#اليوميات ـــــــ الفلسطينية: ملخصات صحفية منذ الهجوم على غزة، 1-31 كانون الاول/ديسمبر 2024

Editor's Note: These entries are compiled by the Palestine Chronology researcher from the period of December 1-31, 2024. The gathered summaries are based on initial reporting.

December 1

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Umm Safa; no injuries are reported. Israeli settlers also damage corn crops in Khallet Khadr. Israeli forces bomb Sir, killing 4 Palestinians. Israeli forces also raid Tabqa, violently dispersing Palestinians with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, al-Mawasi, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 47 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Yaroun and Maroun al-Ras. In Yemen, Houthi forces launch a projectile at Israel, which is intercepted over the Red Sea.  (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; UNOCHA 12/3; UNOCHA 12/5)

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More than 44,429 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,250 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 802 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 169 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 379 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,456 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. UNRWA announces the suspension of aid deliveries through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, citing a deterioration in the security situation. UNRWA also says that there are more than 415,000 Palestinians sheltering in UNRWA schools in Gaza. The WHO delivers food, fuel, and medical supplies to the Kamal Adwan Hospital. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; AJ, NYT 12/2; UNOCHA 12/3)

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The Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs Commission and the Palestinian Prisoners Society say that 2 Palestinian prisoners, abducted from Gaza, have recently died in Israeli prisons. Mohammad Abdul-Rahman Idris died on 11/29 at the Ofer Prison, while Moath Khaled Rayan died on 11/2 after being abducted in Gaza on 8/25. (WAFA 12/1)

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Hamas officials discuss ceasefire negotiations with Egyptian officials in Cairo. (REU 12/1)

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The PA presidency releases a statement expressing support for the Syrian Arab Republic and the Syrian people as rebel groups appear to gain more territory in a renewed offensive against the government. (HA 11/29; NYT, WAFA 12/1)

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Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir orders the police to ban mosques in Israel from broadcasting the call to prayer. (WAFA 12/1; AJ 12/2)

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Extremist settler activist Hananel Gurfinkel is appointed to head the Israeli Finance Ministry’s Custodian of Absentee Property division. (HA 12/1)

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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, discussing the need for more aid to enter Gaza and efforts for a ceasefire. (AJ 12/1)

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Kuwaiti emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah calls on the international community to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and condemns the genocide against the Palestinian people in his opening remarks at the GCC summit in Kuwait. After the summit, the GCC leaders call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and condemn Israel’s crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing. (AJ, WAFA 12/1; AJ 12/2)

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U.S. president-elect Donald Trump names Lebanese American businessperson, and his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law, Massad Boulos as his advisor on the Middle East. Trump also meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife Sara at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT 12/1; HA 12/2)

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Royal Jordanian is the first international airline to resume flights to Beirut after all carriers except for Middle East Airlines suspended flights to Lebanon in October. (AJ 12/2)

December 2

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot olive tree saplings in Khallet Khader. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man near the separation wall in Tulkarm. Israeli forces also deliver demolition notices for 2 homes in Khirbet al-Fakhit and a shack in al-Tabban in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces uproot around 150 olive trees in al-Minya. Israeli forces also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. 3 Palestinian families from the Ni’lin area flee their homes after repeated settler threats and violence. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force 2 Palestinians families to demolish their own homes and a commercial structure in Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Abasan, Beit Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, killing at least 37 people. Israeli forces also order the evacuation of parts of Khan Yunis, claiming a rocket was launched from the area. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Haris, Hawash al-Sayyid Ali, Wadi al-Zein, Yaroun, Yater, and Tallouseh, killing 12 people and injuring 3 others in Haris and Tallouseh. Israeli forces also bomb a bulldozer in Hermel, injuring a Lebanese soldier. Elsewhere, Israeli forces open fire at homes in Naqoura. Hezbollah forces fire a missile at Shebaa Farms. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; UNOCHA 12/5)

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More than 44,466 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,358 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 802 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 169 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 379 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,456 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/2)

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Fatah and Hamas delegates meet in Cairo, discussing the governance of Gaza after Israel’s war, including reopening the Rafah crossing with the PA managing the Palestinian side. A committee will reportedly be formed to manage aid distribution, oversee the civil administration, and coordinate reconstruction efforts. (AJ, AJ 12/2; AJ, HA, HA 12/3)

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Haaretz reports that Israel is planning to forcibly displace thousands of Bedouins from their homes in the Naqab Desert to temporary caravan parks. (HA 12/2)

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Hamas says Israeli forces have killed 33 captives in Gaza since 10/7/2023, mostly in airstrikes. Hamas also says that if Israel continues its “mad war” it may lose all the captives and calls for Israel to enter a ceasefire. U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says in a tweet that if the captives are not released by his inauguration on 1/20/2025 then “there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.” The Gaza Media Office says 3,700 people are missing or have been killed in Israel’s attacks on northern Gaza in the past 60 days. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 12/2; NYT 12/3)

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Ynet reports that France has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon 52 times and that Israel is acting without consulting the international committee tasked with monitoring the deal. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot tells Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar that all parties must adhere to the ceasefire agreement. (AJ 12/2)

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More than 100 countries send delegations to the Cairo Ministerial Conference to Strengthen Humanitarian Response in Gaza held in Egypt. At the conference, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says Gaza has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world. PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa also addresses the conference, calling for an immediate ceasefire. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

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ICC president Tomoko Akane says international law is under threat as the court has faced “coercive measures, threats, pressure, and acts of sabotage.” Akane does not mention the perpetrators, but the statements follow several threats from U.S. lawmakers. (AJ, AJ 12/2)

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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, discussing a ceasefire in Gaza and the need for more aid to enter Gaza. (HA 12/2; AJ 12/3)

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U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) says in a tweet that former Israeli defense minister Moshe Ya’alon is right that Israel is carrying out ethnic cleansing in Gaza, writing “[y]ou don’t fight terrorism by starving people & killing tens of thousands of civilians.” Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) writes in a Washington Post op-ed titled, History will judge Biden harshly on Gaza, that President Joe Biden should correct some of his mistakes in his Middle East policy by recognizing the State of Palestine, pausing offensive security assistance, banning import of goods from Israeli settlements, and sanctioning “ultraright” members of the Israeli government. (AJ, AP, WP 12/2; WAFA 12/3)

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Canada lists the Houthi movement as a “terrorist entity.” (AJ 12/3)

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Lufthansa and Swiss Air extend their suspension of flights to Tel Aviv until 1/31. (AJ, HA 12/2)

December 3

In the West Bank, Israeli forces bomb Aqabah, killing 2 people and injuring another. Israeli forces also ram and injure a Palestinian child and injure others with tear gas during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Mazra’a ash-Sharqiya. Israeli forces also raid the government hospital in Tubas, arresting a doctor and a nurse. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raid al-Mughayyir, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish a home and raze agricultural lands in Nabi Samwil. Separately, Israeli forces demolish a home and an agricultural structure in Nahalin. Israeli forces also uproot around 300 olive tree saplings in Jayyus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issue demolition notices for a school and 3 homes in Umm al-Safaa. Israeli forces also arrest 18 Palestinians during raids in and around Salfit, Hebron, Ramallah Bethlehem, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child in Silwan. In Gaza, Israel bombs Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Shati’ refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 36 people. Israeli forces also bomb the Kamel Adwan Hospital and besiege the Abu Tamam school in Beit Lahiya. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Shebaa Farms, Beit Lif, Tyre, and Bint Jbeil. In Syria, Israeli forces assassinate Hezbollah member Salman Jamhah, bombing the car he was in near Damascus,. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; UNOCHA 12/5; UNOCHA 12/10; UNOCHA 12/12)

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More than 44,502 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,454 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 805 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 380 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/3)

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The Palestinian Prisoners Society says Israel has arrested 11,900 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 790 children and 136 journalists, and at least 47 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody. B’Tselem releases a report on Israel’s abuse of Palestinians who have been arbitrarily arrested in Hebron between May and August 2024. In the report, 25 Palestinians describe being subjected to violence, humiliation, and abuse by Israeli soldiers after being detained; all were released shortly after the abuse. (AJ, BTS, HA, WAFA 12/3; HA 12/4)

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French president Emmanuel Macron announces that he and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman will co-chair a conference in June next year on the establishment of a Palestinian state. Macron makes the announcement after he and bin Salman met in Riyadh, where the 2 also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The announcement is made before 157 UN members vote in favor of General Assembly resolution “Peaceful settlement of the Palestinian Question,” which calls for holding a 2-state solution peace conference in New York from June 2-4 2025. 8 UN members oppose the resolution, including Israel, the U.S. Hungary, and Argentina, while 7 abstain. The General Assembly also passes a resolution to annually commemorate the Nakba, with 101 countries voting in favor, 27 against, and 42 abstaining.  (AJ 12/3; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/4)

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UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says aid to Gaza is “outrageously being blocked,” blaming political will, not logistics. (AJ 12/4)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire with Hezbollah does not end Israel’s war on Lebanon. Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati says diplomatic contacts have intensified to stop Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal. (AJ, HA 12/3)

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U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel says the U.S. is “outraged” over the killing of aid workers in Gaza over the weekend and is asking Israel for more information. (AJ, HA 12/3)

December 4

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a home and 2 vehicles during a raid in Huwwara. Israeli settlers also start fires in Beit Furik. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attack Israeli soldiers, injuring 2. Israeli forces beat an elderly Palestinian man to death on his own land in Aqraba. Israeli forces, dressed as Palestinian civilians also raid the Arab Specialized Hospital in Nablus, arresting a Palestinian patient. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish 2 commercial structures in Huwwara. Israeli forces also prevent Palestinians from working their land in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, Beit Lahiya, and al-Mawasi, killing at least 30 people, including at least 21 in an airstrike on al-Mawasi. Israeli forces also injure 3 medics in the Kamal Adwan Hospital courtyard in a drone strike and blow-up homes using booby-trapped robots in Beit Lahiya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces force thousands of Palestinians to evacuate Beit Lahiya and walk south. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, Khiam, Sawwaneh, Zawtar, and Aitaroun. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/5; UNOCHA 12/10)

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More than 44,532 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,538 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 806 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 380 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. 11 Palestinian children with cancer and their 20 companions are evacuated from Gaza to Jordan for treatment. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4)

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The Palestinian Prisoners Society reports that 45-year-old Palestinian prisoner Mohammad Walkid Hussein Ali has died in an Israeli prison after being arrested last week. (AJ, WAFA 12/4; UNOCHA 12/12)

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AP reports that Hamas and Fatah are close to reaching an agreement on the future governance of Gaza after negotiations in Egypt. (AJ, AP, HA 12/4)

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The Lebanese health ministry says 4,047 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since 10/8/2023, while 16,638 others have been injured. (AJ, HA, REU 12/4)

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Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani says the incoming Trump administration wants a ceasefire deal in Gaza “now, today even.” Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar says Israel is serious about reaching a ceasefire deal to release the captives. Saar also meets with new EU high commissioner for foreign policy Kaja Kallas, saying Israel wants to “open a new page in our relations” with the EU. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was reportedly in Qatar and Israel in November, discussing ceasefire negotiations. Axios reports that Israel has given Hamas an updated ceasefire proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. (AJ, AX, HA, REU 12/4; AJ, AP, HA 12/5)

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The Government Pension Fund of Norway divests from the Israeli telecom company Bezeq, citing Bezeq’s services in Israeli settlements. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 12/4)

December 5

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers place barbed wire around the homes of 12 Palestinian families in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Israeli forces uproot around 60 olive trees and destroy water irrigation networks in Nahalin. Israeli forces also fire tear gas at Palestinians during raids in Beit Furik, Qalqilya, Dura, Fawwar refugee camp, and Kafr Dan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 28 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Beit Lahiya, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing 48 Palestinians, including 15 people in an apartment building in Beit Lahiya and 2 patients at the Kamal Adwan Hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Bint Jbeil, injuring 5 people. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; UNOCHA 12/10)

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More than 44,580 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,739 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 806 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 380 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/5)

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The Palestinian Prisoners Society announces that Palestinian prisoner Alaa Marwan Hamza Mahlawi has died in the Naqab Prison after being taken from Gaza on 12/21/2023 and says that Israel is withholding the bodies of 46 Palestinians who have died in Israeli prisons since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 12/5)

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Amnesty International says that it has found that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Amnesty says Israel is violating at least 5 acts banned by the 1948 Genocide Convention, including killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about a group’s physical destruction. U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel says the U.S. finds the allegations of genocide are “unfounded.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry calls Amnesty “a deplorable and fanatical organization” that has “once again produced a fabricated report.”  (AI, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 12/5)

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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa speaks to new EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas about the need for EU recognition of a Palestinian state and for the EU to pressure Israel to end its attacks on Gaza. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/5)

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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich tells employees of the Civil Administration that he hopes to close the department as Israel is going to annex the West Bank during the upcoming Trump administration. Smotrich says he has spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter about annexation. (AJ 12/5)

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The PA tables 2 draft resolutions at the UN General Assembly set to be voted on on 12/11. The first resolution demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while the second deplores Israel’s judicial and physical attacks on UNRWA. (AJ 12/6)

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German military chief of staff Carsten Breuer meets with Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi in Israel. (AJ 12/6)

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Hezbollah says Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon more than 60 times. (AJ 12/5)

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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar in Malta, discussing the need for more aid to enter Gaza. (AJ, HA 12/5)

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Former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant is in New York. The U.S. says it will not arrest Gallant as it rejects the validity of the ICC arrest warrant issued for him. (AJ 12/6)

December 6

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian herder in al-Farisiya, forcing him to leave his land. Israeli settlers also set up an outpost in al-Burj. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Furik. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Rafah, Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, reportedly killing more than 60 people, including at least 20 in Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli forces also raid and forcibly evacuate the Kamal Adwan Hospital, reportingly killing 33 people, open fire at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, and shoot and kill a Red Crescent member in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Yohmor al-Chaqif, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, and Odeisseh. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb the Arida and Jousieh crossings between Syria and Lebanon and deploy more troops to the Golan Heights. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire a missile at Israel which is intercepted before impact. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; AJ 12/7; UNOCHA 12/10; UNOCHA 12/12)

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More than 44,612 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,834 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 807 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 380 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/6)

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Hamas official Basem Naim says ceasefire negotiations have resumed. (AJ, AP, AP, HA 12/6)

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The Arab League postpones an emergency meeting on Israel’s attacks on Palestine scheduled for 12/8. (WAFA 12/6)

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The German foreign ministry says Germany rejects Amnesty International’s report from 12/5 that says Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The ministry says that it does not believe Israel is intending to carry out a genocide.  (AJ 12/6)

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UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres tweets “[t]he catastrophe in Gaza is nothing short of a complete breakdown of our common humanity. The nightmare must stop. We cannot continue to look away.” (AJ, WAFA 12/7)

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Anadolu news agency reports that Israel has violated the ceasefire in Lebanon 155 times since 11/27/ (AJ 12/7)

December 7

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Taybeh. Israeli settlers also attack and injure a Palestinian man and vandalize his vehicle during a raid in Turmus ‘Ayya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to a residential tent during a raid in al-Minya. Israeli settlers also vandalize 15 olive trees and a water well in Yasuf. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers vandalize homes, solar panels, and steal sheep during a raid in Yatta. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man at the Qalandia checkpoint. Israeli forces also seize 3 vehicles during a raid in Birzeit and a vehicle during a raid in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, and Ramallah. 2 Israeli soldiers are injured in a car ramming near Fawwar refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Jabalia refugee camp, and al-Mawasi, killing at least 52 people. Israeli forces also bomb the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, injuring 4 Palestinians and disabling the generator, causing a power outage. A group of international doctors deployed by the WHO are evacuated from the hospital 5 days after arriving. An Israeli soldier is killed in southern Gaza. 18 Palestinians taken from Gaza in recent months are released to Gaza and taken to the European Hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lif and Deir Siryan, killing 6 people. In Syria, Syrian government forces retreat from the Quneitra area after opposition forces start closing in on Damascus. Israel subsequently says it forces have invaded further into Syria to “strengthen the defense in the area.” (AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/7; NYT 12/8; UNOCHA 12/10; UNOCHA 12/12)

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More than 44,664 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 105,976 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 808 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 381 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/7)

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Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani says at the Doha Forum that he sees momentum in Gaza ceasefire talks in part is due to a push for a ceasefire by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. Hamas Shura Council chairperson Muhammad Ismail Darwish meets with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the forum. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 12/7)

December 8

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tent in al-Minya for the second day in a row. Israeli settlers also destroy an agricultural structure in Farkha. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Beit Lahiya, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 44 people. Israeli forces also shell the Kamal Adwan Hospital, damaging electricity equipment and oxygen pumps. In Lebanon, 4 Israeli soldiers are killed in an Israeli caused explosion in southern Lebanon. In Syria, Israeli forces further expand their invasion of the Syrian territory in the Golan Heights. Israeli forces also bomb the customs headquarters and other buildings in Damascus. U.S. forces bomb 75 targets, saying they are linked to Islamic State. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; AJ, HA, REU 12/9; UNOCHA 12/10; UNOCHA 12/12)

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More than 44,708 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,050 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 808 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 381 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/8)

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Syrian president Bashar al-Assad flees Syria to Russia where he is granted amnesty, effectively ending the al-Assad regime’s control of the country. Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammad al-Julani, take control of Damascus after rapidly taking control of Aleppo, Homs, and Hama in the past week. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Israeli-occupied Syria, claiming the fall of al-Assad is a direct result of Israel’s war on Hezbollah and that the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria “has collapsed,” prompting him to direct the military on 12/7 to “seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby.” The Israeli military closes parts of the occupied Golan Heights to civilian movement. The PA issues a statement saying it stands by the Syrian people. (AJ, HA 12/7; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 12/8; AP, AP 12/9)

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Pope Francis unveils the annual nativity scene in the Vatican, this year made by Palestinian artisans from Bethlehem. The Jesus figure in the nativity scene lays on a keffiyeh. (WAFA 12/8)

December 9

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalize homes in al-Jiftlik with graffiti. Israeli forces bomb Tubas, killing 2 people and raid the city, opening fire at a Palestine TV crew, damaging their vehicle. Israeli forces also assault 4 Palestinians during a raid in al-Mughayyir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man during a raid in Dura. Israeli forces also demolish 2 homes in al-Walaja and issue stop-work notices for 2 homes in Yasuf and for 10 homes in Nablus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Dura, Surif, Ya’bad, and Silwad. PA forces shoot and kill a Palestinian teenager and shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Maghazi, Beit Hanun, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 50 people. Israeli forces also advance on al-Mawasi and open fire from helicopters in al-Bureij refugee camp. 3 Israeli soldiers are killed in northern Gaza. In the Naqab, the Israeli Land Authority and Israeli police demolish several homes in Umm Mitnan. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb dozens of sites throughout the country, including airports and military bases, claiming to be targeting suspected chemical weapons and long-range missile sites. Israeli forces have reportedly reached the outskirts of Qatana near Damascus. In Yemen, Houthi forces launch a drone at Yavneh, damaging a residential building. (AJ 12/8; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; HA, WAFA 12/10; HA 12/11; UNOCHA 12/12; TOI 12/13; AJ 12/14)

—

More than 44,758 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,134 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 810 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,463 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 12/9)

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Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reports that Hamas has provided a list of Israeli captives to Egypt that it is ready to release as part of a ceasefire deal that would also see Palestinian prisoners released. An Israeli delegation is also reportedly in Cairo for negotiations. (HA, NYT, REU 12/9)

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Hamas congratulates the Syrian people on “achieving aspirations of freedom and justice.” (AJ 12/8; AJ 12/9)

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The Jenin Brigades releases a video warning the PA to stop arresting its members otherwise will be forced turn its weapons on the PA. The warning follows an explosion in Jenin that injured 3 PA police officers and a civilian couple and the killing of an unarmed teenager today. (HA 12/9; WAFA 12/10)

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The Israeli government approves a new law banning international NGOs from operating in Israel if they provide support to Palestinians who are involved in BDS or “promote delegitimization activities” against Israel. (HA 12/9)

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Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar claims that the Israeli invasion of areas of Syria it has not previously occupied is limited and temporary. Military Intelligence Directorate director Shlomi Binder meets with the Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif to discuss the fall of Basher al-Assad. Hamas, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran condemn Israel’s invasion of, and attacks on, Syria. Syrian ambassador to the UN Qusay al-Dahhak sends letters to the UN Security Council and secretary-general Antonio Guterres condemning the Israeli attacks on Syria. (AJ 12/8; AJ, HA 12/9; AJ 12/10; AJ 12/14)

December 10

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rams a Palestinian child near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Silat ad-Dhahr. Israeli forces also assault 2 Palestinians during a raid in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize 94 dunams (23.2 acres) of land in Bayt Jala to expand an Israeli settler road. Israeli forces also demolish an agricultural structure in Kafr ad-Dik. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 40 Palestinians during raids in and around Jericho, Hebron, Qalqilya, Jenin, Tubas, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers seize an apartment building owned by relatives of PA Jerusalem governor Adnan Gheith in Silwan, forcibly evicting 10 Palestinians, including 6 children. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, Beit Hanun, al-Bureij, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 28 Palestinians, including 25 in Beit Hanun. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb dozens of sites throughout the country, reportedly killing 2 Syrian civilians in Deraa. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10; AJ 12/11; UNOCHA 12/12; UNOCHA 12/17)

—

More than 44,786 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,188 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 810 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. The Gaza Health Ministry says 60 patients at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya are at risk of dying from starvation. The UN says it has been largely blocked from delivering aid to northern Gaza since 10/6 when the Israeli ground invasion of the north began. (NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/10; AJ, AP 12/11)

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The UN Security Council discusses the situation in Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 12/11)

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World Central Kitchen fires 62 workers in Gaza after Israel accuses them of being linked to militant groups. World Central Kitchen says its action “should not be taken as a conclusion by WCK that the individuals are affiliated with any terror organization … we do not know the basis for Israel’s decision to flag these individuals.” (HA, REU 12/10; HA 12/12)

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The Israeli military says it has bombed Syria 480 times in the past 48 hours, calling its bombing campaign Operation Arrow of Bashan/Golan. Israeli Army Radio says Israel has destroyed 80% of the Syrian army’s military capabilities. Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel will create a “sterile defense zone” in southern Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that Israel will strike forcefully against the new Syrian leaders if they allow “Iran to re-establish itself in Syria, or permits the transfer of Iranian weapons or any other weapons to Hezbollah, or if it attacks us.” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says Syria’s neighbors should not “encroach on the territory of Syria” when asked about Israeli airstrikes on the country. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 12/10; AJ, AP 12/11)

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Hezbollah says in a statement that it hopes that Syria stabilizes and takes a firm stand against the Israeli occupation. (AJ 12/10)

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Prime Minister Netanyahu takes the stand for the first time in the corruption trial against him. Netanyahu calls the charges against him absurd and claims his trial is politically motivated in part because of his opposition to a Palestinian state. (HA, REU 12/9; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 12/10; HA 12/11)

December 11

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man and arrest 2 others during a raid in Bizarya. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in Abu Dis. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes and uproot more than 50 olive trees during a raid al-Fakhit in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also demolish a home and 2 water wells in as-Samou in the Masafer Yatta area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. An Israeli child is shot and killed and 3 others are injured at a bus station near Bayt Jala. Israel arrests a Palestinian man they claim is the perpetrator. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Hanun, Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, al-Mawasi, and Maghazi, killing dozens of people, including at least 33 people in Beit Lahiya. Israeli forces also issue an evacuation order for parts of Maghazi. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ainata, Bint Jbeil, and Beit Lif, killing 5 people. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Latakia, Damascus, and Tartus. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11; AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA 12/12)

—

More than 44,805 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,257 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 810 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (HA, WAFA 12/11)

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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with EU special representative for the Middle East peace process Sven Koopmans in Ramallah. (WAFA 12/11)

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An Islamic Jihad delegation led by Secretary-General Ziyad al-Nakhalah arrives in Cairo for ceasefire negotiations. Mossad director David Barnea meets with Qatari prime minister Mohammed Abdulrahman al-Jassim Al Thani in Doha, discussing a ceasefire deal. (HA 12/11; HA 12/12)

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The Israeli military says 4 combat groups will remain in Syria beyond the area already occupied by Israel. UN special rapporteur on the promotion of human rights Ben Saul says the Israeli campaign to take out all Syrian weapons is illegal under international law. Iran calls on states in the region to unite in stopping Israel from taking more territory in Syria. France calls on Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and withdraw from the Golan “separation zone.” (AJ, HA, HA 12/11)

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The UN General Assembly approves a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza with 158 votes in favor, 9 votes against, and 13 abstentions. The 9 countries voting against are Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Israel, Nauru, Papa New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, and the U.S. The General Assembly also votes in favor of a resolution expressing support for UNRWA and condemning the new Israeli legislation banning it with 159 votes in favor, 9 against, and 11 abstentions. The 9 countries voting against are Argentina, Israel, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, and the U.S. Hamas welcomes the ceasefire resolution. (AP, HA, REU 12/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 12/12)

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Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin announces that Ireland will intervene on the side of South Africa in its genocide case against Israel at the ICC. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11)

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Paraguay says it will move its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The PA condemns the decision, saying Paraguay is standing on the wrong side of history. It is the second time Paraguay has decided to move its embassy to Jerusalem. (AP, HA 12/11; AJ, AP, REU 12/12)

December 12

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a home and vandalize and damage a water well in Jabaris. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man and injure 4 others during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Qalqilya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also demolish 7 Palestinian structures in Area B near Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in Za’atra. Israeli forces also evict a Palestinian family from their home in Jalbun for 4 days to turn it into a military outpost. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 40 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Salfit, and Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing dozens of Palestinians, including at least 33 people in an airstrike on a post office sheltering refugees in Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli forces also bomb and kill 15 people tasked with guarding humanitarian aid convoys in Rafah and Khan Yunis. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and kill Palestinian doctor Saeed Joda while he is heading from the Kamal Adwan Hospital to al-Awda Hosptial. Israeli forces also order the evacuation of parts of the Rimal and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khiam, killing 1 person. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb the Damascus area. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA 12/13; UNOCHA 12/17)

—

More than 44,834 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,356 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 812 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/12)

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Israel seizes 55 dunams (13.5 acres) of land near Qatanna and Biddu to expand the Har Adar settlement. (WAFA 12/12)

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Haaretz reports that 4 Palestinians have died while being interrogated by the Shin Bet since 10/7/2023. (HA 12/12)

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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Abbas also inaugurates the new Palestinian embassy building in the Vatican and meets with Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati in Rome. The PA, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the OIC, and the GCC condemn Israel’s massacre of Palestinians in Nuseirat refugee camp. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/13; WAFA 12/14)

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UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says he is “concerned over the hundreds of Israeli air strikes on several locations in Syria.” U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan defends Israel’s conduct in Syria during a trip to Israel, saying Israel is identifying “potential threats” and “neutralizing” them. Sullivan meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying after the meeting that it is time to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza and that he got the sense that Netanyahu is ready for a deal. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israel is attacking Syria to make sure that military equipment does not fall into the “wrong hands.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 12/12; AP 12/13)

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Former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant meets with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. Gallant has an ICC warrant out for his arrest. (AJ 12/13)

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Airwars releases “Patterns of harm analysis, Gaza October 2023,” a report on the first 3 weeks of Israel’s war on Gaza after 10/7/2023. The report concludes that by “almost every metric, the harm to civilians from the first month of the month of the Israeli campaign in Gaza is incomparable with any 21st century air campaign. It is by far the most intense, destructive, and fatal conflict for civilians that Airwars has ever documented.” (Airwars 12/12)

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U.S. president-elect Donald Trump tells Time magazine that he is not committed to the 2-state peace proposal he presented in his previous presidency and that a lasting peace does not necessarily include 2 states. (AX 12/12)

December 13

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot olive trees during a raid in Khirbet Tana. Israeli settlers also raid Arab al-Milehat. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man with a mental disability during a raid in Bayt Awa. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian man in Hebron. Israeli forces also assault 2 Palestinians during a raid in Nabi Salih. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 40 Palestinians. Israeli forces also bomb the Kamal Adwan Hospital, injuring 3 medics and causing damage. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, Sweida, and Masyaf.  (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/13; AJ 12/14)

—

More than 44,857 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,454 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 813 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (HA, WAFA 12/13)

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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella in Rome. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/13)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz tour Mount Hermon, which in a social media post Katz says has returned to Israeli control after 51 years. Katz also says in a statement that Israel’s plan is to remain at Mount Hermon during the winter. U.S. Central Command commander Michael Kurilla finishes a 3-day visit to Israel, meeting with Katz and Israeli military chief of staff Herzl Halevi. Axios reports that Israel and Jordan held secret talks about security cooperation on Syria. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 12/13; AX 12/14)

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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan in Turkey, while National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discusses the ceasefire negotiations with Qatari prime minister Mohammed Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during a meeting in Doha. (AJ, REU, REU 12/13)

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The Arab League condemns the Israeli expansion of its occupied areas of Syria. (AJ 12/13)

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The Hague district court rejects a petition to stop the Netherlands from exporting weapons to Israel and trading with Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AP 12/13)

December 14

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal 25 cows during a raid in Tayasir. Israeli settlers also throw stones at a Palestinian home near Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at vehicles and assault a Palestinian near the Eli settlement. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, and Jerusalem. PA forces conduct a large-scale raid on Jenin refugee camp after surrounding the camp for 5 days, calling it operation “Operation Protect the Homeland” and seeking to “put an end to sedition and chaos.” The PA forces shoot and kill Jenin Brigades commander Yazid Ja’ayseh, while injuring 22 others. Palestinians in Jenin later protest the PA, calling on it to stop its operation. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own storage facility in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Jabalia refugee camp, al-Mawasi, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 55 people, including Dayr al-Balah mayor Diab al-Jaru, in what Israel calls an assassination. Israeli forces also issue evacuation orders for parts of Khan Yunis. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, Homs, Deraa, Suweida, and Hama. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; AJ, AJ, NYT, NYT 12/15; AP 12/16; UNOCHA 12/17)

—

More than 44,930 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,624 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 813 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (HA, WAFA 12/14)

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The New York Times reports that the PA raids on Jenin had been requested by the U.S. The Popular Resistance Committees condemn the killing of Ja’ayseh, saying it is “a serious violation of all national norms and traditions.” Hamas also condemns the killing, saying it will “fuel internal disputes.” Axios reports that the U.S. has asked Israel to urgently approve U.S. military aid to PA forces. (AJ, HA, NYT 12/14; AX 12/15)

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Leader of the successful Syrian rebellion against Bashar al-Assad, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, warns Israel against interfering in Syria but says that Syria is not in conflict with Israel and is not in a position to wage a conflict with Israel. Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi says Israel is “not intervening in what is happening in Syria” and that Israel does not have intentions of “managing Syria.” Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Qassem says Syria is facing a “dangerous expansionist enemy.” (AJ, HA, HA 12/14)

December 15

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also seize a road roller and a water tanker during a raid in al-Masara. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seize several vehicles during a raid in Bayt Liqya. Israeli forces also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Hanun, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Jabalia refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 46 people, including 20 in an attack on an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also storm an UNRWA school in Beit Hanun, reportedly killing 43 people and forcibly evicting the survivors. An Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp also kills Al Jazeera journalist Ahmad Baker al-Louh and 3 members of the Civil Defense, including its local leader. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Deir ez-Zor, Tartus, and Hama. Israeli forces also block a road between Quneitra and Daraa. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, NYT, REU 12/16; UNOCHA 12/17)

—

More than 44,976 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,759 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 813 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 12/15)

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The Israeli cabinet approves a plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, allocating $11 million to double the settler population there. Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE condemn the plan, with the UAE saying it “threatens further escalation and tension in the region.” Germany calls on Israel to abandon its plan. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 12/15; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT 12/16)

—

Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland because the Irish government has “extreme anti-Israel policies” and “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.” Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar calls Irish prime minister Simon Harris anti-Semitic. Prime Minister Harris says in response to Israel’s decision to close the embassy that “I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law.” Ireland’s embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv will remain open. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU 12/15; REU 12/16)

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U.S. president-elect Donald Trump speaks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call. The 2 discuss developments in Syria and negotiations to release the Israeli captives held in Gaza, according to a statement by Netanyahu. (AJ, HA, REU 12/15; AP, HA, REU 12/16)

December 16

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers light an agricultural structure on fire in Salfit. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in ‘Askar refugee camp. Israeli forces also assault a 13-year-old Palestinian boy in Beit Furik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fire tear gas near a school in al-Khader. Israeli forces also demolish 40 shops and a home in al-Ramadin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 6 homes in ‘Anata. Israeli forces also issue stop-work orders for 3 structures in Dayr Sharaf. Separately, Israeli forces issue notices that Israel will seize 47 dunams (11.6 acres) of land near Qalqilya. Israeli forces also arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin. PA forces raid Jenin, clashing with members of the resistance. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 11 structures in al-Bustan in Silwan, displacing 78 Palestinians. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Shati’ refugee camp, Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 52 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb al-Najariyah, injuring 3 people. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Tartus and seize Al Wahda Dam. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb an alleged key Houthi command facility. Houthi forces say they fired a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv; it is reportedly shot down before reaching Israel. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; AP, HA 12/17; HA, UNOCHA 12/19)

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More than 45,028 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 106,962 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 814 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 384 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, WAFA 12/16)

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Reuters reports that an Israeli negotiation team is in Doha working on Gaza ceasefire talks. (HA, HA, REU 12/16)

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Hamas condemns the PA forces’ attack on the Jenin Brigades, calling it a “national crime.” (AJ 12/16)

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EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas proposes that the EU restart convening meetings of the Association Council with Israel. Kallas also says that the EU has plans to hold its first High-Level Dialogue with the PA soon. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar welcomes the decision to reconvene the Association Council. (HA 12/17)

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8 Democratic senators led by senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Peter Welch (D-VT) urge the Biden administration to designate the Palestinian territories for Temporary Protected Status and protect Palestinians in the U.S. from potential deportation. (HA 12/16)

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Members of Aysenyr Ezgi Eygi’s family meet with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken. A family member tells the press that Blinken said the U.S. would not open its own investigation into her killing until Israel had finished its own inquiry. Ezgi Eygi, an American citizen, was killed by Israeli forces in Beita on 9/6. (AJ, HA, REU 12/16)

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Amnesty International issues a report saying that Serbia has used spyware by the Israeli company Cellbrite to target journalists and activists. (REU 12/16)

December 17

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians by the separation wall in Sufin. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in ‘Anin. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Zabbuba. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians using tear gas during a raid in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also demolish structures on a 5 dunam (1.2 acre) plot of land in Deir Ballut. Separately, Israeli forces demolish 2 vacation homes in Nuweimah. Israeli forces also raze land near Deir Razih in preparation to construct a settler road. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Mawasi, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 31 people. Israeli forces also invade al-Mawasi. 2 Israeli soldiers are killed in southern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, injuring 3 people. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; UNOCHA 12/19)

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More than 45,059 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,041 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 816 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 386 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/17)

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Hamas says that a ceasefire can be reached due to the positive talks held in Doha and Cairo but warns that Israel may be adding new conditions to prevent a deal. Israeli defense minister Israel Katz says Israel will continue to have full freedom of action in Gaza after a ceasefire is reached. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 12/17; AJ 12/18)

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16 leading Palestinian human rights organizations sign an open letter to the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Alice Edwards, informing her that they have suspended all engagements with her until further notice. The groups explains that Edwards has not acted on Israel’s systematic human rights violations against Palestinians, including prisoners. (Mezan 12/17; REU 12/18)

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172 countries vote in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution affirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 7 countries vote against, including the U.S., Israel, Argentina, Paraguay, Micronesia, and Papua New Guinea. (WAFA 12/17; AJ 12/18)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, and military chief of staff Herzl Halevi meet on Mount Hermon in Syria, discussing Israel’s plans for its occupation of the area. Netanyahu says Israel will remain at Mount Hermon until another arrangement is in place “that ensures Israel’s security.” (AP, AP, AP, HA, NYT 12/17; REU 12/18)

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Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar calls Irish president Michael Higgens an “anti-Semite” 2 days after he called Irish prime minister Simon Harris an anti-Semite. Israel closed its embassy to Ireland on 12/15 after Ireland called several times for accountability for Israel’s genocide in Gaza. (AJ 12/17; AJ 12/18)

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20 Democratic members of the House of Representatives send a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the Biden administration to uphold U.S. laws and end the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel. 5 Palestinians sue the U.S. government for not abiding by the Leahy Law. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA 12/17; AJ 12/18)

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Haaretz reports that there has been a breakthrough in normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Both Saudi and Israeli officials deny the reports. Prime Minister Netanyahu calls the claim that Israel has committed to a path toward Palestinian statehoods a “complete lie.” (AJ, HA, HA 12/17)

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Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness calls on FIFA to investigate Israel a day after Norway is drawn in the same group as Israel for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. (AJ, WAFA 12/17)

December 18

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Qusra on 12/17. Israeli settlers try to steal livestock from Palestinians in al-Farisiya. Israeli forces ram and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also assault Palestinians during a raid in Marda. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raze farmland in Yasuf and ‘Askar refugee camp. Israeli forces also arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jerusalem. PA forces continue raiding Jenin in a purported effort to combat the Jenin Brigades. An Israeli settler is injured when unidentified gunmen open fire on a settler bus near Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Hanun, Beit Lahiya, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 38 people. Israeli forces also bomb the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, starting a fire in the hospital’s ICU. Meanwhile, Israeli forces order the evacuation of parts of al-Bureij refugee camp. In Lebanon, Israeli forces demolish homes in Tayr Harfa, al-Jebbain, Shiheen, and Naqoura. In Yemen, Israeli forces bomb Sanaa, as-Salif, Hodeidah, and Ras Isa, killing 9 people and destroying electrical infrastructure leading to mass power outages in Sanaa. Houthi forces fire missiles at Ramat Efal in Tel Aviv, destroying a school. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/18; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA 12/19)

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More than 45,097 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,244 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 817 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 386 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/18)

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The Israeli military acknowledges that earlier this month Israeli settlers entered Lebanon and set up a camp before being dispersed. (AJ, HA 12/18)

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At the UN Security Council, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls for an immediate ceasefire and points out that several organizations have found that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. (AJ 12/18)

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Haaretz publishes an article based on interviews with Israeli soldiers stationed at the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, which is described as a kill zone for Palestinians. Soldiers say that there is an arbitrary boundary within which Israeli forces shoot to kill any Palestinian who enters and counts them as a terrorist. Divisions also reportedly compete with each other to kill more Palestinians in the zone and soldiers express excitement and joy when shooting Palestinians entering the zone. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/18)

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U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan says ceasefire negotiations are close to being finalized but that there is disagreement about the names of captives and prisoners that would be exchanged in the first phase. The first phase of the ceasefire would reportedly last 6-8 weeks, during which 30 captives would be released from Gaza and hundreds of prisoners would be released by Israel. Israel would also allow more aid to enter Gaza, reopen the Rafah crossing, and Israeli troops would gradually withdraw from some population centers. A permanent ceasefire would be negotiated during the first phase. CIA director Bill Burns arrives in Qatar, meeting with Qatari prime minister Mohammed Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.  (NYT 12/17; AJ, AJ, HA 12/18; AP 12/19)

December 19

In the West Bank, Israeli forces bomb Tulkarm, killing 4 Palestinians riding in a vehicle and injuring 3 bystanders. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 2 Palestinians, including an 80-year-old woman, and injure another during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue a punitive demolition notice for a home in Rafat and take measurements for 3 punitive demolitions in Aqabah. Israeli forces also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Tulkarm. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Shati’ refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 32 people, including 15 people in 2 attacks on the Dar al-Arqam and Shaaban al-Rayes schools in Gaza City. In Syria, Israeli forces seize a Syrian military base in Maariyah and prevent Syrian farmers from working their land near the base. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19)

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More than 45,129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,338 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 823 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 386 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/19)

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PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation summit in Cairo, saying full Palestinian membership of the UN is the key to regional stability. Turkish president Recep Tayyib Erdogan calls for an arms embargo on Israel. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian calls on Muslim countries to unite to end Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Abbas meets with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the summit. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19)

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Haaretz reports that the Israeli Security Cabinet has ordered the increase of security coordination between the Israeli military and the PA security forces and that the cabinet will consider transferring defensive weaponry to the PA. The decisions are reportedly linked to the PA’s fight against resistance groups in Jenin. (HA 12/19)

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The UN General Assembly votes to request an ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s obligation to facilitate aid to Palestinians and its obligation to allow UNRWA to operate in Palestinian territories. The resolution is adopted with 137 votes in favor, 10 against, and 22 abstentions. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 12/19)

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Doctors Without Borders releases a report titled “Gaza: Life in a death trap”, saying that there are “clear signs of ethnic cleansing as Palestinian life is being wiped off the area” in northern Gaza. The organization also writes that its observations in Gaza are consistent with what other organization have found: “that genocide is taking place in Gaza.” (AJ, WAFA 12/19; AJ 12/20)

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Human Rights Watch releases the report “Extermination and Acts of Genocide: Israel Deliberately Depriving Palestinians in Gaza of Water.” The report says that Palestinians in Gaza only have between 2 and 9 liters of water a day because Israel deliberately is depriving Gaza of water. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HRW, REU, WAFA 12/19)

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Israeli ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, as well as MKs and settler leaders visit a hilltop near northern Gaza to discuss the resettlement of Gaza. (HA 12/20)

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9 Palestinian Americans sue the U.S. government for failing to rescue them or their family members trapped in Gaza during Israel’s war. The lawsuit accuses the State Department of discriminating against Americans of Palestinian origin by abandoning them in a war zone while it would evacuate other Americans in similar settings. (REU 12/19)

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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says in an interview with MSNBC that he hopes the incoming Trump administration will continue the Biden administration’s work on normalizing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. (AJ, HA 12/19)

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Irish prime minister Simon Harris says at a European Council meeting in Brussels that he wants the EU to address its double standards in relation to supporting international law in Ukraine but not in Gaza. (AJ 12/20)

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The Spanish parties Sumar, Podemos, the Republican Left of Catalonia, the Basque EH Bildu, and the Galician Nationalist Bloc urge the government to enforce a full military embargo on Israel and place political and economic sanctions on it. (AJ 12/19)

December 20

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and write racist graffiti on walls and the ground during a raid in Marda. Israeli settlers also set up a new outpost near Arab al-Milehat. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian vehicle near Kardala, causing damage. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Wadi Qana. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Husan. PA forces continue raiding Jenin, clashing with the resistance. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Hanun, Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 77 people. Israeli forces also bomb the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. A Palestinian infant dies due to exposure to cold weather while sheltering in a tent with her family in al-Mawasi. In Lebanon, Israeli forces blow up several homes in Yaroun. In Syria, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Syrian protester during a demonstration against the Israeli invasion in Maariyah. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; AJ, AJ 12/21; UNOCHA 12/24; UNOCHA 12/26)

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More than 45,206 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,512 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 823 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 170 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 386 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/20)

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Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and PFLP delegations meet in Cairo, discussing ceasefire talks and plans for post-war Gaza. (AJ, HA 12/21)

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Sweden announces that it will no longer help fund UNRWA and instead will fund other organizations that provide aid in Gaza. UNRWA commissioner-general Phillippe Lazzarini says Sweden’s move “comes at the worst time” for Palestinian refugees. Morgan Johansson, Foreign policy spokesperson for the leading Swedish opposition party the Social Democrats, calls the decision “catastrophic” while Green Party spokesperson Amanda Lind says the Swedish government is playing “Israel’s game.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/20; WAFA 12/22)

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Israel’s Channel 12 reports that U.S. Middle East aid envoy Lisa Grande demanded in a call with Israeli COGAT head Ghassan Alian that Israel publicly declare that it is not deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza and that Israel cancel all evacuation orders in Gaza. (AJ 12/20)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells the Wall Street Journal that he will not agree to a deal that ends Israel’s war on Gaza before “we remove Hamas.” (HA 12/21)

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The UN Security Council extends the peacekeeping mission between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Syria for 6 months, expressing concern that current Israeli military activity in the area could escalate tensions. The resolution extending the mission also demands that both parties abide by the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement which Israel says is voided by the collapse of the Assad regime. (AP, HA, REU 12/20)

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A U.S. judge finds that the NSO Group is liable for its spyware Pegasus being used to target 1,400 people. The lawsuit was brought by WhatsApp, whose servers were used to install the spyware on the victims’ devices. (AJ, HA, HA 12/21)

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The Polish newspaper Rzecpospolita reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu will not attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland on 1/27/2025 due to fears that he could be arrested. (HA 12/20)

December 21

In the West Bank, a 7-year-old Palestinian boy is killed after he reportedly comes in contact with an Israel landmine in a previously designated “firing zone” in the Rashaida area of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers attack farmers and vandalize a home during a raid in Burqa. Israeli settlers also place large stones on a road in Wadi Fukin, blocking it. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Faqqua. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in Qusra, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man during a raid in Beita. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jerusalem. PA forces disperse protesters in Jenin, while also clashing with members of the resistance. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force 2 Palestinian families to demolish their own homes in Jabel Mukaber and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, and Shati’ refugee camp, killing at least 21 people. Israeli forces also continue assaulting the Kamal Adwan Hospital, opening fire at the ICU and incubators. All medical teams remaining at the hospital are reportedly trapped in the same room as Israel has demanded that everyone evacuate the hospital. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb Sanaa, reportedly attempting to assassinate members of the Houthi movement’s leadership. Houthi forces fire a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel, injuring 23 people in Tel Aviv, mostly from glass shrapnel. (NYT 12/20; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/21; UNOCHA 12/24; UNOCHA 12/26)

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More than 45,227 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,573 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 825 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 171 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 386 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. The World Food Programme says Israel has denied 97% of its requests to deliver aid to northern Gaza since October. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/21)

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Hamas says it, Islamic Jihad, and the PFLP are closer than ever to reaching a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The 3 groups also call for an end to the fighting in Jenin to preserve national unity. Haaretz reports that Israel has agreed to release 200 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies that Marwan Barghouti could be released as part of a ceasefire agreement. (AJ, HA 12/21; HA 12/22)

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In his annual Christmas address, Pope Francis condemns Israel’s war on Gaza, saying what Israel is doing is “cruelty. This is not war.” (AJ, REU, WAFA 12/21; AP 12/22)

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Walla news reports that Israel used civilian contractors to demolish homes and establish military infrastructure in Rafah. (AJ 12/21)

December 22

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian property during a raid in Dahariya. Israeli settlers also set up a new outpost near Bardala. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians during a raid in Yatma, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrest a Jordanian doctor who had been part of a medical relief delegation in Gaza at the Allenby Bridge crossing. PA forces clash with resistance fighters in Jenin. 1 PA soldier and 3 members of the resistance are reportedly killed. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Beit Safafa. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, al-Mawasi, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 32 people. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa enters Gaza to hold mass in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfar Kila. In Syria, Israeli forces arrest 2 people in al-Baath.  In Yemen, 2 U.S. fighter pilots are ejected from their F-18 fighter jet shortly before it is shot down. Both sustain minor injuries. The U.S. claims that it was a friendly fire incident, while the Houthi movement says it shot down the jet. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ 12/23; UNOCHA 12/26)

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More than 45,259 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,627 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 825 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 171 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 386 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. Kamal Adwan Hospital director Husam Abu Safia tells Reuters that it would be almost impossible to follow the Israeli orders and evacuate the hospital, due to the limited available ambulances. Abu Safia says that 400 civilians are sheltering at the hospital and that babies in the neonatal unit depend on oxygen and incubators. Haaretz reports that the Israeli military estimates that 70% of buildings in Jabalia refugee camp have been destroyed. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 12/22)

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The Jenin Brigades issues a statement condemning the PA for following Israeli policies of fighting the resistance and warns PA soldiers not to engage in the fight against the resistance on behalf of the PA. The statement also says that the PA has extrajudicially executed 14 Palestinians since 10/7. (AJ 12/22)

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Peace Now reports that Israeli settlers have set up 7 outposts in Area B, including 5 in the “Agreed-Upon Reserve” near Bethlehem, 1 Ein Yabrud, and 1 in Turmus ‘Ayya. (PCN 12/22)

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Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid says there is nothing left to achieve in Gaza, calling on the government to reach a ceasefire deal to release the captives and to prepare for the future of Gaza. Lapid says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war due to his own political interests. National Unity Party leader and former war cabinet member Benny Gantz also criticizes Netanyahu for sabotaging ceasefire negotiations for his own political reasons.  (AJ, HA 12/22)

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Mossad agents tell 60 Minutes that the Israeli pager attack in Lebanon in September was a psychological warfare operation. (AP, HA 12/22; HA 12/23)

December 23

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raze Palestinian farmland near Khalayel al-Loz. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man at the Qalandia checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man and demolish a home during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Beita. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seize a Palestinian vehicle during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian woman during a raid in Husan. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tubas. Israeli forces also detain and interrogate dozens of Palestinians at a football stadium in Fawwar refugee camp. PA forces continue clashing with resistance fighters in Jenin. A Palestinian child is reportedly killed by PA forces while a PA officer is killed by members of the resistance. Jenin residents observe a general strike, protesting the PA attacks on the resistance. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish part of their home in Sur Baher. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Mawasi, killing at least 58 people, including around 20 in explosions at the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Israeli forces also order the evacuation of parts of the Shuja’iya neighborhood of Gaza City and attack security forces protecting an aid convoy in Dayr al-Balah. 3 Israeli soldiers are killed in Beit Lahiya. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Taybeh, killing 2 people and injuring a third. In Yemen, Houthi forces launch a drone at Israel which is shot down over the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA 12/24; AP 12/25; UNOCHA 12/26)

—

More than 45,317 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,713 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 825 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 171 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 389 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/23)

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PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Irish prime minister Simon Harris in a phone call. Harris reiterates to Abbas the “unbreakable [Irish] support” for the Palestinian people. PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos in Ramallah. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 12/23)

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Fatah announces that Al Jazeera is barred from operating in parts of the northern West Bank, including Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm, saying Al Jazeera’s coverage is aligned with the “Zionist-American axis” and undermines the Palestinian cause. Al Jazeera condemns Fatah for what it says is incitement against their journalists covering the PA raids on the Jenin resistance. Hamas condemns the PA raids against members of the resistance in Jenin. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU 12/24)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there has been some progress on a ceasefire deal. Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly admits that Israel assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 12/23; AJ, AJ, AJ 12/24)

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Israel signs a deal to sell the Barak MX air defense system to Slovakia for $580 million. (AJ 12/23)

December 24

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Khirbet al-Halawa in the Masafer Yatta area, storming Palestinian homes. Israeli forces kill 8 Palestinians during raids in Tulkarm refugee camp and Nur Shams refugee camp, including 7 in drone strikes and 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also destroy vast amounts of infrastructure and private property. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians at a checkpoint near Beit Umar. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Furik. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians men and assault and injure a woman during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man immediately after releasing him from custody in Hebron. Separately, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes under construction and raze several olive trees during a raid in Hizma. Israeli forces also raze Palestinian farmland in Haris. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Salfit. PA forces reportedly shoot and kill an unarmed person in Jenin refugee camp. PA forces also clash with members of the resistance in Tammun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a commercial structure in Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Hanun, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 21 people, including 2 Civil Defense members. Israeli forces also raid and forcibly evacuate the Indonesian Hospital and shell the third floor of al-Awda Hospital.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/24; AJ 12/25; UNOCHA 12/26)

—

More than 45,338 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,764 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 833 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 171 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 389 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/24)

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The Gaza Media Office says Israel is providing support to the thieves who are stealing aid in Gaza by targeting police and aid security personnel. The UN says that 23 out of 66 aid trucks were plundered on 12/22 after the convoy was attacked and separated by an Israeli airstrike. The front 43 trucks succeeded in reaching a warehouse, however the rest, stuck behind the damage from the airstrike, were looted. (AP 12/23; AJ, REU 12/24)

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The Israeli military finds that the Israeli army had a “circumstantial influence” on the decision to kill 6 Israeli captives held in Gaza. The captives were allegedly killed by their guards when they heard Israeli soldiers closing in on their location. (AJ, HA, REU 12/24)

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The Israeli Prime Minister’s office issues a statement saying that an Israeli delegation has returned from Doha after a “meaningful week” of ceasefire talks. (AJ, HA 12/24)

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Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati calls on the ceasefire monitoring committee to pressure Israel to end its violations of the ceasefire agreement and to withdraw from southern Lebanon. (AJ 12/24; NYT 12/27)

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The Times of Israel reports that Defense Minister Israel Katz has said Israel will target the Houthi movement’s leadership. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar orders Israel’s diplomatic missions to lobby EU members and the UK to designate the Houthi movement as a terrorist organization. (AJ, HA, REU 12/24)

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The Knesset extends the state of emergency until 12/16/2025. (AJ 12/24)

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The Famine Early Warning Systems Network, a U.S.-funded group created by USAID, removes a report from its website warning that famine is likely underway in northern Gaza. The report is removed after U.S. ambassador to Israel Jack Lew called the assessment “irresponsible” and pointed out that the data in the report is outdated due to Israel having ethnically cleansed northern Gaza. AP later reports that the Biden administration pressured the group to withdraw the report. (AP, HA 12/24; AJ, NYT 12/25; AJ, AJ, AP, HA 12/26)

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Der Spiegel reports that Germany has approved new arms exports to Israel worth $31 million. (HA 12/24)

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Japan donates $100 million in aid to Palestine through various international organizations. (WAFA 12/24)

December 25

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 agricultural structures in Arab al-Milehat. Israeli settlers also bring their sheep to graze on Palestinian farmland in al-‘Awja, damaging crops. Israeli forces kill a Palestinian child in a drone strike on Tammun. Israeli forces also kill a Palestinian man by firing an RPG at his home in Qaffin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces continue the second day of raids in Tulkarm refugee camp, shooting and injuring 4 Palestinians, demolishing a home, and destroying public and private property; 1 Israeli soldier is injured by an IED. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in al-Am’ari refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also demolish a park containing a swimming pool, restaurant, café, and other facilities in Nahalin. Separately, Israeli forces demolish a commercial structure in Nabi Ilyas. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm and Ramallah. A PA soldier dies of wounds sustained in Jenin while he was disarming an explosive device on 12/22. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Shati’ refugee camp, killing at least 23 people. A 3-week-old baby freezes to death in al-Mawasi tent camp. In Syria, Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 people protesting the Israeli invasion in Quneitra. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire a missile at Ashkelon, no damage is reported. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/25; UNOCHA 12/26)

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More than 45,361 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,803 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 835 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 389 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 12/25)

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Israeli president Isaac Herzog calls on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal. Hamas says Israel has put forth several new conditions for the deal. Netanyahu says it is Hamas that is reneging on understandings already agreed to. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 12/25; AX 12/27)

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Prime Minister Netanyahu says at a Hanukkah candle lighting event that the “Houthis will also learn what Hamas, Hezbollah, the Assad regime and others have learned, and this will also take time. This lesson will be learned across the Middle East.” (AJ 12/25)

December 26

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort visit Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus. Israeli settlers also graze their sheep on Palestinian crops in Khirbet al-Tuba in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Ya’bad. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian man in Madama. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue a punitive demolition notice for a home in Bal’a. Israeli forces also arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Jericho, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir leads a settler tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound. Ben-Gvir says he prayed at the compound. The PA, Egypt. and Jordan condemn the visit. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Rafah, killing dozens of people, including around 50 people, including 5 doctors, in an airstrike on a building adjacent to the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. Israeli forces also kill 5 Palestinian journalists traveling in a broadcast van clearly marked as press outside of al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat refugee camp. Israel subsequently claims the 5 journalists were involved in “combat propaganda.” A Palestinian infant dies from cold weather in Gaza, raising the infant death toll from the cold weather in the past 72 hours to 4. An Israeli soldier is killed in northern Gaza. In Yemen, Israeli forces bomb power station and airports in Sanaa and Hodeidah, killing 6 people and injuring 40 in attacks. WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says members of his crew were injured in an Israeli attack on Sanaa airport where he and his colleagues were waiting to board a plane out of the country. (NYT 12/25; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WHO 12/26; AJ, AP, HA, REU 12/27)

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More than 45,399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 107,940 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 836 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 390 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA, WAFA 12/26)

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Israeli forces leave Qantara, Adshit al-Qusayr, and Wadi al-Hujeir in Lebanon after being asked to by the ceasefire committee members. (AJ 12/26)

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UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres condemns the Israeli airstrike on the airport in Sanaa where WHO director-general Ghebreyesus was present and during which a World Food Programme employee was severely injured. (AJ 12/27)

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AP reports that Israeli attorney general Gali Baharav-Miara has ordered an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife Sara on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses against Netanyahu in his corruption trial. (AP, AP, HA 12/26; AJ 12/27)

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The New York Times reports that on 10/7/2023 Israel changed it civilian protection protocols to allow more civilian casualties in attacks on Gaza. (HA, NYT, NYT, REU 12/26)

December 27

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Jalazone refugee camp. Israeli forces also uproot trees and seize a bulldozer during a raid in Madama. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevent Palestinians from working their land in Umm al-Qaba. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Hanun, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Shati’ refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 37 Palestinians. Israeli forces raid the Kamal Adwan Hospital, forcibly evacuating it and setting parts of it on fire. Israeli forces reportedly kill several members of the hospital’s staff. Around 350 people are taken a nearby school where some of them are stripped to their underwear and then taken to an unknown destination. Some, including the hospital’s director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, are taken to Israeli detention camps outside of Gaza. In Herzliya, a Palestinian man stabs and kills an Israeli woman before being shot and injured. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Qousaya. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb a road near the Lebanese border. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire missiles at Ben Gurion Airport; the U.S.-deployed THAAD missile defense system reportedly shoots down the missiles. U.S. and UK forces bomb Sanaa. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/27; AJ, AJ, AP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; AJ, HA 12/29; AJ, HA 12/30; UNOCHA 12/31; UNOCHA 1/2)

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More than 45,436 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 108,038 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 836 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 390 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 12/27)

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Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, the Arab League, and the OIC condemn Israel’s destruction of the Kamal Adwan Hospital. (AJ, WAFA 12/27; AJ, WAFA 12/28; WAFA 12/29)

December 28

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and injure 3 Palestinians and vandalize a vehicle during a raid in Silwad. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Tulkarm. Israeli forces also arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Hebron. PA forces clash with members of the resistance in Jenin. Palestinian journalist Shatha al-Sabbagh is shot and killed while reporting in Jenin; she is reportedly killed by PA forces. A member of the PA forces is also shot and killed. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Jabel Mukaber, displacing 6 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanun, al-Mawasi, Maghazi, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 48 Palestinians, including Rimal neighborhood police chief Talat Joda. Israeli forces also issue an evacuation order for areas in Beit Hanun and bomb al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb sites in the Marjayoun area and invade Qantara and Taybeh, setting homes on fire. In Yemen, Houthi forces say they have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; AJ, HA, WAFA 12/29; AJ 12/30; UNOCHA 12/31; UNOCHA 1/2)

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More than 45,484 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,500 children and 11,487 women, and around 108,090 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 836 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 390 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (HA, WAFA 12/28)

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The WHO says the Kamel Adwan Hospital has been emptied after Israeli forces raided and burned parts of it down yesterday. (AJ, AJ, WAFA 12/28)

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Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with Hamas political bureau deputy chairperson Khalil al-Hayya in Doha, discussing ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, HA 12/28)

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Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar says Israel will continue to deploy forces in Gaza for “the foreseeable future” but that there are no plans to resettle Gaza. (AJ 12/28)

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The Times of Israel reports that the Israeli military has “vastly expanded” the Netzarim Corridor which cuts through Gaza between Gaza City and Wadi Gaza. The paper says the corridor is currently about 18 square miles, about 13% of Gaza. (AJ 12/28)

December 29

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and threaten Palestinians and steal 6 tents during a raid in Khalayel al-Loz. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man near the separation wall in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in Dura. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. A video shows a group of settlers singing, dancing, and praying at the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Hanun, and Rafah, killing at least 30 Palestinians, including 7 in a direct attack on al-Wafaa Hospital in Gaza City. A Palestinian infant dies of hypothermia. An Israeli soldier is killed in northern Gaza after being hit by a tank turret. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Meiss Ej Jabal. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Adra, killing at least 11 people. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/29; AJ, AJ 12/30; UNOCHA 12/31; UNOCHA 1/2)

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More than 45,514 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,189 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 836 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 391 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. Israel says it will not allow the Kamal Adwan Hospital to reopen. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 12/29)

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51-year-old Palestinian prisoner Ashraf Abu Wardah dies at the Soroka Medical Center after being transferred there from the Ktzi’ot Prison on 12/27. Abu Wardah was arrested on 11/20/2023 and did not have any known health issues at the time. (AJ, WAFA 12/29; UNOCHA 12/31)

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Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan says Hamas went into the current ceasefire negotiations with maximum flexibility but that Israel continues to go back on items already agreed to. Egyptian sources tell Al Arabiya that ceasefire negotiations may collapse due to Israel’s conduct. (AJ, HA 12/29)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu undergoes surgery, having his prostate removed. Netanyahu’s office says the operation was successful. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT 12/29)

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Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia condemn the Israeli settler tours of the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, WAFA 12/29; AJ 12/30)

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The Washington Post reports that the Israeli military used the AI tool Habsora (The Gospel) to generate hundreds of Palestinian targets in Gaza after it had exhausted its kill list in the early weeks of the Israeli war on Gaza. The Post reports that the use of Habsora may have been a factor in Israel “significantly” expanding the number of civilian casualties it finds acceptable for each attack. Breaking the Silence and the New York Times have reported that the number of civilian casualties acceptable in the targeting of a low-level militant is about 15-20 while the number is much higher for mid- to high-level militants. +972 Magazine reported on Habsora on 11/30/2023. (+972 11/30/2023; WP 12/29; HA 12/30)

December 30

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers abduct and assault a Palestinian man in ash-Shuyukh before leaving him at an Israeli checkpoint. Israeli settlers also raze farmland in Umm al-Sharqhan in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces issue demolition notices for 13 homes in ‘Anata. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 27 Palestinians. A Palestinian infant dies due to hypothermia, bring the number of hypothermia-related infant fatalities in the past 7 days to 6. Hundreds of tents are flooded and damaged by inclement weather in Dayr al-Balah and Mawasi. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat in northern Gaza. 2 rockets are launched at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces raid government buildings in Quneitra and al-Baath. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire a missile at Ben Gurion Airport, which is intercepted near Jerusalem. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30; HA 12/31; UNOCHA 1/2)

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More than 45,541 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,338 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 836 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 392 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/30)

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The Palestinian Prisoner Society says 4 Palestinians taken from Gaza to Israeli detention centers have died while in detention, bringing the number of known deaths in Israeli prisons since 10/7/2023 to 54. (AJ, WAFA 12/30; UNOCHA 12/31)

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PA president Mahmoud Abbas extends condolences to the family of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter who died on 12/29. Abbas eulogizes Carter as “great peacemaker” and “the first American president to recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.” (WAFA 12/30) 

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France condemns Israel’s targeting of hospitals in Gaza, including the Kamal Adwan Hospital, and expresses concern for Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and other staff Israel has forcibly disappeared. WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus and Amnesty International call for Abu Safiya’s immediate release. MK Ahmad Tibi requests to visit Safiya in detention, urging Israeli defense minister Israel Katz to release him. CNN reports that Abu Safiya is held at the Sde Teiman detention camp. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/30)

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Israeli energy minister Eli Cohen threatens to have Houthi movement leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi assassinated if the Houthis continue their military action against Israel. (AJ 12/30)

December 31

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian man in Arab al-Milehat. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Halhul. Israeli forces also assault a school bus driver at the Tayasir checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Jiftlik. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish an apartment building under construction and raze 2 roads in Dahiyat al-Salam. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, and Gaza City. There is no new update from the Gaza Ministry of Heath on the number of casualties today. Israeli forces also destroy a sewage pumping station in Gaza City. 2 rockets are launched at Israel. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb Sanaa. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/31)

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More than 45,541 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,338 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 836 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children.  More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 393 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. 55 wounded Palestinians and 75 companions are evacuated to the UAE from Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/31; AJ 1/1)

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More than 23,000 Palestinians were killed and 51,000 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics says the population of Gaza has decreased by 6% since 10/7/2023 due to Israel’s killing of 45,500 people and the displacement of around 100,000 people to outside of Gaza. UNOCHA says 2024 saw 1,400 incidents of incidents of Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the highest number since it began monitoring 20 years ago. PLO’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission says it counted 2,971 settler attacks in 2024. UNOCHA also reports that 4,253 Palestinians were displaced due to Israel’s demolition of 1,762 structures. The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs says at least 54 Palestinian prisoners died while in Israeli detention in 2024, making it the deadliest year for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Peace Now says Israel has approved plans for the construction of 9,884 new settlement housing units in 2024.  (AJ, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 12/31; AJ, HA 1/1; UNOCHA 1/2; WAFA 1/5)

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The Hebron municipality says Israeli forces are working on excavating and extending the Ibrahimi Mosque. (AJ 12/31; WAFA 1/1)

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PA prime minister Mohammed Mustafa speaks with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, discussing the situation in Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 12/31)

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Hamas urges the international community to send relief supplies and tents to Gaza to help protect displaced people from the cold. (AJ 12/31)

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A UN Human Rights Office report says that the 136 Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza between 10/7/2023 and 6/30/2024 have pushed the health sector in Gaza “to the brink of total collapse.” The report also says that Israeli allegations that Palestinian militants are using hospitals in Gaza have not been substantiated and are sometimes contradictory to publicly available information. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOHCHR, WAFA 12/31)

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In a year-end review published by the Shin Bet, Israel acknowledges that it assassinated  Hamas political bureau deputy chairperson Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut on 1/2. (AP 12/31)

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The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics says 82,700 people emigrated from Israel in 2024. (AJ, HA 12/31; AP 1/1)

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The World Bowls Tour announces that Israeli bowlers will not be allowed to participate in the World Indoor Bowls Championships in England due to the intense political situation related to Israel. (AJ, REU 12/31)