The Palestine Chronology

Late at night in Gaza, an armed group fires a rocket into s. Israel nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage. The IAF then launches air strikes on 2 “terrorist infrastructure” targets in c. and n. Gaza, according to the IDF; 1 Palestinian woman is lightly injured. Earlier in the day, Dutch FM Bert Koenders visits Gaza to inaugurate a new Dutch scanning machine donated to Israel for use at the Kerem Shalom border crossing. He says the scanner will allow for an increase in the amount of materials that can be shipped into Gaza for reconstruction purposes. Koenders also tours several UNRWA sites throughout Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman after she stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier in n. Ramallah. Later, they raid her home nr. Ramallah. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Ramallah during the day. Along the Syria-Israel border, IDF troops raid the al-Shahar r.c., which houses internally displaced Syrians in the UN-administered buffer zone. They evacuate the camp and demolish several tents. (HA, MNA 7/15; HA, MNA, TOI, YA 7/16; AP 7/17; EI 7/20; PCHR 7/30)

U.S. national security advisor Susan Rice says that the U.S. is looking forward to discussing with Israel possible ways of increasing Israeli security, following the P5+1’s deal with Iran on 7/14. (JP, JTA, REU 7/16)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler hits a 5-year-old Palestinian girl with his car nr. Sinjil, and she later dies of her injuries at a nearby hospital. IDF troops shoot and wound 1 Palestinian during a patrol in Salfit. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah, and in al-Bireh. (MNA 10/19; PCHR 10/23)

Israel’s DM Moshe Ya’alon departs for Washington for a 5-day visit. In a predeparture statement, Ya’alon says that no dispute should “cast a shadow” over the U.S.-Israel relationship, one “based on shared interests and values.” However, Ya’alon’s requests for meetings with VP Joe Biden, Secy. of State Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice are denied. (AFP 10/19; JP 10/24)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 5/15)

U.S. Special Envoy Martin Indyk blames both Israelis and Palestinians for not being ready to make “gut-wrenching compromises necessary to achieve peace,” in remarks made at the Washington Institute for Near East Peace, a D.C.-based think tank. Indyk also says that U.S. Secy. of State Kerry believes defining borders of a Palestinian state and establishing security arrangements for Israel are “essential” for resuming peace talks. (AFP, HA, REU 5/8)

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and tells him that any unity govt. must recognize Israel, renounce violence, and adhere to previous agreements. Meanwhile, Pres. Abbas says in a televised interview that the Palestinians are ready to resume negotiations under the condition that Israel releases the 4th batch of Palestinian prisoners and halts settlement construction for 3 mos. (JP, MNA 5/8)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on armed Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, injuring 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus at night; patrols in al-‘Arub and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, shots are fired toward a house in West Bank settlement Psagot, causing no injuries. In Israel, Jewish extremists leave “price tag” graffiti on a Druze-owned dentistry office in Yokneam. In East Jerusalem, a separate “price tag” attack targets Vaticanowned offices with graffiti. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 5/7; PCHR 5/8)

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice arrives in Jerusalem and holds a meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. She also meets Pres. Shimon Peres, and Israel’s National Security Adviser Yossi Cohen. Rice travels with a team that includes U.S. Under Secy. of State Wendy Sherman. Her trip is unrelated to the breakdown in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. (HA 5/7)

Iranian technical experts and representatives of the P5+1 countries hold talks in New York City. An anonymous EU official describes them as “useful,” ahead of talks beginning 5/13 aimed at reaching a more comprehensive agreement. (AP, REU 5/7)

An Israeli officer is killed by friendly fire nr. the border fence between the Gaza Strip and s. Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid the protest village ‘Ayn Hiljeh and detain 18 participants. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. During the raid in al-Fara‘a r.c., soldiers clash with residents, leaving 2 Palestinians wounded by live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, around 30 Israeli intelligence officers enter Haram al-Sharif, while separately a group of 17 Israelis enter the compound under armed guard. (HA, MNA 2/4; PCHR 2/6)

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice tweets in defense of Secy. of State Kerry, following criticism from Israeli politicians. Rice states that attacks on Kerry are “totally unfounded and unacceptable” and that the U.S. govt. rejects “efforts to boycott or delegitimize Israel.” Meanwhile, Hamas official Salah Bardaweel tells the media that the organization will not accept any agreement that Abbas might sign with Israel. (JP 2/4)

The U.S. State Dept. confirms that top Syria diplomat Amb. Robert Ford will retire by the end of the month. He has been amb. to Syria since 1/2011, but left Damascus in 2/2012. (AP 2/4)

The Egyptian army shoots and kills 21 militants in 2 villages in c. Sinai during a raid on the area. (MNA 2/4)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Khan Yunis, to level land close to the border fence. In response, Palestinians fire several mortar shells at the soldiers with 2 landing inside Israel, causing no damage or injuries, an attack claimed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In response, the IAF conducts an air strike against 2 sites in open land, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron and in Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Israeli forces also cut down 100 olive trees in Ya‘bad nr. Jenin. (AFP, JP, MNA 11/14; PCHR 11/21)

White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice attributes in part “increased tensions on the ground” in Israel and the oPt to “recent settlement announcements,” in remarks to the Middle East Institute think tank in Washington. Rice affirms that the U.S. “does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity.” (ToI 11/15)

Russian pres. Vladimir Putin and Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad discuss plans for the proposed “Geneva 2” peace conference during a telephone call. No significant details are divulged. (REU 11/14)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, and level land before withdrawing. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 3 Palestinian civilians and wound 18 others including 5 children during an arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Jerusalem. One of those killed was an UNRWA employee, the agency reveals. The IDF claims that its forces were met by a rioting crowd of some 1,500 camp residents throwing stones and petrol bombs. In Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets during protests against the deaths in Qalandia. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night, patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in Jenin at night. In a raid on Sanur village nr. Jenin, IDF troops clash with residents, shooting and wounding 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in al-Tur. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 8/26; PCHR 8/29)

In response to the killings in Qalandia, an unnamed Palestinian official tells news agencies that talks scheduled for today are canceled. However, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf categorically denies that any meeting was canceled. Israeli television subsequently reports that Israeli and Palestinian officials had met in the morning before the news broke of the Qalandia raid. An unnamed Palestinian official also subsequently confirms to Xinhua News Agency that the 2 teams met in Saeb Erakat’s house in Jericho. Meanwhile, Egyptian FM Nabil Fahmi holds talks with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah, and relays a message from interim Egyptian pres. Adly Mansour, thanking Abbas for supporting the military coup that ousted Morsi. (HA, JP, REU 8/26; MNA 8/28)

An Israeli delegation headed by outgoing National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror arrives in Washington for high-level talks with U.S. officials. Discussions are expected to focus on Syria, the Iranian nuclear program and future talks with Tehran, and the role of Hizballah in the Syrian civil war. U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice is coordinating talks on the U.S. side. (HA 8/26)

UN chemical weapons inspectors visit 1 of the sites in Syria allegedly targeted last week by chemical weapons. The convoy came under sniper fire on the initial attempt, but the team successfully visited the Damascus suburb Ghouta. The UN team’s work includes collecting samples of munitions fragments and debris and taking testimonies. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Pres. Obama believes there must be “accountability” for those using “the world’s most heinous weapons,” and that the pres. is consulting with allies about how best to act. (AP, REU, WP 8/26)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops operating from a watchtower on the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah open fire on a Palestinian farmer, injuring him. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Jericho, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, in 1 village nr. Jericho and 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, with 1 injury from a tear gas canister and 1 from a rubber-coated metal bullet. (MNA 6/14; PCHR 6/20)

Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon declares that U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry’s effort to restart peace talks has failed and that the Arab League proposal is just spin. Ya’alon’s remarks are made in an address to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in Washington, ahead of a meeting with U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel. His remarks are criticized by Israel’s Science and Technology Minister Jacob Perry as not conducive to resuming negotiations. (HA, JTA 6/14)

Norway’s Dep. DM confirms that UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon has asked Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark to contribute soldiers to the UNDOF in the Golan Heights, following Austria’s withdrawal. Meanwhile, U.S. Amb. to the UN Susan Rice says that the Obama administration has determined that sarin gas was used on 3/19 in an attack by the Syrian army in Aleppo and that unidentified chemical weapons were also used on 5/14 and 5/23. Separately, Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah declares in a televised speech that his group will continue to fight alongside Syrian pres. Asad and that the decision to intervene had been a calculated one. (AP, DS, HA, REU 6/14)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 mortar shells across the border into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 6/5; PCHR 6/13)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama chooses Susan Rice as his new national security adviser and will nominate Samantha Power, a National Security Council staffer, to replace Rice as amb. to the UN. (REU 6/5) 

Unidentified persons fire 2 mortar shells into an open area nr. the border between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The IDF investigates on which side of the border the shells fell. (YA 6/5)

Anonymous Jordanian officials tell the media that the U.S. will send anti-missile batteries to Amman in preparation for an annual joint military exercise, some of which will be kept in the country to boost the country’s defense capabilities in light of potential spillover from the Syrian civil war. (AP 6/5)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney responds to a question about the consequences of the Israeli election for peace efforts by restating the administration’s call for a resumption of direct negotiations on final-status issues. Meanwhile, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Robert Serry, tells a UNSC meeting that courageous steps by Israeli and Palestinian leaders are required to save the two-state solution. At the meeting, Palestinian FM Riyad al-Maliki sits behind a ‘‘State of Palestine’’ nameplate, drawing criticism from U.S. amb. Susan Rice, who says that the U.S. does not recognize the UNGA vote in 11/2012 (see Quarterly Update in JPS 166). After the meeting, Maliki says that the Palestinians’ decision about whether to go to the ICC over Israel’s settlement construction will depend on what the Israeli government does in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem. (AP, REU, UNNC 1/23)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also makes a brief incursion into Gaza to a distance of 200 m from the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun to level land. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians at the entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, killing 1 woman with a shot to the head. Eyewitnesses say the soldiers were traveling in a civilian car. Also, a Palestinian teenager shot by the IDF during clashes in Aida r.c. on 1/18 dies in the hospital. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/23)

Human rights NGO the Palestinian Center for Human Rights publishes a list of media workers in the Gaza Strip arrested by Hamas security services over the previous 48 hours. Meanwhile, dep. head of Hamas politburo Musa Abu Marzuq says that there is no disagreement within Hamas about Mahmud Abbas heading a unity government. (MNA 1/23)

PA fin. min. Nabil Qassis says that the government’s financial crisis is structural, requiring systematic changes in the budget and culture. He reveals that the deficit has now exceeded $1.4 b. (MNA 1/23)

Jordan holds parliamentary elections, which are boycotted by the Muslim Brotherhood–affiliated Islamic Action Front. The boycott is based on claims that the electoral system is biased in favor of rural tribal areas where pro-regime sentiment is highest, in contrast to large, more densely populated urban areas, where pro-Brotherhood views are strong among poor Palestinians. In the election, 1,425 candidates compete for 150 seats, up from 120, in the lower house. King Abdallah has agreed to cede some powers to the new legislature, such as choosing the PM and running day-to-day affairs. There are numerous reports of vote-buying and small-scale clashes in Karak governorate and some districts of Amman. The results see pro-government candidates maintain their dominance of the parliament, though 37 Islamist and other government critics win seats in the legislature. (AKH, AP, NYT, REU 1/23; AP, REU 1/24)

The Lebanese army states that 12 Israeli warplanes violated Lebanese airspace overnight, claiming that the breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty is a violation of UN Res. 1701, which was accepted as the basis for the cease-fire that ended the Israeli-Lebanon war of 2006. (Daily Star 1/23)

The UNGA votes to upgrade the Palestinians’ observer status to that of a non-member state by a significant margin of 138–9, with 41 abstentions (3 countries did not participate). The ‘‘no’’ votes were cast by the U.S., Israel, Panama, Palau, Canada, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, the Czech Republic, and Micronesia. Israeli PM Netanyahu describes the vote as ‘‘meaningless’’ and says that the decision ‘‘will not further the establishment of a Palestinian state, but will make it more distant.’’ U.S. amb. to the UN Susan Rice calls the resolution ‘‘unfortunate and counterproductive.’’ Hamas leader Mishal says that the success of the UN bid should be considered alongside the recent Gaza conflict as a single strategy to empower Palestinians. (AP, JP, REU 11/29)

Israeli naval vessels detain 6 Palestinian fishermen working 5 naut. mi. off the Gaza coast (well within the 6 naut. mi. radius that Israel reportedly approved on 11/24). IDF forces make a brief incursion into the Gaza Strip e. of Khan Yunis with military bulldozers to level land. The IDF opens fire at Palestinians approaching the border fence nr. Jabalya, injuring 1 and also opens fire at civilians and farmers by the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin at night, clashing with stone-throwers. (MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/6)

Members of the Knesset vote to dissolve the parliament, officially paving the way for early elections, expected in 1/2013. (HA 10/15)

U.S. amb. to the UN Susan Rice says that the Palestinian bid for non-member state observer status would ‘‘jeopardize’’ the peace process and complicate efforts to resume negotiations. Rice also emphasizes the illegitimacy of Israeli settlement activity. (REU 10/15; JP 10/16)

PA pres. Mahmud Abbas holds a meeting in Ramallah with an Israeli delegation involved with the Geneva Initiative, including 6 Knesset mbrs. (IMEMC 10/16)

Hamas reports that 10 of its mbrs. were arrested by PA security forces in the West Bank over the previous 24 hrs., with an additional 3 summoned for questioning. (MNA 10/15)

In the West Bank, the IDF raids a school nr. Yalla village in the south Hebron Hills area, detaining students, teachers, and international activists. The IDF also raids Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, firing tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinians; at night, the IDF raids and imposes a curfew on Azun village nr. Qalqilya that lasts until the next day, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus and Balata r.c. The UK newspaper the Guardian cites reports by the UN and a coalition of Israeli human rights groups on settler violence during the olive harvest that notes that 850 trees were vandalized in the harvest’s 1st week. (Guardian 10/15; AIC 10/16; PCHR 10/18)