CHRONOLOGY

16 FEBRUARY–15 MAY 2013

COMPILED BY BEN WHITE

This is part 118 of a chronology begun in Journal of Palestine Studies (JPS) 13, no. 3 (Spring 1984). Chronology dates reflect North American Eastern Standard Time. For a more comprehensive overview of regional and international developments related to the peace process, see the Quarterly Update on Conflict and Diplomacy in JPS 168.

16 FEBRUARY 2013 future battle against Israel. The com- ments are seen as a reference to claims In the West Bank, the Israel Defense that Israel’s 1/30 attack on Syria targeted Forces (IDF) patrols in 1 village nr. a weapons convoy destined for Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 vil- Hizballah (see Chronology for JPS 167). lages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramal- (REU 2/16) lah at night; conducts house searches and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali arrests in Hebron in the afternoon, and Khamenei says that the country does not in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR want to build nuclear arms but that if 2/21) they did, no country could stop them. The Palestinian Central Elections Khamenei also promises revenge on Commission (CEC) announces that Israel for the death of Revolutionary 155,000 people in the Gaza Strip (79% Guards commander Hessam Khoshnevis, of eligible voters) have registered to vote also called Hassan Shateri in some news in planned legislative elections, with accounts, who was killed in Syria close to 2 days remaining until the electoral roll the Lebanese border by rebel fighters closes. The CEC says that 76% of eligible that Tehran accuses of working to West Bank voters are on the roll. The advance U.S. and Israeli interests. (REU voter registration drive is the necessary 2/16) step towards as yet unscheduled elec- tions, should Fatah and Hamas agree on 17 FEBRUARY 2013 how to proceed and with several out- standing issues that could cause a delay In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in (see Quarterly Update for details). (MNA 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and 2/16) in 1 village each nr. Jericho, Ramallah, European Union foreign affairs and Salfit at night; conducts house chief Catherine Ashton issues a state- searches and arrests in 2 villages nr. ment calling on Israel to improve condi- Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 vil- tions for Palestinian prisoners, noting lages nr. Salfit and 1 village each nr. ‘‘with concern’’ the case of 4 particular Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Aida ref- inmates on long-standing hunger strikes. ugee camp (r.c.) in Bethlehem at night. (REU 2/16) Schools across the West Bank are on IDF soldiers provide medical assis- strike to protest the failure of the Pales- tance to 7 injured Syrian nationals they tinian Authority (PA) to pay 1/2013 discover nr. the border fence in the wages, with a second day of industrial occupied Golan Heights. The injured action planned for later in the week. men reportedly are rebels fleeing fighting (MNA 2/16; PCHR 2/21) against forces loyal to Syrian pres. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tells Bashar al-Asad. (HA 2/16) Likud ministers that he intends to create Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah a broad coalition following January’s makes a speech from an undisclosed elections in order to advance negotia- location stating that his group does not tions with the Palestinians from a posi- need support from Syria or Iran for any tion of strength. (AP, HA 2/17)

Journal of Palestine Studies, Vol. XLII, No. 4 (Summer 2013) pp. 1–32, ISSN: 0377-919X; electronic ISSN: 1533-8614. © 2013 by the Institute for Palestine Studies. All rights reserved. Please direct all requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press’s. Rights and Permissions website, at http://www.ucpressjournals.com/reprintInfo.asp. DOI: jps.2013.XLII.4.1 2JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

Israeli security officials visit Cairo a demand for Israel to allow commercial for the second time in a week to discuss goods to enter Gaza via the Rafah cross- the regional security situation with ing. The visit comes a day after an Israeli Egyptian intelligence officials. Items delegation visited Cairo. (MNA 2/18) for discussion include the security situa- The Turkish media report that Israel tion in Sinai and the indirect talks with has supplied electronic warfare systems Hamas. Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya to the Turkish military, the first such confirms that the organization is indeed exchange since the deadly attack on the conducting indirect talks with Israel over Mavi Marama in 5/2010. An Israeli the details of the cease-fire deal that defense source says that the deal came ended Israel’s Operation Pillar of about after American pressure and due to Defense in 11/2012, including possibly an Israeli desire to improve relations with allowing the entry of Qatari-donated Turkey. (HA 2/18) construction materials to Gaza and the European Union foreign ministers export of Gaza’s agricultural products to announce that the sanctions regime Israel. (MNA, ToI 2/17) against Syria will remain the same, with Hizballah forces controlling 8 Syrian the addition of an amendment allowing border villages expand into other adja- for the supply of ‘‘non-lethal support and cent villages, prompting the fighting technical assistance for the protection of between Hizballah fighters and Free civilians’’—wording intended to further Syrian Army rebels in Syrian territory nr. aid rebels, but stopping short of a push the Lebanese border. (AP, REU 2/17) by Britain and France to make support for the rebels more explicit. (AP 2/18) 18 FEBRUARY 2013 19 FEBRUARY 2013 Palestinians protest in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah in solidarity with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails. signs a coalition agreement with Tzipi In al-Khader village nr. Bethlehem, Pales- Livni’s Hatnua party, under which Livni tinians demonstrate by Route 60, until will become Justice Minister as well as they are violently dispersed by Israeli sol- heading the government’s negotiations diers. The IDF also clashes with Palesti- team with the Palestinians. (HA, ToI 2/20) nians nr. al-‘Arub r.c. north of Hebron, Palestinians hold demonstrations in shooting 1 Palestinian in the leg; 1 IDF the West Bank, as an estimated 800 soldier is moderately injured. Palestinians Palestinian prisoners declare a one-day throw stones in Hebron and on Highway fast in solidarity with long-term hunger 446 nr. Ramallah; no one is injured in striking prisoners being held as adminis- these clashes. In the West Bank, the IDF trative detainees. Some 200 protesters patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the clash with Israeli soldiers in the north- afternoon [see above], and in Bethlehem ern West Bank city, Hawara, causing no and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In the serious injuries. Meanwhile, UN Secy.- Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire Gen. Ban Ki-moon expresses concern at on Palestinian fishermen off the coast the ongoing Palestinian hunger strike, of northern Gaza, wounding 2. (HA, MNA saying that ‘‘those detained should be 2/18; PCHR 2/21) charged and face trial with judicial guar- The PA’s director of custom taxes antees in accordance with international and VAT Ahmad al-Hilou says that standards, or be promptly released. In Israel is still withholding tax revenues the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 vil- from the PA, a step taken in 11/2012 as lage each nr. Jenin and nr. Tulkarm in a response to the successful UN bid (see the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron JPS 167). A meeting between PA and in the afternoon; conducts house Israeli officials to discuss transferring searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm, 1/2013 tax revenues is set for 2/28. (MNA al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. 2/18) Hebron, Aida r.c. and al-Dheisha r.c. in Egyptian security officials say that Bethlehem at night. The Israeli navy a delegation from Cairo will visit Israel arrests 2 Palestinian fishermen off the for talks on the Gaza cease-fire and bor- coast of the Gaza Strip, nr. Bayt Lahiya. der restrictions, and will present The IDF also conducts 2 incursions into CHRONOLOGY 3 the Gaza Strip, nr. Jabaliya and nr. Khan The IDF conducts house searches and Yunis, levelling land in both cases. (AP, arrest raids in Hebron and in 1 village MNA, REU 2/19; PCHR 2/21) each nr. Bethelehem, Hebron, and Jenin. Head of the PA’s borders and cross- (MNA 2/20; MNA, PCHR 2/21) ing department Nathmi Muhanna Hamas Minister of Economy Alaa announces that the European Union will Rafati says that Egypt’s crackdown on fund expansion of the Kerem Shalom cross-border tunnels will fail if no alter- crossing into Gaza in order to increase its native methods for importing produce capacity to 500 truckloads per day (up are presented. Rafati says that the from its current 300). Muhanna also says authorities in Gaza have told Cairo that Israel has informed his department a number of times that an official com- of their intention to allow entry of new mercial route should be opened along empty domestic gas cylinders into the the border. (MNA 2/20) Gaza Strip, as well as new fuel trucks, and the installation of a new phone and 21 FEBRUARY 2013 Internet line from Israel to the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Yousef Rizka, adviser to In the West Bank, tensions continue Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh, says that over hunger-striking Palestinian prison- the Egyptian authorities are flooding ers: Near Ramallah, 29 Palestinian pro- smuggling tunnels on the Rafah border testers are injured by rubber-coated steel with sewage water. (MNA 2/19) bullets in clashes with the IDF. There are Israeli security officials visit Cairo also clashes at Huwara checkpoint nr. for the second time in a week to discuss Nabus, causing no serious injuries. the Gaza cease-fire with their Egyptian Meanwhile, a Jerusalem court sentences counterparts. An unnamed Hamas offi- hunger-striker Samer Issawi to 8 months cial says that the talks are focused on in prison for violating the terms of his ‘‘humanitarian issues,’’ not politics. (MNA 10/2011 amnesty deal. Issawi gets credit 2/19) for time served and is scheduled for release in 3/2013. In the West Bank, the 20 FEBRUARY 2013 IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village PA senior negotiation officials Saeb nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 vil- Erekat and Mohammed Eshtaya arrive lage each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at in Washington D.C. to update the night. The IDF also conducts house Obama admin. about the PA’s current searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. position on talks with Israel. They are Jenin at night. Jewish settlers vandalize expected to discuss conditions for some 70 Palestinian-owned trees nr. a resumption of talks—settlement con- Hebron. Palestinian and international struction freeze and prisoner release— activists demonstrate nr. Hebron to call with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry. The for the opening of a route closed for the PA officials will also ask Pres. Obama to past 12 years linking Hebron city with present his own initiative to restart nego- three nearby villages; the IDF violently tiations. (ToI 2/17; REU 2/19) disperses them, causing no serious inju- Palestinian journalists hold a sit-in ries. In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces carry protest outside the Ofer detention center out a limited incursion into the border as an Israeli military court hears the area nr. Khan Yunis to level farmland and cases of detained Palestinian journalist clear lines of sight. Israeli naval vessels Amir Abu Arafah and cartoonist Muham- open fire on Palestinian fishermen off mad Sabanah. Israeli forces violently dis- the north Gaza coast, causing no serious perse the protesters, causing no serious injuries, and then again on fishermen nr. injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish set- Bayt Lahiya, causing one moderate injury. tlers from Esh Kodesh settlement out- (MNA 2/21; PCHR 2/28) post vandalize cars in Qusra village nr. The union of West Bank teachers Nablus. In a separate incident in the declares a day’s general strike across the same village, the IDF demolishes an territory in response to recent remarks by electricity grid in Qusra village nr. the PA finance minister about reduc- Nablus, provoking clashes with local resi- tions in due salary increases, as well as dents. The IDF opens fire and wounds 2. ‘‘fragmented’’ monthly wages that have 4JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES left public sector workers without their to the head in Bil‘in and 8 Palestinians full salaries for more than three months. wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets (MNA 2/20) (5 in Budrus and 3 in al-Nabi Salih). The Israel’s Energy Ministry reveals that IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in it is granting U.S. company Genie Energy the morning; in al-Fawar refugee camp a license to explore for oil and gas in the nr. Hebron (clashes but no serious inju- occupied Golan Heights. (FT 2/21) ries reported) and Qalqilya in the after- A report by the International Atomic noon; and in 2 villages each nr. Jericho Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iran has and Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jenin, begun installing advanced centrifuges at Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. The IDF its main uranium enrichment plant that also conducts house searches and arrest could enable Tehran to speed up its raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the after- accumulation of material needed for noon. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops a nuclear weapon. The IAEA report also open fire on Palestinians close to the says that since 12/2012, Iran has been border fence in 2 incidents: nr. Bayt converting refined uranium to powder Hanun (wounding 2) and nr. Jabaliya for the production of reactor fuel. (HA, (wounding 1). Israeli naval vessels REU 2/21) open fire on fishermen working off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or 22 FEBRUARY 2013 damage. (MNA 2/22, PCHR 2/28)

Across the West Bank, clashes con- 23 FEBRUARY 2013 tinue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat Israeli jails. In Jerusalem’s Old City, dies in Israel’s Megido prison, following Palestinian youths and Israeli police clash a reported heart attack. Palestinian offi- after Friday prayers, with Israeli security cials immediately call for an international forces briefly entering the al-Aqsa Mos- investigation into the circumstances of que compound. Palestinians protest out- his death. (MNA, REU 2/23) side Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas says in an at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, in interview with al-Arabiya TV that he and Abud village nr. Ramallah (where 4 are Hamas leader Khalid Mishal are in wounded including one seriously), at agreement about the need for a peaceful Jalama checkpoint nr. Jenin, and in Tulk- intifada. Pres. Abbas says that PA secu- arm and nearby ‘Anabta village. In all rity forces in the West Bank are arrest- cases, the IDF violently disperses the ing Palestinians who smuggle weapons protests with tear gas, rubber-coated from Israel. Meanwhile, in an example of metal bullets and live ammunition, such a raid, Hamas says that PA security though no serious injuries are reported. forces arrested 8 members of their orga- The largest protest is in Hebron, where nization in the West Bank. (JP, MNA 2/23) around 1,500 Palestinians clash with Jewish settlers shoot 2 Palestinians IDF forces and 1 Palestinian man is shot in Kusra village in the northern West in the foot. In addition, Palestinian and Bank, leaving one in serious condition. international activists demonstrate in the Clashes began when settlers entered vil- center of Hebron for the opening of lage land. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers Shuhada Street. The IDF violently dis- from Susiya nr. Hebron attack Palestinian perses the demonstrators, causing 3 farmers. When Israeli soldiers arrive, they moderate injuries with rubber-coated declare the area a closed military zone metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also attack and arrest 2 Palestinians. In the West regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Israelis and international activists against Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Jericho, and Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and Qalqilya. At night, the IDF patrols 1 vil- the occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah lage nr. Ramallah and conducts house (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum, Qalqilya. West of Yatta nr. Hebron, Jayyous) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem Israeli soldiers violently disperse Pales- (al-Ma’sara). Injuries include, 1 Palesti- tinian and international activists protest- nian is wounded from a tear gas canister ing settlement expansion, causing no CHRONOLOGY 5 serious injuries. Off the north coast of clashes between the army and protesters the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels nr. Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem. Palesti- open fire on Palestinian fishermen, caus- nians throwing stones at Israeli cars on ing no injuries or damage. (AP 2/23; a road nr. Beitar Illit settlement lightly PCHR 2/28) injure an Israeli child. Hundreds of Palestinian protesters demonstrating in 24 FEBRUARY 2013 solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners march to Ofer prison nr. Ramallah and Palestinians respond to the 2/23 clash with Israeli forces, who wound 11 death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat with with rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF demonstrations across the West Bank soldiers shoot and wound 1 Palestinian and Gaza Strip, while around 4,000 at demonstrations in Tulkarm, and IDF Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails soldiers open fire and wound 2 at launch hunger-strikes in protest. At demonstrations in Taqou’ village nr. a press conference in Ramallah, Palesti- Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers arrest 19 nian officials claim that Jaradat died Palestinian schoolchildren in Til village from torture, based on evidence pre- nr. Nablus and take them to Hawara sented by PA chief pathologist Saber detention facility, releasing them after Aloul, who attended the autopsy. At the around 5 hours. The IDF patrols in 1 vil- protests by Ofer detention center nr. lage nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in Ramallah, Israeli soldiers wound 26 1 village nr. Hebron, al-Fawar r.c. nr. Palestinian protesters with rubber- Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus in the coated metal bullets and live ammuni- afternoon (clashes in all three, no serious tion. At least 2 other Palestinians are injuries), in 1 village nr. Ramallah at wounded by live fire in Aida r.c. (nr. night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Bethlehem) and al-‘Arub r.c. (nr. Heb- Israeli naval vessels opens fire on ron). Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot Palestinian fishermen off the north more than 50 olive trees in Bayt Awwa Gaza coast, causing no injuries or dam- village nr. Hebron. Jewish settlers from age. (MNA, 2/25; HA 2/26; PCHR 2/28) Esh Kodesh attack a house nr. Qusra PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with village, prompting clashes with villagers; his security chiefs and orders them to the IDF intervenes to violently disperse enforce calm in the West Bank. Mean- the Palestinians. At night, the IDF patrols while, in a press briefing U.S. deputy in 2 villages nr. Ramallah; and conducts State Dept. spokesperson Patrick house searches and arrest raids in al- Ventrell calls on Israelis and Palestinians Bireh, Hebron, 1 village each nr. Jenin, to ‘‘exercise maximum restraint’’ and Hebron, and Jenin. Israeli naval vessels ‘‘refrain from provocative actions that open fire on Palestinian fishermen off could destabilize conditions on the the north Gaza coast nr. al-Waha on 2 ground.’’ (AFP 2/25; HA 2/26) separate occasions, causing no serious Israel carries out a successful test of injuries or damage. (HA, MNA 2/24; its upgraded Arrow III missile interceptor PCHR 2/28) in, a joint project with the U.S. Missile To ease tensions in the West Bank Defense Agency. (HA 2/25) over the 2/23 Jaradat killing, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu authorizes the 26 FEBRUARY 2013 transfer to the PA of its tax revenues for 1/2013. He also sends a message to the The UN Special Coordinator for the Palestinian Authority through negotia- Middle East Peace Process Robert tions liaison official Yitzhak Molcho Serry warns that ‘‘the two-state solution reportedly (JP 2/24) stating that the PA is now on life support’’ and that 2013 is now (in light of the tax transfer) has no a ‘‘critical year.’’ Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. ‘‘excuse not to enforce calm on the of State John Kerry says that Pres. ground.’’ (JP 2/24; MNA 2/25) Barack Obama will not bring a new peace initiative with him on his planned 25 FEBRUARY 2013 visit to the region in 3/2013. (HA, REU 2/26) IDF soldiers shoot and wound 2 The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) Palestinian teenagers, 1 seriously, in claims responsibility for a single rocket 6JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at which causes no casualties or damage. night. (PCHR 2/28) The group says the rocket is in retaliation The Israeli military reports that an for the death of Arafat Jaradat in Israeli errant mortar fired from inside Syria has detention. Israel responds by closing the landed in the occupied Golan Heights, Erez and Kerem Shalon crossings. In the causing no casualties. (AP, NYT 2/27) West Bank, the IDF patrols in and At talks in Kazakhstan, Iran’s top around Hebron and al-Fawar r.c. during official Saeed Jalili praises an offer of the day, causing no serious injuries. The international concessions that would IDF also conducts house searches and both allow Tehran to keep a limited arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the amount of highly enriched uranium and afternoon, and in and around Bethlehem also lead to the removal of some trade and Aida r.c. and in 1 village nr. Hebron sanctions. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benja- at night. Meanwhile, more than 200 acti- min Netanyahu says Iran should be vists and residents of Bayt Safafa in East threatened with intensified sanctions and Jerusalem protest plans for an extension military measures—while in Washing- of the Begin Highway that will run ton, House Foreign Affairs Committee through the neighborhood. (HA, JP, REU Chairman Ed Royce introduces a biparti- 2/26; HA 2/27; PCHR 2/28) san bill to move the U.S. to work with The Palestinian Authority the European Union in cutting Iran’s announces that it has paid the remainder access to the euro (See H.R. 850 on of 1/2013 salaries owed PA civil servants. Congressionalmonitor.org for more). (MNA 2/26) (AP, REU 2/27) The U.S. Senate confirms Chuck Hagel as the new defense secy. in 28 FEBRUARY 2013 a 58-41 vote. Only four Republicans voted to confirm his nomination, reflect- In the West Bank, Palestinian pro- ing the controversy over Hagel’s appoint- testers clash with IDF soldiers nr. ment (see JPS 167). (REU 2/26) Huwara checkpoint south of Nablus, Iran and the P5þ1 group (permanent causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in UN Security Council members plus Ger- 1 village nr. Hebron, 3 villages each nr. many) begin two days of talks in Almaty, Jenin, and nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in Kazakhstan, the first such meeting since 1 village nr. Hebron and in al-‘Arub r.c. 7/2012 (see QU 165). (AP, REU 2/26) nr. Hebron in the afternoon (clashes in the latter, no injuries). At night, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; 27 FEBRUARY 2013 conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem and in al-‘Arub A report by the European Union’s r.c. nr. Hebron. (MNA 2/28; PCHR 3/7) consuls general in East Jerusalem and The Syrian government, still fighting Ramallah is leaked, revealing that the a bitter civil war, sends letters of com- diplomats have urged the EU to imple- plaint to the UN Security Council and ment economic sanctions against Israeli UN secy.-gen. to protest Israel’s recent settlements in the West Bank and East decision to go ahead with gas exploration Jerusalem. The recommendations in the occupied Golan Heights. (AP, REU include that the EU ‘‘prevent, discourage 2/28) and raise awareness’’ of direct invest- U.S. Senators introduce a bipartisan- ments by European companies in settle- backed resolution endorsing American ments. A previous leaked report (see JPS military support (not further defined) for 163) had warned that Israeli settlement Israel if it were to attack Iran in self- activities were ‘‘closing the window’’ on defense (see S. Res. 65 on Congressio- the 2-state solution, and encouraged the nalmonitor.org for more). (AP 2/28) EU to look at ways of stopping ‘‘financial transactions in support of settlement 1 MARCH 2013 activity.’’ (AP, HA 2/27) In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Palestinians across the West Bank Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron at rally after Friday prayers to protest the night; conducts house searches and 2/23 death of Arafat Jaradat in Israeli CHRONOLOGY 7 detention, clashing with the IDF in many coalition agreement being reached. (HA, locations. IDF soldiers use live fire and REU 3/2) rubber-coated metal bullets against pro- Israel’s Transportation Ministry testers at Qalandia checkpoint (injuring 6 announces that new Palestinian-only Palestinians, including 1 seriously) and bus lines will soon operate between outside the Ofer detention center nr. locations in the West Bank and central Ramallah (injuring fifteen) Israeli soldiers Israel. Israel presents the plan as a ges- also open fire on Palestinian boys ture to ease travel arrangements for throwing stones nr. al-Jazloun r.c. north Palestinian day laborers, but critics of Ramallah, seriously injuring 1. In Heb- denounce the plan as de facto ‘‘segrega- ron, Palestinians demonstrate to mark tion,’’ noting that Jewish settlers have the anniversary of the 1994 massacre of voiced complaints about sharing buses Palestinian worshippers by a Jewish set- with Palestinian workers. (YA 3/2; HA tler at the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the 3/3) Patriarchs, leading to clashes with the In the West Bank, Jewish settlers IDF that leave 2 Palestinians injured. from Havat Maon attack Palestinian Meanwhile, IDF forces violently disperse farmers nr. Yatta south of Hebron. When Palestinian, Israeli and international pro- Israeli soldiers arrive, they declare the testers at weekly demonstrations against area a closed military zone and arrest Israel’s separation wall, settlements and 1 Palestinian teenager. The IDF patrols occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the after- (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, and Ni‘lin), noon, provoking clashes that cause no 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Jayyous and Kafr serious injuries. At night, the IDF patrols Qaddum), 1 village nr. Salfit (Burqin), in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), and Tulkarm; conducts house searches and on a road south of Hebron. There are arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby vil- 11 injuries total; 5 in Bil‘in, 4 in al-Nabi lages and in 1 each village nr. Jenin and. Salih, and 2 in Budrus. PA PM Salam Nablus. (PCHR 3/7) Fayyad attends the protest in Bil‘in. The An Israeli diplomatic source reveals IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah in that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu the morning, in 1 village nr. Tulkarm and and Jordan’s King Abdullah II met in in the center of Hebron in the afternoon Jordan last week to discuss the peace (clashes in latter, 1 wounded), and in process. No further details are revealed. 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts (AFP 3/2) house searches and arrest raids in Silwan, Several mortars fired from inside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan nr. Hebron at night. In the Gaza Strip, Heights, causing no injuries or damage. IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians Israel says that it assumes the mortars picnicking close to the border fence nr. were misfired, but nonetheless files Jabaliya r.c., injuring 3. Later in the day, a complaint with the UN (HA 3/2) IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, 3 MARCH 2013 injuring 1. (JP, MNA 3/1; PCHR 3/7) U.S. Pres. Barack Obama phones The PA reports that Jewish settlers Russian pres. Vladimir Putin, to discuss from Elon Moreh have erected a new Iran and Syria. The White House says outpost east of Nablus consisting of Putin and Obama agree to hold talks in 10 mobile homes and an access road. Meanwhile, Israeli police report that 56 6/2013 on the sidelines of a meeting of so-called ‘‘price tag’’ attacks against leading industrial nations in Northern Palestinians occurred in Jerusalem and Ireland. (AP 3/1) the surrounding area over the past year, but no charges have been filed in any of 2 MARCH 2013 the incidents. The number of attacks is up from 28 recorded cases in 2011. Israeli pres. Shimon Peres gives PM In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Benjamin Netanyahu 2 more weeks to 2 villages nr. Jericho in the morning, in form a new government, after the initial 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon 28-day period passes without a successful (clashes, no injuries), and in Jericho, 8JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES nearby ‘Aqaba r.c., and 1 village nr. Tulk- Obama’s upcoming visit, including arm at night; conducts house searches transferring responsibility for 2 West and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in Bank roads to the PA, releasing Fatah the afternoon, and in Bethlehem, al-‘Arub prisoners, and approving building plans r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Heb- for Palestinian villages in Area C cur- ron at night. (MNA, ToI 3/3; PCHR 3/7) rently considered illegal. Netanyahu’s The American Israel Public Affairs office denies the reports and says that Cmte. (AIPAC) begins its annual confer- any practical steps would only be taken if ence in Washington D.C., featuring the Palestinian leadership returns to talks a morning appearance by Israel’s amb. without conditions. (MNA, ToI 3/5) to the U.S. Michael Oren. (WP 3/4) In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees in Nahalin 4 MARCH 2013 village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 vil- PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with lage nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry in Saudi Nablus, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Aida r.c. Arabia to discuss regional developments, in Bethlehem, 3 villages nr. Hebron and the first such meeting between the two 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (AP 3/5; men since Kerry replaced Hillary Clinton. PCHR 3/6) Abbas requests Washington pressure Israeli security service Shin Bet pub- Israel to adopt a settlement construction lishes statistics indicating a 70% increase freeze and release Palestinian prisoners in violent attacks by Palestinians in the as a condition for the resumption of occupied territories during 2/2013 (138 peace talks. Kerry’s regional tour does incidents) compared to 1/2013 (83 inci- not include a visit to Israel or the o.t. this dents), most of which were the throwing time. (JP 3/4) of Molotov cocktails. (HA 3/5; XIN 8/6) Hamas keeps the Kerem Shalom Hamas reports that PA security forces crossing closed reportedly due to a dis- arrested 66 of the movement’s suppor- pute over the collection of customs reve- ters in the West Bank during 2/2013, and nue with the Palestinian company summoned another 38 for interrogation. operating the terminal. Israel shut the A senior Hamas official in the Gaza Strip crossing on 2/26 after a rocket was fired says that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas had out of the Gaza Strip into southern ‘‘sold the reconciliation in return for an Israel. (MNA 3/4) American smile.’’ (JP 3/5) IDF forces make a brief incursion into A week after assuming office, U.S. Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel hosts along the border fence nr. Juhr al-Dik. In Israeli DM Ehud Barak at the Pentagon the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 vil- for talks on Iran and Syria, among other lages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in topics. Hagel assures Barak that there al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon would be no interruption of funding for (where there are clashes, but no injuries. Israeli defense systems like Iron Dome, At night, the IDF conduct house searches Arrow and David’s Sling, even as the and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron looming sequester looks set to cost Israel and 2 villages each nr. Nablus and Qalqi- around $155 million in defense assis- lya. (PCHR 3/6) tance. (HA, JTA 3/5) U.S. VP Joe Biden tells the American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) pol- 6 MARCH 2013 icy conference in Washington that sanc- tions and diplomacy must be exhausted In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in before the U.S. would consider using 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and force to attack Iran’s nuclear program. conducts house searches and arrest raids (AP, REU 3/4) in 1 village nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 3/7) 5 MARCH 2013 Syrian rebels detain 21 UN peace- keepers from the UN Disengagement Israeli media reports that PM Benja- Observer Force (UNDOF) that monitors min Netanyahu may adopt a package of the Israeli-Syrian divide along the Golan ‘‘goodwill gestures’’ ahead of U.S. Pres. Heights from posts inside Syria. The CHRONOLOGY 9

UNSC demands their immediate release. of his sheep. In ensuing clashes, IDF Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers for- soldiers injure 4 Palestinian civilians. mally hand over Syria’s seat in the Arab Also, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 League to the opposition coalition. (AP, olive trees south of Nablus and leave NYT, REU 3/6) ‘‘price tag’’ graffiti in Issawiyya village. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al- 7 MARCH 2013 ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 vil- A Palestinian man dies of wounds lages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, 1 vil- sustained when IDF forces shot him in lage nr. Jericho and 2 villages nr. the head with a rubber-coated metal bul- Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers conduct let on 2/22 in Abud village during pro- house searches and arrest raids in 1 vil- tests in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli lage nr. Bethlehem at night. IDF soldiers jails. IDF forces violently disperse Pales- violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, tinians holding a sit-in outside Ofer and international activists taking part in prison nr. Ramallah to demand the weekly nonviolent demonstrations release of hunger-striking Palestinian against the Israeli occupation and land administrative detainees being held by confiscations held in 2 villages nr. Ramal- Israel without charge. In the West Bank, lah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Bethle- the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in hem (al-Ma’sara), al-Haraiek area nr. the morning; 1 al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 vil- (Jayyous). There are no serious injuries lage nr. Salfit in the afternoon; and in except in Bil‘in, where 3 Palestinians are 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. IDF soldiers injured by rubber-coated metal bullets also conduct house searches and arrest and tear gas canisters. IDF soldiers also raids in 1 village nr. Salfit in the after- clash with protesters at various locations noon and in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at who are demonstrating in solidarity with night. Meanwhile, IDF forces hand out Palestinian prisoners, including in Bayt 26 demolition orders, including for Ummar nr. Hebron, Bayt Laqiya nr. 10 homes, in Khallet Athaba, a village nr. Ramallah, al-Khader and Taqq’a nr. Beth- Yatta in the southern West Bank. In the lehem, and Qalqilya; no serious injuries Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts an incur- are reported. Israeli naval vessels off sion nr. Dayr al-Balah, levelling land the Gaza coast open fire on Palestinian along the border fence. (MNA 3/7; PCHR fishermen nr. Rafah, causing no damage 3/14) or casualties. IDF forces open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the Gaza 8 MARCH 2013 border fence nr. Jabaliya, seriously wounding 1. (MNA, REU 3/8; PCHR 3/14) There are violent clashes between IDF soldiers and Palestinian demonstra- 9 MARCH 2013 tors across the West Bank. After the funeral of a man killed by the IDF in In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Abud village nr. Ramallah, demonstrators 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, clash with IDF soldiers, who fire tear gas and in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 village canisters and rubber-coated metal bul- nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house lets, causing no serious injuries. In Jeru- searches and arrest raids in Aida r.c. in salem, Israeli police and Palestinians Bethlehem and in 1 village nr. Salfit at clash after Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa night. (PCHR 3/14) Mosque compound, with no serious For the first time in Jordan’s history, injuries. In Hebron, IDF soldiers clash the prime minister is elected by a vote of with stone-throwing youths, and seri- parliament instead of being appointed by ously injure 3 civilians. In al-Mazra’a the king. The new PM Abdullah Ensour, al-Qibliya village nr. Ramallah, an IDF who had served as King Abdullah’s patrol fires on stone-throwing youths caretaker PM since the previous govern- with live ammunition, wounding 3. ment was dissolved in 10/2012, should Meanwhile, Jewish settlers attack serve a 4-year term. (AP 3/9) a Palestinian shepherd close to al- Syrian rebels release the UNDOF Mughayyir village nr. Ramallah, killing 5 peacekeepers they captured on 3/6 and 10 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES transferred them to Jordan in good Jewish settlers uproot 121 olive trees in health. (REU 3/9) Qaryut village nr. Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinian 10 MARCH 2013 farmers and gravel collectors close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no The head of IDF Central Command injuries. (MNA 3/12; HA, MNA 3/13; Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon orders that PCHR 3/14) fences nr. Ofra and Adam settlements will Lebanese security officials say be removed, 3 months after a deadline clashes between rival factions in ‘Ayn the IDF had committed to at Israel’s al-Hilwa r.c. have left 1 person dead and High Court of Justice. The unautho- 13 injured. The violence began when rized sections of fence are blocking a member of Fatah al-Islam was shot Palestinian farmers from their land. The and wounded on 3/11 in what was IDF will defend the settlements with reportedly a personal dispute. The fatal- patrols instead. (HA 3/10) ity came from Fatah. (AP 3/12) In the West Bank the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, 13 MARCH 2013 and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids In the West Bank,theIDF opens fire in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, in al-‘Arub r.c. on Palestinians protesting the killing of nr. Hebron, in 3 villages nr. Hebron, in amaninal-Fawar r.c. on 3/12, injuring 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 in village nr. 4 with rubber-coated steel bullets. The Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 3/14) IDF conducts house searches and arrest Yasser al-Wadia, the general coordina- raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and tor for independent Palestinian political nr. Ramallah at night. In the Gaza Strip, figures, says that Palestinian faction offi- IDF forces conduct an incursion nr. cials, including representatives of Hamas Khan Yunis with bulldozers, levelling and Fatah, will meet in 4/2013 for land alongside the border fence in Aba- renewed national unity talks with san nr. Khan Yunis. (MNA 3/13; PCHR Egyptian mediation. (MNA 3/10) 3/14) Jerusalem’s municipal Planning 11 MARCH 2013 and Building Committee removes from its agenda two construction plans for the In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in expansion of Har Homa settlement and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts a waste infrastructure project for Ma’ale house searches and arrest raids in Aida Adumim settlement. The decision comes r.c. in Bethlehem, 2 villages nr. Jenin, a week before the arrival of U.S. Pres. and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Nablus Barack Obama and is understood to at night. The IDF orders 15 Palestinian have been taken to avoid diplomatic fric- families in the southern West Bank nr. tion. (JP 3/14) Sa’ir to evacuate their homes on the The World Bank transfers $60.5 mil- grounds that the area is a closed military lion to the PA from the Palestinian zone. (MNA 3/11; PCHR 3/14) Reform and Development Plan Multi- Donor Trust Fund (PRDP-MDTF), a bud- 12 MARCH 2013 get support mechanism that, in this instance, is channelling money from the In the West Bank, IDF forces shoot UK and Norway to support urgent PA and kill 1 Palestinian civilian and budget needs. (WAFA 3/13) wound 8 others during clashes sparked Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip by an IDF raid in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Heb- launch an amnesty campaign for colla- ron. An Israeli military spokesperson says borators with Israel, saying that anyone that soldiers had initially been attacked who turns themselves in by 4/11 will not by a Molotov cocktail on a nearby road. be interrogated or imprisoned. Mean- The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron while, Hamas also denies claims by Israeli in the afternoon, and conducts house security service Shin Bet that it is trying searches and arrest raids in 1 village each to set up cells in the West Bank. nr. Jenin and nr. Tulkarm at night. (Guardian, MNA 3/13) CHRONOLOGY 11

14 MARCH 2013 Syrian rebels, the UNDOF has stopped conducting patrols. (AP, REU 3/14) IDF troops manning a watchtower nr. Tulkarm shoot and seriously injure 15 MARCH 2013 a Palestinian teenager. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jer- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu icho in the morning and in 1 village nr. finalizes a deal to form a new coalition Jenin at night; conducts house searches government comprising of his joint and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu list, Yesh Atid 2 nr. Jenin, and 1 each nr. Salfit and (19 seats), Bayit Yehudi (12 seats), and Tulkarm. (MNA 3/14; PCHR 3/21) Hatnua (6 seats), giving the Likud leader In an interview with Israeli television, control of 68 Knesset seats (out of 120). U.S. Pres. Barack Obama says that For the first time in a decade, an Israeli Israel can no longer rely on a ‘‘a few coalition government does not include [Arab] autocrats’’ to maintain regional any ultra-Orthodox parties. (BBC, REU stability and security, and that the Jewish 3/15) state has ‘‘an interest in being able to A Palestinian man dies from heart speak to the Arab street.’’ Meanwhile, problems brought on by inhaling tear gas White House deputy national security fired by the IDF during clashes 3 weeks adviser Ben Rhodes confirms that ago. After his funeral in al-Ram nr. Jeru- Obama will not introduce a new peace salem, Palestinians clash with IDF forces initiative during his Middle East visit next (no serious injuries reported). In the week. In a meeting in Moscow with Rus- West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages sian pres. Vladimir Putin, Palestinian nr. Ramallah in the morning; in Hebron, pres. Mahmud Abbas says he hopes that al-Fawar r.c. and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron peace talks would resume later this year, in the afternoon; and 1 in village nr. Jer- though the chances remain slim. (AP, icho and 1 village nr. Tulkam at night. Guardian, REU 3/14) IDF soldiers conduct house searches The Palestinian Central Election and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in Commission announces that the 36 West the afternoon and in 2 villages nr. Heb- Bank municipalities where voting was ron at night. The regular weekly nonvio- postponed from the original 10/20/12 lent demonstrations by Palestinians, and 11/24/12 elections (see QU 166 and Israelis, and internationals against the QU 167) due to court decisions, resigna- Israeli occupation this week also express tion of council members, and other fac- solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held tors will hold local elections on 6/1. by Israel. The demonstrations are also (MNA 3/14) more widespread that usual (cf. 3/8), The International Monetary Fund occurring in 5 villages nr. Ramallah warns that the PA’s fiscal situation is (Abud, Bayt Liqia, Bil`in, Budrus, Ni’lin), ‘‘increasingly precarious’’ and urges 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, action from donors to help reduce the al-Ma’sara), Shuhada Street in Hebron, significant budget deficit. The IMF pro- and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). jects a financing gap of about $400 mil- The IDF violently disperses the demon- lion for 2013 and notes that strations, but no serious injuries are unemployment increased to almost reported. (MNA 3/15; PCHR 3/21) a quarter of the labor force by the end of 2012. (AFP, REU 3/14) 16 MARCH 2013 U.S. Pres. Barack Obama tells Israeli media that Washington considers White House spokesman Josh a nuclear Iran to be a ‘‘red line’’ with all Earnest says that U.S. Pres. Barack options on the table to stop it. Obama Obama will be looking for ‘‘serious com- says that U.S. intelligence believes that it mitments’’ from Israeli PM Netanyahu would take over a year for Iran to and Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas develop a nuclear weapon. (AP 3/14; HA when he meets with them both sepa- 3/15) rately on his trip to the region next week. An anonymous Western diplomat says (JP 3/16) that following the recent detention (3/6) In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and release (3/9) of 21 UN observers by 4 villages nr. Jenin, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 12 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

1 nr. Jericho at night; conducts house with the settlements. The U.S. refuses to searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm, take part in the Council’s debate. Mean- al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, while, UN High Commissioner for al-Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and 1 vil- Human Rights Navi Pillay states that lage each nr. Jenin and. Salfit at night. Israeli settler violence ‘‘continues to be (PCHR 3/21) perpetrated with impunity,’’ and further notes that excessive force by the IDF has 17 MARCH 2013 resulted in Palestinian fatalities. (AFP, HA, JP, UNNC 3/18) In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Lebanon reports that Israeli war- 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Tulkarm at planes entered Lebanese airspace ear- night. (PCHR 3/21) lier in the day. Israel routinely conducts Israel’s new housing minister Uri aerial surveillance over Lebanon even Ariel (Bayit Yehudi), himself the founder though this explicitly violates the 2006 of a number of settlements, rejects the Israel-Hizballah cease-fire agreement laid idea of a construction freeze in West out in UN Res. 1701. (AP 3/18) Iran and Bank settlements, pledging to ‘‘build in P5þ1 group nuclear experts meet in Judea and Samaria.’’ (ToI 3/17) Istanbul to review proposals put forward The European Union reveals that it during the last round of talks in Kazakh- contributed around €20.8 million ($27.2 stan (2/26-27). (AFP, XIN 3/18) million) to the PA to cover the payment of 2/2012 salaries and pensions of over 19 MARCH 2013 80,000 Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, funding channelled The day before U.S. Pres. Obama through the donors’ PEGASE mecha- arrives in Israel, the IDF and Israeli nism. (WAFA 3/17) police raze 6 structures in 2 unautho- Iranian authorities indict 18 suspects rized Jewish settler outposts in the West on charges related to the killing of Bank (Oz Zion and Ramat Migron). In nuclear scientists—attacks Tehran has retaliation, Jewish settlers vandalize 18 claimed are linked to Mossad, the CIA, Palestinian cars and a bus in Nablus. In and MI6. (AP 3/17) the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al- Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, 18 MARCH 2013 and conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s YA 3/19; PCHR 3/21) new coalition government officially takes Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad and office. Speaking in the Knesset, Neta- EU foreign policy chief Catherine nyahu says that Israel is ready for a ‘‘his- Ashton sign a deal in Brussels for the EU toric compromise’’ with the Palestinians. to provide $9 million of new funding for (JP, REU, WP 3/18) Palestinian development, aimed at sup- In the West Bank, unidentified Pales- porting the Palestinian presence in West tinians open fire on and injure a Jewish Bank Area C (under full Israeli civilian settler at a bus stop nr. Nablus. The IDF and security control). Fayyad and his patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the delegation then attend the annual meet- afternoon, and conducts house searches ing of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 vil- (AHLC)—the main donor body responsi- lage nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus ble for formulating broad policy for at night. (AP 3/18; PCHR 3/21) development assistance to the Palesti- A UN Human Rights Council nians. There he presents a paper on how (UNHRC) fact-finding mission releases its the Israeli occupation affects the Palesti- report on Israel’s West Bank settle- nian economy. Donors are asked by the ments, describing them as a ‘‘creeping Palestinian delegation to protect projects form of annexation,’’ and calling on Israel in Area C and are told how irregularities to cease construction immediately and in aid transfers to the PA and Israel’s ‘‘initiate a process of withdrawal.’’ The withholding of tax revenue have report, presented by mission leader worsened a financial crisis. After talks, Christine Chanet, urges the interna- Norwegian FM and AHLC head Epsen tional community to cut economic links Barth Eide says that progress was made CHRONOLOGY 13 towards securing the $1.2 billion needed 21 MARCH 2013 to fund the PA this year (see QU 168). (AFP, MNA 3/18; HA 3/19) U.S. Pres. Barack Obama meets with A World Bank report warns of the Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in continued deterioration of the Palesti- Ramallah, discussions that Palestinian nian economy, citing Israeli-imposed officials later characterize as disappoint- restrictions and the impact of closures ing in regards to positions on settlements (See Docs in JPS 168). The report also and prisoners. Obama then delivers notes a drop in donor funding, and the a speech to Israeli students in which he PA’s large debts to banks and suppliers. says further settlement construction is Palestinian gross domestic product grew ‘‘counterproductive’’ to peace efforts, and 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2012, urges the Arab world to ‘‘take steps down from an 11% average in 2010 and toward normalizing relations’’ with Israel 2011. (HA 3/12) (See Documents in JPS 168 for excerpts). In Gaza, Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh dismisses Obama’s visit and says ‘‘Ameri- 20 MARCH 2013 can policies perpetuate the Israeli occu- pation.’’ (JP, MNA, REU 3/21) U.S. Pres. Barack Obama arrives in Palestinian militants fire rockets Israel and holds talks with Israeli PM from the Gaza Strip into Israel, damag- Benjamin Netanyahu. At their news ing 1 home in Sederot but causing no conference, Obama says that a ‘‘strong injuries. A small Islamist group called and secure Jewish state’’ is key to a last- Mujahidin Shura Council claim respon- ing peace, ‘‘alongside a strong Palestinian sibility for the launch, having previously state.’’ Obama also promises to do ‘‘what claimed a 6/2013 attack on Israel from is necessary’’ to stop Iran obtaining the Sinai. In response, the Israeli mili- a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, the New tary announces that it is reducing the York Times reports on a leaked docu- permitted fishing zone for Palestinians ment from the Palestinians’ Negotia- in Gaza to 3 naut. miles, as well as clos- tions Affairs Department that indicates ing Kerem Shalom crossing. In the West an apparent willingness by Pres. Mah- Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. mud Abbas to soften the demand that Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the Israel publicly pledge to halt settlement morning, and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at construction before resumption of nego- night; conducts house searches and tiations, instead accepting a secret, or de arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah at facto, freeze. (AP, MNA, REU 3/20) night. (JP, MNA, REU 3/21; PCHR 3/28) In the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers open A court in Cyprus convicts Hizballah fire in two locations nr. Khan Yunis from member Hossam Taleb Yaccoub of positions along the border fence, caus- plotting against Israeli interests on the ing no casualties. In the West Bank,the island. Yaccoub was arrested on 7/13/12 IDF patrolsinHebroninthemorning after a tip off by Israeli intelligence. (briefly detaining over a dozen Palesti- (REU 3/21) nian children for throwing stones at Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khame- troops) and in al-Bireh at night. (PCHR nei delivers a speech at the Shrine of 3/21) Imam Reza in which he indicates open- To mark Obama’s visit, around 100 ness to nuclear talks but is not optimistic Palestinian activists set up a tent camp about success. He also says that interna- east of Jerusalem to draw attention to tional sanctions have failed to isolate Israeli settlement activities. Israeli secu- Iran. (WP 3/21) rity forces immediately surround the camp. Palestinians also rally in Ramallah, 22 MARCH 2013 ahead of the U.S. president’s visit. (MNA, REU, JP 3/20) IDF forces shoot and injure 2 Pales- Fatah sources in Gaza report that tinians during clashes in Anata nr. Jeru- Hamas security services have sum- salem. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols moned 7 Fatah members for interroga- in Hebron, in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village tion (but they are not arrested). (MNA nr. Hebron in the afternoon; conducts 3/20) house searches and arrest raids in 1 14 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF Syrian refugees who have crossed the soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, border seeking refuge. (REU 3/22) Israelis, and internationals taking part in Lebanese PM Najib Mikati resigns nonviolent demonstrations in multiple due to divisions within the government villages against the Israeli occupation and about elections later in the year and to in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. protest the cabinet’s refusal to extend the Protesters are dispersed in 5 villages nr. tenure of the national police chief, a fig- Ramallah (Abud, Bayt Laqiya, Bil‘in, al- ure perceived by the Sunni community as Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, sympathetic to their interests. (AP 3/22) 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and at Ofer prison nr. Ramallah. There 23 MARCH 2013 are no serious injuries, except in Abud (2 wounded) and in al-Haraiek (1 In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in wounded). (MNA 3/22; PCHR 3/28) 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts U.S. State Dept. spokesperson house searches and arrest raids in 2 vil- Victoria Nuland says that the Obama lages each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, and admin. has unblocked almost $500 mil- in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and lion in aid—including $200 million in Salfit at night. Off the coast of the Gaza direct budget support—to the PA, previ- Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on ously frozen by Congress in October Palestinian fishermen, enforcing the 2011 as a response to the UN statehood new 3 naut. mile fishing limit imposed by bid (see QU 162). According to Nuland, Israel. (MNA 3/23; PCHR 3/28) the White House also notified Congress U.S. Pres. Barack Obama flies back in late 2/2013 that it seeks a further $200 to Washington, leaving Secy. of State million to fund USAID projects for the John Kerry in the region for further talks aimed at reviving peace talks with PA Palestinians. In response, Palestinian Pres. Mahmud Abbas in Amman and Labor Minister Ahmad Majdalani says also PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (MNA that the PA’s financial crisis is not over. 3/23; HA, YA 3/24) (AFP 3/22; MNA 3/23) Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hamas authorities complain to Egypt says that stronger relations with Israel about Israel’s 3/21 decision to restrict will aid the Israeli-Palestinian peace pro- Palestinian fishermen off the coast of cess and help speed the fall of Syrian Gaza. The government in Gaza also pres. Bashar al-Asad. PM Benjamin reportedly arrests 2 members of the Netanyahu also cites the Syrian crisis as Mujahidin Shura Council, which a reason for his decision to improve rela- claimed responsibility for the 3/21 rocket tions with Ankara. (HA 3/23) attack on Israel. (ToI 3/22) Under pressure from Pres. Obama to 24 MARCH 2013 restore normal ties with Turkey, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu phones In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts apologize for ‘‘mistakes made’’ during the house searches and arrest raids in 2 vil- IDF’s attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla in lages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Nablus at night. 2010, when 9 Turks (including one U.S. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli dual national) were killed aboard the naval vessels open fire twice on Palesti- Mavi Marmara (see QU 157. They agree nian fishermen nr. al-Waha resort, caus- to dispatch envoys to each other’s coun- ing no injuries or damage. (PCHR 3/28) tries. After coordinating this diplomatic Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas breakthrough, Pres. Obama leaves for and U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meet Jordan. (NYT 3/23) in Amman, following which PLO Chief U.S. Pres. Barack Obama meets with Negotiator Saeb Erekat reiterates the Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman Palestinian opposition to a resumption of for talks primarily on the Syrian civil war negotiations without a complete halt to and the refugee crisis. Pres. Obama settlement construction and release of pledges to work to supply Jordanian Palestinian prisoners, (JP 3/24) authorities with $200 million extra assis- The Israeli government asks the tance to care for the estimated 460,000 High Court of Justice to delay by at least CHRONOLOGY 15

90 days the evacuation of the unautho- League meeting, Syrian opposition rized West Bank outpost Amona sched- leader Sheikh Moaz al-Khatib takes the uled for the end of 4/2013. (JP 3/24) country’s vacant seat for the first time. IDF forces fire into Syria and destroy (JP, NYT, REU 3/26) a machine gun position from where shots PM Salam Fayyad presents a draft had been fired at Israeli soldiers twice in budget for the PA of $3.9 billion, with the previous 24 hours. (AP, REU 3/24) $1.4 billion having to come from foreign aid. The government debates the pro- 25 MARCH 2013 posed budget. (MNA 3/26)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 27 MARCH 2013 1 village each nr. Jericho and nr. Ramal- lah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Jericho and in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah Erekat says that a delegation of Arab at night; conducts house searches and ministers, including the foreign ministers arrest raids in Jenin at night. Off the coast of Palestine, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt, of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels will go to Washington to discuss the twice open fire on Palestinian fisher- Arab Peace Initiative with the Obama men nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries admin. and offer a joint position on the or damage. (PCHR 3/28) peace process. (MNA 3/27) Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s In Hebron, IDF forces shoot and office announces that the Finance Min- injure a 12-year-old Palestinian boy dur- istry has been instructed to restart regu- ing clashes. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests lar monthly tax transfers to the PA, but 4 Hamas leaders, including Palestinian there was no indication these would be Council member Mohammaed Nat- backdated to cover outstanding amounts. sheh, in Hebron. In the West Bank, the (REU 3/25) IDF patrols in Hebron in the morning, United Nations Interim Force in and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; con- Lebanon (UNIFIL) says that Israel has ducts house searches and arrest raids in doubled the rate of overflights in Leba- 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 1 village nr. nese airspace in 2013 so far, compared Tulkarm at night. (MNA, HA 3/27; PCHR to the same period in 2012. (DS 3/25) 3/28) Israeli medics treat 7 wounded Syr- 26 MARCH 2013 ians who approached the border with the occupied Golan Heights, one of In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in whom dies in an Israeli hospital. Mean- 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in while, the UN Security Council warns of al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, violations of the cease-fire line between and in 3 villages nr. Jenin, and1 village Israel and Syria (e.g. 2/27, 3/2, 3/6, each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; 3/24), and the risk posed to UN peace- conducts house searches and arrest raids keepers. (HA, REU 3/27) in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, in Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (PCHR 28 MARCH 2013 3/28) The Arab League approves a Qatari Israel reopens the Kerem Shalom and proposal to set up a $1 billion fund for Erez crossings on the border with the East Jerusalem to ‘‘maintain the Arab Gaza Strip that were closed on 3/21 and Islamic character of the city and because of Palestinian rocket fire. Israeli reinforce the steadfastness of its people.’’ navy vessels open fire on Palestinian Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Development fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. Bayt Bank will manage the fund. The Israeli Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. government condemns the decision. At In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in the same meeting, Qatari emir Hamad 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in bin Khalifa al-Thani calls for a mini- al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm summit on Palestinian national recon- in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. ciliation to be held in Cairo as soon as Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, possible, remarked welcomed by both Jericho, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. the PA and Hamas. Also at the Arab The IDF also conducts house searches 16 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES and arrest raids in Hebron in the morn- checkpoint, and at Qalandia. No serious ing. Israeli media report that the IDF has injuries are reported. Meanwhile, the IDF arrested around 50 Palestinians during patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and the last two months for suspected Ramallah in the morning, and in 3 vil- involvement in a Fatah-affiliated resis- lages in Ramallah, 2 each nr. Hebron and tance cell in Bayt Fajjar, a West Bank Jenin, and 1 nr. Jericho at night. The IDF village nr. Bethlehem. (HA, MNA 3/28; also conducts house searches and arrest PCHR 4/4) raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. Fatah official Yahya Rabah says that Israeli naval vessels open fire on Pales- Egypt will host initial consultations with tinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza Fatah and Hamas in order to relaunch nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or national reconciliation talks, and attempt injuries. (REU 3/30; PCHR 4/4) to move beyond discussions and on to Israeli media report that the Israeli implementation. (MNA 3/28) government is urging the Egyptian authorities to send Cairo’s ambassador 29 MARCH 2013 back to Tel Aviv. The ambassador was recalled in 11/2012 as a protest against Hundreds of Palestinians clash with Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense. IDF forces in Hebron, with Israel (MNA 3/30) increasing the presence of security forces in the city ahead of a day of demonstra- 31 MARCH 2013 tions commemorating Land Day and in support of Palestinian prisoners. Land Dozens of right-wing Jewish activists Day is an annual event remembering the visit the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in killing of Palestinian citizens of Israel by Jerusalem, prompting clashes with Israeli security forces in 1976 during Palestinian worshippers, some of whom protests against land expropriation. In are arrested by Israeli police. In the West the clashes, IDF soldiers open fire and Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. injure 2 Palestinians. Elsewhere in the Tulkarm, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village Qalqilya and Ramallah at night. (MNA nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Hebron 3/31; PCHR 4/4) (2 seriously wounded by bullets), 1 vil- Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas lage nr. Hebron, and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. and Jordan’s King Abdullah II sign an Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village agreement in Amman to defend Jerusa- nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 vil- lem and its Islamic and Christian holy lage nr. Ramallah at night; conducts sites, though no specific details are given house searches and arrest raids in Jenin beyond general ‘‘coordination’’ of efforts. in the afternoon. IDF soldiers violently (MNA 3/31) disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and inter- Natural gas from the Tamar reservoir nationals taking part in nonviolent in the Mediterranean Sea begins to flow demonstrations in multiple villages into Israel via Ashdod. Israeli PM Ben- across the West Bank against the Israeli jamin Netanyahu welcomes this as occupation in solidarity with Palestinian a step towards ‘‘energy independence.’’ prisoners. Demonstrations are held in (NYT 3/31) 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Egyptian media report that Hamas al-Nabi Salih, Bayt Laqiya), 1 village nr. PM Ismail Haniyeh meets with Egyp- Salfit (Burqin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem tian intelligence chief Rafaat Shehata (al-Ma’sara), al-Haraiek nr. Hebron, and to discuss Palestinian reconciliation and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). the cease-fire with Israel. (AP 3/31) (MNA 3/29; PCHR 4/4) 1 APRIL 2013 30 MARCH 2013 In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Palestinians commemorating Land 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts Day clash with IDF forces across the house searches and arrest raids in Heb- West Bank, including in Bayt Ummar nr. ron and nearby al-‘Arub r.c, in 2 villages Hebron, Jayyous nr. Qalqilya, al-Khader nr. Bethlehem, and in 1 nr. Jenin at nr. Bethlehem, at the main Bethlehem night. (PCHR 4/4) CHRONOLOGY 17

The Hamas-controlled Education ‘‘once every two weeks’’ in a bid to revive Min. in Gaza announces that men will be peace talks. His third trip to the region in barred from teaching at girls’ schools, 2 weeks (3/4, 3/24) begins 4/6. (AFP, AP and separate classes for boys and girls 4/3) from the age of 9 years old will be man- Israeli soldiers stationed at a military datory. (REU 4/1) post shoot and kill a Palestinian teen- The head of Hizballah’s executive ager nr. Tulkarm, after what the IDF says council Sayyed Hashem Safieddine was a firebomb attack (an account dis- accuses the U.S. government of interfer- puted by witnesses). A Fatah-called gen- ing in Lebanese affairs—though without eral strike is observed in Hebron and East giving any specific details or allegations— Jerusalem, as protests continue following and attacks a ‘‘destructive American pro- the death of prisoner Maysara Abuham- ject against Syria and the entire region.’’ dieh. Palestinians protesting the death (DS 4/1) clash with IDF forces in and around Hebron, in Nablus and Tulkarm, nr. 2 APRIL 2013 Bethlehem, and outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah (where 7 are injured with rub- Palestinian prisoner Maysara Abu- ber bullets). In the West Bank, the IDF hamdieh dies in Israeli jail from compli- patrols in and around Hebron and cations caused by terminal cancer, nearby al-‘Arub r.c. in the afternoon, and prompting clashes between protesters in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts and IDF forces in Hebron. The Palesti- house searches and arrest raids in nian Prisoners’ Committee blames al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, in Israel for Abuhamdieh’s death, saying 1 village nr. Ramallah, and in Tulkarm at that he did not receive adequate medical night. Unidentified Palestinian mili- treatment. Gaza’s tiny Salafist group, the tants fire 2 rockets from Gaza into Mujahidin Shura Council, fires 3 mor- Israel, causing no injuries or damage. tars towards Israel, claiming retaliation (HA, MNA 4/3; HA, PCHR 4/4) for Abuhamdieh’s death; 2 of the mortars A source in the office of Israeli PM fall within Gaza. In retaliation, the IDF Benjamin Netanyahu says that special makes 2 nighttime airstrikes nr. Bayt envoy to Turkey Joseph Ciechanover Lahiya. No injuries are reported in either and National Security Adviser Yaakov incident. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in Amidror will go to Ankara on 4/11 for 1 village nr. Tulkarmin the morning, and the start of talks on restoring Turkish- in and around Hebronin the afternoon; Israeli ties. (HA 4/3) conducts house searches and arrest raids U.S. and Jordanian officials say that in and around Bethlehem and nearby the two countries are training Syrian Dahaysha r.c., in and around Hebron, in opposition forces that could be used to Jenin, and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at establish a future buffer zone alongside night. (HA 4/2; ToI, YA 4/3; PCHR 4/4) Syria’s southern border. (WP 4/3) Hamas’ Shura Council elects Khalid Mishal as politburo head for the fourth 4 APRIL 2013 time, according to Egyptian officials. The secret election is conducted in a Cairo Anonymous Israeli and Palestinian hotel. (MNA 4/2) officials say that PA Pres. Mahmud Israeli forces and unidentified armed Abbas has agreed to suspend unilateral persons in Syria briefly exchange fire measures against Israel in UN agencies across the demarcation line on the Golan for 2–3 months to facilitate U.S. Secy. of Heights. The IDF reports no injuries or State Kerry’s efforts to restart negotia- damage on its side, but claim that its tions. At the same time, Abbas reportedly return of fire scored a ‘‘direct hit.’’ (AP, has told Kerry that Israel must present REU 4/2) a map of the proposed future borders of a Palestinian state to prove its serious- 3 APRIL 2013 ness. (HA 4/4) For the third consecutive day, Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reports that unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry is plan- from Gaza into Israel, causing no dam- ning to visit Jerusalem and Ramallah age or injuries. Palestinians clash with 18 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

IDF forces in the West Bank in contin- 6 APRIL 2013 ued demonstrations sparked by the death of prisoner Abuhamdieh. In Hebron, the IDF forces and Palestinians continue IDF injures 21 Palestinians with rubber- to clash in demonstrations across the coated metal bullets, and in al-Khader nr. West Bank and East Jerusalem, includ- Bethlehem, 2 Palestinians are also ing in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem, where injured. In Bayt Laqiya nr. Ramallah, IDF IDF soldiers shoot and seriously injure soldiers violently disperse a demonstra- a woman. In the West Bank, the IDF tion and seriously injure 1. In addition, patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jer- morning, and 4 villages nr. Ramallah at icho and Tulkarm in the morning; in and night; conducts house searches and around Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c.in the arrest raids in Hebron, 3 villages nr. afternoon; and in 1 village nr. Ramallah Hebron, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and at night. The IDF also conducts late-night 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. In the Gaza house searches and arrest raids in and Strip, IDF forces open fire on houses around Hebron and nr. Jenin at night. and agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, (JP, MNA 4/4; PCHR 4/11) causing no injuries. (MNA 4/6; JP 4/7; The United Nations Relief and PCHR 4/11) Works Agency (UNRWA) says it is sus- U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry pending operations in the Gaza Strip arrives in Turkey at the start of after protesters storm its headquarters, a regional tour, his third since assuming following the agency’s decision on 4/1 to office in 2/2013 (previous trips were 3/4 stop some of its cash handouts citing and 3/24). His talks in Ankara are a funding shortfall. (REU 4/4) expected to focus on the Syria crisis and encouraging the Turkish government to 5 APRIL 2013 further the improvement of relations with Israel. (AFP, REU 4/6) IDF soldiers shoot and seriously Tammam Salam is elected by parlia- injure a Palestinian teenager during ment as Lebanon’s new prime minister, a protest at al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. securing 124 of 128 votes. Salam, former IDF forces shoot and injure 5 Palesti- minister of culture 2008–2009, replaces nians during clashes in Hebron, with Najib Mikati, who resigned on 3/22. (NYT another 15 injured in confrontations in 4/6) the wider Hebron area as demonstrations continue following the death of a Palesti- 7 APRIL 2013 nian prisoner in Israeli custody, and the IDF also shoots and injures 1 Palestinian U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets in protests in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem. with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas IDF soldiers violently disperse Palesti- in Ramallah, and reportedly offers him nians, Israelis, and internationals taking incentives for a return to direct negotia- part in nonviolent demonstrations in tions with Israel. Palestinian sources say multiple villages against the Israeli occu- that offers include ensuring that Israel pation in solidarity with Palestinian pris- does not withhold transfer of tax reven- oners. Demonstrations are held in 4 ues again and possibly expanding the villages nr. Ramallah (Bayt Laqiya, Bil‘in, PA’s jurisdiction to parts of West Bank al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), al-Haraiek nr. Heb- Area C (under Israeli civil and security ron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), control). In addition, a Palestinian official 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al- claims that Kerry expresses interest in Ma‘sara), and at Hawara checkpoint nr. reviving the Arab Peace Initiative of Nablus. There are no serious injuries. 2002, which offered Israel full normali- The IDF also patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and zation for Israel’s complete withdrawal 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. from the o.t. (including the Golan). Salfit in the afternoon; patrols in 2 vil- (AP, MNA, REU 4/7) lages nr. Jericho, and 1 each nr. Jenin, Unidentified Palestinians fire Ramallah, and nr. Salfit at night; conducts 3 rockets from the Gaza Strip, with house searches and arrest raids in Aida 1 landing in the Negev causing no dam- r.c. in Bethlehem at night. (MNA 4/5; age or injuries and 2 landing inside Gaza. PCHR 4/11) Meanwhile, Israeli naval vessels open CHRONOLOGY 19

fire on Palestinian fishermen off the 9 APRIL 2013 north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF forces In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian injures 2 Palestinians, including 1 child, child during a protest in Aida r.c. in during clashes in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem. Bethlehem; another Palestinian is The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and injured by the IDF during a demonstra- 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in tion in Um Rokba nr. Bethlehem. The 1 village each nr. Jenin and Nablus in the IDF also patrols in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron and 2 night; conducts house searches and villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and arrest raids in and around Hebron and in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm at night; con- neighboring al-‘Arub r.c., in Nablus, and ducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. al-Bireh and Tulkarm at al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village nr. Hebron, night. In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night. In enter by the border fence nr. Khan Yunis another incident, Jewish settlers van- and level land. (PCHR 4/11) dalize a mosque in in the Palestinian vil- lage of Tekoa nr. Bethlehem, leaving 10 APRIL 2013 price-tag graffiti on the walls. (AFP, HA 4/7; PCHR 4/11) Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad offers his resignation to Pres. Mahmud Abbas 8 APRIL 2013 following a long rift between the two over policy and internal authority, but U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets there are no immediate details from with Israeli pres. Shimon Peres to dis- either office on steps going forward. cuss efforts to restart the peace process. (REU 4/10) Meanwhile, Palestinian pres. Mahmud In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and Abbas arrives in Doha for a meeting injures 2 Palestinians (in al-Khader) and organized by the Arab League and 1 international activist (in Aida r.c. in chaired by senior Qatari officials to plan Bethlehem) during separate clashes. The a delegation to the UN in New York to IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and revive negotiations. (HA, MNA 4/8) 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at Israel closes the Kerem Shalom night; conducts house searches and goods crossing into Gaza in response to arrest raids in and around Nablus, in the 4/7 rocket fire. Israeli naval vessels Tulkarm and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and open fire on Palestinian fishermen off in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. Off the the Gaza coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, vessels open fire on Palestinian fisher- IDF forces shoot and seriously injure men off the north Gaza coast nr. Bayt a Palestinian photographer during Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. clashes in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, and The IDF also makes a brief incursion into also shoot and injure a Palestinian con- the Gaza Strip nr. Khan Yunis to level struction worker in Madama village nr. land and clear lines of sight. (MNA 4/10; Nablus. In the West Bank, the IDF PCHR 4/11) patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morn- Fatah Central Committee member ing, in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah Azzam al-Ahmed and Hamas’ politburo in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya and 1 deputy head Musa Abu Marzouk nearby village, and 2 villages each nr. resume talks in Cairo to discuss imple- Hebron and Jenin at night. IDF forces mentation of previous reconciliation also conduct house searches and arrest agreements. (JP 4/10) raids in and around Jenin and Tulkarm, nr. Hebron, in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethle- 11 APRIL 2013 hem, and nr. Qalqilya and Salfit. (JP, MNA 4/8; PCHR 4/11) U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry,on UNRWA announces that it is reopen- his last day in the region, meets with ing its Gaza Strip-based food distribu- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to dis- tion centers after last week’s suspension cuss reviving negotiations. Afterward, (4/4). (REU 4/8) some sources say that Israel has agreed 20 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES to silently adopt construction freeze out- and in 1 village nr. Jericho in the after- side of the major settlement blocs, while noon, and in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. other Israeli government sources say that Ramallah at night; conducts house Israel has refused to adopt any confi- searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. dence building measures at all pre- Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 nr. negotiations. One anonymous Israeli offi- Ramallah at night. IDF soldiers violently cial says that Netanyahu opposed Kerry’s disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and inter- proposal to resume talks based on ini- nationals taking part in nonviolent tially discussing border and security demonstrations against both the Israeli issues only. (HA, YA 4/11) occupation as well as in solidarity with A scheduled meeting between Pales- Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are tinian pres. Mahmud Abbas and PM held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Salam Fayyad to discuss the latter’s 4/10 al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Abud), al-Haraiek nr. resignation is postponed under Euro- Hebron, 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qad- pean and American pressure, according dum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al- to Palestinian officials. An anonymous Khader, al-Ma’sara), and in Hebron. U.S. State Department official dismisses There are no serious injuries, except 2 in the idea that Fayyad is really resigning. Bil‘in (hit by tear gas canisters) and 1 in (AFP, JP 4/11; HA 4/12) al-Khader (rubber-coated metal bullet). IDF forces make a brief incursion into (PCHR 4/18) Gaza nr. Khan Yunis to level land and The IDF fires artillery into Syria after clear lines of sight. In the West Bank, the shots were fired at Israeli troops in the IDF shoots and injures a disabled Pales- occupied Golan Heights causing no tinian man in Hebron during an arrest damage or injuries. According to the operation in the city. The IDF shoots and Israeli military, the return fire scored injures 4 Palestinians with rubber- a ‘‘direct hit.’’ (REU 4/12) coated metal bullets in al-Khader nr. Bethlehem during clashes. Jewish set- 13 APRIL 2013 tlers from Netzah Binyamin outpost nr. Efrat settlement seriously assault a Pales- Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas tinian man working on his land in Sil- accepts the 4/10 resignation of PM Salam wad village, sparking clashes between Fayyad, despite international pressure residents and settlers. IDF forces vio- for him to stay on. Abbas asks Fayyad to lently disperse the Palestinians, shooting remain as caretaker PM until a replace- and injuring 1 Palestinian with rubber- ment is appointed. Secretary of Fatah’s coated metal bullets. Jewish settlers cut revolutionary council Amin Makhoul down or damage around 100 olive trees welcomes the resignation, saying that and grape vines on Palestinian-owned Fayyad’s government had failed to solve land nr. Hebron. The IDF patrols in 1 pressing economic problems. U.S. Secy. village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in of State John Kerry, speaking in Tokyo, the morning, 2 villages each nr. Jenin, says he would have preferred Fayyad to and Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Salfit in stay on and expresses hope that Abbas the afternoon, and 2 villages nr. Hebron, will appoint the ‘‘right person’’ to work and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit at with all parties and ‘‘establish confi- night; conducts house searches and dence.’’ Meanwhile, Hamas officials arrest raids in 1 each nr. Bethlehem and claim that Fayyad’s departure is not at all Hebron at night. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/11; connected to the national reconciliation PCHR 4/18) process, though Senior Leader of A delegation of Israeli security and Islamic Jihad Khalid al-Batsh says that diplomatic officials arrives in Egypt for Fayyad’s resignation presents an oppor- discussions with their Egyptian counter- tunity to form a unity government parts on the situation in Sinai and indi- headed by Abbas. (MNA, REU, WAFA rect talks with Hamas. (MNA 4/11) 4/13; AFP, MNA 4/14) Israeli naval vessels twice open fire 12 APRIL 2013 on Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza coast, causing no damage or inju- In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in ries. In the West Bank, IDF forces shoot in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes CHRONOLOGY 21 in Bayt Ummar nr. Hebron. The IDF nr. Bethlehem. The IDF patrols in Qalqi- patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. in Hebron and lya and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night; 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts conducts house searches and arrest raids house searches and arrest raids in al-Azza in Balata r.c. in Nablus and in 1 village r.c. in Bethlehem, 2 villages each nr. nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 4/15; AFP, Bethlehem and Ramallah, and 1 village MNA 4/16; PCHR 4/18) nr. Jenin at night. (MNA 4/13; PCHR 4/18) UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert APRIL 14 2013 Serry praises outgoing Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad, following the latter’s res- Israeli naval vessels twice open fire ignation (effective 4/13). Serry reaffirms on Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza the necessity of a negotiated two-state coast, causing no damage or injuries. In solution, and says that Fayyad ‘‘had to the West Bank, Palestinians clash with contend with circumstances that kept IDF forces in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, constraining the success of the state with demonstrators throwing Molotov building agenda’’ that is now ‘‘at serious cocktails at a military watchtower in the risk.’’ Meanwhile, Fatah Central Com- separation wall. In al-Khader nr. Bethle- mittee member Azzam al-Ahmad says hem, IDF forces shoot and injure 3 that Abbas must form a national unity Palestinians with rubber-coated metal government and set a date for elections, bullets in clashes. The IDF patrols in in the light of Fayyad’s resignation. (AFP, 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in WAFA 4/15) al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Salfit, and 16 APRIL 2013 Tulkarm at night; conducts house In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Bethlehem in the morning, 1 village nr. 1 village each nr. Ramallah and nr. Tulk- Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in Heb- arm at night; conducts house searches ron and nearby al-‘Arub.r.c. in Jenin r.c., and arrest raids in and around Hebron in Jenin, and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 4/14; PCHR 4/18) 4/18) Israel’s Military Advocate General Bloomberg reports that for the first announces that there will be no criminal time, the regular budget for the Penta- investigation of Israel’s 11/18/12 air- gon’s Missile Defense Agency contains strike on Gaza during Operation Pillar funds to buy new Iron Dome missile of Defense that killed 12 Palestinian defense systems for Israel. $395.9 million civilians—including 10 members of the is budgeted for the purpose in fiscal years same family. (REU 4/14) 2014-15, in what is described by an Lebanese pres. Michel Suleiman cri- Agency spokesperson as ‘‘new money,’’ ticizes Israel’s continued routine viola- coming on top of $486 million requested tions of his country’s airspace (see 3/19) by the White House and Congress (mak- and urges the international community ing a total of $882 million). (Bloomberg to end these breaches of United Nations 4/16) Resolution 1701. (DS 4/14)

15 APRIL 2013 17 APRIL 2013 IDF troops in a watchtower on the In the West Bank, IDF soldiers and Gaza border open fire on Palestinian Palestinians clash in al-Khader nr. Beth- farmers who stray close to the border lehem (4 serious injuries), in Bayt fence nr. al-Buraij r.c., seriously injuring Ummar nr. Hebron (6 injuries), and in 1. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Ramallah (1 injury). The IDF patrols in Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm, and coast, causing no damage or injuries. In 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts the West Bank, IDF forces shoot and house searches and arrest raids in Tubas, injure 6 Palestinians with rubber-coated Jenin, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 vil- metal bullets during clashes in al-Khader lage nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 4/18) 22 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

The Mujahidin Shura Council, Anonymous diplomats say that Iran which has previously fired projectiles and the International Atomic Energy from the Gaza Strip into Israel (3/21, Agency have agreed to discussions in 4/2), claims responsibility for firing mid-5/2013. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of 2 Grad rockets from the Egyptian Sinai State John Kerry tells the U.S. Senate that hit the Israeli resort city of Eilat, Foreign Relations Committee that he causing no damage or injuries. The was disappointed by the failure of talks in group states that the attack was intended Kazakhstan but that a diplomatic solu- to demonstrate solidarity with Palesti- tion to the dispute with Iran is still the nian prisoners in Israeli jails. (NYT, REU, best option. (AP 4/18) YA 4/17) The U.S. Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee adopts Senate Resolution 65 19 APRIL 2013 (S. Res. 65), introduced on 2/28, which In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in stipulates that Washington will support 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, Israel—though no specific are given—in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, the event that it takes military action and in 3 villages each nr. Jenin, and nr. against Iran (see Congressionalmonitor.- Ramallah, 1 village each nr. Jericho, and org for more). (YA 4/17) nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. 18 APRIL 2013 Hebron in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 2 villages nr. Nablus and 1 nr. Bethlehem Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 at night. During nonviolent demonstra- rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, tions against the Israeli occupation and causing no damage or injuries. In the in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, West Bank, the IDF violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals dozens of Palestinian protesters in al- are violently dispersed by IDF soldiers in Khader nr. Bethlehem, causing no seri- 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi ous injuries. The IDF patrols in 2 villages Salih, Ni‘lin, Silwad), 2 villages nr. Beth- nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in lehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and in al-Bireh, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 vil- al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. There are no lages nr. Jenin, and 2 villages nr. Tulkarm serious injuries, except in Silwad (3) and at night; conducts house searches and al-Jalazun (3). (PCHR 4/25) arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Newly re-elected Hamas leader 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, Khalid Mishal convenes senior Hamas and 1 village nr. Salfit at night. (REU, YA, officials in Qatar to discuss, among MNA 4/18; PCHR 4/25) other issues, prospects for forming U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry tells a national unity government in the wake the House of Representatives Foreign of PA PM Salam Fayyad’s 4/13 resigna- Affairs Committee that the ‘‘window for tion, and ways of pressuring Israel to a two-state solution is shutting’’ and that free Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, the chance to create a Palestinian state Pres. Mahmud Abbas says he will alongside Israel will be lost in 1–2 years. launch talks in the near future on form- (Guardian 4/18) ing a new cabinet. (AFP, MNA 4/19) Officials from a dozen Palestinian factions including the PFLP, DFLP and 20 APRIL 2013 Islamic Jihad—but excluding Hamas and Fatah—meet in Gaza City to discuss Unidentified Palestinians fire the resignation of Salam Fayyad. In a sub- a rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing sequent news conference, the factions no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, say Pres. Mahmud Abbas should imme- the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron diately start forming a Palestinian unity and 1 nr. Qalqilya at night; conducts government of technocrats to be sworn house searches and arrest raids at night in within three weeks. The government in Hebron, 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 vil- should then set a date for presidential, lage nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Jenin and parliamentarian, and Palestinian 1 village nr. Tulkarm. (YA 4/21; PCHR National Council elections. (MNA 4/18) 4/25) CHRONOLOGY 23

A letter sent on 4/12 from 13 of 27 22 APRIL 2013 European foreign ministers to Cathe- rine Ashton is published, expressing Palestinian prisoner and adminis- support for labelling products from trative detainee Samer al-Issawi agrees Israeli settlements and asking Ashton to to end his hunger strike—which has formulate guidelines. (HA 4/20) lasted for more than 8 months and inspired widespread Palestinian protest in solidarity—in exchange for an early 21 APRIL 2013 release. At one such rally today, IDF sol- diers clash with residents in Abu Dis, In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in East Jerusalem, shooting and injuring 1. 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, in 3 In the West Bank, Jewish settlers villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in destroy hundreds of almond and olive 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. trees in Bayt Dajan nr. Nablus, while in Ramallah and nr. Tulkarm at night. At Dayr Jarir nr. Ramallah, settlers attack night, IDF soldiers conduct house Palestinian property and set fire to 10 searches and arrest raids in al-Azza r.c. in vehicles. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, 1 vil- Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the lage nr. Bethlehem, 2 villages nr. Hebron, morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, and 2 villages nr. Jenin. (PCHR 4/25) U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel 2 villages nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Jenin, begins a Middle East tour in Israel, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Salfit where he is expected to have meetings and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF with Pres. Shimon Peres, PM Benjamin soldiers conduct house searches and Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Benny Gantz and DM Moshe Ya’alon. 1 village nr. Jericho at night. The IDF Hagel will discuss Iran, Syria, and also conduct a ground incursion close to the the sale of U.S. military equipment to border nr. Bayt Hanun and level land. Israel. Hagel’s weeklong tour of the (REU, WAFA 4/22; MNA 4/23; PCHR 4/25) region will also include Jordan, Saudi An Israeli delegation meets their Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Turkish counterparts in Ankara to dis- Emirates. (HA, NYT 4/20; WP 4/21) cuss ways of improving bilateral rela- U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets tions, including the question of financial Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in compensation by Israel to the families of Istanbul to continue discussions about Turkish activists killed on the Mavi Mar- restarting negotiations, particularly a pro- mara in 2010. (JP 4/21) posal to focus on boosting the Palestinian Al-Ahram cites Palestinian government economy. Palestinian amb. to Turkey sources claiming that Palestinian pres. Nabil Maarouf says that the meeting fails Mahmud Abbas has asked Turkish PM to make any substantial progress with Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey play regards to Palestinian conditions for a more prominent role in the drive for resuming negotiations. Secy. Kerry says national reconciliation between Fatah that restored ties between Turkey and and Hamas. (HA 4/22) Israel can allow both countries to work U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel with Washington on Iran and Syria. announces an arms deal with Israel at Kerry asks Turkish PM Recep Tayyip a press conference in Tel Aviv alongside Erdogan to delay his planned trip to the Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon. The sale Gaza Strip in order not to disrupt efforts includes V-22 Osprey helicopter-plane to improve Turkish-Israeli relations. aircraft, refueling tankers, advanced Secy. Kerry also attends a major meeting radars for fighter jets, and advanced mis- between the Syrian opposition and its siles that target air defenses. During their main 11 foreign supporters. After the remarks, Ya’alon tacitly confirms that meeting, Secy. Kerry says that Washing- Israel was responsible for a 1/30 air strike ton will double its nonlethal aid to the on an army convoy in Syria, saying that Syrian opposition to $250 million, sup- Israel has already acted to stop weapons port that will be funnelled through the falling into Hizballah’s hands: ‘‘When rebels’ Supreme Military Council. (AFP they crossed this red line, we acted.’’ 4/20; MNA, NYT, REU 4/21; JP 4/22) (AFP, JP 4/22) 24 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

23 APRIL 2013 U.S.-brokered agreement between the PA and Israel (with the help of Jordan and In the West Bank, the IDF uproots Brazil), UNESCO experts will survey over 1,300 olive trees in the village of a number of sites in Jerusalem. (JP 4/24) Susiya in the southern Hebron hills. The IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Jenin and 25 APRIL 2013 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in Jenin, Tulkarm, and 4 villages nr. The IDF shoots and injures 1 Palesti- Tulkarm at night. IDF soldiers conduct nian during clashes in Abu Dis, East Jer- house searches and arrest raids at night usalem, sparked by a visit to the in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morn- neighborhood by an Israeli intelligence ing, and in Hebron, 1 village nr. Hebron, officer. In the West Bank, IDF forces al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village uproot around 700 olive trees in a village nr. Bethlehem. (MNA 4/23; PCHR 4/25) nr. Jenin. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Israeli officials claims to have evi- Jenin in the morning, in 1 village nr. dence the Syrian government has used Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the chemical weapons and thus crossed U.S. afternoon, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Heb- Pres. Obama’s so-called ‘‘red line,’’ ron, 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village each though they do not give details. In nr. Qalqilya, nr. Ramallah and nr. Tulk- response, White House press secy. Jay arm at night. IDF troops conduct house Carney says that the administration is searches and arrest raids in Hebron in still looking for ‘‘conclusive evidence, if it the afternoon. The IDF makes an incur- exists.’’ (NYT 4/23) sion into Gaza nr. Khan Yunis to level land and clear lines of sight along the 24 APRIL 2013 border fence. (MNA, PCHR, WAFA 4/25; PCHR 5/2) IDF soldiers demolish a residential The Israeli air force shoots down an building and 3 shops in the al-Tur neigh- unmanned aerial vehicle over the Medi- borhood of East Jerusalem on the terranean Sea as it approaches the Israeli grounds that they lacked construction coast from the direction of Lebanon.No permits. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers group claims responsibility, and Hizbal- demolish 3 homes in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. lah specifically denies involvement. (REU Hebron. In the Jordan Valley, IDF sol- 4/25) diers inform 100 families in Wadi al- Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz claims that Malih that they must temporarily relocate the Obama admin. aims to host a Middle to make space for military training. IDF East peace summit in Washington in forces also open fire on 2 Palestinians 6/2013, bringing together Israeli PM trying to damage the separation wall nr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Jalbun northeast of Jenin, injuring 1. The pres. Mahmud Abbas, and Jordan’s IDF patrols in Jenin and 2 villages nr. King Abdullah II. U.S. officials deny the Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Heb- report. (HA 4/25) ron in the afternoon, and in Jenin, 1 vil- lage nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. 26 APRIL 2013 Qalqilya at night. IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Heb- In the West Bank, IDF soldiers ron, 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. demolish 2 structures in Oz Zion, a Jew- Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. ish settlement outpost nr. Ramallah. Meanwhile, the IDF makes a brief incur- The IDF also patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. sion into northern Gaza nr. Bayt Hanun Hebron and 2 villages nr. Hebron in the to level land and clear lines of sight along afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah the border fence. (MNA, WAFA 4/24; at night. IDF soldiers violently disperse PCHR 4/25) Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals The PA agrees to postpone the pre- taking part in nonviolent demonstrations sentation of 5 resolutions condemning against the Israeli occupation and in soli- Israeli policies to the United Nations darity with Palestinian prisoners. The Educational, Scientific and Cultural demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Organization (UNESCO) executive Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, board in Paris. As part of the Russia and Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem CHRONOLOGY 25

(al-Ma’sara), 1 village nr. Hebron (Bayt 28 APRIL 2013 Ummar), al-Haraiek area nr. Hebron, al-Shakara area nr. Ramallah, and Israeli media report that Israel’s 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum); Economy and Trade Min. Naftali Ben- 1 Palestinian is seriously injured in Kafr nett is pushing for a Basic Law to be Qaddum by a tear gas canister to the passed requiring a national referendum head. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. on any potential future peace treaty with of Jabaliya r.c. shoot and wound 1 Pales- the Palestinians. (JP 4/28) tinian in the Gaza Strip. Israeli naval Israel’s Supreme Court grants the vessels open fire on Palestinian fisher- government’s 3/24 request to postpone men off the north Gaza coast and also off the evacuation of unauthorized settler the south Gaza coast off Khan Yunis: no outpost Amona, and sets the new date damage or injuries reported. (AFP, MNA for 7/15. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires 4/26; PCHR 5/2) warning shots at a group of Palestinians The European Union missions in close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya r.c., Ramallah and Jerusalem express serious injuring 1. Israeli naval vessels open concern over Israel’s demolition of fire on Palestinian fishermen off the 22 structures across 8 locations in the coast nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage West Bank and East Jerusalem earlier or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF in the week that displaced 28 Palesti- patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the nians. The EU statement notes that some afternoon, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Heb- of the destroyed structures were funded ron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night, and by member states. (JP 4/27) 1 village each nr. Hebron, nr. Jenin, nr. U.S. Pres. Barack Obama hosts Qalqilya at night; conducts house Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. House, with discussions to include the Jenin in the afternoon, and in Dahaysha Syrian crisis, as well as Jordan’s political r.c. in Bethlehem at night. (HA, PCHR and economic developments. Speaking 4/28) to reporters in the Oval Office before the meeting, Pres. Obama says he would 29 APRIL 2013 respond ‘‘prudently’’ and ‘‘deliberately’’ to solid evidence Syria has used chemi- In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State cal weapons, a development he describes John Kerry and VP Joe Biden meet with as a ‘‘game changer’’ for Washington (see senior Arab officials including the Bah- 4/23 above). (AFP, AP, REU, NYT 4/26) raini, Egyptian, Jordanian and Qatari FMs, and representatives from the PA, 27 APRIL 2013 Arab League, Lebanon, and Saudi Ara- bia for talks on the peace process. Qatari Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Grad PM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jassem al- rocket fr. Gaza into southern Israel at Thani, speaking on behalf of the Arab night, causing no damage or injuries. The League delegation, cites the possibility of IDF retaliates with air strikes on 2 sites a border agreement that includes mutu- in the southern Gaza Strip, causing no ally agree and minor land swaps between injuries. In the West Bank the IDF the Israelis and the Palestinians. Kerry patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1village affirms the importance of the 2002 Arab nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at Peace Initiative that promised full nor- night. At night, IDF troops conduct malization for Israel’s complete with- house searches and arrest raids in al-Azza drawal from the occupied territories r.c. in Bethlehem at night. (HA, JP 4/28; (including the Golan). (AP, REU 29/4) PCHR 5/2) Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing no calls on all factions to cooperate with damage or injuries. In response to recent him to form a government of technocrats rocket fire (see also 4/27), Israel closes and to set a date for elections. Hamas the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri says that further restricts movement through the there has been no consultation with the Erez crossing to ‘‘humanitarian cases,’’ movement so far and warns against uni- though it cancels visits for Gazan families lateral steps. (MNA 4/27) of Palestinians jailed in Israel (VIPs were 26 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES the only others allowed to cross Gaza). of being a Salafist militant responsible for Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian arms manufacturing. In response, Hamas fishermen off the south Gaza coast east urges Egypt to ensure that Israel stays of Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. committed to the truce deal signed at the In the West Bank, IDF soldiers evict end of Operation Pillar of Defense in several hundred Bedouin from Wadi al- 11/2012 (see QU 167). Israeli naval ves- Malih village in the Jordan Valley after sels open fire on Palestinian fishermen declaring the area a live fire training zone twice, once off the central Gaza coast nr. (see 4/24). Meanwhile, Israel demolishes Dayr al-Balah and once off the south 4 Palestinian apartments in the al-Tur Gaza coast nr. Rafah, in the latter case neighborhood of East Jerusalem, as well causing damage and 1 injury. IDF forces as a water well and utility room in the also make a brief incursion into central al-Fawar r.c. in Hebron. The IDF patrols Gaza nr. Juhr al-Dikto level land and in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, clear lines of sight along the border in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon. At fence. In the West Bank,aPalestinian night, IDF troops conduct house fatally stabs a Jewish settler from Yitzhar searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. at a Tapuach junction bus stop. In retali- in Bethlehem, in Hebron, in 5 villages nr. ation, Jewish settlers riot and attack Hebron, in Nablus, and in 1 village nr. Palestinians across the West Bank, Ramallah. Jewish settlers attack Palesti- including blocking roads and throwing nians in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus, stones at passing vehicles. Overall, the injuring 2. (AFP, MNA REU 4/29; PCHR Palestinian civil defense report 57 fires 5/2) across the West Bank caused by settlers, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon urges with damage to hundreds of olive and the Syrian government to allow experts almond trees. In the most serious inci- into the country to investigate reports of dent, Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settle- alleged use of chemical weapons. ment attack a mosque in Urif village and Damascus wants any investigation lim- try to set it on fire; and stone a bus car- ited to a 3/2013 incident nr. Aleppo while rying Palestinian schoolchildren, injuring Ban wants to also include a 12/2012 inci- 2. The attack on Urif sparks clashes dent in Homs. (see 4/24) (AP 4/29) between IDF forces and Palestinians, leaving 4 Palestinians injured. Mean- 30 APRIL 2013 while, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry wel- conducts house searches and arrest raids comes the Arab League’s expression of in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in support for reviving peace talks made the Bethlehem and Tulkarm at night. (HA, previous day, describing it as a ‘‘very big MNA 4/30; MNA 5/1; PCHR 5/2) step forward.’’ An Israeli official wel- UNRWA estimates that 235,000 Pales- comes the development, but says that the tinian refugees have been displaced framework will not be a starting point for inside Syria during the ongoing civil war. talks. Justice Minister Tzipi Livni says (AP, WAFA 4/30) that the Arab League proposal repre- sents encouragement for the Palesti- nians that they have regional support for 1 MAY 2013 a negotiated agreement. PLO Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat says that the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Arab League’s support for land swaps is that Israel will only accept a peace nothing new. Meanwhile, Israel’s Con- agreement with the Palestinians ‘‘that will struction and Housing Minister Uri prevent Israel from becoming a binational Ariel says that his party, Bayit Yehudi, state, but will provide stability and secu- will not back a 2013 budget that does not rity.’’ Meanwhile, Palestinian FM Riyad include full funding for West Bank set- al-Maliki confirms that the PA has prom- tlement construction projects. (NYT 4/29; ised the U.S. that it will freeze efforts to MNA, JP 4/30) join United Nations agencies or turn to In the Gaza Strip, the IDF makes an the International Criminal Court as air strike nr. Rafah assassinating a ‘‘gesture’’ for the peace process. (HA, JP Hitham al-Mishal, whom Israel accuses 5/1) CHRONOLOGY 27

The IDF makes a brief incursion into 1 village nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Jericho southern Gaza to level land and clear and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. At lines of site along the border fence nr. night, IDF troops conduct house Khan Yunis. Israeli naval vessels twice searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. open fire on Palestinian fishermen off Bethlehem at night. (AA, MNA, ToI, YA the Gaza coast, once nr. Rafah and once 5/2; PCHR 6/9) nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or Hamas authorities in Gaza say that injuries. In the West Bank,theIDF they have arrested 6 Salafists on suspi- patrols in Hebron in the morning, and in cion of stealing weapons and plotting 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon. At attacks. The Mujahidin Shura Council night, IDF troops conduct house searches calls on the government to stop the and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron, detention campaign against its members. 1 village nr. Jericho, and 1 village nr. Sal- (MNA 5/2; PCHR 5/9) fit. (MNA 5/1; PCHR 5/2) Israel’s High Court orders DM Hamas reports that PA security Moshe Ya’alon to halt construction of forces have arrested 5 Hamas members the separation wall nr. the West Bank in Hebron, Ramallah and Qalqilya. (MNA village of Batir, in response to a petition 5/1) submitted by residents and Friends of the Earth Middle East. (HA, MNA 5/2) 2 MAY 2013 3 MAY 2013 In a meeting with Swiss FM Didier Burkhalter, Israeli PM Benjamin Neta- The Israeli Air Force makes an air- nyahu says that he intends to bring any strike in Syria. U.S. officials say that the proposed peace agreement with the target was weapons, rather than a build- Palestinians to a national referendum. ing or installation. An anonymous Israeli Meanwhile, Israeli sources suggest that official subsequently says that the target PM Netanyahu is afraid that Israel’s was a shipment of missiles intended for negotiation position would be under- Hizballah, believed to include a Syrian- mined if U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry produced surface-to-surface guided accepts the Arab League’s recent state- weapon. Meanwhile, Lebanese sources ment on borders and territorial exchange report several sorties by Israeli air force (see 4/29). Hamas leader Khalid Mishal planes in Lebanese airspace, breaches rejects the Arab League endorsement of of sovereignty which are condemned by land swaps, and claims that the proposal Pres. Michel Suleiman. (HA 5/3; AP, is designed to find economic peace REU 5/4) between Arab states and Israel. Mean- In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces open while, Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi fire on Palestinians picnicking close to Livni and Netanyahu’s negotiation the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no adviser Yitzhak Molcho arrive in injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF Washington to discuss peace process patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village issues with Kerry. (AP, HA, MNA 5/2) nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 2 villages Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 nr. Hebron in the afternoon (injuring mortars from Gaza into Israel, causing 4 Palestinians in clashes), and in 1 village no damage or injuries. Hamas deploys each nr. Hebron, nr. Jenin, nr. Qalqilya, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigade (IQB) nr. Ramallah and 3 villages nr. Salfit at members nr. along the border fence to night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct prevent rocket fire. Meanwhile, the IDF house searches and arrest raids in make a brief incursion into Gaza nr. Bayt 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon and Hanun to level land and clear lines of 1 village nr. Salfit. IDF soldiers violently sight along the border fence. In the West disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and inter- Bank, Jewish settlers cut down over nationals taking part in weekly nonvio- 50 olive trees in Dayr Jarir village nr. lent demonstrations against the Israeli Ramallah. IDF forces attack a Palestnian occupation and in solidarity with Palesti- funeral procession in Bayt Ummar village nian prisoners. Demonstrations are held nr. Hebron, shooting and injuring 3 in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Budrus, Bil‘in, mourners. The IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Hebron, (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem 28 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

(al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and al-Shakara Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village nr. area nr. Ramallah. There are no serious Jenin and 1 village nr. Salfit in the after- injuries, except 1 in in Budrus and 2 in noon, and in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron al-Nabi Salih. (PCHR 5/9) and 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house 4 MAY 2013 searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, 1 village nr. Hebron, and In the West Bank, Jewish settlers 2 villages nr. Jenin. (PCHR 5/9) block access to a Palestinian village nr. Ramallah in a protest against a perceived 6 MAY 2013 deterioration in security conditions, sparking clashes with around 100 resi- In Jerusalem, Israeli and Turkish dents that leave 2 Jewish settlers and officials reach an unspecified draft 1 Palestinian injured. Meanwhile, the IDF agreement in to end the diplomatic stand patrols in al-‘Arub r.c., 1 village nr. Salfit off. The Turkish delegation, headed by and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Also at FMin. undersecretary Feridun Sinirlio- night, IDF troops conduct house g˘lu, is the most senior such delegation searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. since Israel’s 2010 attack on the Mavi Bethlehem and 2 villages nr. Ramallah. Marmara aid flotilla to Gaza (see QU (HA 5/5; PCHR 5/9) 157). Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office publishes a statement saying fur- 5 MAY 2013 ther clarifications are required on certain subjects, though gives no further details The Israeli air force strikes a site nr. (HA 5/5; JP 5/6) Damascus, in a new air strike on what Israel’s Ministerial Committee on unnamed Western intelligence sources Legislation approves a bill for the devel- say was a shipment of advanced, Iranian- opment of the Negev, known as the made missiles heading to Hizballah in Prawer-Begin plan, which would result in Lebanon. Israeli officials later stress the forced displacement of tens of thou- that the airstrikes are aimed at Hizballah sands of Palestinian Bedouin citizens rather than destabilizing or undermining of Israel. (MNA 5/6) Pres. Bashar al-Asad’s regime. The Syr- The Yesh Atid party, the second larg- ian government accuses Israel of ‘‘gross est in the ruling coalition, decides to aggression’’ and says that the strike oppose Economy and Trade Minister ‘‘opens a door to all options.’’ The oppo- Naftali Bennett’s proposal, first offered sition Syrian National Coalition also at the end of April, to pass a Basic Law condemns the strike, saying that Israel is requiring a referendum before any peace ‘‘taking advantage’’ of the conflict. A U.S. treaty with the Palestinians is signed. (YA intelligence official says that Washing- 5/6) ton was not given any forewarning of the Israeli naval vessels twice open fire air raid. Iran’s Foreign Min. states that on Palestinian fishermen off the north countries in the region should oppose Gaza coast, causing no damage or inju- the ‘‘assault,’’ while the Iran’s army ries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols ground forces commander Ahmad Reza in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, Pourdastan says Tehran is ready to sup- and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. port its ally. Egypt condemns the air- Jenin, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 vil- strikes, as does the Lebanese pres. lages nr. Salfit at night. Also at night, IDF Michel Suleiman. The Arab League troops conduct house searches and demands that the UN Security Council arrest raids in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, act to end Israeli attacks on Syria, 1 village nr. Bethlehem and 3 villages nr. though without suggesting any specific Hebron. (PCHR 5/9) measures. (Guardian, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 5/5; AP, REU 5/6) 7 MAY 2013 In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces open fire on Palestinian gravel and metal col- Two small rockets and later a mortar lectors close to the border fence nr. Bayt land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Heights, causing no damage or injuries. Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. While the IDF says the fire is ‘‘accidental CHRONOLOGY 29 spillover’’ from the Syrian civil war, speaks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu rather than intentional, the Popular by phone to discuss the peace process. Front for the Liberation of Palestine- Meanwhile, Israeli authorities approve General Command says that Syrian construction of 296 new settlement government has given the Damascus- housing units in Beit El settlement nr. based group permission to attack Israeli Ramallah. (JP 5/8; JP, MNA 5/9) targets in the Golan Heights. Syrian In Jerusalem, Jewish settlers accom- pres. Bashar al-Asad says that Syria is panied by Israeli security forces enter capable of facing Israel, but does not the al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the suggest Damascus will retaliate for the second consecutive day, preventing Mus- recent Israeli air strikes (e.g., 5/5). lim worshippers from freely accessing the Hizballah’s deputy head Naim Qassem site. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain Jer- says that the Israeli attacks aim to boost usalem Mufti Mohammed Hussein for the opposition fighters and does not a few hours over his role in clashes the comment on claims that missiles bound previous day. In the West Bank, IDF for the Lebanese group were the target. forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes in Meanwhile, Syrian rebel faction the Yar- al-Auja village nr. Jericho. IDF under- mouk Martyrs Brigade says that it is cover units conduct a raid nr. Jenin, holding 4 Filipino UN peacekeepers it arresting PA Preventive Security officer detained on the Syrian side of the cease- Mohammed Ahmed Zakarna, who fire line between Syria and the occupied received an amnesty a few years ago for Golan Heights, claiming that fighting had his participation in the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ endangered the observers. (AP, JP, REU, Brigades. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. WP 5/7) Hebron in the morning, and in 1 village Israeli officials say that PM Benja- nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF troops con- min Netanyahu has promised U.S. Secy. ducts house searches and arrest raids in of State John Kerry to ‘‘rein in’’ settle- Hebron and 1 village nr. Hebron in the ment construction until mid-6/2013 in afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, the context of renewed efforts to resume 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm at negotiations. (HA 5/7) night. IDF forces make 2 brief incur- Israeli naval vessels open fire on sions into Gaza to level land and clear Palestinian fishermen off the north lines of sight along the border nr. Jaba- Gaza coast, causing no damage or inju- liya and Bayt Hanun. (AFP, MNA 5/8; ries. In East Jerusalem, some 40 right- PCHR 5/9) wing Israelis enter the al-Aqsa Mosque Israeli human rights organization compound protected by Israeli security B’Tselem publishes a report that says forces, sparking clashes with Palestinian Israel killed 87 Palestinian civilians in worshippers. In the West Bank, Jewish Operation Pillar of Defense in 11/2012, settlers attack Palestinian vehicles and 80% of whom died in the second half of agricultural land nr. Nablus, causing no the operation. (JP 5/9) injuries. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Egyptian theologian and prominent Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages Islamist cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 vil- enters the Gaza Strip on a high-profile lage nr. Tulkarm at night. Also at night, official visit to the Hamas government, IDF troops conduct house searches and welcomed and hosted by PM Ismail arrest raids in Nablus, 1 village nr. Haniyeh (AFP 5/8) Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 vil- Jordan’s parliament votes in favor of lage nr. Tulkarm. (MNA, WAFA 5/7; petitioning the government to expel PCHR 5/9) Israeli amb. Daniel Nevo and recalling Jordan’s amb. to Israel to protest recent 8 MAY 2013 unrest involving Jewish settlers entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 5/7) Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni Ultimately, Jordan’s Interior Min. meets with U.S. Secy. of State John Hussein al-Majali only summons Nevo Kerry in Rome, following a meeting last to convey an official protest. (AFP 5/8) week in Washington that discussed the Professor Stephen Hawking of Cam- possibility of reviving Israeli-Palestinian bridge University pulls out of a confer- peace talks. U.S. Pres. Barack Obama ence in Israel in 6/2013 hosted by Pres. 30 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

Shimon Peres, citing the Palestinian also clashes between Paletinains and the boycott call. Israeli FM spokesman Yigal IDF at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus as Palmor says that ‘‘never has a scientist of Palestinians protest recent violence in the this stature boycotted Israel.’’ (NYT 5/8) al Aqsa Mosque compound, with no The UN relocates peacekeepers from serious injuries. Separately, IDF soldiers an observation post in the al-Jamla area violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, of the Golan Heights cease-fire zone, and internationals taking part in nonvio- following the most recent abduction of lent demonstrations in multiple villages Filipino troops on 5/7. (AFP 5/8) against the Israeli occupation in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstra- 9 MAY 2013 tions are held in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Nilin), 1 village nr. In the West Bank, IDF forces demol- Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 1 village nr. ish 10 commercial properties nr. Jenin. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), and al-Shakara The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin area nr. Ramallah. There is 1 serious and nr. Qalqilya in the morning, in 1 vil- injury in al-Shakara, 1 in Bil‘in, and 2 in lage nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in al-Nabi Salih. The IDF patrols in 1 village 4 villages nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. nr. Qalqilya and 2 villages nr. Ramallah in Ramallah at night. Also at night, IDF the morning, in 2 villages nr. Hebron troops conduct house searches and (injuring 3 during clashes) and 1 village arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (MNA nr. Jenin in the afternoon. Then at night, 5/9; PCHR 5/10) IDF soldiers patrol in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Palestinian amb. to Egypt Barakat Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and 2 villages al-Farra says that Palestine has called an nr. Ramallah; conduct house searches emergency meeting of Arab League and arrest raids in Hebron, 3 villages nr. representatives to discuss recent clashes Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Mean- in al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 3/8). while, Jewish settlers uproot around (MNA 5/9) 70 olive trees in al-Tawani village nr. Hamas says that PA security forces Hebron. (MNA 5/10; PCHR 5/16) arrest 9 of its members in Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. (MNA 5/9) 11 MAY 2013 Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah says that Syria will supply the organiza- Dozens of Jewish settlers from Yitz- tion with ‘‘game-changing’’ weapons, fol- har settlement enter Burin village nr. lowing recent Israeli air strikes, and that Nablus and clash with Palestinians. The Hizballah would help other groups IDF intervenes, violently dispersing the looking to liberate the Syrian Golan Palestinian residents with tear gas and Heights from Israeli occupation. Mean- rubber-coated metal bullets, but causing while, deputy Syrian FM Faisal Miqdad no serious injuries. Jewish settlers also says that his country will ‘‘respond enter Urif village nr. Nablus and clash immediately’’ to any further Israeli attack with Palestinian residents, causing no in its territory. (AFP 5/9; DS 5/10) serious injuries. In the West Bank at night, the IDF patrols in Jericho, 1 village 10 MAY 2013 nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; conducts house searches and The IDF opens fire on Palestinians arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 3 demonstrating against continued settler villages nr. Jenin, in Nablus, 1 village nr. violations in Bayt Ummar village nr. Heb- Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 vil- ron, injuring 20 with rubber-coated steel lage nr. Tulkarm. (AFP 5/11; PCHR 5/16) bullets, including 1 man shot in the head. The Popular Front for the Libera- The IDF also shoots Palestinian protes- tion of Palestine–General Command ters demonstrating against the IDF’s clo- (PFLP–GC) says that it is forming combat sure of the main entrance of Silwad units to recapture the Israeli-occupied village nr. Ramallah, injuring 14, while in Golan Heights. The announcement al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 Israeli sol- comes after Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad diers are wounded by Palestinians dur- and Hizballah indicated that they would ing confrontations in the camp. There are support such operations. (REU 5/11) CHRONOLOGY 31

PLO Secy.-Gen. Fathi Abu al-Ardat Turkish media report that Ankara is says that at least 55,000 Palestinian refu- close to agreement with Israel over joint gees have fled Syria to Lebanon since energy projects involving the natural gas the civil unrest in Syria began. (DS 5/11) discoveries off Israel’s coast. (JP 5/13)

14 MAY 2013 12 MAY 2013 Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu The Fatah Central Committee arrives in Russia for talks with Pres. Vla- accepts the Arab League’s latest pro- dimir Putin about the peace process and posal (4/29) authorizing land swaps with regional developments, including Syria. Israel and welcomes U.S. efforts to Netanyahu asks Putin not to supply S-300 revive the peace process. Meanwhile, anti-aircraft missiles to Bashar al-Asad’s Israeli opposition leader Shelly Yachi- regime. (HA 5/14) movich (Labor) meets with PA Pres. The International Criminal Court’s Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah and prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says she expresses her support for a two-state will open a preliminary examination into solution. (JP, HA 5/12) Israel’s 2010 attack on the Gaza-bound In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Mavi Marmara aid flotilla, following 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin in a referral from Comoros, to which one of the morning, 1 village nr. Jenin in the the vessels raided was registered. (REU afternoon, and 1 village each nr. Jenin 5/14) and Jericho at night. IDF soldiers con- Thousands of Palestinians hold duct house searches and arrest raids in Nakba Day rallies in cities across the 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and West Bank; the IDF violently disperses in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. protesters in al-Khader, causing no seri- Jenin, and in Qalqilya. (PCHR 5/16) ous injuries. The IDF also patrols in al- Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz speculates ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palesti- that Israel has opened a new diplomatic nian in clashes. Jewish settlers uproot mission in the Gulf, based on its exami- around 150 trees south of Nablus and nation of Finance Ministry budget alloca- also set fire to Palestinian agricultural tions for 2014. (HA 5/12) lands in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus. The Yarmouk Martyrs’ Brigade There is also a ‘‘price tag’’ attack in in releases the 4 Filipino UN peacekeepers Umm al-Qutuf village in Wadi Ara, it captured last week (5/7) on the Syria a Palestinian village inside the Green side of the Golan Heights demarcation Line, in which suspected Jewish extre- line. (REU 5/12) mists vandalize a mosque and 3 vehicles. (JTA, MNA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/16) 13 MAY 2013 Fatah and Hamas representatives hold reconciliation talks in Cairo. Israeli media, citing anonymous gov- Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouq ernment officials, reports that issuance of says the sides have pledged to complete tenders for construction of 1,500 new formation of a long-anticipated unity settlement housing units in Ramat government within 3 months (see QU Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem 168 for details). (JP, MNA 5/14) have been delayed for at least 3 weeks for Egypt’s upper house holds a special ‘‘political reasons’’ related to the peace session to discuss recent clashes (5/7) in process. (JP 5/13) al-Aqsa Mosque and demands the In the West Bank, Jewish settlers immediate expulsion of Israeli ambas- attack Palestinian property and agricul- sador Ya’akov Amitai in protest, but the tural lands in 2 villages nr. Nablus, caus- government takes no immediate action. ing damage but no injuries. The IDF (ToI 5/14) patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the 15 MAY 2013 afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and1 nr. Jericho at night; conducts house Unidentified Palestinians fire searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. a rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing Hebron at night. (MNA 5/13; PCHR 5/16) no damage or injuries. IDF forces and 32 JOURNAL OF PALESTINE STUDIES

Palestinians clash across the West Bank arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and and East Jerusalem on Nakba Day, with in Tubas at night. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 25 Palestinians arrested and 6 Israeli 5/15; PCHR 5/16) security forces injured in and around Jer- Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas usalem’s Old City. In al-‘Aqba village nr. arrives in Cairo for talks with Egyptian Hebron, unidentifed Palestinians throw pres. Mohamed Morsi about the Arab a Molotov cocktail at an IDF jeep, League’s recent visit (4/29) to Washing- destroying it and injuring 4 soldiers. In ton and Palestinian national reconcilia- another incident in the nearby village of tion moves. (MNA 5/15) al-Tabaqa, IDF forces briefly detain more After 2 years of internal discussions, than 45 children. As part of Nakba Day- senior Fatah members operating in related protests, IDF forces violently dis- their own personal capacity issue a docu- perse Palestinian demonstrators at ment calling for the establishment of one Qalandia and Bitunia nr. Jerusalem, Ofer democratic country between the Mediter- nr. Ramallah, Kufor Kaddoum nr. Qalqi- ranean Sea and the Jordan River. (HA lya, and open fire on Palestinians in al- 5/17) Khader nr. Bethlehem (injuring 12). In Mortars fired from inside Syria land the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al- in the Mount Hermon area of the Israeli- ‘Arub r.c. in the morning, and in Tulkarm occupied Golan Heights, causing no at night; conducts house searches and damage or injuries. (HA 5/15)

CHRONOLOGY SOURCE ABBREVIATIONS AA (Asharq Al-Awsat, London) AFP (Agence France-Presse, Paris) AKH (al-Akhbar, Beirut) AP (Associated Press [Internet]) BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation World Service [Internet]) CNN (Cable News Network [Internet]) DS (Daily Star, Beirut) HA (Ha’Aretz [Internet], Tel Aviv) IMEMC (International Middle East Media Center, Bayt Sahur) INN (Israel National News [Internet]) JP (Jerusalem Post [Internet], Jerusalem) JTA (Jewish Telegraphic Agency [Internet]) MNA (Ma‘an News Agency, Bethlehem) NYT (New York Times, New York) OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Weekly Briefing Notes, Jerusalem) PCHR (Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Gaza) PNN (Palestine News Network, Ramallah) REU (Reuters [Internet]) ToI (Times of Israel, Jerusalem) UNNC (UN News Center) WAFA (Palestine News Agency [Internet]) WP (Washington Post, Washington) WSJ (Wall Street Journal, New York) XIN (Xinhua–New China News Agency, Beijing) YA (Yedi’ot Aharonot, Tel Aviv)