference sometime in 10/2013. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition National Coalition (SNC) says it will appoint a provisional PM to boost its international credibility, an announcement made on the 1st day of a meeting of the 115-mbr. group. (AP, REU 9/13)

There are clashes across Egypt between supporters and opponents of ousted pres. Morsi, while the military continues its offensive against Islamist militants in the Sinai Peninsula, where 3 soldiers are wounded in 3 separate villages. There are 2 reported deaths in Alexandria and Beni Suef, with demonstrations also taking place in Cairo among others. (AP, REU 9/13)

Iranian nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi announces that the country has reduced its stock of 20 percent-enriched uranium by converting it to reactor fuel, news judged to aimed at easing tensions with the West. (AP 9/13)

A report by the European Union’s consuls general in East Jerusalem and Ramallah is leaked, revealing that the diplomats have urged the EU to implement economic sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The recommendations include that the EU ‘‘prevent, discourage and raise awareness’’ of direct investments by European companies in settlements. A previous leaked report (see JPS 163) had warned that Israeli settlement activities were ‘‘closing the window’’ on the 2-state solution, and encouraged the EU to look at ways of stopping ‘‘financial transactions in support of settlement activity.’’ (AP, HA 2/27)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 2/28)

The Israeli military reports that an errant mortar fired from inside Syria has landed in the occupied Golan Heights, causing no casualties. (AP, NYT 2/27)

At talks in Kazakhstan, Iran’s top official Saeed Jalili praises an offer of international concessions that would both allow Tehran to keep a limited amount of highly enriched uranium and also lead to the removal of some trade sanctions. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran should be threatened with intensified sanctions and military measures—while in Washington, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce introduces a bipartisan bill to move the U.S. to work with the European Union in cutting Iran’s access to the euro. (AP, REU 2/27)

In the West Bank, tensions continue over hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners: Near Ramallah, 29 Palestinian protesters are injured by rubber-coated steel bullets in clashes with the IDF. There are also clashes at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nabus, causing no serious injuries. Meanwhile, a Jerusalem court sentences hunger-striker Samer Issawi to 8 months in prison for violating the terms of his 10/2011 amnesty deal. Issawi gets credit for time served and is scheduled for release in 3/2013. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. Jewish settlers vandalize some 70 Palestinian-owned trees nr. Hebron. Palestinian and international activists demonstrate nr. Hebron to call for the opening of a route closed for the past 12 years linking Hebron city with three nearby villages; the IDF violently disperses them, causing no serious injuries. In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces carry out a limited incursion into the border area nr. Khan Yunis to level farmland and clear lines of sight. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast, causing no serious injuries, and then again on fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing one moderate injury. (MNA 2/21; PCHR 2/28)

The union of West Bank teachers declares a day’s general strike across the territory in response to recent remarks by the PA finance minister about reductions in due salary increases, as well as ‘‘fragmented’’ monthly wages that have left public sector workers without their full salaries for more than three months. (MNA 2/20)

Israel’s Energy Ministry reveals that it is granting U.S. company Genie Energy a license to explore for oil and gas in the occupied Golan Heights. (FT 2/21)

A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iran has begun installing advanced centrifuges at its main uranium enrichment plant that could enable Tehran to speed up its accumulation of material needed for a nuclear weapon. The IAEA report also says that since 12/2012, Iran has been converting refined uranium to powder for the production of reactor fuel. (HA, REU 2/21)

A UNHRC investigation into Israel’s settlements in the West Bank publishes its conclusions, declaring such activity a contravention of the Geneva Convention and thus a potential war crime under the jurisdiction of the ICC. The investigators, led by French judge Christine Chanet, call on Israel to halt settlement expansion and withdraw all settlers. Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejects the report, calling it counterproductive and the result of a ‘‘one-sided and biased approach towards Israel.’’ PLO Executive Comm. member Hanan Ashrawi welcomes the report, saying that the Palestinians are encouraged by its ‘‘candid assessment of Israeli violations.’’ (JP, REU 1/31)

Area council head for the Gush Etzion settlement bloc Davidi Perl says that the Israeli Defense Ministry has moved forward plans to build 346 housing units in Tekoa and Nokdim settlements. (JP 1/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (PCHR 2/7)

Senior Hamas official Yahya Moussa denies recent reports (see 1/30) that Khalid Mishal told Jordan’s King Abdallah to inform U.S. pres. Barack Obama that Hamas accepts the two-state solution. (MNA 1/31)

Syria and its allies condemn the presumed Israeli attack on a site close to the Lebanese border, which the Syrian military says struck a research center and which Western officials stated was a convoy of anti-aircraft batteries headed toward Lebanon for Hizballah. Israeli officials refuse to comment. Syrian amb. to Lebanon Ali Abdul-Karim Ali says that the country may choose a ‘‘surprise’’ response to Israeli ‘‘aggression,’’ while Syria also summons the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights to formally protest the raid. Russia says that if reports are confirmed, then the Israeli attack is a violation of the UN Charter and is ‘‘unacceptable.’’ The Arab League condemns what it calls Israel’s ‘‘cruel aggression,’’ while Hizballah releases a statement expressing ‘‘solidarity’’ with Syria and calling the strike ‘‘barbaric aggression.’’ (AFP, AP, FT, REU 1/31)

Iran writes a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency to announce its plans to install and operate advanced uranium-enrichment machines. The U.S. says that installation of new Iranian centrifuges would be a ‘‘provocative step.’’ (REU 1/31)

Pres. Barack Obama’s nominee for defense secretary, Republican Chuck Hagel, is questioned at a Senate Armed Services Comm. hearing, and is attacked by Republic lawmakers over his record on Israel and Iran. Hagel repeated his apology for his previous use of the term ‘‘Jewish lobby’’ in a 2006 interview with Aaron David Miller, and says it was wrong to suggest that pro-Israel groups ‘‘intimidate’’ Congress into doing ‘‘dumb things.’’ (AP, JTA, REU 1/31)

Israeli naval vessels halt and seize 2 Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, detaining 4 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in 1 village nr. Jericho, and late-night house searches nr. Bethlehem, summoning 1 Palestinian for interrogation. (PCHR 5/31, 6/7; OCHA 6/8)

At a conference sponsored by Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Israeli DM Ehud Barak says Israel should consider imposing final borders on the Palestinians, becoming the senior-most official to propose unilateral actions in light of the stalled peace process. Others (unnamed) reportedly (NYT 5/31)

urged against drastic unilateral steps, recommending that ‘‘unilateral steps could be phased in over many years and be designed ... to give Israel a stronger hand in final status’’—effectively what the Israel has been doing as unstated policy for decades. Speaking at the same conference, Gen. Shlomo Brom (Ret.), who heads INSS’s program on the Palestinian conflict, called the unilateral route ‘‘the only remaining course of action,’’ and former Israeli military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin, also an INSS staff member, told the conference that unilateralism was ‘‘the best of all evils,’’ urging Israel to take action in its own selfinterest, ‘‘without conditioning it on the agreement of the Palestinians.’’ (NYT 5/31)

At the INSS conference in Tel Aviv, Israeli DM Ehud Barak also states that Israel and the U.S. have different assessments of the Iranian nuclear timetable, stating, ‘‘Our clock is ticking faster.’’ He says Israel believes that Iran is rapidly approaching a ‘‘zone of immunity’’—the point at which its nuclear facilities would be so decentralized and well fortified that they would be beyond reach of a military strike. Speaking at the same forum, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the only safe route is for Iran to stop all enrichment, to send all its uranium abroad, and to dismantle its nuclear facilities at Fordo, all of which must be verified by the IAEA. Meanwhile, former Mossad chief Meir Dagan argues that ‘‘if we bomb ... we will give them the legitimacy to attain nuclear military capability.’’ Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi (Ret.), former IDF chief of staff, recommended that more time be given for diplomacy and sanctions to work. (WP, WT 5/31)

Washington Times runs a special report on how Israel’s expanding relationship with China is raising international concerns. The report states that Israel has recently been expanding trade relations and military ties with China, seeing it as a large, emerging market for its military goods and an influential player who could pressure Iran. (WT 5/30; see QU in JPS 165 for details)