The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinians with pepper spray in Hebron. 1 Israeli settler also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man near the Adora settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked roads near al-Twana. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing damage. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for a school under construction in the al-Saffi community in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also demolished 1 car repair shop in Nabi Ilyas. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalqilya, Jalbun, Nazlet Zeid, Tulkarm, Yatta, and Asira ash-Shamaliya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed in a fire in the Jabalia refugee camp. The PA called on Israel to open its crossings to Gaza to allow the injured to receive treatment in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which Israel subsequently said it had done. The preliminary investigation suggested that the fire escalated quickly due to a large amount of gasoline stored in the house. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; AJ, MEMO, MEMO, REU 11/18; MDW, MEE 11/19; AP 11/20; PCHR 11/24; UNOCHA 11/25)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides visited the Kiryat Netafim settlement. Ambassador Nides said he visited the settlement to offer condolences to the family of an Israeli settler who was stabbed to death on 11/15 in the Ariel settlement, allegedly by a Palestinian. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, who accompanied Nides, told Nides that “we will build Samaria [the West Bank]. We are believers, and we know that this is our land.” (HA 11/17)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Palestinian-Israeli affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. (WAFA 11/17)

Israel and Jordan signed an agreement to rehabilitate the southern part of the Jordan River. (HA, MEMO 11/17; ALM 11/18)

The UN social, humanitarian, and cultural issues committee adopted a draft resolution affirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 167 counties voted in favor, 5 against, and 7 abstained. (WAFA, WAFA 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided the home of Hassan Yousef, a member of the PLC for Hamas, in Beitunia and arrested him. Israeli forces also raided Rummana, dispersing Palestinians protesting the raid with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Nahalin. Israeli forces had arrested and severely beaten a man during a late-night house raid in Qalqas; the man was later admitted to a hospital in Beersheba. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids. In East Jerusalem, 20 Israeli settlers vandalized 12 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bab al-Zahara. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Isawiya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp and 6 nautical miles north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; MEMO 12/13; PCHR 12/16; MEE 1/2)

In Lebanon, 4 people were killed and 7 injured during a shootout in the Burj el-Shemali refugee camp. The event unfolded during the funeral procession for 1 person who was killed during an explosion in the camp on 12/10. There were differing reports of the events, including 1 that said the shooting was between Hamas and Fatah members. Hamas claimed that the killings were ordered by the PA. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/12; HA, MEMO 12/13)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett arrived in the UAE for meetings with UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and later, on 12/13, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This marked the 1st time an Israeli prime minister visited the UAE, planned since the normalization deal between the 2 countries in 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (AJ, AP, HA, HA 12/12; REU 12/13)

The Washington Post reported that Israel had conducted air strikes in Syria on 3/5/2020 and 6/8/2021, allegedly to counter Syria’s chemical weapons program. (TOI, WP 12/13; HA, MEMO 12/14)

Administrator of USAID Samantha Power said during a speech at a gala hosted by the Alliance for Middle East Peace that aid to Palestinians suffers under politicization, which makes it controversial. Administrator Power said that aid to Palestinians had broad consensus for decades but that that consensus had been waning. (HA 12/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Jalud, vandalizing 1 car and trees, and stealing a generator and construction material. Israeli forces demolished 4 residential structures, 1 agricultural structure, and 1 stone oven in al-Fakhit and al-Markaz, displacing 10. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Jenin, Abu Dis, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished parts of a Palestinian-owned house in al-Walaja. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/16)

B’Tselem and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights published a joint report saying that Israel did not investigate its own deadly response to the Great March of Return protests, despite Israel’s claims to the contrary. The report found that Israel only investigated “exceptional” cases and that only 1 soldier was convicted for wrongdoing and received a suspended sentence and demotion. The 2 human rights groups said in the report that Israel failed to review its own open-fire regulation, which led to more than 200 protesters killed and some 8,000 wounded by live ammunition. (PCHR 12/1; AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

Israel indicted 2 Palestinians from Lydda for allegedly opening fire at Jewish Israelis during the May violence in Israel, connected to the Israeli assault on Gaza. Israel alleged that 1 person was injured by the 2 when they opened fire. (HA 12/2)

1 Palestinian Israeli woman was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison by an Israeli court for taking 12 photos of restricted areas and allegedly sending them to a Hezbollah contact. (HA 12/2)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call. The official readout provided by the Department of State said the 2 spoke about COVID-19, Iran, and U.S. opposition to Israeli settlement activity. According to sources speaking to Haaretz, the call was primarily aimed at getting Israel to drop plans to build a new settlement at the Qalandia Airport, called Atarot airport by Israel. A source familiar with the call told the Times of Israel that the call was “intense.” (DoS, HA 12/2; JP, TOI, TOI 12/3)

German development bank KFW signed a financing agreement worth $10 million with the PA to improve the water supply in Gaza City and Jabalia refugee camp. (WAFA 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort forced Palestinian shepherds to leave the area they were grazing their sheep in east of Khirbet Makhul. Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests from a Palestinian farmer near the Rachelim settlement. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 3 agricultural structures, 2 houses, and 1 house under construction in Huwwara and confiscated a caravan east of Yatta. Israeli forces also razed tracts of agricultural land near al-Zawiya and Sabastia. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Beit Fajjar, Bayt Awa, Beit Sahour, Yatta, Bani Na‘im, and Nablus; 1 was arrested by undercover forces in Jenin and 1 at a checkpoint near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers from the Elad settler organization seized 1 Palestinian family’s apartment in Silwan, while Israeli forces assaulted the Palestinian owners trying to enter their property. 7 Palestinian minors were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya, causing damage to 1 boat. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/6; AJ, MEMO, PCHR 10/7)

In Gaza, 10,477 applications to work in Israel were submitted at the local chamber of commerce in Jabalia refugee camp. Many of the applications were from Palestinian laborers, but the 7,000 available work permits were earmarked for merchants. According to Israeli officials, the decision to earmark the permits for merchants was made at the request of Hamas. According to Hamas, there are 300,000 Palestinians in Gaza actively trying to find work. (HA 10/7; ALM 10/8)

A judge at the Jerusalem magistrate’s court ruled that Jewish worshippers are allowed to pray in silence at the Haram al-Sharif compound, drawing condemnation from the PA, Hamas, Turkey, and Jordan. The PA called the decision a declaration of war against Palestinians and Muslims. (WAFA, WAFA 10/6; AJ, AP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 10/7; ALM, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/11)

The Israeli high court of justice ordered the Israeli government to explain why it is allowing Israeli settlers to work 1,000 dunams (247 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in the Jordan Valley. The land was declared a closed military zone in 1969 and its Palestinian owners have been barred from entering it since then. The court also ordered the state to explain why Palestinians have not been allowed to work the land. The case was opened after 20 of the Palestinian owners petitioned to have the closed military zone designation rescinded in 2018. (HA 10/6; MEMO 10/11)

Israeli media reported that Israeli security officials met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo to discuss expanding the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and to discuss a prisoner exchange between the 2 parties. (MEE 10/6)

The Israeli spyware company NSO Group said it had ended its contract with the UAE after a British court ruled that the emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum used the Pegasus spyware to track his former spouse Princess Haya bint al-Hussein. (AP, HA 10/6; MEMO 10/7)

Axios reported that the U.S. Biden administration has been pressuring the Israeli government to show restraints on expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett is said to have bragged to settler leaders that he had denied President Biden’s request when the 2 spoke on 8/27. (AX 10/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement threw stones at 1 house and 2 vehicles in Burin, breaking the windshields of the cars. 1 Israeli settler also rammed 1 Palestinian child with his car near the Kiryat Arba settlement. Israeli forces raided Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Fahma, Jaba‘, and Tubas. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of Jabalia refugee camp, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 5 others with live ammunition; Israeli forces claimed Palestinians threw explosives at them. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition east of Abasan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin village al-Araqeeb for the 192d time since 2010. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; MEMO 9/3; PCHR 9/9)

In Syria, Israel conducted air strikes near Damascus, causing damage. Syrian state TV said the country’s missile defense system had intercepted most of the Israeli missiles. During the attack, 1 surface-to-surface missile was fired at Israel but landed in the sea. (AJ, HA, JP, TOI 9/3)

Israel released 1 pregnant Palestinian woman from prison after international and Palestinian pressure. The woman was released to house arrest and on $12,000 bail. She is accused by Israel of an attempted stabbing in March outside of an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. (WAFA 9/1; HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA 9/2; HA, MEE 9/3; AJ 9/5)

Hamas said it rejected the framework agreement between the U.S. and the UNRWA signed on 7/15, calling it “dangerous and humiliating.” Hamas said that the framework threatens the refugee issue and is an obstacle to UNRWA employees. (MEMO 9/3; ALM 9/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian king Abdullah II in Cairo. The 3 leaders were said to have been coordinating their stance on Israel for the upcoming UN general assembly meeting in October. President al-Sisi’s spokesperson said after the meeting that al-Sisi emphasized that the creation of a Palestinian state depends of reconciliation between the PA and Hamas. President Abbas called for renewed peace negations under the auspices of the International Quartet for Middle East Peace. An unnamed PA source said, according to Haaretz, that the Biden administration has conveyed to the PA that it will not exert pressure on the Israeli government to engage diplomatically with the PA while Israel is in budget negotiations. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; MEMO, WAFA 9/3)

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) approved a project that will seek to obtain from Palestinians 530 properties in the West Bank and 2,050 properties in East Jerusalem by reviewing documents only registered by the JNF to see if they can be used to evict Palestinians using Israeli courts. The JNF has set aside $31 million for the settler project. (HA 9/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces blocked a road between Hebron and Qalqas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 7 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces attacked 2 targets near Jabalia refugee camp, claiming it was responding to incendiary balloons sent from Gaza to Israel. Israeli forces also later violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near the Gaza fence, injuring 1 with live ammunition; 17 others were also injured by rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. (AA, AJ, AP, HA, HILL, JP, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/29; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; PCHR 9/2)

Egypt reopened the Rafah crossing in both directions. (MEMO 8/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz in Ramallah. According to the Israeli defense ministry, the 2 talked about security policy, civilian and economic issues, and measures Israel will take to strengthen the PA economy. According to Gantz’s office, among the agreements made were granting residency rights to Palestinians living in the West Bank without legal status and Israel’s providing the PA with an advance of its tax income of $155 million. Gantz also said after the meeting, “the stronger the Palestinian Authority is, the weaker Hamas will be.” Sources close to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said that there was no diplomatic process between Israel and the PA and that there would not be 1 during his time as prime minister. A Palestinian official said that Abbas asked Israel to stop conducting operations in Area A and allow family reunifications as part of efforts to improve the PA-Israel relations. Later at a PLO executive committee meeting, President Abbas said that he had told Defense Minister Gantz that the PA position on peace is based on the Arab peace initiative, and that PA wants Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners, return the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israel, end settlement construction, and curb settler attacks. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri called the meeting dangerous and disrespectful. Islamic Jihad also condemned the meeting. The meeting was the 1st between President Abbas and an Israeli government official since 2010. (MEE, REU 8/29; AJ, ALM, AP, F24, HA, HA, HA, JP, NBC, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; ALM, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO 8/31; MEMO 9/1; ALM, HA 9/2)

Axios reported that former U.S. ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro had joined the U.S. state department as a liaison between U.S. envoy on Iran Robert Malley and Israel. (AX 8/29; JP 8/30; ALM, MEMO 8/31)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested, for the 3d day in a row, Palestinian activists critical of the PA; at least 3 were rounded up. Israeli settlers set up 2 mobile homes in Deir Istiya. Israeli settlers also set fire to dozens of olive trees near Burin. Israeli forces razed a tract of land near Qalqilya to expand a settler-only road and sealed the entrances to Sinjil. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians in and around Birzeit, Tulkarm, Kafr Qaddum, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at structures in Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Shuja‘iya, causing damage but no injuries. Israel said it was responding to incendiary balloons sent to Israel from Gaza. 2 Palestinians were arrested at the Erez crossing after receiving calls to come to the crossing for their trader permit applications. (HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23; AJ, AP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA 8/24; HA 8/25; PCHR 8/26)

Egypt said it had closed the Rafah crossing until further notice. Egyptian officials said the closure was connected to Egypt’s efforts to broker a long-term ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. (MEE, REU 8/22; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEMO 8/23; HA 8/24)

1 Palestinian on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after reassurances from Israel that it would not extend his detention. The man was placed on administrative detention after being arrested on 2/22/2020 and had been hunger striking for 43 days. (WAFA 8/23)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said that Israel’s targeting of 4 high-rise residential buildings in Gaza during Operation Guardians of the Wall violated international law. HRW also called on Israel to produce the evidence it says it has in claiming malicious activity was carried out in the high-rises. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO 8/23; MEMO 8/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked a road near Sabastia and attacked several vehicles, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian started demolishing his own home in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian Israeli former MK candidate for the right-wing New Hope party Saher Ismail was shot and killed by unknown assailants in Ramah, marking the 74th killing of a Palestinian Israeli in Israel this year. Ismail was an advisor to Israeli education minister Yifat Shasha-Biton. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; MEMO 8/16; ALM 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

The PA health ministry said that Palestine had entered its 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with a rise in new infections. The health ministry further said that 70% of the active cases were of the Delta variant, which is more transmissible than previous variants. The PA registered 225 new cases today, the highest since April. (WAFA 8/15)

The Israeli high court of justice denied a petition by Palestinian landowners to void the deal made on 7/1 between the Israeli government and the Israeli settlers who made the Evyatar settlement outpost. The court said that ownership of the land still had to be thoroughly examined, but that the Israeli government should investigate how the “illegal trespassing” by the Israeli settlers was possible when the settlers built the outpost in early May. (HA 8/15; AA, MEMO 8/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (JT 8/15; ALM 8/19)

Hamas military spokesperson Hazem Qassem told the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar that Hamas will respond to Israel’s refusal to allow Qatari cash and construction materials into Gaza within a few days if Israel does not change course. Hamas and other political and militant factions are expected to meet on 8/16 to discuss a response. Hamas agreed to Israeli and U.S. demands to allow the 2 countries to examine a list of people who will receive the Qatari cash payments on 8/6 and Hamas suspects that the 2 countries are deliberately delaying the process. (HA 8/6; HA 8/15)

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said his organization will begin receiving gas and diesel from Iran to alleviate the fuel shortages experienced by Lebanon amidst the country’s financial crisis. (HA 8/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian woman in Hebron, causing injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian in the Old City. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Silwan, displacing 7. 1 Palestinian family also demolished their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 5. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 8/14; PCHR 8/19)

Israel recalled its ambassador to Poland in response to the Polish president Andrzej Duda approving a law that will restrict restitution claims by Jewish people who had property stolen during World War II. (MEMO 8/12; MEMO 8/13; AJ, HA, HA 8/14; AP, HA, HA 8/15; AP, ALM, BBC, HA, MEMO, MEMO 8/16; MEMO 8/17)

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had produced 200 grams of uranium metals enriched to 20%, drawing criticism from the UK, France, Germany, and the U.S. (MEMO, REU 8/16; AJ, AP, MEMO 8/17; AP, REU 8/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Mevo Dotan settlement assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer in Kafr Rai and vandalized his car. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Jabalia refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 8/7; PCHR 8/12)

Adalah sent a letter to the Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit demanding clarification about the municipalities of Natanya, Acre, and Hadera and their efforts to block Palestinians’ access to beaches there. The municipality in Acre said on 8/10 that it would remove the fences around Argaman Beach. Acre’s municipality had cited buses from the West Bank as a COVID-19-related health hazard and the reason for the new fencing. This was done despite encouraging locals to go to the beach on Facebook. (WAFA 8/7; HA 8/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted olive trees in Jaba‘. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near the Evyatar settlement outpost near Beita, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 21 others with live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. The killing of the Palestinian man, who was said to have been drinking water when he was shot in the chest, was the 40th by Israeli forces in the West Bank since May. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a flying checkpoint near Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own homes in Bayt Hanina, displacing 46 people. In Gaza, incendiary balloons sent from Gaza caused fires in Israel, and Israel struck targets in Jabalia refugee camp, causing damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Jabalia refugee camp on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. In the Golan Heights, 19 rockets were fired at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Lebanon, with 3 falling within Lebanon and the rest in the Golan Heights; no damage was reported. Israel subsequently fired at Lebanon; no damage was reported. Hezbollah took responsibility for the rockets fired from Lebanon and the Lebanese army said it had arrested 4 suspects. Israel said that it does not believe that Hezbollah is seeking an escalation. (AA, AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/6; AA, AJ, AJ, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/7; HA 8/8; HA, HA, PCHR 8/12; AJ 8/15)

Hamas accepted an Israel and U.S. demand to allow the 2 countries to examine a list of families in Gaza that would receive a monthly stipend from Qatar, allegedly in order to ensure that the people on the list are not Hamas activists. Sources told Haaretz that Hamas was pressured to accept the demand by Palestinian banks, which would be exposed to sanctions if the stipends reached members of Hamas or other militants. (HA 8/6)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with the new Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. (HA 8/6; AA 8/7)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett announced that Michael Herzog, the brother of Israeli president Isaac Herzog, will be Israel’s new ambassador to the U.S. (AA, ALM, HA, MEMO 8/6; HA 8/7; HA 8/8; ALM 8/9; ALM 8/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers installed caravans and started building structures in an evacuated settlement outpost near Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Ya‘bad, injuring 1 and arresting 2; the 3 were allegedly trying to enter Israel for work. Israeli forces also seized cables and other equipment funded by Denmark to rehabilitate the power grid in the Simya area south of Hebron. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Hebron and Beit Fajjar, and 6 at checkpoints in and around Tayasir, Deir Balut, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukaber, displacing 2. Israeli forces also delivered orders that they would seize 2 tents used by protesters for an ongoing sit-in protest against evictions in Sheikh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel halved the Gaza fishing zone, from 12 to 6 nautical miles at its largest width, prevented 25 fuel trucks from entering Gaza, and later conducted 1 drone strike in agricultural lands near Jabalia refugee camp and later 2 air strikes in the same area, causing damage to trees and crops. Israel cited incendiary balloons sent from Gaza to Israel as the reason for its attacks. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; ALM, FOX, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 7/26; MEMO 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

Haaretz reported that Israel banned all Palestinian truck drivers with Israeli citizenship from delivering to Israeli military bases during the Israeli attacks on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardian of the Walls. The Israeli military said that the drivers had refused to work during the operation, but that was refuted by the truck drivers themselves and sources in the Israeli military. (HA 7/25; HA 7/26)

The Israeli government said it would delay implementing an oil transportation deal with the UAE, citing environmental concerns. The oil transportation deal was made after the normalization deal between the 2 countries. (AJ 7/25; MEMO 7/26; ALM, JP 7/27)

2 Israeli airlines started commercial flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakesh and Casablanca in Morocco, the 1st direct flights between the 2 countries since they normalized relations in 2020. (AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 7/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian using live ammunition after violently dispersing Palestinians who were confronting raiding Israeli settlers in Qusra; 2 other Palestinians were also shot and injured. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in al-Arroub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Hundreds of Palestinians protested against the PA in Ramallah, expressing anger over the canceled elections and the killing of Nizar Banat by PA forces on 6/24. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Beit Umar. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted air strikes south of Gaza City and Jabalia refugee camp, causing damage and minor injuries to 2 Palestinians. The Israeli military said it was responding to incendiary balloons sent from Gaza toward Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 7/3; MEE, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas renewed the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days; the state of emergency was 1st declared in 3/2020. (WAFA 7/3)

A cargo ship previously owned by an Israeli company was hit by an object while traveling between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, causing light damage. (HA 7/3; AJ, MEMO 7/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets and damaging 5 water tanks. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinians near the separation wall north of Tulkarm and in ‘Azun, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Hamas authorities detained 2 journalists from Palestine TV coving an event in Jabalia refugee camp for several hours. (WAFA 4/25; PCHR, WAFA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Burin and al-Jaba‘; during the attack in Burin, 3 Palestinians were wounded and the settlers stole harvested olives. Israeli forces raided Bayt Umar, injuring Palestinians with stun grenades and tear gas. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian farmer was hospitalized after being shot by Israeli forces while working his land east of Jabalia refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 3 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/24)

IDF shoots dead Ayman Suri, 11, outside UNRWA office in Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip. In separate incident, Khayr Yusuf 'Abd Allah, 30, of Bala', West Bank, killed by IDF when he tries to evade roadblock while village under curfew. (Qol Yisra'el 2/5 in FBIS 2/7; WT 2/6)

Morocco hosts 4-day conference of Jews of Moroccan descent, including 20-mbr. Israeli delegation, in Casablanca to explore cultural, economic cooperation btwn. Israel and Morocco. (MM 2/4)

PLO official Nabil Shaath says Israel-PLO talks in Cairo getting to detailed level, reports progress and exchange of drafts on security arrangements. (WP 1/27)

King Hussein meets Secy. of State Christopher in Washington, D.C. At news conference marking end of U.S. visit Jordanian ruler calls for "interfaith dialogue" on Jerusalem's holy places, reiterates that East Jerusalem should be restored to Arab rule. Hussein also says he hopes to meet Israeli PM Rabin "before too long." (NYT, WP, WT 1/27)

Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad bin Jassim alThani, visiting U.S., says Arab states have "been discussing" boycott of Israel and "are ready to take some action" on phasing it out. Al-Thani also confirms Israel and Qatar discussing supply of Qatari natural gas to Israel. (MM, NYT 1/27)

Resident of Jabaliya camp, Gaza, killed, presumably for collaboration with occupation. (Qol Yisra'el 1/27 in FBIS 1/28)

Company for Developing Old Jaffa announces agreement with Vatican on setting up Vatican embassy in Franciscan church in Jaffa, 1st embassy in Israel in historically Arab city. (MM 1/26)

WT reports Israel has returned to Egypt 100 boxes of artifacts unearthed by archaeologists in Sinai during Israeli occupation of region. Shipment is 2d since 1992 accord btwn. Egyptian and Israeli antiquities authorities. (WT 1/5)

IDF shoots dead lyad Hinnawi, 20, during disturbances at Jabaliya camp, Gaza. Witnesses say Hinnawi threw 1 stone before being shot. (Qol Yisra'el 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; MM, WT 1/6)

Bombs left at New York offices of New Israel Fund and Americans for Peace Now are defused by police. Notes with bombs signed by "David Maccabee Squad" accuse Rabin govt. of "selling out the Jewish people." (MM 1/5; WP 1/6; NYT 1/8; WJW 1/13)

PLO-Israel economic talks in Paris resume. (AFP 1/3 in FBIS 1/4)

Talks in Tunis btwn. PLO Chmn. Arafat and 8-mbr. delegation fr. o.t. continue for 3d day. Delegation mbr. Nabil 'Amr says Arafat "displayed high readiness to listen and argue." Group seeks more openness in Palestinian decision-making. (WP 1/4; WT 1/5)

IDF shoots dead 1 Palestinian in Jabaliya camp, 2 in Shatti camp, during Hamas-led demonstrations. (MM, NYT 1/4)

10,000 Israeli opponents of DoP hold vigil at Jerusalem's Western Wall to pray for end of PLO-Israel agreement. (WT 1/4, 1/5)

Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu says if Likud takes power it will not be obligated to honor current govt's agreement with PLO, says accord not binding since Palestinians have broken commitments. (Qol Yisra'el 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; NYT 1/5)

National Security Adviser Anthony Lake, in letter to family of victim of 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, says upcoming Clinton al-Asad summit will not remove Syria fr. U.S. list of countries sponsoring terrorism. (WP 1/4)

197 Palestinian mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad return fr. Lebanon at end of 1-yr. exile. The Islamist activists will be processed through Israeli prisons before returning to homes in o.t. PM Rabin, touring Gaza settlement, promises "tough measures" if "we have even the slightest suspicion that [the returnees] intend or are involved" in attacks on Israelis. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Israel-PLO talks on civil issues related to Gaza-Jericho self-rule resume in al-Arish, Sinai. (MM 12/15)

Working group of Middle East Multilateral Talks Economic Development Comm. ends mtg. in Cairo, approves 4 agricultural projects, pollution control project for Gulf of Aqaba, and joint tourism project for Egypt, Israel, and o.t. (MENA 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Ashraf Muhammad Halil, 18, killed by IDF when he attacks soldiers with ax during search of his tool bag in Jabaliya camp, Gaza. (WT 12/16)

Deadline for start of Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza, Jericho passes. PM Rabin tells reporters, "There are no sacred dates, and I cannot give a commitment that the implementation of the agreement will be finished by April 13th." Rabin also announces that remaining Palestinians expelled 12/17/92 to Lebanon will be allowed to return this week. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat addresses European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, appealing for EU financial support to Palestinian development and noting financial crisis will limit size of Palestinian police force. (MM 12/14)

IDF announces it has been holding a "dialogue" with Hamas leaders in Gaza Strip. (IDF Radio 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Aziz hijacks ambulance btwn. Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip, for suicide-bomb attack. Aziz killed, IDF soldier wounded when Aziz drives explosives-filled ambulance into IDF jeep. 2 other Palestinians, said to be mbrs. of either Islamic Jihad or PFLP's Red Eagles, shot dead by IDF in Rafah. (MM 12/13; NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

41 Palestinian police trained in Jordan take up duty at Orient House, East Jerusalem hq. of Palestinian delegation to peace talks. (WP 12/14)

2,000 Israelis hold march in Jerusalem in support of DoP and to protest settler vigilante actions. 300 right-wing counterdemonstrators kept separated fr. peace marchers by police. (WT 12/12)

Hamas leads march in Gaza City to mark intifa adanniversary, protest Israel-PLO accord. IDF opens fire, wounding 1 Palestinian. Similar march held by Islamic Jihad in Jabaliya camp. (WP, WT 12/12)

IDF officer killed, soldier wounded in antitank missile attack on IDF patrol in "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 12/11 in FBIS 12/13)

Secy. of State Christopher meets PLO Chmn. Arafat in Tunis, 1st visit by a U.S. secy. of state to PLO hq. Christopher delivers invitation fr. PM Rabin to Arafat for mtg. in Cairo, says both should reach "agreement so the accord will move forward." Christopher also says he is "impressed" by PLO plans for economic development ino.t. Later Christopher meets in Rabat with Moroccan King Hassan II. (NYT, WP, WT 12/11; NYT 12/13)

3 Palestinians killed by settlers in ambush nr. Hebron. Kach movement claims responsibility for attack. (NYT, WP, WT 12/11)

Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi resigns fr. her PLO posts to form Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights. Ashrawi had earlier been nominated to head PLO office in Washington, D.C. (NYT, WP, WT 12/11)

PFLP mbr. Zaki Ahmad Najar killed in Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip. PFLP says he died in gun-cleaning accident; other sources blame factional fighting or IDF undercover units. (NYT 12/14

PLO-Israel talks on Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho resume in Cairo. Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners. (MENA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT, WT 11/24)

PLO-Israel talks on economic cooperation resume in Paris. (MM 11/24)

22 Palestinian graduates of Egyptian police academy cross into Gaza Strip to form nucleus of Palestinian police force. (NYT 11/24)

Muhammad 'Ali Fara of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, shot dead trying to evade IDF roadblock in Jabaliya camp. In Idnah, nr. Hebron, 'Abd al-Razzaq Shahada killed by premature detonation of roadside bomb. (Qol Yisra'el 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT 11/24; WT 11/25)

12th Jordanian parliament opens; frmr. PM Tahir al-Masri elected speaker of lower house 57-22, defeating Islamic Action Front candidate. (MM 11/23)

Pres. Bush, saying he is making "one last attempt" to avoid war in Gulf, proposes Sec. Baker meet with Iraqi F.M. Aziz between 1/7 and 1/9 in Geneva [MEM 1/3; NYT, WP, WT, LAT, WP 1/4].

Libyan leader Qaddafi predicts Iraq will leave Kuwait to avoid international "catastrophe"; Qaddafi hosts hastily arranged 3-hour meeting with Pres. Mubarak, Pres. Asad, and Sudanese leader Omar Bashir to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; DDS, SANA, RMC, JANA 1/3 in FBIS 1/4; MEM 1/3; WP, WT, LAT 1/4].

Sources in Algerian gov't. say Saddam has sought guarantees before evacuating Kuwait that Iraq will not be attacked subsequently by U.S. or Israel [WP 1/4].

Group of international judges say UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq is invalid because China, as a permanent member, had not backed it. Judges cite Article 27 of UN Charter as saying decisions of the Council require "affirmative vote" of all 5 permanent members [WT 1/4].

Citing national security and Iraqi threats, Britain expels 8 Iraqi embassy staff members and 67 other Iraqi nationals [NYT, WP, WT, LAT, MEM 1/4].

Guido de Marco, president of UN Gen. Assembly and 1st to visit o.t., witnesses stones being thrown at Israeli troops and soldiers answering with tear gas and rubber bullets during visit to Jabaliya camp [WP, WT 1/4].

Israeli troops shoot dead Palestinian and wound 6 others in Gaza; military reports soldiers chased masked Palestinians in Khan Yunis and opened fire when they would not halt [WT 1/4].

Pentagon reports number of Iraqi troops in and near Kuwait has grown to over 530,000 and multinational force arrayed against them now totals more than 580,000 [NYT 1/4].

Jerusalem court sentences reserve army Lt. Col. Yair Klein to 12 months in prison, suspends him for 3 years, and fines him $75,000 for training armed groups linked to drug barons in Columbia [JPD 1/4 in FBIS 1/4; WP 1/4].

Syrian D.M. and deputy P.M. Gen. Mustafa Talas arrives in Riyadh for meetings with Saudi defense officials [SPA, RIDS 1/3 in FBIS 1/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: With order nisi, High Court blocks demolition of 7 Jabaliya camp houses as "unlicensed." PM Peres presents options to cabinet for partial or total troop withdrawal from S. Lebanon. In Tel Aviv, US Defense Sec. Weinberger pledges US will buy $100 million more in Israeli products in 1984 to offset large Israeli purchases of American military equipment. Al-Bireh Arab Nursing College students begin slowdown strike to protest administrative measures. Abu Dis Science and Technology College students strike over newly required English proficiency & minimum passing grade requirements.

Arab World: Lebanese parliament elects (Shi'ite) Hussein al-Husseini as speaker. King Hussein meets Pres. Sadam Hussein in Baghdad.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF imposes new prohibition against travelers crossing Awali without permit.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: High Court issues order nisi blocking military demolition of 2 Jabaliya camp (Gaza) homes for being built without license.

Military Action

Arab World: 200 new SLA recruits [half of them Shi'ite] begin training at Majadiya, S. Lebanon [current 2,100-man force is 60% Christian, 17% Shi'ite, 15% Druze, 8% Sunni].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel gov't. rejects King Hussein's UN peace negotiations proposal. Finance Ministry refuses income tax amendment protecting workers from inflation.

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh and Palestinian Democratic Alliance (PDA) issue joint statement in Algiers proposing to convene 1 7th National Council session before mid-Sept.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF shoot Jabaliya camp (Gaza) resident on suspicion of stone-throwing, wounding him in leg.

Arab World: 3 IDF troops wounded by roadside bomb near Jezzine. Lebanese resistance fighters ambush IDF vehicle S. of Lake Karoun. Katyushas fired on IDF position near Tyre.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gal and Ya'e Yaqir construction companies' bulldozers uproot 60 trees in Bidya village in defiance of court order (4/83) prohibiting work on the Arab-owned land. Cabinet authorizes immediatestablishment of 4 settlements in West Bank, 1 in Golan. Kawkab residents boycott ceremony installing Israeli-backed local council. 2 Jabaliya camp (Gaza) youths sentenced to 1/2 & 2 yrs. for possession of grenades.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF ambushed near Sidon, 3 troops wounded.