The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian child succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 10/30 in Zawata. Israeli settlers set fire to vehicles and buildings in Deir Sharaf, set fire to olive trees in Jit, and threw stones on a road between the 2 towns, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian homes in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked a motorist in the Jordan Valley, destroying his car; the man was able to escape. 1 Israeli settler wearing an Israeli military uniform was shot and killed near Beit Lid. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians, including 1 child, during raids in Qalqilya, Jenin, and al-Bireh. Israeli forces also shot and injured 9 Palestinians during raids in Huwwara, Jenin, al-Bireh, and Qalqilya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian man in Salfit. Israeli forces also demolished 6 vending stalls in Jalamah. 65 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Makassed Hospital, arresting patients from Gaza. In Gaza, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Israel forces had surrounded Gaza City completely. At least 256 Palestinians were killed and 671 injured in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes also killed Palestine TV journalist Mohammed Abu Hatab and 10 members of his family in what Palestine TV called a deliberate assassination of its employee. UNRWA said 4 UNRWA shelters were hit by Israeli airstrikes, killing 23 displaced Palestinians. 2 Palestinians were wounded by machine gun fire from an Israeli tank in al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City. Hamas said it hit 2 Israeli tanks with anti-tank shells in northern Gaza. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza. Rockets were fired at Israel. In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it had destroyed 19 Israeli military sites along the Blue Line. Hamas said it fired 12 rockets at Israel from Lebanon, causing damage in Kiryat Shemona. Israel reportedly killed 5 civilians in strikes on Wadi al-Sulouqi and Meiss Ej Jabal. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, REU, WAFA 11/3)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,061 Palestinians had been killed, including around 5,980 women and children, and 22,911 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 1,800, including 940 children, have been reported missing. 134 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 37 children. More than 2,274 have been injured. Israel said 20 soldiers had been killed in Gaza since its ground invasion, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, since 10/7. 5,431 Israelis have been injured. The UN reported that over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, had been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. For the second day in a row, around 400 foreign passport holders and about 60 injured Palestinians were evacuated to Egypt via the Rafah crossing. 102 truckloads of humanitarian aid entered Gaza. UNRWA said 72 of its employees have been killed since 10/7. (HA 11/1; AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2)

41 Palestinians fled their homes in Khirbet Zanuta due to Israeli settler attacks. 141 Palestinians from the same village fled on 10/28. (UNOCHA 11/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Pope Francis, discussing Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. (WAFA 11/2)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian civilians to move south from northern Gaza, despite Israeli forces having seized control of the 2 main roads leading from north to south. Israeli forces have been reportedly opening fire at civilians traveling on the roads. (AJ 11/2)

The Israeli security cabinet decided to deduct funds from the PA tax revenue that is used in Gaza, in addition to the funds it deducts from the PA that are said to be used for paying stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians killed by Israel. The cabinet also decided to no longer allow Palestinians from Gaza to work in Israel and to send those held in the Israeli internment camps back to Gaza. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel approved a memorandum making it easier for Israel to revoke the citizenship for people accused of supporting, inciting, or identifying with a terrorist organization. Arbel also transferred $50.4 million to 67 Palestinian municipalities in Israel after the funds had been frozen by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich since July. Israeli military chief of staff Herzl Halevi said Israel would allow fuel to enter Gaza to keep hospitals running. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office rejected the move. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 11/2; AJ, AP, HA, HA 11/3)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli military is setting up a program to train and arm Israeli settlers to guard Israeli settlements. The military said it was willing to overlook criminal records in hiring the settlers to guard the settlements. (HA 11/2)

Germany banned all activities by Hamas and the Palestinian prisoner advocacy group Samidoun. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 11/2)

The Bahraini parliament said the country had recalled its ambassador to Israel and frozen economic ties. Israel’s ambassador to Bahrain left Manama shortly after. The Bahraini government later confirmed it had recalled the ambassador but did not mention the freezing of economic ties. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 11/2; AP 11/3)

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said in a report issued by the UN that Israel has used disproportionate force in the West Bank in recent years, saying some killings “appeared to amount to extrajudicial executions.” (AP 11/3)

The UN Refugee Agency said it would cut the number of Palestinian refugee families that receive cash assistance in Lebanon by a third from next year, citing budget restraints. (AP 11/2)

Chilean president Gabriel Boric met with U.S. president Joe Biden at the White House. After the meeting Boric said the Israeli response to Al Aqsa Floods operation on 10/7 had been disproportionate and unacceptable and condemned both Hamas and Israel. Boric, who recalled Chile’s ambassador to Israel on 10/31, said he would not relay what Biden had said to him about the conflict. (HA 11/2; AJ 11/3)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel and deduct the same amount from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The bill was unlikely to pass in the Senate due to the deduction in funds from the IRS and the lack of funding for Ukraine. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) said the civilian deaths in Gaza were unacceptable and called on Israel to “immediately reconsider its strategy and shift to a more deliberate and proportionate counterterrorism campaign.” Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) called for a ceasefire, among the U.S. senators to do so. Vice President Kamala Harris said the U.S. will not condition its support for Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 11/2; AJ, AJ 11/3)

Irish president Michael Higgins called for an immediate ceasefire. (HA 11/2)

The American Civil Liberties Union called on 650 university leaders to reject the targeting of pro-Palestinian groups for exercising their right to free speech. (HA 11/2)

Sweden said it would donate an additional $13.4 million to Gaza on top of its $50 million in aid to Palestinians for 2023. Norway said it will increase its support to Gaza via UNICEF by $2 million. Saudi Arabia said King Salman had donated $8 million and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had donated $5 million to a relief campaign for Palestinians in Gaza. (AP, NYT 11/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, injuring 1 and causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized citrus and almond trees and other property near Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he shot and killed an Israeli soldier near the Kedumim settlement, west of Jit. Hamas claimed responsibility for the killing of the soldier, citing Israel’s massive attack on Jenin on 7/3 and 7/4. Israeli forces also razed a road and seized a tent and a vehicle near Duma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle traveling near Haris, causing damage. Israeli forces also demolished 2 residential structures in Wadi Abu Hindi, displacing 13 Palestinians. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Kafr Ni’ma, Silat ad-Dhahr, Tura, Yatta, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Eizariya. (AJ 7/5; AJ, AP, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; UNOCHA 7/8; PCHR 7/13; UNOCHA 7/29)

The Jerusalem District Court acquitted an Israeli police officer for the killing of the 32-year-old autistic Palestinian man Eyad al-Hallaq who was shot and killed in East Jerusalem on 5/30/2020. Al-Hallaq’s parents called the acquittal a “disgrace.” The police officer was subsequently reinstated and send on a commanders’ course. The police officer ignored al-Hallaq’s counselor who told him that al-Hallaq had special needs. After the acquittal, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was filmed calling al-Hallaq’s mother a terrorist when she confronted him outside of the court. Ben-Gvir also referred to the police officer as a hero. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 7/6; MDW 7/7; HA 7/8)

The Jenin Brigades issued a statement saying “[i]t is heart-breaking that we are being fatally stabbed in the back by our own people, the PA security services, which committed an act on Tuesday that no fighter or defender of this land would accept,” referring to a PA arrest of 2 Palestinians who were wanted by Israel. (MDW 7/6)

The UAE said it would donate $15 million to UNRWA and Algeria said it would donate $30 million to the PA to help rebuilt Jenin refugee camp after the 2-day long Israeli invasion of the camp on 7/4 and 7/5, which caused wide-spread damage to Palestinian property. (ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 7/6; HA, NA 7/8)

In Lebanon, 2 rockets were fired at Israel without causing damage and Israel subsequently fired 15 artillery shells at Kfarchouba. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, MEE, REU 7/6)

New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu signed an anti-BDS executive order barring the state from investing in companies that boycott Israel. The executive order was signed at a ceremony attended by Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan. (MDW, MEE 7/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinian shepherds with pepper spray in al-Hama. 1 person rammed an Israeli soldier in Huwwara, lightly injuring the soldier. Israeli forces subsequently forced shops in Huwwara to close and set up flying checkpoints in the town. Israeli forces also razed 30 dunams of land planted with onions and eggplant and damaged water pipes in Nu’eima and a tract of land in ‘Asira al-Qibliya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces notified Palestinians in Tell, Jit, and Far’ata that Israel will seize 14.5 dunams (3.6 acres) to expand the Havat Gilad settlement outpost. In East Jerusalem, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, saying in a statement “[a]ll the threats from Hamas will not help them, we are in charge of Jerusalem and all of the land of Israel.” Ben-Gvir did not coordinate the tour with the Islamic Waqf. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MEE, QDS, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; HA 5/22; PCHR 5/25; UNOCHA 6/2)

In response to National Security Minister Ben-Gvir’s tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound, the PA said that he “will not bring about Israeli sovereignty over the complex,” warning that Ben-Gvir may ignite a religious war. Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Mauritania, and the UAE condemned Ben-Gvir’s tour and the U.S. expressed concern, calling it “provocative.” (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/22)

The Israeli cabinet held a meeting in the controversial “Western Wall Tunnels” built under the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. Agreements were made at the meeting to allocate $16 million to the settler organization Western Wall Heritage Foundation and $8 million to the settler organization Elad Foundation. Ahead of the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich forced through the removal of a discussion of a 5-year plan to improve life in East Jerusalem. (QDS, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; HA, PCN 5/22; HA 5/23)

Haaretz reported that the members of the Negev Forum will meet in Morocco on 6/25 and that Israel and the U.S. are working to add “an African country with a Muslim majority” to the summit. Israel’s Channel 13 News reported that Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain, and the UAE had asked Israel and the U.S. to change the forum’s name to something not related to Israel. Al Monitor reported that Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen believed that a breakthrough in Saudi-Israeli normalization can reached before the end of 2023. However, according to Israeli officials Saudi Arabia could demand a settlement freeze and commitments to Muslim control over the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AX 5/17; ALM 5/19; HA 5/21; ALM 5/23; AX 5/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 1 Palestinian by throwing a stone at his face in Ni’lin. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians near Jit. The Lions Den said the 3 were members of the organization. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli police officers kicked and punched 1 Palestinian man after he fell while running from them near a flying checkpoint; the incident was filmed. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, GDN, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; HA 3/14; PCHR 3/16; UNOCHA 3/19)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Masyaf, injuring 3 Syrian soldiers. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 3/12)

Israeli Channel 12 reported that the UAE had frozen purchases of Israeli military equipment due to the Israeli government’s behavior against Palestinians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound in January and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s comment that Huwwara “should be wiped out.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli ambassador to the UAE, and the Israeli foreign ministry denied the reporting. (HA 3/12)

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that Saudi Arabia had refused to grant visas to an Israeli delegation for an upcoming UN conference on tourism. Axios reported that Saudi Arabia had initially approved Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen’s attendance at the conference with 2 staffers, but effectively blocked Cohen’s trip by not engaging in making arrangements for his security. (BB, HA 3/12; AX, TOI 3/13)

Qatar emir Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani donated $500,000 in aid to Huwwara to help cover the cost of the damage incurred by Israeli settlers on 2/26. (DN, MEMO 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 6 Palestinian-owned vehicles and threw stones at an ambulance in Majdal Bani Fadil. Israeli settlers also threw stones and blocked traffic near Ramallah, al-Bireh, Huwwara, Jit, Dayr Balut, Tubas, Burin, and Jericho. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 3 commercial structures in Ein al-Beida and Bardala. An Israeli settlement security guard shot and killed 1 Palestinian man who allegedly attempted to enter the Kedumim settlement armed with a gun. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in al-Eizariya. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and severely injured a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who allegedly shot and injured 2 Israeli settlers near Silwan. In Tel Aviv, some 60,000 Israelis protested against the Israeli government for the fourth Saturday in a row. (AJ, ALM, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, NYT, NYT, WAFA 1/29; HA, TOI 1/30; PCHR 2/2; REU, UNOCHA 2/3)

In what the Israeli security cabinet called a response to the 1/27 attack on Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem, the cabinet decided to fast track legislation that will shorten the process for Israeli civilians to obtain gun licenses, revoke the social security benefits of the relatives of accused Palestinian assailants and see the relatives deported, demolish the homes of accused Palestinian assailants, and “strengthen” settlements in the West Bank. (AJ, HA, REU 1/28; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, MDW, MEE 1/29; HA, HA 1/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers erected structures at the Or Haim settlement outpost, which was evacuated on 1/20; 7 were arrested and the structures were demolished by Israeli forces. Armed Israeli settlers posing as Israeli soldiers broke into a Palestinian house in Arab al-Maleehat; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized more than 300 olive trees in Jit. Israeli forces seized 1 tractor in Ras al-Ahmar. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures in Artas. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/22; ALM 1/24; PCHR 1/26; UNOCHA 2/3)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land ordained the first female Palestinian pastor in Palestine, Sally Azar, who will lead the English-speaking congregation at the Church of the Redeemer in the Old City of Jerusalem. (AP 1/22; AJ 1/23)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired health and interior minister Arye Dery after the Israeli High Court of Justice ruled on 1/18 that Dery cannot serve as a minister since he was convicted of a crime last year. Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he intends to find “every possible legal means” to allow Dery to “contribute to the country.” (AJ, AP, AX, F24, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 1/22; HA 1/23; ALM 1/24)

The Religious Zionism Party boycotted an Israeli cabinet meeting over the Israeli defense ministry’s 1/20 decision to evacuate the Or Haim settlement outpost. (HA 1/21; HA 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at cars traveling near Burqa, leading to clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians confronting the Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also physically assaulted 2 Palestinians near al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land planted with almond trees west of Ramallah. Israeli forces also razed land in Bruqin and Nil‘in. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in Jenin refugee camp and Hebron, and 3 at a checkpoint near Jit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinian minors in Issawiyya; no serious physical injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Bayt Hanina, leading to clashes, and arrested 4 Palestinians. Israeli forces also briefly dispersed Palestinians celebrating by the Damascus Gate but allowed the celebrations to carry on shortly after. 2 Palestinians were charged with hate crimes after throwing coffee on an Israeli settler and putting a video of the incident on social media on 4/22. In Gaza, Israel closed the Gaza fishing zone, citing 3 days of rocket fire toward Israel; Israel claimed that 4 Israelis were injured due to the rocket fire, all from tripping while seeking shelter. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting at the Gaza fence for the 3d day in a row, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested for crossing into Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (HA 4/25; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/26; HA, WAFA 4/27; HA 4/28; PCHR 4/29)

The PA announced it will build a new city near Jericho, to be named Sama Qarantal. The city will accommodate between 15,000 and 20,000 people. (WAFA 4/26)

2 Egyptian officials said they had been briefed that PA president Mahmoud Abbas will postpone the Palestinian elections this week, citing Israeli unwillingness to let Palestinians in East Jerusalem partake in the elections. A Palestinian source said that a final decision will be made on 4/29, after a meeting between all Palestinian parties. (AJ, AP, HA 4/27)

Israeli member of Knesset, former minister, and leader of HaTzionut HaDatit (Religious Zionist Party) Bezalel Smotrich threatened that “Arabs are citizens of Israel, for now at least, and they have representatives at the Knesset, for now at least” during a party meeting. Smotrich further said that Palestinian-Israelis can only be “legitimate partners” if they accept Israel as a Jewish state. (HA 4/26)

The U.S. said it fired warning shots at an Iranian navy ship for being too close to 2 U.S. military vessels in the Persian Gulf. (AJ 4/27; AP 4/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers brought their cattle to graze on Palestinian-owned agricultural land east of Yatta, damaging crops. Israeli settlers also vandalized 15 cars and 3 houses in Kafr Haris. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara. Israeli forces demolished and seized 25 structures, displacing 55 Palestinians, including 32 children, in Khirbet Humsa. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian who was trying to enter Israel for work near Barta‘a. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in and around al-Mughayyir, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Jit and ‘Azun. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during a raid in al-Tur; clashes broke out during the raid, leading to tear-gas related injuries. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; REU 2/3; AP, HA, NBC, PCHR, WAFA 2/4)

The Rafah crossing was temporarily open for the 1st of 4 days. The last time the Rafah crossing was open was 11/26/2020. (GISHA, WAFA 1/31)

Israel delivered 2,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses to the PA intended for medical staff. Israel said it intends on sending the PA 5,000 doses. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said the PA expects to have received 50,000 COVID-19 doses from 4 different companies by the middle of February. Prime Minister Shtayyeh also announced that the COVID-19-related lockdown of the West Bank was extended by 2 weeks. The WHO announced that Palestine will start receiving 37,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine around the middle of February though the COVAX program. PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. (AP, AP, HA, HILL 1/31; AP, HA, HA, NBC, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; WAFA 2/3)

1 Israeli settler from the Yitzhar settlement, Rabbi Yosef Elitzur, was convicted of inciting violence against Palestinians in 2 opinion pieces written by him. (HA 2/3)

The U.S. Joe Biden administration made its 1st official contact with Palestinian officials. The newly appointed deputy assistant secretary for Israel-Palestine Hady Amr spoke to several Palestinian officials. This marked the 1st official contract between Palestinian and U.S. officials since December 2017. (AX, HA 2/1)

A Biden administration official also said the administration is using and supporting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism, which has been widely critiqued for conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. For more about the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, see the IPS publication Zionism, Israel, and Anti-Semitism: Dangerous Conflation. (PCN 2/2; MDW 2/3; EI 2/4; HA 2/28)

Kosovo’s foreign minister Meliza Haradinaj and Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi signed an agreement between the 2 countries, which include Kosovo opening an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem and designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. In September, Kosovo, Serbia, the U.S., and Israel signed an agreement to have the 2 Balkan countries open embassies to Israel in Jerusalem in return for financial incentives. Serbia’s foreign minister said Serbia has “invested serious efforts in our relations with Israel in recent years and we are not happy with this decision.” Serbia is displeased that Israel as part of the agreement recognized Kosovo as an independent state. The PA, Turkey, the Arab League, and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation also publicly criticized Kosovo because of the country’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. (HA, REU, TOI 2/1; AJ 2/2; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3)

Hezbollah said it shot down an Israeli drone flying over Lebanese air space. (AP, HA 2/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked several intersections in the West Bank, including near Bethlehem, Burqa, Luban al-Sharqiyya, Jit, Qalqilya, and in the northern part of the Jordan Valley, throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles; 1 3-year-old Palestinian suffered injuries to his face near Burqa and several vehicles were damaged. Israeli forces arrested 15 settlers, most of whom were released within hours. Israeli settlers also threw Molotov cocktails at 2 Palestinian homes in Burin, causing damage. 16 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Bireh, Kaubar, Hebron, Surayf, Bayt Umar, Jericho, Ya‘bad, and Qabatiya; clashes erupted during the raid in al-Bireh; 1 Palestinian was hit by a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries and Israeli forces severely beat 1 Palestinian during a house raid in Kaubar. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur; clashes broke out during the raids in both neighborhoods. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds northeast of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/21; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/22; HA, WAFA 1/23; HA 1/27; PCHR 1/28)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on the international community to put pressure on Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to partake in the scheduled Palestinian elections. (WAFA 1/21)

Australia donated $1 million to the WHO in support of its efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus in the occupied Palestinian territories. (WAFA 1/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian in Huwwara; he was treated at a hospital for his injuries. Israeli settlers with military escort also attacked Palestinian homes in Hebron; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds and farmers in the Masafer Yatta area, causing several injuries. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using rubber-coated bullets near the separation barrier in the Jenin area. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from farming their land in Jalud. 1 man alleged to be Palestinian threw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint near Jit before driving away in his car; the soldier was unharmed. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Kisan and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; TOI, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/24)

In Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the 1st to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. Israel does not plan to offer vaccinations to Palestinians in the West Bank. The PA says it has secured the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V, which will arrive in 2021. 20 percent of the Palestinian vaccinations are expected to be delivered for free from the World Health Organization as part of a scheme to deliver vaccinations to poorer countries. (AJ, AP 12/17; REU 12/18; AJ, REU 12/19; HA 12/20)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Prime Minister Netanyahu for the 26th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops block Palestinian farmers from working their fields outside Ni‘lin. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot about 40 olive trees outside Jit village near Qalqilya and throw stones at a Palestinian home in Hebron, causing no serious damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/2)

Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones a Ministerial Committee for Legislation vote planned for today on the so-called Greater Jerusalem Bill, which would strengthen the relationship between the Jerusalem Municipality and the nearby Israeli settlements in the West Bank. “The current version of the [. . .] bill invites international pressure and involves difficult legal issues,” explains a senior official in the governing coalition. “[Netanyahu] cannot allow himself to advance this version at this time.” (HA, TOI 10/29; ALM 10/30)

In Ramallah, Israel’s finance minister Moshe Kahlon meets with PA PM Hamdallah for the 2d time in 6 months. The meeting stems from reported U.S. pressure on Israel to continue to work on agreements with the PA that would strengthen the Palestinian economy. (HA, TOI 10/30)

As the quarter opens, Israel maintains a tight siege on Gaza, aimed at unseating the governing Hamas authority. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) enforces a 300-meter no-go zone inside the full length of the Gaza border and limits the Palestinian fishing zone off Gaza to 500–1,000 m off Bayt Lahiya and Rafah and 3 naut. mi. elsewhere. In the West Bank, governed by the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA), IDF operations and restrictions on Palestinian movement are relatively low. Today, the IDF patrols in Far‘un village nr. Tulkarm in the evening, firing tear gas and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them, causing no serious injuries; patrols in Jit village nr. Qalqilya late at night. (PCHR 5/19; OCHA 5/20)

In Cairo, Hamas and Fatah open their first round of talks on implementing their 5/4/11 national reconciliation agreement that would reunite West Bank and Gaza institutions and prepare for new elections. (REU 5/16)

In a speech to the Knesset before leaving for the U.S., Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu lays out his conditions for accepting a Palestinian state, but still does not go far enough to satisfy minimum Palestinian demands, stating that “the root of the conflict is not the absence of a Palestinian state,” but rather “the refusal to recognize a Jewish state.” (HA 5/16; NYT, WT 5/17; WP 5/18; JPI 5/27)

Italy upgrades the status of the Palestinian representation in Rome from a delegation to a full diplomatic mission. (HA 5/16)

Palestinians in Gaza fire an antitank missile at an IDF patrol inside Israel, causing no damage or injuries. During the day, Palestinians also fire 10 mortars toward Israel in 2 barrages, causing no damage or injuries; some of the mortars land inside Gaza. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts synchronized morning patrols in Tulkarm and several nearby villages; patrols in alBireh and neighboring al-Am‘ari r.c., and in 3 villages nr. Jericho and Ramallah. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih/Dayr Nizam. IDF soldiers fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, injuring 4 Palestinians, including 2 children. A Jewish settler deliberately attempts to run down a Palestinian nr. the Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, moderately injuring him; the IDF does not intervene. Jewish settlers fr. Taffuh settlement attempt to seize a plot of nearby Palestinian agricultural land but are sent away by the IDF. Jewish settlers close Jit intersection nr. Qalqilya with burning tires, blocking the main Qalqilya-Nablus road. In separate incidents, Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim and Karnei Shomron settlements stone Palestinian vehicles nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with Israeli border police in Silwan, leaving at least 1 Israeli officer injured. (IsRN, JP 3/18; WP 3/19; PCHR 3/24; OCHA 4/1)

After 2 days of clashes with protesters, arrest raids targeting opposition figures, and imposition of a nighttime curfew in Manama, Bahrain’s troops demolish the giant pearl monument in Pearl Square in a symbolic crushing of antigovernment protesters. No further demonstrations are reported this quarter. By 3/20 observers describe daily life returning to normal (schools and stores reopen, traffic moving) but note “a sense of political paralysis.” Saudi, UAE, and Kuwaiti forces remain in the country through the end of the quarter. (WP 3/19; NYT 3/21)

In Syria, govt. forces violently disperse protests (ranging in size fr. the 100s to the 1,000s) held after Friday prayers in Baniyas, Dara‘a, Damascus, and Homs, fatally shooting 6 protesters and wounding 10s. Though protests are small, the govt. response is harsh and tensions are high. (NYT, WP 3/19)

In Yemen, govt. troops and supporters open fire for more than 20 minutes on protesters demonstrating after Friday prayers in Sana’a, leaving at least 47 dead and 100s injured but failing to disperse the crowd. Afterward, the govt. declares a state of emergency, allowing authorities to curtail civil rights and monitor communications. Over the next 5 days, Yemen’s ambassador to the UN, several other ambassadors, the country’s most influential military commander Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar (a relative and very close ally of Pres. Saleh), and 4 other generals resigned in protest, and Saleh’s own tribe and another key tribal leader called on him to step down. Saleh also fires his cabinet in an apparent attempt to preempt a mass resignation to protest recent deadly clashes. Popular protests also continued. (NYT, WP 3/19; NYT, WP 3/20–21; NYT, WP, WT 3/22–23; NYT, WP 3/24)

Overnight, IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire on and shell a group of Palestinians nr. the n. Gaza border fence, killing 3 Palestinians; Palestinians say the 3 were unarmed men attempting to sneak into Israel to find work, but the IDF claims they were armed men preparing to lay explosive devices along the border. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 3 wells and an agricultural storehouse nr. a settler-only bypass road nr. Hebron; seals and patrols in Jit nr. Qalqilya during the afternoon. In Ramallah, some 1,000 young Palestinians hold a rally calling for national unity and reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. (AFP, WP 2/18; PCHR 2/24; OCHA 2/25)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama phones PA pres. Mahmud Abbas to urge him to delay a 2/18 vote on a UN Security Council (UNSC) res. reaffirming that Israeli settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace or agree to a compromise UNSC presidential statement (less than a res.) criticizing settlements and urging the sides to resume negotiations. Abbas agrees to convene an emergency meeting of the PLO Exec. Comm. (PLOEC) and Fatah Central Comm. (FCC) to consider the matter. (HA 2/17; HA, MNA, NYT 2/18)

After violence overnight (see 2/16), Bahrain’s govt. declares martial law, deploying the military to the streets and warning of a “sectarian abyss”; the main Shi‘i political party withdraws fr. parliament, protesting the acts of the minority Sunni leadership; and opposition groups call for massive demonstrations after Friday prayers on 2/18. (NYT, WP, WT 2/18)

In Libya, protesters in 5 main cities observe a “Day of Rage” against Qaddafi, clashing with govt. forces, leaving at least 12 protesters dead and 10s wounded; the govt. cuts phone and Internet service and bars journalists to prevent coverage. Serious clashes in and around Benghazi continue on 2/18. (NYT, WP, WT 2/18; NYT, WP 2/19)

In New York, Secy. of State Clinton and Netanyahu meet for 7 hrs. (including at least 2 hrs. one-on-one) to finalize an incentives package and discuss other steps toward reviving peace talks. (NYT, WP 11/12)

IDF troops on the s. Gaza border shell an open area and vacant home e. of Abasan village where a group of armed Palestinians were assembling, causing no reported casualties. In the West Bank, the IDF enters Jit village nr. Qalqilya to evacuate and close a secondary school where children were holding an assembly commemorating the 6th anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death; sends undercover units into Jab‘a village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, raiding a home and detaining 1 Palestinian; patrols in Zabbuba village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, firing on stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries; conducts late-night house searches in and around Hebron and in Bil‘in, making no arrests; conducts late night patrols without incident in Tulkarm town and r.c. Jewish settlers stone Palestinian vehicles on the Nablus–Ramallah road. (OCHA 11/24; PCHR 11/25)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF raids an olive press in Jit nr. Qalqilya, arresting the owner and confiscating a bulldozer. (JP 10/30; PCHR 11/4; OCHA 11/5)

The IDF makes 2 brief incursions into Gaza to clear lines of sight along the border e. of Jabaliya r.c. in the n. and al-Qarara in the s., exchanging gunfire with Palestinians in the s., causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols without incident in Bayt Liqya and Jit nr. Qalqilya during the day and in Jinsafut village nr. Qalqilya late at night; conducts late-night house searches nr. Hebron, making no arrests. Israel releases Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Council mbr. Ali Romanin, who was detained by the IDF in 2006 as a bargaining chip following the capture of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. Jewish settlers fr. Beitar Ilit nr. Bethlehem set fire to 30 d. of nearby Palestinian agricultural land, damaging at least 600 trees. OCHA (10/22) reports that in the previous week an ailing 2-yr.-old Palestinian girl fr. Gaza died as a direct result of Israel delaying her transfer to an Israeli hospital for treatment. (MNA 10/19; PCHR 10/21; OCHA 10/22)

Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with at least 1 air strike on a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border, causing no injuries. The IDF fires on a Palestinian woman grazing sheep nr. the border fence e. of Jabaliya, wounding her. In the West Bank, the IDF fires tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinians taking part in weekly demonstrations against the separation wall in Bil‘in, injuring 2; fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas on Palestinian, Israeli, and international human rights activists taking part in a nonviolent demonstration against the separation wall in al-Ma‘sara (10s suffer tear gas inhalation) and Ni‘lin (injuring 5); conducts late-night house searches in Nablus and neighboring Balata r.c., but makes no arrests. Jewish settlers fr. Gilad settlement nr. Qalqilya, escorted by IDF troops, attack Palestinian farmers working their land in nearby Jit village, slashing tires of a tractor and ordering the farmers off the land, saying it belonged to them; the IDF troops confiscate the agricultural tools of the Palestinians and order them to leave the area, giving the tools to the settlers. (WT 5/3; OCHA 5/6; PCHR 5/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF halts PA construction of a staging area outside Bethlehem where Pope Benedict XVI will be received when he visits the city on his upcoming tour (5/8–15), arguing that the plot falls in area C and therefore construction requires coordination with Israeli authorities. The IDF also beats several Palestinians holding a nonviolent protest against construction of a new settler-only bypass road nr. Carmiel settlement s. of Hebron (see 4/9), which is expected to displace 13 Palestinian families; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Tulkarm. Around 20 Jewish settlers fr. Kefar Etzion nr. Bethlehem chase off a Palestinian farmer working his land nr. the settlement. Nr. Qalqilya, Jewish settlers escorted by IDF troops prevent Palestinian farmers in Jit village fr. farming their land, vandalize 5 homes in the village. (OCHA, PCHR 4/29)

In Dimona in s. Israel, a Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device in a mall, killing 1 Israeli, wounding 11; an off-duty Israeli policeman identifies, fatally shoots a 2d bomber who allegedly planned to set off a 2d device as rescue workers gathered. (For discussion of the dispute over the bombers’ identities, see Quarterly Update.) At the Rafah crossing, Egyptian border police try to block about 700 Egyptians and Palestinians attempting to cross the border in both directions; travelers throw stones at policemen who respond with tear gas and by firing in the air; as the riot escalates, Hamas mbrs. inside Gaza apparently fire on the Egyptian troops to force a retreat, wounding around 20. In Gaza, the IDF makes an air strike on Bayt Lahiya, assassinating PRC mbr. ‘Amr Qarmout, wounding 1 bystander. Jewish settlers fr. Ramat Yishai in Hebron throw stones, empty bottles at a Palestinian father and his 12-yr.-old son, moderately injuring them. Jewish settlers fr. Havat Gilad outpost nr. Qalqilya uproot 200 Palestinian olive trees in nearby Jit. (HA, IFM, JAZ, REU 2/4; OCHA 2/6; PCHR 2/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF imposes restrictions barring Palestinians ages 16–25 from traveling southward through 8 major northern checkpoints (Anabta-Kifriyat tunnel, al-Ras in Tulkarm; Awarta, Hawara, Yitzhar in Nablus; Jit in Qalqilya; Dayr Ballut, Za‘atara in Salfit); fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager in Hebron, mistaking his toy gun for a real one; raids 3 mosques and a rehabilitation center in Hebron, confiscating documents, books; raids, searches the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions offices in Ramallah; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron and in Balata r.c., Nablus, Tulkarm town and r.c. A Palestinian dies nr. Um Salamuna when he is run over by a Jewish settler bus. In Gaza, the ESF deploys heavily in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood, where Hamas believes BBC reporter Johnston is being held; detains a number of mbrs. of the Daghmash clan thought to be behind the Army of Islam; exchanges fire with Daghmash family mbrs. who refuse to stop at an ESF checkpoint, wounding 1 Palestinian bystander. (The ESF says that since 7/2, it has detained 20 Daghmash mbrs.; that the Daghmash clan has kidnapped 10 Hamas mbrs. in retaliation.) Palestinians fire 3 mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 7/3; OCHA, WP 7/4; PCHR 7/5)

When AMB, Islamic Jihad fire 9 rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the IDF shells n. Gaza for the 1st time since the 11/26 cease-fire went into effect, wounding 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. preparing to fire a rocket into Israel, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander and wounding 2; Israel says the strike was not intended to signal a change of policy or an escalation. The IDF also sends bulldozers into Gaza w. of Rafah to level land along the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian businesses, an animal pen in Barta‘a nr. Jenin; fires on stonethrowing Palestinian youths nr. the Qalandia checkpoint outside Jerusalem, seriously wounding 1 with a bullet to the head, lightly wounding 3 others; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Askar r.c., Balata, Nablus, Tulkarm and nr. Hebron, Jenin r.c. (exchanging fire with AMB mbrs., killing 1 AMB mbr., wounding 2), Ramallah, Salfit. Israeli police in riot gear remove the remaining 450 right-wing Jewish settlers and activists fr. the Homesh settlement site (see 3/26). Jewish settlers stone Palestinian cars nr. Jit Junction nr. Qalqilya, injuring 1 Palestinian. Jewish settler teenagers in Hebron ambush, beat a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy on his way home fr. school. Private Israeli security contractors working for Karme Tzur settlement nr. Hebron prevent Palestinian farmers fr. reaching their land nearby, beating 2, confiscating their equipment. Separately, Jewish settlers fr. Karme Tzur beat a Palestinian farmer working his land nearby. In Jabaliya r.c., ESF mbrs. fire on a car of Fatah mbrs., causing no injuries. In Bayt Hanun, suspected Fatah gunmen fire on the car of a senior Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr., seriously injuring him, his wife and 2 children, a bystander. (REU 3/28; NYT, WT 3/29; WP 3/30; OCHA 4/4; PCHR 4/5; NYT 4/8)

The IDF sends bulldozers into Gaza to level land along the border e. of al-Maghazi r.c. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Shaykh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, in Halhul nr. Hebron, and in Jit nr. Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Ram n. of Jerusalem, in ‘Askar r.c. and Balata nr. Nablus (clashing with Palestinian gunmen, leaving 1 armed Palestinian dead), and nr. Bethlehem (where a Palestinian woman is seriously injured by an IDF attack dog), Hebron. In Rafah, 400 Palestinians who received UN assistance after their homes were demolished by the IDF stage a solidarity sit-in outside UNRWA offices to protest the 3/16 attack on UNRWA Dir. Ging’s convoy. (OCHA 3/21; PCHR 3/22; OCHA 3/28)

The IDF shoots, kills 1 Palestinian nr. a crossing into Israel. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo; the IDF returns fire on Bayt Jala; no casualties are reported. Nr. Nablus, the IDF bulldozes roads, agricultural lands; a Jewish settler intentionally hits a Palestinian with his car, killing him. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim uproot 150 Palestinian olive trees in Jit; settlers fr. Ofra bulldoze Palestinian land around their settlement. The PSF begins an arrest campaign targeting Islamic Jihad, arresting 7 mbrs., questioning 22 Palestinians affiliated with the group. (PMC 11/28; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 11/29; XIN 12/1 in WNC 12/3)

Special envoys Burns, Zinni meet with Arafat in Ramallah; tour the West Bank with U.S. officials to see refugee camps, the effect of Israel's military siege and settlement construction on Palestinians. Meanwhile, Sharon publicly restates his demand for 7 days of complete Palestinian quiet before Israel would take steps to implement the Tenet plan. (MM 11/28; AP, NYT, WP, WT 11/29)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Detainees at Ansar 3 prison (also known as Ketziot) begin 2-day hunger strike demanding improved conditions [JP 7/20].

Arab World: In Baghdad Bassam Abu Sharif, spokesman for Yasir Arafat, tells Agence France Presse that Yitzhaq Shamir, through Romanian intermediaries, offered to let PLO take control of parts of the territories [NYT 7/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Petah Tikva 22-year-old Palestinian from Jit is shot dead by Israeli soldier [FJ 7/24]. In Nablus Palestinian is shot in the chest during demonstration [FJ 7/24]. In Kafr Haris settlers cut down 35 trees [FJ 7/24].

Arab World: 3 men convicted of taking part in the 1981 assassination of Pres. Anwar Sadat of Egypt escape from a maximum security prison outside Cairo [NYT 7/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Leaflet issued by Unified National Command of the Uprising offers to end the Palestinian protests if Israelis: 1) withdraw army from cities, villages, and camps; 2) release prisoners; 3) allow deported Palestinians to return; 4) cancel military orders and civil regulations issued since beginning of the uprising; 5) allow democratic and free elections in the towns and villages in the occupied territories; 6) remove restrictions placed on the national economy [NYT 5/31]. MK Dedi Zucker demands the IDF set up a commission to protect human rights of prisoners. 20 Israeli law professors sign petition expressing concern about existence of a dual legal system-one for Israelis and one for Arabs [FJ 6/5].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reservist accuses members of the IDF of systematically abusing Palestinian prisoners [LAT 5/3 1]. Scattered clashes occur throughouthe occupied territories [LAT 5/31, FJ 6/5]. A strike closes shops and businesses in East Jerusalem and the W. Bank, but is less successful in Gaza [LAT 5/311. In Jit Jewish settlers set fire to 8 dunums of Arab crops [FJ 5/6]. In Hebron 70 people are arresteduring clashes; in Yamun at least 50 are injured; in Gaza 20 are hurt in clashes [FJ 5/6].