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  • December 8, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort assaulted 3 Palestinians in Khallet al-Daba in the Masafer Yatta area and stole their mobile phones. Israeli settlers also vandalized 8...

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  • July 17, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers let their sheep graze on wheat and barley crops and set up a tent on Palestinian-owned land near al-Tuba in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces uprooted olive...

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  • July 3, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted 10 airstrikes on Jenin before beginning a large-scale ground force invasion with more than 1,000 soldiers, killing 8 Palestinians, injuring at least 50...

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  • June 7, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya, vandalizing property. Israeli settlers also erected vending stalls on a highway near al-Farisiya. Elsewhere...

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  • January 4, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live...

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  • December 15, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer tending his land near Artas. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a school in ‘Urif, damaging solar panels. Elsewhere, Israeli...

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  • December 14, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper-spray near Huwwara. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Salem during an arrest raid, causing tear-gas...

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  • March 28, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers wrote racist graffiti on walls and vandalized vehicles in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Jalud. (...

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  • November 6, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from accessing a playground in Susiya because Israeli settlers were using the playground in their village. The Israeli settlers have been...

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  • October 20, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole harvesting equipment in Qaryut and tried to steal olive crops before being chased away by Palestinians. Israeli forces razed 10 dunams of agricultural land...

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  • August 24, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Balata refugee camp; Israeli forces said that the child had thrown a stone at the forces during the raid; no soldiers...

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  • August 11, 2021

    In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries inflicted by Israeli forces on 8/3 in Jenin. Israeli forces demolished 1 poultry farm in al-Walaja, 1 rainwater collection well in Khallet al-...

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  • January 9, 2021

    In the West Bank, the Israeli military said that 1 Palestinian tried to ram a group of soldiers at a checkpoint near Ya‘bad and that a gun fell from the car as it passed the soldiers; no injuries...

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  • December 24, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya and at a house in the village. Israeli settlers also uprooted 35 Palestinian-owned olive...

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  • December 10, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians while touring an evacuated settlement outpost south of Jenin. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Union of Palestinian Women’...

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  • December 4, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets...

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  • November 18, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers toured Sabastiyya, closing off areas to Palestinians. Israeli forces closed off agricultural roads east of Yatta, preventing farmers from accessing their land....

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  • August 31, 2020

    In the West Bank, Palestinians fended off Israeli settlers trying to seize their land in Birin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition near the separation wall north...

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  • August 21, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort toured a spring near al-Walaja. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Kafr Qaddum...

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  • August 13, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tractor and wrote racist graffiti in ‘Urif and slashed tires on several vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on buildings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers...

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  • July 27, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and wrote racist graffiti on walls in al-Bireh. Israeli forces razed Palestinian farmland to expand an Israeli settlement near Burqin....

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  • May 21, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands...

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  • April 27, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 40 olive trees in al-Sawiya. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya; during...

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  • March 9, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted some 400 olive tree saplings west of Bethlehem and seized a residential tent, a generator, and an animal barn in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also...

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  • February 20, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israel issued demolition orders for 4 residential structures south of Hebron and 5 homes in the Ramallah area as punitive demolitions against alleged Palestinian attackers....

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  • January 2, 2020

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian-owned house in Kaubar and took measures to punitively demolish it; 2 of the house’s occupants are detained by Israel. Israeli forces also...

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  • December 26, 2019

    In the West Bank, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, Jericho, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City...

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  • September 16, 2019

    In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah after being beaten by Israeli forces at a checkpoint outside of Ramallah. Israeli forces also arrested 19 Palestinians...

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  • September 1, 2019

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Halhul, and Salfit, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in Hebron; among...

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  • August 25, 2019

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces closed a major artery connecting Hebron and Bethlehem with central and northern West Bank. Israeli forces also arrested 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in...

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In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort assaulted 3 Palestinians in Khallet al-Daba in the Masafer Yatta area and stole their mobile phones. Israeli settlers also vandalized 8 olive trees in Burin. Israeli forces shot and killed 6 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in al-Fara’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 8 Palestinians, including a child, during raids in Fawwar refugee camp, Kafr Ni’ma, Beit Umar, and Hizma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrested the deputy director of the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem, Sheikh Najeh Bkerat, in Dar Salah. Israeli forces also raided Qarawat Bani Hassan, destroying a memorial erected for a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 12/2. An Israeli soldier was shot and injured during a raid in Ya’bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians heading for the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Dayr al-Balah, killing around 350 people. Israeli airstrikes targeted the Yaffa Hospital in Dayr al-Balah, Al Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, and Palestinians queuing for water in Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel; no damage was reported. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked a military hospital in Ain Ebel, causing damage. Israeli forces also injured 3 Lebanese soldiers in Naqoura. In Syria, Israel said it attacked several targets near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. 4 people were reportedly killed in an airstrike on a car in Madinat al-Baath. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; AJ, HA, REU 12/9)

More than 17,487 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 7,729 children and 5,153 women, and around 46,480 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 264 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 68 children. More than 3,387 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 97 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. UNRWA said that at least 273 Palestinians sheltering at its shelters have been killed and 966 injured in Israeli attacks since 10/7. Rafah remained the only governate to receive aid. 4 injured Palestinians and 585 foreign nationals were evacuated to Egypt while 13 humanitarian staff and 11 ambulances donated by Turkey entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/8; UNOCHA 12/9)

Hamas said an Israeli attempt to free a captive failed, leading to the death of the captive, Israeli solider Sa’ar Baruch. Israel said 2 Israeli soldiers were seriously injured in the rescue attempt. (AJ, HA, NYT, REU 12/8; AJ, HA 12/9)

Al Jazeera said a number of the Palestinians taken by Israeli forces from UN schools in Beit Lahiya on 12/7 and stripped to their underwear were released, while others were taken to a military base in Israel, including Al-Araby Al-Jadeed journalist Diaa al-Kahlout. (AJ, AP, NYT 12/8)

The Israeli Education Ministry ordered school principals in East Jerusalem to suspend Palestinian students who were released as part of the prisoner exchange last week until 2024. (HA 12/8)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant signed an order to place an Israeli settler in administrative detention for attacks on Palestinians. Gallant also spoke with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, who urged him to “increase efforts to protect civilians in Gaza, increase delivery of humanitarian assistance, and curb extremist settler violence in the West Bank.” Israel said an Israeli military helicopter killed an Israeli soldier during an attack on a building in Gaza last week. (HA, HA 12/8)

A UN Security Council resolution calling for ceasefire and the unconditional release of the Hamas-held captives was vetoed by the U.S., with the UK abstaining and the remaining 13 members voting in favor. Before the vote, PA UN envoy Riyad Mansour said the objective of the Israeli campaign was to ethnically cleanse Gaza, adding Israeli representatives were publicly admitting it. U.S. UN ambassador Robert Wood said the Hamas attack on 10/7 was the “worst attack on our people” in decades. After the vote Wood explained the veto, calling the resolution imbalanced for not condemning Hamas’ operation on 10/7. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said the constant Israeli bombings have made UNRWA’s ability to operate extremely limited. After the vote, Mansour called the U.S. vote a disaster. Hamas called the veto “unethical and inhumane.” Israeli UN ambassador Gilad Erdan thanked the U.S. for “standing firmly by our side.” Human Rights Watch UN director Louis Charbonneau said that the U.S. risks being complicit in Israeli war crimes by continuing to provide weapons and diplomatic cover. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf called the UK’s abstention “incomprehensible.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9)

During an interview with Reuters, PA president Mahmoud Abbas called for an international conference to end the war in Gaza and to create the foundations for a lasting end to the Israeli occupation. Abbas said he was for “peaceful resistance” that led to a 2-state solution with a sovereign Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Abbas also said he would accept a future election result if Hamas won. Later, Abbas’ office released a statement saying the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council made it complicit in war crimes against Palestinians. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; REU 12/9)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to the PA governing Gaza after Bloomberg News ran an interview with PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on 12/7, where he said the PA was working with the U.S. in preparation for taking over the governing of Gaza. (AJ, HA 12/8)

French president Emmanuel Macron spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, urging him to open the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing and calling on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. (AJ, HA 12/8)

The Arab-Islamic Summit Ministerial Committee met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The committee expressed their disappointment with the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council. The committee was represented by foreign ministers from the PA, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also met with Blinken separately, calling for a ceasefire. (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/8; AJ, HA, NYT 12/9)

The Biden administration bypassed congressional review of the sale of 14,000 tank shells to Israel worth $106.5m. The Biden administration had asked Congress to approve the sale of 45,000 shells with the sale of the remaining 31,000 pending congressional approval. (AJ 12/8; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU 12/9)

The European Commission announced that the EU will provide Palestine with at least $135 million in humanitarian aid through 2024. (HA 12/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers let their sheep graze on wheat and barley crops and set up a tent on Palestinian-owned land near al-Tuba in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces uprooted olive, almond, and grape trees in Husan and assaulted 2 Palestinians trying to fend the soldiers off. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished homes, agricultural structures, and water tanks in Sawahira al-Sharqiya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Kahil, Beit Umar, Birzeit, al-Jalamah, Jalbun, Qalandia refugee camp, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, and Ein as-Sultan. 1 Palestinian was shot and injured with live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries during the raid in Fawwar refugee camp. 1 Palestinian was also injured with live ammunition during the raid in Ein as-Sultan. In Abu Ghosh, Israelis set fire to 4 Palestinian-owned vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on walls. (HA, QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/19; UNOCHA 7/29)

Islamic Jihad said PA forces arrested 5 of its members in Jenin during a night raid. Protests against the PA were held later in the day in Jenin refugee camp. (MEMO, QDS, REU 7/17; MDW 7/19)

The National Council of Arab Mayors in Israel staged a protest outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, calling on the government to tackle organized crime in Palestinian communities in Israel as the murder rate continued to soar. (HA 7/17)

Israeli state-owned channel Kan 11 reported that the Israeli government will approve the transfer of $36 million earmarked for Palestinian communities in Israel to funding for married yeshiva students. The $36 million was budgeted to improve infrastructure and education in Palestinian majority towns during the Lapid-Bennett government. (HA, HA 7/19) 

United Torah Judaism MK Yakov Asher presented a bill to the Knesset Interior and Environment Committee that would allow the transfer of tax revenue from industrial zones in Israel to West Bank settlements. (HA 7/17)

U.S. president Joe Biden spoke with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call, inviting Netanyahu to meet him in the U.S. later in 2023. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Biden “stressed the need to take measures to maintain the viability of a two-state solution.” It was reported that Netanyahu promised not to advance more settlement construction until the end of 2023, a promise Netanyahu’s office denied in Israeli media. (ALM, AX, HA, HA, MEE, NYT 7/17; ALM, AJ, AX HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU 7/18; NYT 7/19; HA 7/20)

Israel said that it has recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a part of Israel and Morocco’s normalization deal. Morocco said Israel is considering opening a consulate in Dakhla. King Mohammed VI invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to Morocco after the announcement was made. (AJ, ALM, F24, HA, MEE, REU 7/17; ALM, MEE 7/18; ALM, MEE, NYT, REU 7/19; HA 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted 10 airstrikes on Jenin before beginning a large-scale ground force invasion with more than 1,000 soldiers, killing 8 Palestinians, injuring at least 50 others, and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. The Israeli forces also shot at clearly marked Palestinian journalists, destroying their equipment, and used bulldozers to make streets in Jenin refugee camp impassable to vehicles. At night, 3,000 Palestinians fled Jenin refugee camp after Israeli loudspeakers were said to order them to leave them camp, an order the Israeli military denied. Jenin suffered widespread power, internet, and water outages as a result of the Israeli damage. The Palestinian Red Crescent said it was having trouble reaching the many injured in the camp. Israel dubbed the attack ‘Operation House and Garden.’ Palestinians protested the Israeli attack in many towns and cities throughout Palestine. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a protest in Ramallah against the Israeli attack in Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinian minors with live ammunition in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition near Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces uprooted 45 grape tree saplings in Jawarish near Nablus. Israeli settlers stole 3 sheep from Palestinians in Aqraba. Israeli settlers also vandalized a Palestinian home in Burqa, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family was forced to demolish parts of their home in Jabel Mukaber. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, IN, LT, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEE, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, QDS, REU, SKY, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/3; AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, MDW 7/4; AJ, HA, HA 7/5; AJ, HA, PCHR, UNOCHA 7/6; HA, UNOCHA 7/8)

The PA called the Israeli attack on Jenin refugee camp (see above) a war crime and said it had suspended security coordination with Israel. Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan condemned the Israeli attack. The Arab League issued a statement saying the Israeli attack was “tantamount to a war crime” and called on the UN Security Council to intervene. The U.S. national security council spokesperson said that the U.S. supported “Israel’s security and right to defend its people against Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist groups.” U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides also attended a U.S. embassy event with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the attacks were unfolding. UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese said the Israel attack amounted “to egregious violations of international law and standards on the use of force and may constitute a war crime.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called the airstrikes and use of violence in Jenin the worst in the West Bank in years and said Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation to protect civilians. (AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/3; AJ, MDW, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/4; HA, WAFA 7/5; AP, GDN, HA, WAFA 7/6; AJ, WAFA, WP 7/7; AJ, AP, HA 7/8)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen linked Israel’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara to Morocco hosting the Negev Forum normalization summit, which has been repeatedly postponed by Morocco. (AJ, MEE, REU 7/3)

The UK parliament passed a second reading of the anti-BDS Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill. (HA, MEE 7/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya, vandalizing property. Israeli settlers also erected vending stalls on a highway near al-Farisiya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers stole 14 Palestinian-owned sheep in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces issued demolition notices for a residential structure near Tubas and 3 homes in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Kafr Dan; 4 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 6 Palestinians during a raid in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; some settlers were seen openly praying on the compound. In Umm al-Fahm, Israeli authorities demolished several Palestinian-owned agricultural structures. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/7; PCHR, WAFA 6/8; UNOCHA 6/18)

An Israeli bulldozer nearly plowed into a Lebanese protester before UNIFIL soldiers convinced the Israeli soldier manning to bulldozer to move back. Israeli forces have been working on constructing a barrier in the area south of Kfar Chouba near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (AP, HA 6/9)

Fatah deputy chairperson Mahmud Aloul told reporters that Fatah’s decline in popularity is linked to the party’s inability to deliver on promises made when Fatah adopted a peaceful resistance. Aloul also said he would not seek to succeed Mahmoud Abbas as Fatah chairperson, saying the party needs someone from the younger generation. (ALM, QDS 6/7; ALM 6/10)

U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr met with members of the family of the 2-year-old boy Israeli forces shot on 6/1 and who succumbed to his wounds on 6/5. On 6/6, Amr’s office called on the Israeli government to “evaluate all use of deadly force that involves civilian casualties.” Amr also met with PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh. (TOI, WAFA 6/7; WAFA 6/8)

Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi met with Moroccan officials, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, in Rabat, discussing possible Israeli recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In return for recognition of sovereignty Morocco is reportedly willing to upgrade the 2 countries’ diplomatic missions to embassies and enter a free-trade agreement. (ALM, HA, MEE, REU, TOI 6/7; HA, MEE, REU 6/8; ALM 6/10; HA 6/11)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. According to a U.S. official, the 2 discussed Israel normalization, Yemen, Sudan, and human rights. Blinken also met with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and GCC ministers at a GCC ministerial meeting in Riyadh. The GCC nations and the U.S. issued a joint statement after the meeting calling for a “2-state solution along 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps consistent with internationally recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative.” Iran reopened its embassy in Riyadh and bin Salman met with Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro a day prior to Blinken’s meetings. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, TOI 6/7; DoS, NYT, REU 6/8; NYT 6/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a late-night raid in Qabatiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces rammed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Zababdeh. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and stone walls, sealed a water well, and uprooted some 250 olive tree saplings in al-Mughayyir, demolished 1 agricultural structure in Nabi Ilyas, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Khader. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issued demolition notices for 1 house in Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, Deir Abu Mash‘al, Bayt Rima, Beit Fajjar, Nablus, Deir al-Hatab, Tulkarm, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 2/16)

Israel returned the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in August 2020 and February 2021 to their families in East Jerusalem and Hebron. (WAFA 1/4; MEMO 1/6)

Axios reported that Morocco is demanding that Israel formally recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara before the country opens an embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv as part of the normalization deal between the 2 countries. (AX 1/4; AJ, MEMO 1/5)

Referring to the evacuated Homesh settlement outpost, U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. call on the Israeli government “to refrain from unilateral steps certainly includes any decision to create a new settlement, to legalize outposts or allowing building of any kind deep in the West Bank, adjacent to Palestinian communities or on private Palestinian land.” (HA, MEMO 1/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer tending his land near Artas. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a school in ‘Urif, damaging solar panels. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes near Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction and 1 water well in Farsh al-Hawa. Israeli forces also issued stop-work orders for 6 homes under construction in Kafr ad-Dik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces sealed 1 water pipeline serving al-‘Awja. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Umar, Hebron, Beitunia, Askar refugee camp, al-Mudawwar, Ya‘bad, and Huwwara. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; PCHR, UNOCHA 12/22)

Members of Nizar Banat’s family called on the ICC to investigate the killing of Banat by PA security forces in June 2021. Banat was killed while being arrested by PA security officers. 14 security officers were later arrested but none of them have been convicted in relation to the killing. (AP, BBC, HA, MEE 12/15; ALM 12/20)

In an interview with NPR, Israeli prime-minister elect Benjamin Netanyahu said that he will not agree to a Palestinian state with full sovereignty. “[M]y formula is very simple . . . . The only peace that will hold is one that we can defend. And the one that we can defend is one in which the Palestinians have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten our life, which means that security, in whatever political arrangements we'll have realistically will have to remain in Israel's hands.” The PA called Netanyahu’s remarks unacceptable. (NPR 12/15; MEMO, WAFA 12/17 MEMO 12/18)

Unilever said the legal dispute between it and its subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s over the sale of the license to manufacture and sell the ice cream company’s products in Israel had been resolved but did not offer any details. Ben & Jerry’s recently updated its website, removing Israel as one of the countries where consumers can buy its ice cream. (GDN 12/15; EI, MEE, MEMO 12/16)

The UN General Assembly passed the resolution, “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” with 167 votes in favor, 6 against, and 9 abstentions. (UN 12/15; WAFA 12/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians with pepper-spray near Huwwara. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Salem during an arrest raid, causing tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian was arrested. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure near Ya‘bad and assaulted the owner who tried to prevent the demolition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Ein al-Balad. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Biddu, Hebron, Dura, Sa‘ir, Zawata, Nablus, Rujeib, Beita, Tulkarm, Nur Shams refugee camp, Qalqilya, Kafr Ra’i, and Tura. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that 72% of the 1,200 Palestinians surveyed in the West Bank and Gaza supported forming armed resistance groups in the West Bank. 32% of the respondents supported a diplomatic solution to the occupation, based on the 2-state framework. (HA 12/15)

Turkish media reported that 7 people in Turkey had been arrested by Turkish police in coordination with the National Intelligence Organization for spying on Palestinians in the country on behalf of the Mossad. (HA, MEE 12/14)

In Lebanon, 1 Irish UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldier was killed and another injured during a routine patrol in al-Aqbieh in southern Lebanon. It was reported that UNIFIL vehicles had hit a resident of the town before the convoy was hit by small arms fire. Hezbollah said it was not involved in the incident. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, NYT, REU, REU 12/15; AP 12/18; AP 12/21)

The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution, “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources,” calling on Israel to end its exploitation of the natural resources of the lands it occupies. The resolution passed with 159 votes in favor, 8 against, and 10 abstentions. (UN 12/14; MEMO, WAFA 12/15)

The European Parliament passed a resolution calling for an international conference to facilitate a 2-state solution to the Israeli occupation. The PA expressed dissatisfaction with the resolution not calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine, labeling of settlement products, and accountability for Israeli crimes against Palestinians. (WAFA, WAFA 12/15)

Norway donated $15 million through the World Bank Trust Fund to the Palestinian Umbrella for Resilience Support to the Economy in support of PA transparency, inclusivity, and the economy. (WAFA 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers wrote racist graffiti on walls and vandalized vehicles in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Jalud. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; PCHR 3/31; HA 4/1; UNOCHA 4/10)

King Abdullah II and crown prince Hussein of Jordan met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. Israel’s Channel 13 reported that Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz wanted to join the meeting but was not allowed to by Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett, who reportedly feared that their meeting would overshadow the normalization summit (see below). (TOI 3/26; JP 3/27; HA, NAT, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; WAFA 3/29; ALM 4/1)

The foreign ministers of the U.S., UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain, and Israel met in Sde Boker for the 2d day of a 2-day summit comprised of countries that have normalized ties with Israel with U.S. support. At the summit, U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken praised Israel’s normalization deals but said they were not a substitute for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the normalization summit a “free reward for Israel,” given the lack of pressure on Israel to end its occupation. Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid said after the summit that Israel supports Morocco’s proposal to offer the Sahrawi people limited autonomy as part of Morocco. Foreign Minister Lapid further stated that Israel will work with Morocco against countries trying to “weaken Moroccan sovereignty and territorial integrity.” (ABC, AJ, ALM, ALM, AX, HA, JP, MEMO, NBC, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 3/28; F24 3/29; CNN 3/30; NEWYORKER 4/1; HA, JP 4/3; HA 4/4)

68 Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. Senate signed a letter to Secretary Blinken urging him to lead an effort to end the UN Human Rights Council’s commission of inquiry into alleged Israeli war crimes committed during the May 2021 Israeli attack on Gaza. The effort was led by Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-OH). (MEE 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from accessing a playground in Susiya because Israeli settlers were using the playground in their village. The Israeli settlers have been protesting the renovation of the playground, which reopened in September. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, causing fractures to 1 and bruises to 2 others. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Palestinians harvesting olives in Tuqu‘ before being repelled by local Palestinians. Israeli forces forced Palestinians harvesting olives to leave their lands in Qaryut. 3 Palestinians were arrested at flying checkpoints in Qatanna and Dayr Abu Da‘if. In Jerusalem, Israeli right-wing activists from the Lehava organization attacked Palestinians at a gas station, forcing them to barricade themselves. Israeli police removed the Israelis, but they returned 1 hour later to threaten the Palestinians at the gas station. Israeli police arrested 21 Israeli right-wing activists who partook in a protest against the Israeli forces’ decision to follow Israeli settlers who had attacked Palestinians, leading to the death of 1 Israeli settler when his car overturned on 12/21/2020. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen some 2 nautical miles from the coast; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/6; TOI 11/7; TOI 11/8; PCHR 11/11)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett and foreign minister Yair Lapid both reiterated their opposition to the reopening of the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem during a joint press conference. Prime Minister Bennett said, “[there] is no place for an American consulate that serves the Palestinians in Jerusalem, Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel only.” Foreign Minister Lapid said, “if the Americans want to open a consulate in Ramallah, we have no problem with that . . . Sovereignty in Jerusalem belongs to one country alone, the State of Israel.” Lapid’s aides later clarified that Lapid did not mean a consulate in Ramallah but a liaison’s office. PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh later said in a tweet on 11/7 that Bennett is trying to challenge the U.S. on its promise to reopen the consulate in Jerusalem. (HA 11/6; AP, CNN, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 11/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole harvesting equipment in Qaryut and tried to steal olive crops before being chased away by Palestinians. Israeli forces razed 10 dunams of agricultural land in Wadi Rahal. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Iskaka, Silwad, Ein Yabrud, Jalbun, Hebron, and Atuf. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/21)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett ordered 2 companies of Israeli “Border Police” soldiers to be deployed to fight violence in Palestinian populated areas of Israel. The decision follows debates among Israeli politicians on how to address the many killings in Palestinian-majority towns and villages, which has so far reached 102 in 2021. (HA 10/20)

Israeli authorities said that it had increased the number of work permits for Palestinians in Gaza, from 7,000 to 10,000, starting on 10/21. (ALM, AP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

Israel said it will require Palestinians working in Israel and in Israeli settlements to show proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus, starting on 11/1. (HA 10/20)

An Israeli military court allowed the publication of a 2016 conviction of an Israeli civil administrations major who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping 1 Palestinian woman and for receiving a bribe of a sexual nature. The Israeli soldier was also convicted of sexual harassment. (HA 10/20; MEMO 10/22)

Axios reported that U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan discussed the possibility of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel during a meeting with Saudi crown prince Muhammad bin Salman in Neom, Saudi Arabia, on 9/27. According to Axios, 3 U.S. and Arab sources said Crown Prince bin Salman did not immediately reject the idea. It was unclear what the U.S. administration is offering Saudi Arabia for a normalization deal with Israel. The U.S., during the Trump administration, made big concessions to the UAE and Morocco in exchange for their normalization with Israel, including sales of advanced weaponry to the UAE and recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara to Morocco. The Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative from 2002 laid out the parameters under which Saudi Arabia will normalize ties with Israel. (AX, HA 10/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Balata refugee camp; Israeli forces said that the child had thrown a stone at the forces during the raid; no soldiers were reported injured. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinian minors near a watchtower in al-Arroub refugee camp, claiming that the 2 threw stones at soldiers. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 4 commercial buildings in Salfit, 1 demolition order for a house in Bayt Jala, and demolished 3 agricultural structures in Khirbet al-Rahwa. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Beit Sahour, Bayt Jala, al-Arroub refugee camp, Sa‘ir, Mirka, al-Zawiya, ‘Azzun, and Balata refugee camp. (AJ, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/26)

Haaretz reported that Israel had sent more troops to the Gaza fence in anticipation of another Palestinian demonstration on 8/25. Israel is also said to have instructed its soldiers to respond “more aggressively” to the Palestinian protests, despite injuring more than 40 Palestinians on 8/21. It was also reported that Hamas, in talks with Egypt, had agreed to end or curb the sending of incendiary balloons into Israel. (HA 8/24; MEMO 8/25)

500,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine donated by the U.S. arrived in Palestine, with 300,000 doses in the West Bank and 200,000 in Gaza. The PA said it had received a total of 2.5 million COVID-19 doses, which have been distributed between the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas, like the PA, recently required workers to get vaccinated. (HA, WAFA 8/24)

7 out of the 20 Palestinians from East Jerusalem who had their Israeli government benefits revoked in May saw these benefits restored. The revoked benefits included their health insurance and government allowances. (HA 8/24)

The New York Times reported that Israel has changed its policy on allowing Jewish people to pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The reporting came after former MK and greater Israel advocate Yehuda Glick on 8/23 livestreamed himself praying at the Haram al-Sharif compound, in violation of the Status Quo agreement. While Israel does not have a law against non-Muslims praying at the compound, it has generally upheld the agreement. However, according to the NYT reporting, this does not seem to be the case anymore. (AJ, NYT 8/24; AP 8/25)

1 Palestinian on administrative detention ended his hunger strike after reassurances from Israel that his detention would not be renewed after January. The man was placed on administrative detention after being arrested on 9/22/2020 and had been hunger striking for 42 days. (WAFA 8/24)

A PA official said that the EU funding of its budget had still not arrived for 2021. The EU has helped fund the PA budget with $176 million, but the funding had not arrived due to technical reasons. The funding is presumed to be arriving in October, but the PA may not be able to pay salaries and social allowances for August without the funding. (JP 8/24)

The Fatah central committee said that PA president Mahmoud Abbas will reshuffle the PA government and announce new ministers on 8/27. It was later reported that the reshuffling was canceled. (ALM, MEMO 8/25)

In an interview with NYT before his trip to Washington D.C., Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said that there will not be the creation of a Palestinian state while he is in office, as he is opposed to Palestinian sovereignty. Prime Minister Bennett also said that his government would not annex parts of the West Bank, but would continue the expansion of settlements and Israel blockade of Gaza. (NYT 8/24; MEMO 8/25)

Citizen Lab released a report saying that the Israeli spyware company NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware was used to spy on 9 Bahraini nationals. (AP, HA 8/24)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries inflicted by Israeli forces on 8/3 in Jenin. Israeli forces demolished 1 poultry farm in al-Walaja, 1 rainwater collection well in Khallet al-Dabe’, 1 car wash in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Fakhit. Israeli forces also handed an evacuation order to Palestinians near Tuqu’ for their livestock, forcing them to remove their livestock and dismantle their agricultural structures within 14 days. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israeli construction at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 3 were arrested. 9 other Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jaba‘, Huwwara, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned 2 Palestinian activists for questioning after they protested the arrest of a local activist in Sheikh Jarrah on 8/10. In Israel, Israeli authorities said they shot down a drone entering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Lebanon, claiming the drone was operated by Hezbollah. Israel also said it had shot down a drone flying from Gaza into Israel, claiming it was operated by Hamas. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/11; HA, PCHR, REU 8/12; HA, MEMO 8/13)

The Israeli government gave its initial approval for the construction of more than 2,000 new settlement units in the West Bank and 863 housing units for Palestinian villages in Area C, including 150 units in Ma‘asara, 270 in Bir al-Basha, 223 in al-Masqufa, 160 in Khirbet ‘Aaba, and 50 in Khirbet Zakariya. Of the advanced settlement expansion plans, 908 are expected to get final approval next week, including 58 in Beit El, 285 in Har Brakha, and 105 in Alon Shvut. An Israeli official told Haaretz that the move was a “calculated risk” made by the government vis-à-vis the U.S. Biden administration. The Meretz party wrote a letter to Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, calling the decision to expand Israeli settlements “a dangerous move.” The U.S. later criticized Israel’s decision to expand Israeli settlements, on 8/13, saying that settlement activity is an obstacle to a 2-state solution. (AA, AX, HA, REU 8/11; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; HA, MEMO 8/13; JP 8/16)

IDF chief of staff Aviv Kochavi said the Israeli army will take harsher measures against Israeli soldiers who do not follow regulations, in response to the killing of 40 Palestinians by Israeli forces in the West Bank since May. The statement came after Chief of Staff Kochavi met with senior staff of the Israeli central command on 8/8 and urged them to take steps to reduce lethal shootings. Kochavi said the military will back soldiers who make mistakes in their judgements in relation to lethal shootings, but not if the soldiers act reckless. (HA 8/12)

Israel’s police commissioner Kobi Shabtai inaugurated a new police department focused on combatting crime in Palestinian Israeli communities, which seeks to increase the number of Palestinian Israeli police officers by 300%. 69 Palestinian citizens of Israel have been killed in Israel since 2021 and only 23% of the cases have been solved, whereas 71% of the cases involving Jewish Israelis have been solved by Israeli police. (HA 8/12)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid visited Morocco to meet with his Moroccan counterpart and open the new Israeli mission to Morocco as part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. The 2 foreign ministers signed cooperation agreements related to air travel, culture, sports, and youth. Foreign Minister Lapid said the 2 countries would open mutual embassies within 2 months. The leader of the PJD party in Morocco condemned the decision to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. Part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal was for the U.S. to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara during the Trump administration, a controversial recognition that the Biden administration has not reversed. (MEMO 8/10; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, MEMO, REU 8/11; AJ, ALM, AX, HA, HA, MEMO, REU 8/12; ALM 8/13; MEE 8/16)

U.S. CIA director William J. Burns met with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennet and other Israeli officials during a trip to Israel. Director Burns is expected to meet with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and other senior PA officials on 8/12. Axios reported that Director Burns voiced concern to Prime Minister Bennett about Chinese investment in Israel. (AX 8/9; HA, MEMO 8/10; ALM, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU 8/11; AX, HA, HA 8/12; AX 8/18; MEE, MEMO, TOI 8/19)

The private equity firm KKR announced that it will be funding a server farm in Israel to be completed in the 2d quarter of 2023. The server farm will be located underground in Petah Tikva. (HA 8/11)

Palestinian Israeli NGO Combatants for Peace asked the ICC to open an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Israel in demolishing the bedouin village Khirbet Humsa on 7/7. (HA 8/11; MEMO 8/13)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said its investigation into the events of the Israeli assault on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardians of the Wall, had showed that Hamas’s rockets fired at Israel “violated the laws of war and amount to war crimes.” HRW also said that Hamas’s rockets had killed 12 civilians in Israel and a misfired rocket had killed 7 Palestinians in Gaza. HRW released its investigation into Israeli actions during the assault on 7/27, finding that Israel had also committed war crimes. (HA, HRW 8/12; ALM 8/23)

France donated $575,000 to the UN World Food Programme for its programming in Gaza. (WAFA 8/11)

In the West Bank, the Israeli military said that 1 Palestinian tried to ram a group of soldiers at a checkpoint near Ya‘bad and that a gun fell from the car as it passed the soldiers; no injuries were reported. 1 Israeli settler struck an Israeli soldier near the Kedumim settlement. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles on the Nablus-Ramallah and Qalqilya-Nablus roads, damaging some; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians at a checkpoint in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qaryut, al-Twana, Luban al-Sharqiyya, Ramallah, and Balata refugee camp; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Tubas and Nablus. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Bureij refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA 1/9; JP 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the head of the Palestinian Central Election Commission Hanna Nasser to discuss dates for general Palestinian elections. President Abbas said a date would be set no later than 1/20. (WAFA 1/9)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 29th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resigns due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (AJ, WAFA 1/10)

The U.S. embassy in Rabat said the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs David Schenker had made “a historic visit” to the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara. The U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2020 was part of the Moroccan-Israeli normalization deal. (AJ 1/9; AP 1/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya and at a house in the village. Israeli settlers also uprooted 35 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Twana. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Tura al-Ghabiyya, Nablus, and Hebron; 1 Palestinian was assaulted by the raiding Israeli forces in Tura al-Ghabiyya and was treated at a hospital. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Christmas celebration caravan in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian family of 4 was handed a demolition order for their 2-story house in Silwan. 4 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/24; WAFA 12/25; PCHR 12/31)

Israel arrested 1 Palestinian man suspected of killing 1 Israeli settler on 12/20. (HA, TOI 12/24)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. was inaugurating “a virtual presence post effective immediately” as the U.S. continues work to establish a physical consulate in the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara. The U.S. announced on 12/10 that it recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara in return for Morocco normalizing ties with Israel. (AJ, HA 12/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers clashed with Palestinians while touring an evacuated settlement outpost south of Jenin. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, an office of the PFLP, and the Abu Judeh Print Shop. Israeli forces also seized 1 coffee shop cart in Huwwara. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Tubas, Kaubar, Abu Dis, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler attacked a 6-year-old boy in Silwan. 1 Palestinian began demolishing his grocery store in Jabal Mukabir and 1 Palestinian family received a demolition order for their house in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/17)

The Tulkarm, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron, governorates entered a week-long lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. (WAFA 12/10)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Morocco had decided to normalize relations with Israel in a deal where the U.S. reverses decades of policy to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. As part of the deal, Morocco will open a diplomatic office in Tel Aviv and Israel in Rabat, which eventually will be turned into embassies; both will also grant overflight rights to each other. The UN recognizes the legitimate rights of the Sahrawi people to self-determination as it does the Palestinian people. U.S. officials later told Reuters that the U.S. is negotiating with Morocco to sell 4 sophisticated drones to the country. According to the prime minister of Morocco Saad-Eddine El Othmani, the king of Morocco Mohammed VI and PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke on the phone after the announcement of the normalization deal. Prime Minister El Othmani also said Morocco still rejects the U.S. peace plan and remains “supportive of the Palestinian cause.” Hamas called the normalization deal a betrayal while the PA has been silent. Moroccans protested the normalization in several cities after the announcement. It was reported by the New York Times that the U.S. also promised Morocco to facilitate an investment of $3 billion over 3 years as part of the deal. (AJ, AP, AX, BBC, GDN, HA, POL, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 12/10; AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU 12/11; AJ, AJ, REU, TOI 12/12; AJ, GDN, HA 12/13)

India contributed $2 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a seed planting event in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and a similar protest in Salfit; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley near Jenin and 1 during a late-night raid in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler tried to set fire to the Church of All Nations, but only managed to cause moderate damage before being stopped by church guards; the settler was arrested by Israeli forces shortly after. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the incident a terror attack. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; GDN 12/7; PCHR 12/10; +972 12/14)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said at a virtual meeting that Saudi Arabia’s demand before normalization with Israel is a “peace deal that delivers a Palestinian state with dignity and with a workable sovereignty that Palestinians can accept.” (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers toured Sabastiyya, closing off areas to Palestinians. Israeli forces closed off agricultural roads east of Yatta, preventing farmers from accessing their land. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 4 houses under construction in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in al-Bireh demonstrating against U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s upcoming visit to a nearby Israeli settlement; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Safa. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians entering Israel for work near Rummana. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned PA minister of Jerusalem affairs Fadi Hidmi for interrogation. 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/18, PCHR 11/19)

The PA announced that it was sending its ambassadors back to the UAE and Bahrain after recalling them due to the 2 countries’ normalization deals with Israel. (REU 11/18; TOI 11/19)

On the 1st day of a 3-day trip to Israel, U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo held a press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the foreign minister of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, saying that the 3 normalization deals with Israel have further isolated Iran. Foreign Minister al-Zayani called for negotiations between Israel and Palestinians, saying the “conflict must be solved.” Bahrain and Israel announced they would open embassies in each other’s countries and establish an online visa system as well as direct weekly flights between the 2 countries. (AJ, AJ, HA, TOI, REU 11/18; TOI 11/19)

A group of 3 bipartisan senators introduced 4 resolutions of disapproval of the U.S. administration’s plans to sell F-35 fighter jets, Reaper drones, and munitions to the UAE. The 3 senators initiating the disapproval resolutions were Rand Paul (R-KY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). (HA 11/18)

At the UN, a resolution supporting Palestinian sovereignty in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, passed the general assembly with a 156-6 vote with Canada, Israel, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and the U.S. voting against. The resolution is approved annually. (JP, WAFA 11/19)

In the West Bank, Palestinians fended off Israeli settlers trying to seize their land in Birin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition near the separation wall north of Jenin. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Nablus, Anata, Kisan, and Hebron; 1 was arrested by undercover Israeli forces while working at a gas station near Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians started demolishing their own homes to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces summoned 3 members of Fatah for interrogation in Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/3)

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar announced that Hamas and Israel had reached an understanding to de-escalate the conflict after nearly a month of daily attacks on Gaza and incendiary balloons launched toward Israel. The understanding was facilitated by Qatari mediators. As part of the de-escalation, the Kerem Shalom border crossing would be reopened on 9/1 and the fishing zone would be reopened up to 15 nautical miles. Sources in Hamas told Haaretz that Israel would allow Qatari aid to enter Gaza again, and that Qatar was granted approval by Israel to build a gas pipeline and operate a power station in Gaza. (AJ 8/31; HA 9/1)

A delegation of senior Israeli and U.S. officials arrived in the UAE to discuss the details of the UAE’s normalization deal with Israel. The delegation arrived in the UAE on an El Al plane flying directly from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi using Saudi Arabian airspace. In Israel, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference that he would discuss sales of U.S. F-35s and other advanced weaponry to the UAE with U.S. president Donald Trump while stressing that U.S. sales of weapons to the UAE was not part of the normalization deal. In a joint statement released by the 3 parties, the language between the English and Arabic releases differed on Israel’s commitment not to annex parts of the West Bank as part of the normalization deal. In the Arabic version it said the agreement had “stopped” Israel’s plans while the English said it had led to “the suspension of Israel’s plans to extend sovereignty.” (HA, REU 8/31; AJ 9/1; REU 9/2)

Syrian officials said that Israel fired missiles at military installments south of Damascus, killing 2 Syrian soldiers and wounding 7. The London-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights later said that the number of deaths was 10, most of them foreign. (HA 8/31; HA 9/1)

A former Lebanese ambassador to Germany Mustapha Adib was announced as the new prime minister of Lebanon after the government resigned earlier this month. The announcement came as French president Emmanuel Macron was en route for Beirut. Reuters reported that Adib was President Macron’s preferred choice. (AJ, HA 8/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort toured a spring near al-Walaja. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Kafr Qaddum, Salfit, Hebron, ad Ni‘lin, causing tear-gas related injuries, and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 on a street in the Old City and 1 during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, 12 rockets were fired toward Israel, 1 causing damage to a house after it was intercepted. Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza east and west of Gaza City and near Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and moderate injuries to 1 minor who was hit by shrapnel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Rafah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of protesters outside of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued their calls for him to step down. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/21; HA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

In an apparent response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s claim that Saudi Arabia would follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Turki al-Faisal, said in an op-ed that “[t]he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set a price for concluding peace between Israel and the Arabs—it is the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, as provided for by the initiative of the late King Abdullah.” According to the London-based newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadid, the head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, met with the deputy head of Sudan’s sovereignty council general Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in a meeting brokered by the UAE. Sudan denied the claim. (AJ, HA, REU 8/21; HA 8/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tractor and wrote racist graffiti in ‘Urif and slashed tires on several vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on buildings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also threw stones and paint at an Israeli border police vehicle near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Asira; subsequently, local Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed in the area, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also razed land east of Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets as they were seeking to enter Israel via the separation wall near Far‘un. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hizma, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house built to accommodate their disabled son in Sur Bahir. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel, sparking fires. 1 unexploded Israeli shell was found at an UNRWA school west of Gaza City. Israel announced that it would stop all imports of fuel into Gaza as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; HA, HA 8/14; PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Russia announced that it would open trade representation offices in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus. (WAFA 8/13)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Israel and the UAE had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties and that Israel, as part of the agreement, had decided to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank. In a joint statement from the 3 parties, it said that “Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.” Later, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that annexation is “still on the table” and a promise he is committed to. Subsequently, President Trump said, “Israel agreed not to annex parts of the West Bank. It is more than taking it off the table—they agreed not to do it. This is a very smart concession by Israel. It is off the table now.” U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman later said that annexation is “off the table now but it’s not off the table permanently. You can’t have peace and annexation at the same time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the deal a “betrayal of Jerusalem, al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.” The PA also recalled its ambassador to the UAE. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said of the deal: “[t]his announcement is a reward for the Israeli occupation’s crimes . . . The normalization is a stabbing in the back of our people.” U.S. officials also said that Bahrain and Oman are likely to soon normalize relations with Israel. (HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AJ, AJ, REU, REU, REU 8/14; HA 8/15; REU 8/16; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and wrote racist graffiti on walls in al-Bireh. Israeli forces razed Palestinian farmland to expand an Israeli settlement near Burqin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 4 animal barns in Nahalin. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in and around Anata, Hebron, Shu‘fat, and Jenin; 2 were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Rafah. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants were said to have exchanged fire near the Lebanese border; no casualties were reported. Israel claimed that Hezbollah operatives had entered Israel, leading to an exchange of fire. Hezbollah, however, said that it had not opened fire on Israeli forces and that the Israeli claims were a publicity stunt. The Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab later said that Israel’s conduct was a dangerous military escalation in violation of Lebanese sovereignty. (REU, REU 7/27; AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 7/28)

The U.S. Democratic Party finalized its platform for the 2020 elections. While the platform states opposition to Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements and calls for a 2-state solution, it also dismissed progressive amendments to dealing with Israel, such as conditioning military aid and calling for an end to the occupation of the West Bank. The amendments were voted down 117-34. The platform also recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Jewish Voice for Peace called the platform “wildly out of touch with the Democratic base.” (HA 7/27; JVP Action 7/28; WAFA 7/29)

The EU said it was “deeply concerned” about the detention of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith and called for “full respect of bilateral agreements between Israel and the PLO” with regard to East Jerusalem. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19 during a house raid; it was the 18th time he has been arrested since becoming governor 2 years ago. (WAFA 7/28)

The EU contributed with $27 million to the PA to help pay for the June salaries for PA civil servants. The PA has only paid civil servants half their salaries, citing the refusal to receive tax revenue payments collected by Israel because it would include coordination between the PA and Israel. (WAFA, WAFA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands east of Tulkarm, damaging olive and almond trees. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 residential caravan in Bayt Dajan. 26 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Dura, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Ramallah, 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet; 1 other Palestinian was injured by gunfire in Qalqilya, and clashes erupted during a raid in Ya‘bad; no injuries were reported there. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were injured in 2 separate attacks by unidentified perpetrators; 1 4-year-old girl was hit in the head by a bullet in Issawiyya and 1 man and his child were shot while working in a store in Shu‘fat. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

The PA formally informed Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the CIA that it was no longer participating in security coordination and intelligence sharing. PA forces also left Area B which, like Area C, is under Israeli military control. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA would not accept COVID-19-related aid sent from UAE on a direct plane to Israel landing on 5/20, noting that the PA had not been informed about the shipment before it took off. All the COVID-19 material will instead go to Gaza, which witnessed 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/21)

18 Democratic senators signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, warning that annexation of parts of the West Bank “would betray our shared democratic values by denying Palestinians’ right to self-determination in a viable, sovereign, independent and contiguous state.” It further stated that annexation would likely erode the American people’s support for the U.S.-Israeli special relationship. (HA 5/21; WAFA 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 40 olive trees in al-Sawiya. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 4/27; WAFA 4/28; PCHR 4/30)

Israel conducted air strikes on Syria in a Damascus suburb from Lebanese air space. Sources differed on the number of people killed, ranging from 3-7 and at least another 4 injured. (AJ, HA, TOI 4/27; JP 4/28)

A U.S. state department spokesperson said that “we are prepared to recognize Israeli actions to extend Israeli sovereignty and the application of Israeli law to areas of the West Bank that the vision foresees as part of the State of Israel.” (AJ, WAFA 4/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted some 400 olive tree saplings west of Bethlehem and seized a residential tent, a generator, and an animal barn in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also arrested 15 Palestinians during raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Ramallah, Baytin, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus. In Gaza, the death toll from the fire in a bakery on 3/5 rose to 13 after 2 more people succumbed to their injuries. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; PCHR 3/18)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett announced that the Israeli government had approved to build a separate road for Palestinians to connect the northern and southern parts of the West Bank as Israel is moving forward with building 3,500 settler units in E-1 near East Jerusalem. Defense Minister Bennett said that Israel is “applying sovereignty [over the West Bank] in deed, not words.” The PA foreign Ministry said in a statement that, with the move, Israel is seeking to close the door for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. (HA, JP, WAFA 3/9; AJ 3/10)

Qatar donated $10 million worth of medical equipment to help the PA combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the West Bank. There are 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, Israel issued demolition orders for 4 residential structures south of Hebron and 5 homes in the Ramallah area as punitive demolitions against alleged Palestinian attackers. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in Qalqilya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Ramallah, Salfit, and Anata. Israeli settlers severely beat 1 Palestinian doctor visiting patients near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian lands near Bayt Hanun and east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will expand 2 settlements, Har Homa and Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem with 2,200 and 3,000 housing units respectively. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that Israel would apply sovereignty to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. The PA called Netanyahu’s announcement part of “a systematic destruction of the two-state solution.” (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/20; JP 2/23)

Israel and the PA ended its trade dispute, allowing Palestinian goods to exit the West Bank and Israeli agricultural products to enter the West Bank market. Israel started banning Palestinian goods to the Israeli market on 2/2 and later expanded the ban of export from the West Bank altogether. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian-owned house in Kaubar and took measures to punitively demolish it; 2 of the house’s occupants are detained by Israel. Israeli forces also arrested 11 Palestinians, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; 1 on a street near Nablus; and 7 during daytime raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, ‘Ayn al-Hilwa, and Hebron. During a daytime raid in Nablus, Israeli forces confiscated a tractor, and separately during a different raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized carpentry equipment. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing by the Gush Etzion junction. Israeli forces also seized and impounded a PA health ministry vehicle providing medical services to 1,500 Palestinians in rural areas south of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fired tear gas and arrested 3 Palestinians at Bab al-Rahma in the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; WAFA 1/3; HA 1/7; PCHR 1/9)

9 Palestinians from Issawiyya in East Jerusalem were placed under nighttime curfew between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 6 of the men were told that they were facing a nighttime curfew on 12/29, but the curfew did not take effect until 1/2. The Israeli military cited a 1945 Mandate-era regulation to justify placing the 9 under nighttime curfew. (HA 1/2)

The U.S. assassinated Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commander of the IRGC’s special forces Quds Force Qasem Soleimani and the deputy chairman of the Iraqi government-sanctioned militia Popular Mobilisation Forces, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, along with several other Iranian and Iraqi officials at Baghdad International airport. The assassinations were carried out by an American MQ-9 drone that fired missiles at the officials’ convoy as it was leaving the airport. The Pentagon released a statement saying that the strike was directed on behest of U.S. president Donald Trump and was aimed at “deterring future Iranian attack plans.” Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Iran would have 3 days of mourning followed by a retaliation. The speaker of the Iraqi parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi condemned the assassination, calling it “a flagrant breach of sovereignty and violation of international agreements.” (DOD, NYT, REU 1/2; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, WP 1/3; HA 1/4)

In the West Bank, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, Jericho, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck several targets, causing damage; no injuries were reported. An IDF spokesperson said that the attack was in response to a rocket fired at Israel on 12/25. Israeli forces also made incursions east of Rafah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; HA, HA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

The organizing committee of the Great March of Return announced the suspension of the weekly Great March of Return protest to the end of March 2020. The announcement also declared that from April 2020, the protest would be monthly instead of weekly. (AJ, HA 12/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the Likud leadership primary over his rival Gideon Sa’ar with 72.5 percent of the vote. Netanyahu said in his victory speech that he would work toward U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and all Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (AJ 12/26; AJ, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah after being beaten by Israeli forces at a checkpoint outside of Ramallah. Israeli forces also arrested 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers slashed tires and sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Duma village. Israeli forces razed land and demolished 1 house and 2 greenhouses in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/19)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with the Israeli Army Radio that he “intends to extend [Israeli] sovereignty on all the settlements and the [settlement] blocs . . . sites that have security importance or are important to Israel’s heritage.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said in response that the “Jordan Valley is part of Palestinian lands and any settlement or annexation is illegal,” further stating that the PA will sue Israel in international courts. (AJ, WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Halhul, and Salfit, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in Hebron; among the arrested at a late-night raid in Ramallah was 1 Palestinian instructor from Birzeit University in Ramallah. Israeli forces also conducted house raids in Zabbuba near Jenin; no arrests were reported. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles travelling on a road northeast of Ramallah, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian demolished his store in Silwan after receiving a demolition order by Israeli authorities. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

After more than 340 Palestinians had been arrested in Issawiyya in East Jerusalem during the summer, it was reported that the Israeli police, the Jerusalem Municipality, and residents of Issawiyya had come to an agreement on limiting Israeli operations in Issawiyya. The agreement includes that residents of Issawiyya cancel a school strike on 9/2, the 1st day of the school year. (HA 9/1)

According to the Palestinian Energy Authority, Qatar will be cutting the amount of fuel it funds for Gaza by 50 percent, causing the hours of electricity available in Gaza to drop from 8 hours per day to 5 or 6. (HA 9/1)

At a visit to the Israeli settlement of Elkana, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that that he aspires to apply Israeli sovereignty to all Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s announcement comes 2 weeks before the Israeli general election. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1)

The al-Kasom Regional Council in the Negev, which presides over a large Bedouin community, announced that 17,000 students would not start the school year as planned on 9/2 as the Israeli education ministry had not given it enough money to begin the school year as planned. (HA 9/1)

Israeli forces and Hezbollah operatives exchanged missiles near the border of Israel and Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, it fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli military and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that it had hit the Hezbollah cell that fired the anti-tank missiles with “100 shells, aerial fire and various measures.” (HA 9/1; AJ, AJ, HA 9/2; HA 9/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces closed a major artery connecting Hebron and Bethlehem with central and northern West Bank. Israeli forces also arrested 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jericho, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Huwwara south of Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. In Israel, 1 Palestinian woman was killed and 2 of her relatives were injured when an unknown perpetrator opened fire on them in Jaffa. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; HA 8/27; PCHR 8/29)

 Israeli drones were shot down over Beirut in a Hezbollah-dominated neighborhood. 1 of the drones was carrying explosives. A Hezbollah spokesperson denied that Hezbollah had shot down the drones. Lebanon’s prime minister Saad Hariri called the drones an open attack on Lebanon’s sovereignty and an attempt to foment regional tensions. (AJ, AJ, HA 8/25; HA 8/26)

Commenting on Israel’s strikes in Syria on 8/24, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech that Israel did not hit Iran’s Quds Force but Hezbollah forces, killing 2 Hezbollah members. 1 commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also denied that Israel had hit the Quds Force. (HA 8/25; HA 8/26)

An Iraqi group claimed that Israel killed 1 of its members in Iraq near the Syrian border in a drone attack. (AJ 8/25)