In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a home and a vehicle in Burqa. Israeli settlers also open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Wadi Fukin; no injuries are reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers install an iron gate leading to the depopulated village of Khirbet Samra. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near Faqqua. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Husan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in the back near Hebron. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Qalqilya. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Qusra. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Anan and a water well and a house under construction in al-Raihiyeh. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 35 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Jericho, and Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 35 people, including at least 15 in a school in the Shuja’iya neighborhood of Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Chamaa, killing 4 Syrian farm workers and injuring 5 others. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/1; UNOCHA 8/2)
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More than 39,480 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,128 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 587 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 139 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,166 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. 4 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Israel releases 15 Palestinians who have been detained in Israel to Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/1; UNRWA 8/6)
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The Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainee Affairs says a Palestinian man held at the Sde Teiman detention camp died on 6/17 after being tortured. The man’s father received a call today notifying him of the death of his son. Separately, Haaretz reports that the Palestinian man who was raped by Israeli soldiers at Sde Teiman before being transferred to a hospital has been returned the detention camp. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/1; WAFA 8/5)
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Israel announces the seizure of 7,902 dunams (1,950 acres) of land in Iskaka for the expansion of the Nofim Haniya settlement. (AJ, WAFA 8/1)
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Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah gives a televised speech, saying Hezbollah is considering how to respond to the killing of Fuad Shukr on 7/30 and reiterates Hezbollah’s denial of involvement in the killing of 12 Druze people in Majdal Shams on 7/27. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 8/1)
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Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leads a prayer service for Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The New York Times and Axios report that Haniyeh was killed by an explosive device installed 2 months ago in the apartment he was known to stay at when visiting Iran. According to the Times, the apartment is part of a larger compound which is guarded by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah was also reportedly staying in the next-door apartment, which was lightly damaged by the explosion. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, AX, HA, NYT, NYT 8/1; NYT 8/3)
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U.S. president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris speak with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call, discussing U.S. defensive military deployments to the Middle East in support of Israel. Axios reports that Biden told Netanyahu that the U.S. will assist Israel if Iran responds to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, but that the U.S. expects Israel to stop escalating and move toward a ceasefire in Gaza. Biden also speaks with Turkish president Recep Tayyib Erdogan who tells him Israel does not want a ceasefire, noting that Haniyeh was leading the ceasefire negotiations. Biden tells reporters that the assassination of Haniyeh does not help ceasefire negotiations. Erdogan declares 8/2 a day of mourning for Haniyeh in Turkey. Pakistan also declares 8/2 a day of mourning for Haniyeh. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls on “all parties” to stop “escalatory actions” in the Middle East. Blinken also speaks with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan al Saud and UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in separate phone calls. (AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, REU 8/1; AJ, AX, HA 8/2; HA, NYT 8/3)
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Israel claims that Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul, who was killed alongside a colleague in Shati’ refugee camp on 7/31, took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and was a member of Hamas. Al Jazeera rejects the claim, pointing out that Israel detained al-Ghoul on 3/18 after raiding al-Shifa Hospital and released him shortly after. The UN Human Rights Office calls on Israel to stop killing journalists. Israel also claims that it has “definite proof” that Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif was killed on 7/13 in airstrikes that killed more than 90 people in al-Mawasi. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 8/1; NYT 8/4)
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Australia clarifies that it has not changed its position on the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights after Foreign Minister Penny Wong called Majdal Shams an “Israeli town.” (AJ 8/1)
In the West Bank, a Palestinian Red Crescent volunteer succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Balata refugee camp on 7/27. Israeli settlers set fire to olive trees in Zeita. Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in al-Bireh. Israeli forces also fire stun and tear-gas grenades during a raid in Umm Safa, starting fires in 2 homes. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raze farmland near Ramin. Israeli forces also arrest 13 Palestinian during raids in and around Ramallah, Tayasir, al-Yamun, Tubas, Nablus, Tulkarm, ad-Doha, al-al-Asakra, Kisan, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest Supreme Islamic Council head Ekrima Sabri on suspicion of inciting terrorism after he mourned Ismail Haniyeh during a sermon at al-Aqsa Mosque. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 39 people. 10 rockets are fired at the Sufa military base, all are intercepted. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali, Blida, and Ayta ash Shab. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at the al-Rahab military outpost. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/2; UNOCHA 8/5)
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More than 39,519 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,220 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 588 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 139 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. 10 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. A doctor at the Nasser Hospital says the hospital has run out of scrubs. The UN Satellite Centre says the debris generated in Gaza amounts to around 41.95 million metric tonnes, an increase of up to 83% since 1/7. (AJ, UNOCHA 8/2; UNRWA 8/6)
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Israeli interior minister Moshe Arbel sends a letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav Meira, telling her that he intends to revoke Ekrima Sabri’s residency permit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says Israeli ceasefire negotiators will travel to Egypt over the weekend for talks. (AJ, HA 8/2)
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Ismail Haniyeh is laid to rest at the Lusail royal cemetery in Qatar after a funeral service at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. Fatah deputy leader Mahmoud al-Aloul, Fatah Central Committee secretary-general Jibril Rajoub, Hamas member Khaled Mashal, Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Palestinian National Initiative secretary-general Mustafa Barghouti, and Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attend the funeral. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan meets with Mashal in Doha ahead of attending the funeral service. UAE senior adviser to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Anwar Gargash, express condolences to Haniyeh’s family and thanks Qatar for hosting the funeral. The Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv flies it flag at half-staff, leading to Israel summoning the Turkish deputy ambassador for a “severe reprimand.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 8/2; NYT 8/5)
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The U.S. Department of Defense says it is increasing its support for the defense of Israel and that it is ensuring that it is prepared to respond to “various contingencies” by moving additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the Middle East, deploying additional land-based ballistic missile defenses in the region, and deploying an additional squadron of fighter jets. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, discussing the 2 countries joint defense posture. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 8/2; AP, NYT 8/3)
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UK foreign secretary David Lammy speaks with Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz, calling for a ceasefire and a de-escalation with Iran and Hezbollah. Defense Secretary John Healy meets with Defense Minister Gallant. (AJ, HA 8/2)
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Israeli Channel 12 reports that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu shouted at Israeli ceasefire negotiators, including Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, during a meeting on 7/31, calling them “weaklings” and accusing them of working for Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar rather than him. (AX 8/3; NYT 8/4; REU 8/5)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid al-Mughayyir, shooting and injuring a Palestinian, assaulting 5 others and setting a tent on fire. Israeli settlers also set fire to 40 olive trees in Surif. Israeli forces assassinate 5 Palestinians, including Hamas Nablus commander Haitham Balidi and Islamic Jihad commander Abdul Jabber al-Sabbagh, in an airstrike on a vehicle near Tulkarm. Israeli forces also kill 4 people in an air strike on a vehicle in Bal’a near Tulkarm. Later, Israeli forces raid Tulkarm refugee camp, uprooting streets with bulldozers and damaging property. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians, including a child during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Abwein. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 30 Palestinians during raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Hebron, Tubas, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 31 people, including at least 15 at the Hamama school in Gaza City which is bombed twice. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Deir Siriane, killing a Hezbollah member and injuring 6 other people. Israeli forces also bomb Kafr Kila, Tayr Harfa, Rab El Thalathine, and Tyre, killing a person in Tyre. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Avivim and Beit Hillel, causing damage in Avivim. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/3; AP, HA 8/4; UNOCHA 8/5)
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More than 39,550 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,280 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 597 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 139 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. 14 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/3; UNRWA 8/6)
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Mossad and Shin Bet directors David Barnea and Ronen Bar travel to Cairo for ceasefire negotiations before returning to Israel. Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani discusses ceasefire negotiations with EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell in a phone call. (AJ, AX, HA 8/3)
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Hamas says it has started the process of selecting a new political leader to replace Ismail Haniyeh. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile fired from outside of his residence in Tehran. The New York Times has reported that it was an explosive device installed in Haniyeh’s room that killed him. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU 8/3; AJ, AP 8/4)
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A senior official in the Biden administration tells Haaretz that President Joe Biden has realized that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been lying to him about the about efforts to secure the captives held in Gaza. (HA 8/3; AJ 8/4)
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At least 17 countries urge their citizens to leave Lebanon due to the risk of a regional escalation. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT 8/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Deir Sharaf and Kifl Haris, causing damage. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in ‘Arura. Israeli forces also raid Sa’ir, setting fire to several vehicles. Elsewhere, Israeli forces force a Palestinian man to demolish a wall surrounding his home in Jalbun. Israeli forces also impose a curfew on Umm Safa. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, Tubas, and Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 33 people, including at least 4 in a strike on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and dozens at Hassan Salama and al-Nasr schools in Gaza City. Israeli forces also issue new evacuation orders for the southern and southeastern parts of Khan Yunis. 5 rockets are fired at Ashkelon; no damage is reported. In Holon, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man after he allegedly stabs and kill 2 Israelis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hula and Ayta ash Shab, killing 2 members of Hezbollah. Israeli forces also bomb a power conversion station in Taybeh. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Kiryat Shmona, Malkia, Ramya, and Shebaa Farms, injuring 2 Israeli soldiers. In Yemen, Houthi forces attack a cargo ship and shoot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/4; AP, HA, UNOCHA 8/5)
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More than 39,583 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,398 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 597 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 139 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The PA Ministry of Health launches a blood donation campaign for Palestinians in Gaza in collaboration with the Rahma Foundation for Gaza titled Our Blood is One. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 8/4)
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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich seizes $26 million from the PA’s tax revenue to pay to Israeli “victims of terror” inflicted by Palestinians. (AJ 8/4)
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing and will keep its military stationed at the center of Gaza if a ceasefire deal is reached. Israeli sources tell Haaretz that the U.S. is expected to assure Israel that it will support it resuming combat operations after the first stage of the ceasefire. (AJ, HA 8/4; HA, HA 8/5)
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In response to the stabbing attack in Holon, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls on Israelis to “take up arms and use them.” (AJ 8/4)
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Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi visits Tehran, meeting with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. It is the first time in more than 20 years that a Jordanian foreign minister has visited Iran. King Abdullah II speaks with French president Emmanuel Macron in a phone call, discussing the need for de-escalation in the Middle East. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU 8/4; AX 8/5)
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Axios reports that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken told G7 foreign ministers that Iran and Hezbollah could attack Israel within 24-48 hours. (AX 8/5; AX 8/6)
In the West Bank, a Palestinian woman succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during her arrest on 5/21 in Jenin. The woman was first placed in administrative detention but later released due to her deteriorating health condition. Israeli settlers set fire to farmland in Burin. Israeli settlers also steal 2 solar panel systems and 2 refrigerators near Tubas. Israeli forces shoot and injure 5 Palestinians and ram vehicles, injuring 2 others, during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Hableh. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid Nablus in preparation for a settler tour of Joseph’s Tomb, violently dispersing Palestinians with tear gas and starting a fire at a vegetable market. Israeli forces also open fire at vehicles during a raid in Sinjil, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in Jalamah, a home in Bayt Jala, and a water well in al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also arrest 28 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, killing at least 40 people, including 5 police officers in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also order the evacuation of 9 neighborhoods in the center of Khan Yunis. 15 rockets are launched at Israel; no damage is reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shoot and kill a fisherman. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Meiss Ej Jabal and Jebchit, killing a paramedic and a Hezbollah member. In Iraq, 5 American soldiers and 2 military contractors are injured in a rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad Air Base. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/5; AJ, HA 8/6; UNOCHA 8/7)
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More than 39,623 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,469 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 598 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 139 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. 82 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Israeli forces return back to Gaza the bodies of 89 Palestinians that were exhumed from cemeteries in Gaza in a shipping container. The remains of the mostly unidentifiable bodies were buried in a mass grave in Khan Yunis. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 8/5; UNRWA 8/8)
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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa speaks with Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib, discussing the situation in Gaza. (WAFA 8/5)
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B’Tselem releases a report titled “Welcome to Hell – The Israeli Prison System as a Network of Torture Camps,” based on testimony from 55 Palestinians who have been held at Israeli prisons and detention camps since 10/7/2023, including 30 from the West Bank, 21 from Gaza, and 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel. The report says that the “testimonies clearly indicate a systematic, institutional policy focused on the continual abuse and torture of all Palestinian prisoners held by Israel,” including “[f]requent acts of severe, arbitrary violence; sexual assault; humiliation and degradation, deliberate starvation; forced unhygienic conditions; sleep depravation, prohibition on, and punitive measures for, religious worship; confiscation of all communal and personal belongings; and denial of adequate medical treatment.” The Israeli government says it will expand the Sde Teiman detention camp with 2 new wings and allow prisoners to walk around in the yards in response to a petition filed at the High Court of Justice for the detention camp to be closed. The government also claims that prisoners receive appropriate medicine, warm showers, and food. (AJ, BTS, HA, REU 8/5; AJ, HA 8/6; HA, HA 8/8)
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UNRWA announces that it has fired 9 of its Gaza staffers who a UN Office of Internal Oversight Services investigation found “may have been involved in the armed attacks of 7 October 2023.” The investigation also clears 10 other UNRWA employees of the allegations against them. There are 13,000 UNRWA employees in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 8/5)
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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says Israel is removing the threat of Palestinian statehood by “strengthening settlements in construction, development and regulation of settlements and infrastructure.” Smotrich also says “it may be just and moral” for Israel to starve 2 million Palestinians in Gaza until the Israeli captives are released, but that “no one in the world would let us.” The EU condemns Smotrich’s comments, calling on “the Israeli government to unequivocally distance itself from the words of Minister Smotrich.” The UK, Germany, and France also criticize Smotrich for his comments. (AJ, HA, HA 8/5; CNN 8/6; AJ, HA, HA 8/7; AJ, AP, NYT, WAFA 8/8)
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U.S. president Joe Biden speaks with Jordanian king Abdullah II, discussing efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran. Abdullah II warns Biden that Israel is taking unilateral measures in East Jerusalem that threaten the status quo. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, reportedly urging him to press Iran and Hezbollah not to attack Israel. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says the Biden administration has conveyed a message to Iran that the U.S. will defend Israel in case of an attack. Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijarto tells Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz that Iran has informed Hungary that it will attack Israel in response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. U.S. Central Command commander Michael Kurilla meets with Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Israel, coordinating a joint U.S.-Israeli response to a potential attack. Gallant also speaks with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a phone call. Russian Security Council secretary Sergei Shoigu meets with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian and commander of the Iranian armed forces Mohammad Bagheri in Tehran. (AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 8/5; AX 8/6; HA 8/7)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their property in Tuba, injuring 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Marah Rabah, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to vehicles at a parking lot and to olive trees in Yatma. Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians and injure 6 others in an airstrike on a vehicle in Jenin. Israeli forces also raid Jenin and Jenin refugee camp, uprooting streets and damaging property. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill 4 Palestinians, including a child, and injure 7 others during a raid Aqabah. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure 7 others during a raid in Kafr Qud. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man near Bayt Jala after he allegedly stabbed and injured an Israeli soldier. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Tammun. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Tubas, Ramallah, Jenin, Jericho, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces also evacuate parts of the Gi’vat Oz Zion settlement outpost near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan, displacing 7 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 30 people. Israeli forces also order the evacuation of Beit Hanun, al-Manshiyeh, and Sheikh Zeid. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Maifadoun, killing 5 people. Israeli forces also bomb Odaisseh and Khiam, killing one person and injuring another. Hezbollah forces launch a drone at a military facility north of Acre, injuring 3 Israelis. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/6; UNOCHA 8/7; AJ 8/8)
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More than 39,653 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,535 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 609 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. Israel says the humanitarian corridor from the Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing to Rafah is closed. (AP, HA, WAFA 8/6)
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Hamas announces that Yahya Sinwar will replace Ismail Haniyeh as its political leader. Hamas official Osama Hamdan says Sinwar was selected unanimously. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 8/6; AP, AP, AP, REU 8/7; BBC, HA 8/8)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas tells Russian state news agency RIA that the Israeli assassination of Haniyeh was intended to prolong the war on Gaza. Abbas is expected to visit Russia next week. The PA submits arguments to the ICC in the pre-trail case against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. (AJ, AJ, REU, WAFA 8/6)
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Jordanian king Abdullah II speaks with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, French president Emmanuel Macron, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni in separate phone calls, discussing the situation in the Middle East. (WAFA 8/6; AJ 8/7)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are in the final stage, calling on all parties to finalize the deal as soon as possible. President Joe Biden speaks with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President el-Sisi in separate phone calls, discussing ceasefire efforts. (AJ, AP, REU, REU 8/6; AJ 8/7)
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Canada evacuates family members of its diplomatic staff in Israel to Jordan “due to the worsening security situation.” (AJ, REU 8/7)
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U.S. House representative Cori Bush (D-MO) loses her primary contest to the AIPAC-backed candidate Wesley Bell. Bell’s campaign received $8.5 million from AIPAC to defeat Bush. Bush has been a prominent supporter of Palestine during her time in Congress. (AX 8/6; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT 8/7)
In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 8/6 in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians, including 2 children, during a raid in ‘Askar refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also seize residential tents housing more than 10 families in Birin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a home under construction in Furush Beit Dajan. Israeli forces also seize the second floor of a home in Jalbun, turning it in to a military outpost. Separately, Israeli forces blow up the Fatah regional headquarters in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also seize a bulldozer and a truck in Ya’bad. Elsewhere, Israeli forces distribute stop-work orders for 15 homes and commercial structures in Qabalan. Israeli forces also arrest 26 Palestinians during late-night raids; Israel has now arrested more than 10,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since 10/7/2023. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the Yabous Cultural Centre, banning the screening of short films by artists from Gaza. Israeli forces also demolish a commercial structure in Shu’fat refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 24 people, including a Palestinian World Central Kitchen worker in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also order the evacuation of areas within Beit Hanun and Beit Lahiya. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Jwaya, killing one person. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at the Jal al-Allam military site and near Safed. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/7; AJ, NYT, REU 8/8)
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More than 39,677 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,645 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 610 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 8/7)
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The Israeli Civil Administration expands the area around the Migdal Oz settlement that Israel declares “state land,” adding 116.2 dunams (28.7 acres) to the 24,193 dunams (5,978 acres) of land expropriated in 2024. (PCN 8/8)
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The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society calls on the UN to carry out an international investigation of the “systematic torture of Palestinians detainees” in Israeli prisons and detention centers. A video of Israeli soldiers raping a Palestinian prisoner at the Sde Teiman detention camp circulates on social media. When asked about the video, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says he has seen it and that reports of sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees should be investigated by Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/7; WAFA 8/8)
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Turkey requests to formally join the South African genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. Turkey is the seventh country to request to join the case, after Colombia, Nicaragua, Spain, Libya, Palestine, and Mexico. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 8/7; AJ 8/8)
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The OIC releases a statement after an extraordinary meeting in Jeddah blaming Israel for the “heinous attack” on Tehran that killed Ismail Haniyeh on 7/31. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU 8/7; AP 8/8)
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Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian tells French president Emmanuel Macron that the U.S. and Western countries must stop Israel’s genocide if they want to prevent a regional war. Axios reports that Israeli officials have told the U.S. that if a Hezbollah retaliatory attack for the killing of Fuad Shukr harms Israeli civilians the Israeli response would be disproportionate. Several news outlets report that Iran is considering not attacking Israel in exchange for Israel agreeing to a durable ceasefire in Gaza. In response to the reports, the Iranian mission to the UN says Iran has 2 priorities, establishing a ceasefire, including an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and deterring Israel from attacking Iran again. (AP, AX, HA, REU 8/7; AJ 8/8)
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The ambassadors to Japan of the U.S., UK, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Canada say they will not attend the annual memorial service for the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki on 8/9 because Israel’s ambassador has not been invited. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 8/7; AJ, AP 8/8)
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The Marker reports that Israeli diaspora affairs minister Amichai Chikli met with the Israeli spy group Black Cube in June to discuss a possible spy mission against U.S. group Students for Justice in Palestine, but that the proposal was not approved due to concerns over criticism from the U.S. government. (HA 8/7)
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Sri Lanka donates $590,000 to UNRWA. (WAFA 8/7)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolish the family home of a Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli forces in on 4/1. A vehicle parked on the street is also destroyed during the demolition, which was carried out with explosives. Israeli forces also seize a concrete mixer in Deir Balut. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish parts of their home in az-Za’ayyem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Beit Lahiya, killing at least 22 people, including at least 15 at the Abdel Fattah Hamoud and al-Zahraa schools in Gaza City. Israeli forces also order Palestinians in the Khan Yunis villages of Bani Suheila, Abasan, Khuza’a, and Sheikh Nasser to evacuate. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfar Kila, Bint Jbeil, Doueir, Majdal Zoun, Yarine, Rachaf, Hadada, at-Tiri, Ayta ash Shab, and Hula, injuring 3 people in Yarine. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at the Ramim military site, Shlomi, and Kabri. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb a site near al-Shayrat Airport southeast of Homs, injuring 4 Syrian soldiers and causing damage. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/8; HA, WAFA 8/9)
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More than 39,699 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,722 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 610 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. UNRWA says that there has been a 300% increase in malnutrition cases in Gaza since May. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 8/8)
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Israel bas Supreme Islamic Council head Ekrima Sabri from the Haram al-Sharif compound for 6 months. Sabri was arrested on 8/2 after he gave a sermon mourning Ismail Haniyeh. (AJ, WAFA 8/8)
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Officials from the PFLP and Hamas meet in Doha, discussing cooperation between the two parties and the need for national unity. (AJ 8/8)
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The PA releases a statement demanding that the ICC issue an arrest warrant for Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich over his 8/5 comments that Israel should be allowed to starve Palestinians in Gaza. The U.S. calls Smotrich’s comments appalling. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 8/8)
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The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt release a statement extending an invitation to Israel and Hamas for ceasefire talks on 8/15, saying they “are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.” Israel says it will send a delegation. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 8/8; AP, HA 8/9)
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Israel revokes the diplomatic accreditation for 8 Norwegian diplomats working with the PA. The 8 officials will also have their visas revoked in 3 months. Israel says the decision is a response to “a flurry of recent anti-Israel and unilateral steps taken by the government of Norway,” including recognizing the State of Palestine and comments by Norwegian officials. Norway calls the decision “an extreme act” that will have consequences for Norway’s “relationship with the Netanyahu government.” PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh calls the decision dangerous and calls on the EU to respond “in kind.” EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borell condemns the move. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says the revocation of the diplomatic accreditations is not “particularly helpful.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/8)
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with settlement leaders in Tel Aviv, telling them that Israel will work to block sanctions on settlers. Netanyahu also gives an interview with Time, saying Israel should have waged a full-scale war against Hamas years ago, blaming the Israeli security establishment for its reluctance to do so. In the interview, Netanyahu also refers to the West Bank as Israel’s homeland, saying Israel intends to stay there and that Israel is “not going to do ethnic cleansing of Jews anymore [sic] than we’re going to do ethnic cleansing of Arabs.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, TIME 8/8)
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U.S. vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s national security advisor Phil Gordon says in a tweet that Harris does not support an arms embargo on Israel. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 8/8)
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The U.S. military says F-22 Raptor fighter jets have arrived in the “Central Command area of responsibility” to “mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or its proxies.” Iranian acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri tells AFP that the Israeli assassination of Ismail Haniyeh will cost Israel gravely. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. (AJ, AP, HA 8/8; HA 8/9)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers abduct and severely beat a Palestinian man and assault a foreign activist during a raid in Juba. Israeli settlers also attack 4 Palestinian women who accidentally enter the Givat Ronen settlement, setting their car on fire. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian man near Awarta, stopping and damaging his vehicle and attacking him with sticks. Israeli forces shoot and injure an American activist during a raid in Beita, while Palestinians suffer tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Sira. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, al-Mawasi, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 51 people, including journalists Tamim Abu Muammar of Palestine TV and Abdullah Maher al-Suwaisi of al-Aqsa along with several members of their families in Khan Yunis. The Gaza Media Office says 168 journalists have been killed since 10/7/2023. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Sidon, assassinating Hamas official Samer al-Hajj and injuring 2 others. Israeli forces also bomb Naqoura, killing 2 people. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Dovev, al-Manara, and Kiryat Shmona. In Syria, a drone launched by an unknown party attacks a U.S. military site in Rumalyn; no injuries are reported. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/9; AJ, HA, REU 8/10)
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More than 39,750 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 91,722 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 610 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. UNRWA estimates that 60,000 to 70,000 people have fled the Khan Yunis area to al-Mawasi since being forced to evacuate on 8/8. The UN says that 287 aid workers, including 205 UNRWA staffers, have been killed since 10/8/2023. (AJ, NYT, UNOCHA 8/9)
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The Israeli housing ministry publishes new tenders for the construction of 110 housing units in the Alon Shvut settlement. (PCN 8/9)
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Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir extends the ban on visits for Palestinian prisoners by 1 month, saying in a tweet “[t]he damned terrorists deserve the minimum provided by law.” (AJ 8/10)
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The EU transfers $46.9 million to the PA to help pay salaries and pensions. (AJ, WAFA 8/9)
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U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says in an email to Reuters that the U.S. will not sanction the Israeli military’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, claiming that human rights violations carried out by the battalion have been “effectively remediated.” The State Department also says that it has notified Congress that the U.S. will release $3.5 billion in military aid to Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, telling him that it is in no country’s interest to escalate tensions in the Middle East. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby criticizes Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich for publicly opposing the U.S. call for a ceasefire, saying Smotrich “essentially suggests that the war ought to go on indefinitely without pause and with the lives of the hostages of no real concern at all. His arguments are dead wrong. They are misleading the Israeli public.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 8/9; AJ, AJ 8/10)
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French president Emmanuel Macron tweets “The war in Gaza must stop,” showing support for the U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian push for final ceasefire negotiations. Several other countries and organizations issue statements in support of the negotiations. (AJ 8/9)
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Air India pauses all flights to Tel Aviv until the end of October. United Airlines also pauses flights to Tel Aviv without setting a date for their resumption. (AJ, HA 8/9)
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The UK private pension fund Universities Superannuation Scheme divests $102 million from Israeli assets. The Palestinian Mission to the UK “welcome this principled policy.” (AJ, DT, FT 8/9)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian farmland and agricultural equipment in Ni’lin. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Furik, including 2 children. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Marsam. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Rumana. Israeli forces also raid Qusra and Sa’ir, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 40 Palestinians during raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 118 people, including at least 100 people at al-Tabi’in school in Gaza City, which is hit by 3 U.S.-made GBU-39 small diameter bombs. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ayta ash Shab, Khiam, Majdal Selm, Tayr Harfa, Hula, and Blida, injuring 2 people in Majdal Selm. Hezbollah forces launch drones at the Birkat Risha and Michve Alon military sites. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; UNOCHA 8/12)
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More than 39,790* Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 92,002 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 610 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/10)
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Hamas says it is studying the ceasefire invitation and will make an official announcement on its position later. (AJ 8/10)
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The Palestinian Mission to the UN says in a letter to the Security Council that the world must act to stop Israel, citing the attack on al-Tabi’in school in Gaza City, which killed at least 100 people. The mission writes that “[b]y now it should be clear: Israel does not want a ceasefire and will never negotiate in good faith.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas’ spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh calls on the U.S. to end its support for the Israeli genocide. Algeria calls for an emergency meeting of the council on 8/13 to discuss the attack. The Arab League, the GCC, the OIC, the EU, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, the UK, Canada, Belgium, and France condemn the attack. The U.S. says it is deeply concerned about the attack. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 8/11)
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Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi says Jordan will not be a battlefield for any party, adding Jordan will not allow any violation of its airspace. (AJ, HA, REU 8/10)
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U.S. vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s national security advisor Phil Gordon calls for a “swift and credible investigation” into reports of sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli prisons. Gordon also expresses concern about the attack on the school in Gaza City, but repeats the Israeli claim that Hamas uses schools to gather and operate out of. (AJ, HA 8/10)
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*Data released by the Gaza Health Ministry does not include casualties from the attack on al-Tabi’in school.
In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained during an Israeli raid in Jenin on 8/6. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Ramallah. Israeli settlers also attack a home in Khirbet Tel el-Himma, stealing livestock. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalize 100 olive trees in Yasuf. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-‘Ayn. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces install an iron gate at the entrance to Jorat ash-Sham’a near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Jerusalem. An Israeli settler is killed and another injured in an attack near the Mehola settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Municipal workers attack Palestinian vendors in the Old City, demanding that they close their shops ahead of a settler march. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Shati’ refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 22 Palestinians. Israeli forces also issue an evacuation order for al-Jalaa neighborhood of Khan Yunis. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Taybeh, Derdghaiya, Meiss Ej Jabel, Kfarchouba, Kafr Kila, Maaroub, and Jibbain, killing 3 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at military sites in Ruwaisaat al-Alam and Matat. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/11; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 8/12)
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More than 39,790* Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women, and around 92,002 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 612 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 329 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,176 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (WAFA 8/12)
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Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan says Hamas does not want new negotiations for a ceasefire, saying it has already agreed to the U.S.-Israeli proposal from May and is awaiting its implementation. (AJ, AJ, AX, REU 8/11)
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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa speaks with South African foreign minister Ronald Lamola, discussing ceasefire efforts and the South African case against Israel at the ICJ. (WAFA 8/11)
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Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for the permanent occupation of Gaza and for Israel to refuse to engage in ceasefire talks. EU high commissioner for foreign policy Josep Borrell calls on the EU to discuss sanctioning Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for inciting war crimes. (AJ, HA 8/11; AP 8/12)
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B’Tselem calls on the international community to “use every means at its disposal to demand that Israel stops the war and progresses towards a hostage deal in order to stop the mass killing of civilians in Gaza and to free the Israeli hostages,” saying condemnation and media statements are not enough. (AJ 8/11)
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German chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him it is time to finalize the ceasefire deal. (HA, REU 8/11)
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U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin speaks with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. Austin also orders the USS Georgia guided missile submarine and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to deploy to the Middle East. (HA, REU 8/11; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 8/12)
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*No update on casualties from the Gaza Health Ministry.
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers kidnap 2 Palestinian children, taking them to an Israeli settlement outpost near Khirbet an-Nahla where they break the children’s legs and urinate on them before bringing them to an open area near Artas where the boys are later found. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians and international activists while trying to steal sheep in Ein al-Sakout. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers establish a settlement outpost in Khirbet Umm al-Jimal. Israeli settlers also plant olive trees on privately owned land in Ein al-Baida. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in ‘Azzun, claiming he had shot and injured an Israeli man who entered Qalqilya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Tira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue a notice that they will seize 14 dunams (3.5 acres) of land for 4 years in Haris and Qarawat Bani Hassan, giving residents 7 days to object to the decision. Israeli forces also issue stop-work orders for 2 homes in Deir Balut. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jericho. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Rafah, killing at least 142 people.* In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Ramyah and Ayta ash Shab. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at a military site in Metula. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; AP, UNOCHA 8/14)
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More than 39,897 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,152 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 613 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 140 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,204 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The World Food Programme says the new Israeli evacuation orders in Dayr al-Balah have forced the agency to close 1 of its 2 remaining warehouses. The UN says Israel has denied access to a third of all aid missions since the beginning of August. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/12)
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Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida says an Israeli captive has been killed by his guards and that 2 female captives have been seriously injured in a separate incident. Abu Obeida says a committee has been formed to investigate the incidents. (AJ, HA, REU 8/12; AJ 8/13)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas arrives in Russia ahead of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on 8/13. Abbas is greeted by Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov at the airport and is accompanied by PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh and General Intelligence Service head Majed Faraj. (WAFA 8/12)
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The UK, France, and Germany issue a joint statement calling on Iran not to attack Israel, saying such an attack would further escalate tensions and jeopardize chances of a ceasefire in Gaza. The leaders of the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, and the UK also issue a joint statement calling on Iran to “stand down.” UK prime minister Kier Starmer and German chancellor Olaf Scholz speak with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian in separate phone calls, urging him not to retaliate against Israel. In a statement Pezeshkian says that while Iran prefers diplomatic solutions, “it has the right to respond to aggressors in accordance with international norms.” Pezeshkian also speaks with Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin, saying Israel is encouraged to continue its crimes due to Western countries’ indifference and support. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 8/12; AP 8/14)
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Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant dismisses the official Israeli aim of total victory against Hamas as “nonsense.” In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Gallant has adopted “the anti-Israel” narrative, adding Gallant is obligated to follow the directive of total victory issued by him and the Security Cabinet. Netanyahu also speaks with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, discussing the U.S. defense of Israel in case of a retaliatory attack by Iran or Hezbollah. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 8/12; AP 8/13)
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Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz claims Iran and Hamas are smuggling weapons and funds to the West Bank through Jordan. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi says Israel is trying to divert attention from “the horrors this most radical of Israeli government is bringing upon innocent Palestinians,” calling the claim disinformation. (AJ, WAFA 8/12)
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The U.S. confirms it has resumed sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, after imposing limits on weapons sales 3 years ago on human rights grounds. (AJ 8/12)
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Canada announces that it has revoked the tax-exempt status for the Jewish National Fund Canada and the Ne’eman Foundation. The fund accuses the Canadian government of anti-Semitism. Both organizations work to advance Israeli settlements. (HA 8/13)
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The American Association of University Professors announces that it has reversed its policy of opposing academic boycotts. (HA, HA 8/12)
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The U.S. credit rating agency Fitch Ratings downgrades Israel’s rating from A+ to A, also suggesting that Israel’s rating could be further downgraded in the future. (AP, HA, REU 8/12; AJ 8/13)
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*The 142 figure likely includes casualties from 8/10 and 8/11 as there has not been an update from the Gaza Health Ministry between the attack on al-Tabi’in school on 8/10 and the update today.
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinian shepherds and international activists in Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also steal a water tank in al-Minya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers uproot and vandalize olive trees east of Tulkarm. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child at a car wash in ‘Anata. Israeli forces also raid Ramallah and al-Bireh to punitively demolish the family homes of 2 Palestinian prisoners, shooting and killing a Palestinian man, injuring 3 others with live ammunition, and ramming a fifth person. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man trying to enter Israel for work south of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also issue stop-work orders for 15 homes in Jabal an-Nuway’imah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir leads a group of 1,200 Israeli settlers on a tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound, telling them that he has made significant progress in gaining sovereignty over the compound and that praying at the compound is permitted. Videos circulate of hundreds of settlers openly praying at the compound. No arrests are made. Minister for the Development of the Negev (Naqab) and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf also joins the tour. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Maghazi, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 32 people. Israeli forces also issue evacuation orders for Bani Suheila and al-Mahta in Khan Yunis. 2 rockets are launched at Tel Aviv, both hitting open areas. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Baraachit, killing 2 Hezbollah members. Israeli forces also bomb Kfar Kila, Marwahin, Meiss Ej Jabel, and Ayta ash Shab. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Kfarchouba, Jal al-Deir, Matat, and Meron. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AP, HA, WAFA 8/14)
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More than 39,929 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,240 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 615 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 141 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,204 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. Israel closes the humanitarian road between Rafah and the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, claiming Hamas militants opened fire in the area. Ukraine says that 1,000 tonnes of flour it sent has entered Gaza in coordination with the World Food Programme. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/13; AP 8/14)
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The Israeli military prosecution requests that 5 Israeli soldiers accused of gang-raping a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention center be released on house arrest while the investigation continues. Al Mezan Center for Human Rights says that 2,650 Palestinians taken from Gaza to Israel are still held in detention centers, with about 300 of them facing charges. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 8/13; AJ 8/14)
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Israeli forces detain Fatah Central Committee secretary-general and Palestine Olympic Committee head Jibril Rajoub upon his return to the West Bank via the Allenby crossing from the Paris Olympics. Rajoub has his passport confiscated and is summoned to the Ofer military compound on 8/15. (AJ, WAFA 8/13; WAFA 8/14)
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Haaretz reports, based on testimony from Israeli soldiers and commanders, that Israel uses arbitrarily detained Palestinians as human shields when entering tunnels and buildings in Gaza. The Palestinians are dressed in Israeli uniforms, fitted with cameras, and have their hands tied. (HA, WAFA 8/13)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Putin tells Abbas that he is pained by the “human catastrophe that has unfolded in Palestine,” and stresses Russia’s commitment to a “full-pledged Palestinian state.” Abbas tells Putin that Russia is “one of the dearest friends” of the Palestinian people and asks Putin to help end Israel’s war at the UN Security Council. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/13)
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The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the Israeli attack on al-Tabi’in school in Gaza City on 8/10. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour tells the council that “Israel does not care about your condemnations, it dismisses your resolutions, it does not even listen to your debates,” saying the council should have acted months ago to stop the impunity and calls on the council to act now. Algeria, which convened the session, calls on the council to force a ceasefire, saying there is no time to delay by adding new conditions and demands. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/13; NYT, WAFA 8/14)
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The U.S. State Department approves more than $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel, including 50 F-15 fighter jets, 30 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, 33,000 tank shells, 50,000 120mm high explosive mortar cartridges, and military vehicles. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, REU 8/13; AP 8/14)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says the U.S. is “firmly against” National Security Minister Ben-Gvir’s prayer tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound, saying the move “demonstrates blatant disregard for the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites in Jerusalem.” The PA, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, the OIC, EU, the UK, Germany, Spain, and France also condemn the raid. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizes the raid, saying Ben-Gvir is trying to drag Israel into a regional war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says there has not been a change to the status quo policy. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14)
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The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticizes the UK, Germany, and France for their joint statement on 8/12 calling on Iran to refrain from retaliating against Israel, saying the statement did not raise any objection to Israel’s crimes and that Iran has a right to respond to attacks on its territory. Reuters reports that Iranian officials have told the agency that Iran and Hezbollah will attack Israel if ceasefire talks fail or if Iran perceives that Israel is dragging out the negotiations. The New York Times reports that Israel has added new conditions to a ceasefire deal, including for Israel to maintain control of the border between Gaza and Egypt and screen Palestinians returning to northern Gaza. According to the Times, Israel’s own negotiators are worried that the conditions will undermine the ceasefire talks. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 8/13; AP, NYT 8/14)
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Al Jazeera’s investigative unit Sanad says its investigation into the attack on al-Tabi’in school in Gaza City found that Israel deliberately timed the attack to inflict maximum casualties as 2 bombs hit the chapels at the school during dawn prayers. (AJ, AJ 8/13)
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The UK charges 7 members of Palestine Action under a terrorism law for criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary in relation to an incident at an Elbit Systems facility in South Gloucestershire on 8/6. Elbit is an Israeli military technology and defense contracting company. (AJ, NYT, REU 8/13)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal a herd of sheep in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinians, including a child, in a drone strike on Tammun. Defense For Children International – Palestine says 3 of the victims of the drone attack were still alive when Israeli forces arrived to execute them. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Tubas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting a raid in al-Khader with baton rounds, stun grenades, tear gas, and physical assault, injuring 4 people. Israeli forces also demolish 4 homes, a tent, and 2 caravans, displacing 30 people in Umm al-Khair. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Tubas, and Jerusalem. 4 Israeli soldiers are wounded by an IED near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a house, a gas station, and a car wash in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, and Rafah, killing at least 36 people, including 2 Civil Defense members in Rafah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Marjayoun, killing 2 people and injuring 4 others. Israeli forces also bomb Blida, killing one person and injuring another. Elsewhere, Israeli forces bomb Abbassiyeh, injuring 17 people. Hezbollah forces bomb Kiryat Shmona. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14; AJ 8/15)
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More than 39,965 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,294 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 620 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,204 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network says that 724 trucks carrying food or mixed items entered the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in July, the lowest number of trucks carrying food items entering southern Gaza in a month since October 2023. UNOCHA says the number of Palestinian children injured by live Israeli ammunition in Gaza has more than doubled since 10/7/2023 compared to the 10 preceding months, from 615 to 1,411. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/14)
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The Israeli Civil Administration presents plans for the settlement Nahal Heletz, which was approved on 6/27. They shows that the settlement will be located inside of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Land of Olive and Vines – Cultural Landscape of South Jerusalem, Battir, east of Battir. The Civil Administration designates 720 dunams (180 acres) as state land dedicated to the settlement and another 500 dunams (124 acres) for potential expansion. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says “[w]e will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground.” The PA calls for urgent international action to protect the 2-state solution. The U.S. criticizes the settlement plans, calling settlements “inconsistent with international law.” (PCN 8/12; AJ, AP, HA, HA, PCN, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14; AJ, AJ, NYT 8/15)
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Hamas says it will meet with ceasefire mediators after the talks on 8/15 if there are developments or if Israel has a serious response. (AJ 8/14)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, discussing Israel’s war on Gaza and ceasefire efforts. Erdogan tells Abbas that Turkey will continue to push the international community to increase pressure on Israel. Abbas tells the Russian news agency Tass that Russia should be part of the Middle East peace process, but that the U.S. keeps trying to exclude Russia. PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with UK minister of state for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/14)
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Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi says the Philadelphi Corridor could be monitored by Israel remotely, providing opening for Israel to retreat from its demand to keep forces there. (AJ, HA 8/14)
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Ir Amim says the Israeli government is not upholding the status quo at the Haram al-Sharif compound, adding that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s incursion to pray at the compound on 8/13 was “no more than empty words.” (AJ 8/14)
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The Asian Football Confederation condemns Israel’s detention of Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub on 8/13. (AJ, WAFA 8/14)
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U.S secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, discussing ceasefire talks scheduled for 8/15. Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese speaker of the house Nabih Berri in Beirut. Hochstein says at a press conference that a ceasefire in Gaza could pave the way for a diplomatic solution between Israel and Hezbollah. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU 8/14)
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Air France says it will resume flights to Beirut on 8/15. (HA 8/14)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Jit, killing a Palestinian man, injuring several others, and setting fire to 6 cars and 4 homes with Molotov cocktails. An Israeli settler is reportedly arrested in connection with the raid. Israeli settlers also set fire to olive trees and raise an Israeli flag in Khalayel al-Loz. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers steal sheep during a raid in Umm al-Jamal. Israeli settlers also graze their sheep in al-Minya, damaging wheat, barley, and lentil crops. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural land near Ramin. Israeli settlers also prevent Palestinians from harvesting crops in Wadi Maain. Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians and injure 7 others in a drone strike on Balata refugee camp. The attack occurred as Israeli forces were escorting Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian man during a raid in Fatah Sidra in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 30 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers seize a Palestinian-owned building in Batn al-Hawa after the Israeli Supreme Court rejects an appeal against the forced eviction of the Palestinian residents. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 40 people. Israeli forces also issue evacuation orders for parts of al-Qarara and al-Sathar in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Marjayoun. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Kfarchouba, Beit Hillel, and Shamir. (AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; AJ, AP, HA 8/16)
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More than 40,005 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,401 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 623 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,204 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15)
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Qatari, Egyptian, U.S., and Israeli negotiators discuss a ceasefire deal in Doha. The U.S. is represented by CIA director Bill Burns and National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, Israel by Mossad director David Barnea and Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, Qatar by Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and Egypt by General Intelligence Directorate director Abbas Kamel. Hamas said it is represented by Qatar and Egypt and did not want to get directly involved until it knows whether Israel is serious and whether the framework for the ceasefire is the same as that presented by U.S. president Joe Biden on 5/31 or based on new Israeli demands. Hamas official Osama Hamdan says the U.S. has not succeeded in pressuring Israel to accept the U.S.-Israel ceasefire deal, questioning whether the U.S. is interested in pressuring Israel at all. Al Qahera News TV quotes an unnamed Egyptian official as saying that the disagreements between the parties “remain big.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the talks had a promising start but that he did not expect a deal to be reached immediately. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 8/15; AP, HA, NYT 8/16)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses a special session of the Turkish parliament, saying he has decided to go to Gaza with members of the Palestinian leadership, “[e]ven if this would cost my life. Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child.” Abbas says he plans to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/15)
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Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida says Hamas’s investigation into the killing of an Israeli captive showed that the guard had killed the captive in revenge after hearing that his 2 children had been killed in an Israeli attack. Abu Obeida says that “the incident does not represent our ethics and religious teachings” and that Hamas will “tighten the instructions after the incident.” Hamas also says PA forces detonated an IED planted by resistance fighters in Jenin, calling the act “unpatriotic.” (AJ, REU 8/15)
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Fatah Central Committee secretary-general Jibril Rajoub says he will not submit to Israeli interrogation at the Ofer military site, adding he instead will travel to Egypt for an event. Rajoub was detained on 8/13, had his passport confiscated, and told to show up at Ofer today. (AJ 8/15)
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he views the settler attack on Jit with the “utmost severity.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denounces the settler raid, calling it “anarchist criminal violence.” The U.S. calls the attack unacceptable, saying settler violence must stop. (AJ, HA, NYT 8/15; AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 8/16)
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Lebanese acting prime minister Najib Mikati meets with French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne in Beirut, discussing efforts to calm the situation along the Blue Line. (AJ 8/15)
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U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel calls reports of Israeli forces using Palestinians in Gaza as human shields disturbing, urging Israel to investigate the issue. (HA 8/15)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Tana, assaulting Palestinians with rifle butts and opening fire in the air. Israeli settlers also steal sheep in al-‘Awja. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers carry out restoration work at an archeological site in Ma’in in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring a child with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Beay Rima. Elsewhere, Israeli forces ram and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Deir al-Sudan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, and al-Mawasi. There is no update from the Gaza Ministry of Health on the number of casualties. Israeli forces also order Palestinians in parts of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah to evacuate. In Lebanon, Israeli forces also bomb Aitaroun, Blida, and Kafr Kila, killing one person and injuring another in Aitaroun. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Asi, Natu’a, and Zaura. (AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; AJ 8/17; UNOCHA 8/19)
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More than 40,005 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,401 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 623 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,208 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The Gaza Ministry of Health says the first case of the poliovirus has been detected in a 10-month-old baby from Dayr al-Balah. The WHO and UNICEF request a 7-day humanitarian pause to vaccinate children in Gaza against polio. Hamas says it supports the request. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; HA, REU 8/17)
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Nearly 100 Palestinians living in Umm al-Jamal say they are forced to flee their homes due to repeated Israeli settler attacks. (HA, WAFA 8/16; WAFA 8/18; UNOCHA 8/21)
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The Israeli military says a preliminary investigation into the attack on Jit on 8/15 showed that Israeli soldiers were at the scene and did not act to stop the Israeli settlers from attacking Palestinians and their property. (HA 8/16)
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Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. issue a joint statement, saying the ceasefire talks on 8/15 and today have been “serious and constructive.” The statement says senior officials will resume negotiations in Cairo next week. U.S. president Joe Biden says in a statement that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the Middle East next week and that “no one in the region should take actions to undermine” ceasefire negotiations. Biden also speaks with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in separate phone calls. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri says he has been briefed on the negotiations, which he says are not aligned with what Hamas agreed to on 7/2 and adds that the U.S. is trying to create a “false positive atmosphere.” Acting Iranian foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani speaks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, discussing ceasefire negotiations. U.S., Iranian, and Israeli officials tell the New York Times that Iran is delaying retaliating against Israel to allow mediators space to reach a ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 8/16; AJ, AX 8/17)
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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with UK foreign secretary David Lammy and French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne in Ramallah, discussing the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz also meets with Lammy and Sejourne in Jerusalem. The Israeli Foreign Ministry releases a statement saying Katz told the 2 that Israel expects France and the UK to help defend it if Iran retaliates for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, saying they will aid Israel in attacking Iran in response. Sejourne tells reporters that it would be inappropriate to discuss responding to any attack while they are working on a diplomatic solution. Lammy and Sejourne condemn the settler attack on Jit on 8/15. U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin speaks with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, discussing U.S. readiness to defend Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 8/16; WAFA 8/18)
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The Norwegian Foreign Ministry says it will close its representative office in the West Bank due to Israel revoking diplomatic accreditation and visas for 8 Norwegian diplomats. (AP, WAFA 8/16)
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8 Israeli soldiers who had been stationed at the Sde Teiman detention facility tell Haaretz of the abuses of Palestinians they saw while working there. The soldiers say they saw daily physical and phycological abuse, with the Palestinian prisoners constantly blindfolded and forced to sit on the ground with their hands and feet shackled. An Israeli soldier who served at the detention camp’s medical facility describes the conditions there as “insane torture.” (HA, WAFA 8/16)
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The Financial Times reports that Barclays bank has backtracked on plans to pull out of the next auction for Israeli government bonds. (HA 8/16)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces assassinate 2 Hamas members, Rafat Dawasi and Ahmad Abu Ora, in a drone strike on a car in Jenin. PA forces open fire at Palestinians after the killing of the 2 men as they try to retrieve weapons from their vehicle; there injuries are reported. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, az-Zawayda, and Dayr al-Balah, killing 18 members of the same family in az-Zawayda. The Gaza Ministry of Health says at least 69 Palestinians have been killed in the past 48 hours. Israeli forces also issue evacuation orders for parts of Maghazi. 2 Israeli soldiers are killed by IEDs. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Nabatieh, killing at least 10 people, including 2 children, and injuring 5 others. Israeli forces also assassinate Hezbollah commander Hussein Ibrahim Kaseb while driving a motorcycle near Tyre. Elsewhere, Israeli forces bomb Markaba, Ramyah, at-Tiri, Yater, Hanine, Labbouneh, and Kfar Hamam. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Ayelet HaShahar, causing a wildfire. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; HA, HA 8/18; UNOCHA 8/19; UNOCHA 8/21)
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More than 40,074 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,537 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 625 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,208 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. Al-Awda Hospital says it will run out of fuel in 24 hours. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17)
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Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan says Israel’s insistence in the ceasefire negotiations on being able to restart its attacks on Gaza is unacceptable to Hamas. (AJ 8/17)
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Lebanon’s electricity company Electricite du Liban announces that its supplies are exhausted and that it is unable to even power essential facilities such as Beirut International Airport. Algeria says that it will begin to supply Lebanon with fuel to power the electricity plants. (HA, HA 8/17; AJ, HA, REU 8/18)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces raid Qusra, injuring a Palestinian man with live ammunition. Israeli settlers also uproot 20 olive tree saplings in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids. Israeli authorities force Palestinians in Arab al-Milehat to demolish a solar energy facility. An Israeli settler is shot and killed after a man, allegedly Palestinian, stole his weapon and used it against him near the Kedumim settlement. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 25 people. Israeli forces also open fire on a group of journalists in Hamad City, killing journalist Ibrahim Muharab and shooting his colleague Salma al-Qadoumi in the back. In Tel Aviv, a man carrying explosives is killed after they detonate on a street, a passerby is moderately wounded. Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hula, Shebaa, and Beit Lif, killing a person in Shebaa. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Raheb. 3 UNIFIL members are lightly injured in an explosion near their vehicle in Yarine, reports suggest that the explosion is caused by an Israeli airstrike. In Istanbul, a Palestinian man is killed and 2 others are wounded by a person using a handgun fitted with a silencer. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/18; AP, AP, AP, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19)
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More than 40,099 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,609 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 625 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 330 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,208 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The Kamal Adwan Hospital says it will be forced stop operations within 24 hours due to a lack of fuel. The Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah says it has been forced to stop all surgeries due to a shortage of medicine, doctors, and fuel. The Red Crescent says it may be forced to halt its services in the Gaza City and North Gaza governorates due to a lack of fuel. (AJ, WAFA 8/18)
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Hamas releases a statement saying Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is obstructing ceasefire negotiations by adding new conditions which the mediators have adopted in the newest ceasefire proposal. Hamas points to the new conditions that Israel will continue to occupy the Netzarim junction in central Gaza, the Rafah crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor. Netanyahu says he insists that Israeli forces remain at the Philadelphi Corridor. (AJ, AX, HA, HA, REU 8/18)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken arrives in Israel. Blinken speaks with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, discussing ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 8/18)
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Colombian president Gustavo Petro says in a tweet that his government signed a decree on 8/14 to ban coal exports to Israel. (AJ, WAFA 8/18)
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Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson says in an interview with Mother Jones that “[w]hat is happening right now [in Gaza] is not only egregious, it is genocidal.” Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention starting on 8/19. Pro-Palestine activists protest in Chicago. (AJ 8/18; AP, AP, HA 8/19)
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UK second secretary at its embassy in Ireland Mark Smith resigns, citing continued arms sales to Israel, which he says has expressed “open genocidal intent.” Smith says he was previously the penholder on arms export licensing assessment in the Middle East and North African Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. (AJ, HA 8/18)
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Israeli Channel 13 News reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu turned down a request from UK foreign secretary David Lammy for a meeting on 8/16, reportedly in anger over the UK government’s decision to drop its challenge to the ICC’s request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. (AJ 8/18)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man and injure a child during a raid in Dura. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raid Fawwar refugee camp, shooting and injuring 3 Palestinians. Israeli forces also demolish a home and a sheep pen in Furush Beit Dajan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a plant nursery south of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also take measurements for a punitive demolition in Baqa al-Hatab. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, and Tulkarm, including a woman who was freed during the 2023 prisoner exchange deal. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Shati’ refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 40 people. An Israeli soldier is killed and 6 others are wounded in an Israeli airstrike. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hula, killing 2 Hezbollah members. Israeli forces also bomb Ayta ash Shab, Hanine, and Mansouri, injuring a woman in Mansouri. Hezbollah forces launch a drone at the Baram area, killing one Israeli soldier and wounding another. Hezbollah forces also fire rockets at Shebaa Farms, Zarit, Ramim, and Bayyad Blida. Hezbollah says it forces repelled an Israeli invasion in the Hadab Aita forest. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA. WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; WAFA 8/20; UNOCHA 8/21)
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More than 40,139 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,743 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 626 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 332 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,219 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/19)
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Adalah files a petition with the Israeli Supreme Court on behalf of 204 Palestinian residents in Kafr ‘Aqab demanding the immediate provision of “a regular, continuous, and adequate water supply.” Adalah says that as of mid-July residents in Kafr ‘Aqab receive between 1.5 days and 2.5 days of water a week. (Adalah, AJ 8/19)
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Hamas reiterates its position that it will agree to the U.S.-Israeli proposed ceasefire from May, which it had already agreed to, but that it will not allow new conditions. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says ahead of a meeting with Israeli president Isaac Herzog that the ceasefire negotiations may be the last chance to secure a ceasefire and the release of the captives. After a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken says Israel has agreed to the new ceasefire proposal and calls on Hamas to do the same. Blinken also says he discussed settler violence in the West Bank, saying it must stop. Blinken also meets with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 8/19; AJ, AP, REU 8/20)
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Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune says Algerian soldiers are ready to establish 3 field hospitals in Gaza if the Rafah crossing reopens. (AJ 8/19)
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The Lebanese foreign ministry files a complaint with the UN Security Council over Israeli fighter jets breaking the sound barrier over Beirut. (AJ 8/19)
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Scottish external affairs secretary Angus Robertson says the Scottish government has suspended all meetings with Israeli officials until Israel makes real progress toward peace, allows unimpeded humanitarian access, and cooperates with international investigations. (AJ 8/19)
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Lufthansa say it has extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut until 8/26. (AJ, REU 8/19)
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Pro-Palestine protesters demonstrate outside of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, calling for the U.S. to stop the genocide in Gaza and end aid to Israel. President Joe Biden addresses the convention, saying the protesters “have a point” and that “a lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.” (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 8/19; AJ, AX, AX 8/20)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort attack a home and assault a Palestinian man in Susiya. Israeli settlers also set fire to 2 agricultural structures in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Tammun, including 3 with live ammunition and 1 by physical assault. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man riding a motorcycle with baton rounds in al-Khader. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a home in Tuqu’, displacing 9 people. Israeli forces also raze farmland west of Kafr ad-Dik. Meanwhile, Israeli forces uproot olive and almond trees in Deir Istiya. Israeli forces also arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Tubas, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolish a home and a commercial structure, a sports club, and a garage in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 34 people, including at least 12 at the Mustafa Hafez School in Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Dhayra, killing 4 Hezbollah members and wounding 2 others. Israeli forces also bomb Mansouri and Taybeh. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Ya’ara. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/20)
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More than 40,173 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,857 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 626 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 332 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,219 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. Israeli forces release 25 Palestinians, who had been abducted and taken to detention facilities in Israel, to Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/20)
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The Israeli military says the bodies of 6 captives were found in Khan Yunis. Israeli media reports suggest that the 6 died of suffocation in a tunnel during an Israeli attack. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the “center of gravity is moving from south to the north,” indicating Israel is preparing to invade Lebanon. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 8/20; AJ 8/21)
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The PLO Executive Committee convenes to discuss PA president Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to go to Gaza. (WAFA 8/20)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo and travels to Qatar for a meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha. Blinken also speaks with UK foreign secretary David Lammy in a phone call, discussing ceasefire negotiations. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “Israel will not, under any circumstances, leave the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Axis despite the enormous pressure it is under to do so.” Netanyahu also speaks with UK prime minister Kier Starmer in a phone call. Hamas calls the U.S. claim that the group is walking away from a ceasefire deal “misleading,” reiterating that Hamas has agreed to the May ceasefire proposal. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 8/20)
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Outgoing Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan says in an interview with Maariv that the UN building in New York should be “wiped off the face of the earth.” (WAFA 8/20; HA 8/21)
In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during a drone attack on Balata refugee camp on 8/15. Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a house under construction in ‘Anata and a caravan, a greenhouse, trees, and seedings in Safa. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, Jabalia refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 50 people. Israeli forces also issue evacuation orders for several areas in Dayr al-Balah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces assassinate Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander Khalil al-Maqdah in Sidon. Israeli forces also bomb Abu Sash, Wadi Hamool, Ayta ash Shab, Ramyah, Talloussa, and Baalbek, killing 1 person and injuring 30 others east of Baalbek. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Katzrin, injuring a person. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces fire missiles at an oil tanker, causing damage. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/21; AJ, AJ, AP, NYT 8/22)
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More than 40,223 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 92,981 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 627 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 332 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,219 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/21)
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Defense for Children International – Palestine releases a report documenting “systematic detaining and torture of Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip, including using some as human shields.” (AJ 8/21)
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The Palestinian Monetary Authority says Israeli banks have stopped accepting shekel cash transfers from Palestinian banks in the West Bank. (AJ, AP, REU 8/21)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas discusses the situation in Gaza with Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof. (WAFA 8/21)
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U.S. president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris speak with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to reach a ceasefire deal according to a White House statement. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quotes unnamed Israeli sources who say Secretary of State Antony Blinken “seriously undermined the negotiations and demonstrated a lack of understanding” when he claimed that Netanyahu had accepted the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. The Times of Israel reports that Arab officials say the U.S. “bridging proposal” went too far to accommodate Israeli demands by allowing Israel a continued presence in Rafah and at the Netzarim corridor. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi speaks with Blinken, saying there is a need for “effective, practical steps” to stop Israeli violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 8/21; AX 8/22)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a new outpost near al-‘Awja. Israeli forces bomb Tulkarm refugee camp, killing 3 Palestinians. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm refugee camp for more than 12 hours, injuring 3 Palestinians, including a child, with live ammunition and by ramming them, bulldozing infrastructure, and vandalizing private property. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in Kharbatha al-Misbah, displacing 13 people. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Kafr ‘Aqab. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 42 people. Israeli forces also issue new evacuation orders for the Bani Suheila, Sheikh Nasser, Barbakh, and as-Satr al-Gharbi areas of Khan Yunis. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfarchouba, Shebaa Farms, Khiam, Yaroun, Ayta ash Shab, Kfar Kila, Muhajbib, Ramyah, Kuthriyah al-Sayyad, and Zibqin. Hezbollah forces launch drones at Matla, Kiryat Shmona, Jal al-Allam, and Ghajar. Hezbollah forces also fire rockets at Malikiya, al-Marj, and Branit. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/22)
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More than 40,265 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,144 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 630 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 333 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,219 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 8/22; AP 8/23)
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Israel’s Channel 12 reports that PA forces have been removing explosives planted by Palestinian groups in recent days, destroying 15 in Jenin. Channel 12 also reports that Shin Bet director Ronen Bar has sent a letter to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of encouraging Israeli settlers to attack Palestinians in the West Bank. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issues administrative detention orders for 4 Israeli settlers suspected of participating in the settler attack on Jit on 8/15. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 8/22)
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The Israeli military prosecutor says that the 5 Israeli soldiers held under house arrest for attacking a Palestinian prisoner at the Sde Teiman detention camp are accused of snatching the Palestinian man who was sleeping, beating him for 15 minutes, and tasing him before raping him with an object and threatening him not to complain to Israeli authorities. The prosecutor says the case is based on 100 separate testimonies. (HA, REU 8/22)
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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa speaks with Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares in a phone call, discussing bilateral ties and the situation in Palestine. (AJ, WAFA 8/22)
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Former Fatah secretary-general Faruq al-Qaddumi, also known as Abu al-Lutf, dies in Amman at the age of 93. (WAFA 8/22)
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Negotiators from Egypt, Qatar, the U.S., and Israel meet in Cairo for ceasefire talks. At the UN Security Council, U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urges the council to pressure Hamas to accept the U.S. “bridging proposal,” claiming that Israel has accepted it. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismisses reports that he has agreed to allow an international force to replace Israeli forces at the Philadelphi Corridor. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call. The Wall Street Journal reports that Egypt is seeking U.S. guarantees that Israel will not return its forces to the Philadelphi Corridor after a ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WSJ 8/22; HA 8/23)
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U.S. vice president Kamala Harris addresses the Democratic National Convention, saying she and President Biden are “working around the clock” to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, adding that she will “always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself.” Harris also says that the “scale of suffering [in Gaza] is heartbreaking.” Thousands of Pro-Palestine activists protest outside of the convention in Chicago on the final day of the event. Many express anger and disappointment that the Democratic Party did not allow any Palestinian Americans a time slot to speak during the convention. The parents of an Israeli American captive held in Gaza addressed the convention on 8/21. 70 protesters have been arrested since the start of the convention, most are reported to be pro-Palestine activists. (HA, NYT 8/21; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA 8/22; AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA 8/23)
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A court in Berlin, Germany holds a hearing on the criminality of the chant “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” (AJ 8/22)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers abduct 2 Palestinians after incapacitating their vehicle near al-‘Awja. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Bayt Lahiya, and Jabalia refugee camp. There is no update from the Gaza Ministry of Health on the number of casualties. Israeli forces also issue new evacuation orders for northern Gaza. One Israeli soldier is killed and 12 injured in Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Shebaa Farms, Tayr Harfa, Ayta al-Jabal, Khiam, Meiss Ej Jabel, and Aitaroun, killing 8 people, including a child. Hezbollah forces target 15 locations across the Blue Line. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Homs and Hama, killing 3 people and injuring 10 others. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23; AP, HA 8/24; UNOCHA 8/26)
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More than 40,265 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,144 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 630 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 334 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,232 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The UN says that the 10-month-old baby who contracted the polio virus has been paralyzed. (AJ, AP, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23)
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U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says ceasefire talks in Cairo on 8/22 and today were “constructive.” CIA director Bill Burns and National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk will stay in Cairo over the weekend for continued talks. President Joe Biden speaks with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing the negotiations. Axios reports that Biden asked Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw from a 1-2 kilometers part of the Philadelphi Corridor in a phone call on 8/21. Hamas official Osama Badran says the Israeli insistence on keeping troops along the Philadelphi Corridor shows that Israel is not interested in a ceasefire deal. (AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 8/23; HA 8/24)
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ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan files a brief urging the pre-trial judges to “urgently render its decision” on his request for arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Khan says in the brief that “[i]t is settled law that the Court has jurisdiction in this situation,” addressing filings by third parties claiming the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Netanyahu and Gallant. Khan also sought arrest warrants for Ismail Haniyeh, who Israel since assassinated in Tehran, and Mohammed Deif, who Israel claims to have assassinated in Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 8/23; AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 8/24)
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Dutch Moroccan soccer player Anwar El Ghazi says he will donate $558,500 to fund projects for children in Gaza after he won a wrongful termination lawsuit against his former club Mainz. El Ghazi was fired after he shared a post on Instagram containing the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” (REU 8/24)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians during a raid in Susiya, injuring 2 women with sticks. Israeli settlers also attack Palestinians and their property in Rujeib and Sarra. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up a new outpost near al-Maniya. Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinian children in Beit Furik. Israeli forces also demolish parts of a home in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a cement mixer in Fandaqumiya. An IED explodes near Israeli forces in Avnei Hefetz. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Nuseirat refugee camp. The Gaza Ministry of Health says at least 69 Palestinians have been killed in the past 48 hours. Israeli forces also directly target al-Amal Hospital. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issue evacuation orders for Dayr al-Balah and Maghazi. 2 Israeli soldiers succumb to injuries sustained on 8/23 and a third is killed in the central part of Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Aitaroun, Maroun al-Ras, and Ayta ash Shab. Hezbollah forces fire rockets and launch drones at Ya’ara, Kiryat Shmona, Kfarchouba, and Shebaa Farms. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; UNOCHA 8/26)
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More than 40,334 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,356 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 630 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 337 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,232 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. The Dayr al-Balah municipality says that more than 100,000 Palestinians have been displaced from the city in the past 2 days. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24)
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A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya arrives in Cairo as ceasefire negotiations continue. (AJ, NYT, REU 8/24)
In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Tulkarm on 7/23. Israeli settlers attack Palestinians with stones and clubs during a raid in al-Buwayb. Israeli settlers also raid Khirbet Wadi al-Rakhim, threatening Palestinians with rape “in the name of God.” Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up a new outpost near Jericho. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man who they allege rammed a military outpost near the Ariel settlement. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 2 Palestinians near Salfit. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians near Salfit. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in Tarqumiyah. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a store in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also arrest 35 Palestinians during late-night raids. A bus carrying settlers near Marah Rabah is damaged by an IED, no injuries are reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and Rafah, killing at least 71 people. An Israeli soldier is killed in combat. Hamas fires a M90 rocket at Tel Aviv, which lands in an open area south of the city. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb 40 sites in Lebanon, including in Zawtar, Khiam, Zibqin, Yater, Shebaa, Nabatieh, Bir Kalb, Kafr Kila, Alma ech Chaab, Mansouri, Kunin, Beit Yahoun, Haddatha, Rachaf, At Tiri, and Meiss Ej Jabel, killing one person, claiming it is a “preemptive strike” against Hezbollah. Hezbollah forces fire several hundred rockets and drones at Israel, killing a naval officer off the coast and damaging 3 homes in Acre. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; AP, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA 8/26)
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More than 40,420 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,468 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 634 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 142 children. More than 5,420 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, 338 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,232 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. 1.255 million polio vaccines arrive in Gaza. The Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis reopens after 50 days. The WHO says 14,750 children between 6 months and 5 years old in Gaza are acutely malnourished. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; AJ, AP, NYT, UNOCHA 8/26)
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PA prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. (AJ, WAFA 8/25)
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The Israeli High Court of Justice orders the Israeli government to explain why Red Cross representatives still are being barred from visiting Palestinian prisoners. (HA 8/25)
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A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya leaves Cairo after hearing the latest ceasefire negotiation updates from Egypt and Qatar. Hamas says it will not agree to new Israeli demands, saying Israel must be bound by the original U.S.-Israeli proposal from May. Shin Bet and Mossad directors Ronen bar and David Barnea arrive in Cairo. U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan says ceasefire negotiations in Cairo will continue. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 8/25; NYT, REU 8/26)
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Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah makes a televised address, saying Hezbollah targeted the Israeli military intelligence headquarters at the Glilot base north of Tel Aviv, calling the attack successful and a response to the killing of Fuad Shukr on 7/30 in Beirut. U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairperson Charles Brown arrives in Israel for meetings with Israeli officials. Brown also meets with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who warns of a major escalation in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 8/25)
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The New York Times reports that the U.S. is providing Israel with ground-penetrating radar to locate people in tunnels under Gaza. The Times also reports that Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant ordered fuel to enter Gaza in the first months after 10/7/2023 in order to track Yahya Sinwar’s phone conversations. (HA, NYT 8/25)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and kill a Palestinian man and injure 6 others during an attack on Wadi Rahal. Israeli settlers also attack Palestinian vehicles in Tuqu’. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and steal their property in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces bomb Nur Shams refugee camp, killing 5 Palestinians, including 2 children. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a raid in Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians with baton rounds in Idhna. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian man in Kafr ad-Dik. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Maghazi, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 30 people. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 7 Palestinians fishing in Gaza City, wounding several others. In Haifa, Israeli police order the closure of the Hadash party’s local branch, saying it planned to screen a film by Mohammad Bakri on Israeli raids in Jenin in 2023. In Lebanon, Israeli forces attempt to assassinate a Hamas member in Sidon, Hamas says the man survived. Israeli forces also bomb Kfar Kila, Tayr Harfa, Shebaa, Chamaa, Naqoura, and Ayta ash Shab. Hezbollah forces launch a drone at a military post in Ramyah. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/26; AJ, AP, HA, HA, WAFA 8/27; UNOCHA 8/28)
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More than 40,435 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,534 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 641 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 144 children. More than 5,420 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, 338 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,254 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. Palestinians flee Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Dayr al-Balah, however, the hospital says it will remain open despite an evacuation order. Save the Children says the Israeli evacuation order for Dayr al-Balah “may be the final blow to the aid operations in Gaza.” The UN says it halted all operations in Gaza after the evacuation orders for Dayr al-Balah on 8/25. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/26; AJ 8/29)
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Human Rights Watch says 8 Palestinian health workers from Gaza interviewed after being released from Israeli detention were humiliated, beaten, forced into stress positions, experienced prolonged handcuffing and blindfolding, and were denied medical care while in custody. They also reported torture of other detainees, including rape and sexual abuse. (AJ, HRW, WAFA 8/26)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas arrives in Saudi Arabia where he is greeted by Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan ahead of a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 8/27. (AJ, WAFA 8/26)
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Egyptian security sources tell Reuters that both Hamas and Israel have turned down the compromise proposal presented by mediators. Egypt denies the Israeli claim that there are active tunnels under the Gaza-Egypt border. (AJ, HA 8/26)
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Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says new Israeli policy allows Jewish people to pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound and says he will build a synagogue at the compound. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says, “there is no change in the status quo.” Hamas calls on Palestinians to protest. Qatar warns that Ben-Gvir’s statements can impact the ceasefire negotiations and calls on the international community to deter Israel from making any changes in Jerusalem. Jordan says it will take “all necessary measures to stop the attacks on the holy sites,” adding it is preparing to take legal action in international courts. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and the OIC condemn Ben-Gvir’s statements. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reports that the Israeli Ministry of Heritage will allocate $543,000 to fund National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s project to increase settler tours on the Haram al-Sharif compound. Hamas condemns the move and calls on the OIC to “take responsibility.” (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/26; AJ, NA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/27)
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The Israeli military says it has received 50,000 tonnes of military equipment from the U.S. in 500 flights and 107 sea shipments since 10/7/2023. U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairperson Charles Brown meets with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant and military chief of staff Herzi Halevi in Tel Aviv, discussing joint efforts in defense of Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU 8/26; AP 8/27)
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Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, briefing them on ceasefire negotiations. Araghchi says Iran supports any ceasefire deal approved by Hamas. (AJ, HA 8/26)
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The Columbia University branch of Students for Justice in Palestine says Instagram has deleted its profile which had more than 124,000 followers. (AJ 8/27)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Za’tara checkpoint, injuring a man. Israeli settlers also raid al-Maniya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up an outpost near Khan al-Ahmar. Israeli forces assault a Palestinian farmer in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces also begin construction on a settler road near Wadi Fukin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a concrete mixer during a raid in ad-Deirat in the Masafer Yatta area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Maghazi, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 41 people. Israeli forces also open fire at a UN aid vehicle near Wadi Gaza, hitting it with 10 shots; the UN says the aid mission had been coordinated with Israel. Israeli forces find a captive alive and abandoned in a tunnel. An Israeli soldier is killed in southern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb a vehicle traveling near Chaat. Israeli forces also bomb Odeisseh, Majdal, Meiss Ej Jabal, Khiam, and Chihine, injuring 4 people. Hezbollah forces launch drones at the Beit Hillel barracks, injuring an Israeli soldier. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/27; AJ, HA 8/28; AJ, AJ, NYT 8/29)
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More than 40,476 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,647 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 641 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 144 children. More than 5,420 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, 339 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,254 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 8/27)
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Bellingcat releases an investigation saying Israel has demolished 446 out of 670 buildings in Tell as Sultan in Rafah near the Philadephi Corridor, most of them between 7/18 and 8/4, after the Israeli invasion of Rafah in May. (Bellingcat 8/27)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. (HA 8/28)
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UNOCHA says Israeli forces have killed 564 people, including at least 133 civilians, and injured 2,412 others in Lebanon. 111,940 people have been displaced due to bombings. (AJ, UNOCHA 8/27)
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AP reports that U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has arrived in Doha ahead of a new round of ceasefire negotiations. An Israeli delegation is reportedly arriving on 8/28. (AJ, HA 8/27; AP 8/28)
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EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell calls for an immediate 3-day humanitarian ceasefire to vaccinate all children in Gaza against polio. Borrell also calls for EU sanctions against Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers on 8/29. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 8/27)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out a large-scale assault on several Palestinian cities and villages in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas governorates in what is described as the biggest assault on the West Bank in 2 decades. In the Tulkarm governorate, Israeli forces shoot and kill a disabled man in Nur Shams refugee camp. Israeli forces also besiege the Israa Specialized Hospital and the Thabet Thabet Governmental Hospital in nearby Tulkarm and bulldoze infrastructure. Palestinians are given 3 hours to evacuate the camp. In the Jenin governorate, Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians, injure 2 others, besiege the Jenin Governmental Hospital and the Ibn Sina Hospital, and impose a curfew in Jenin. Israeli forces also kill 3 Palestinians in a drone strike on nearby Misilya. Elsewhere near Jenin, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Kafr Dan and shoot and injure a Palestinian man in al-Yamun. Israeli forces also besiege the Jenin Governmental Hospital, restricting movement in and out of it. In the Tubas governorate, Israeli drone strikes kill 4 Palestinians and injure 8 others in al-Far’a refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 4 people and assault 2 others while they detain medics and open fire inside of a medical facility in the camp. Medical Aid for Palestinians says Israeli forces obstruct and prevent their work in Tubas, Tulkarm, and Jenin. Separately from the attacks on Tubas, Tulkarm, and Jenin, Israeli forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in Qarawat Bani Zei. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Bayt Rima. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Abwein. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Askar refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Husan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers demolish 6 Palestinian homes and injure 6 people during a raid in al-Buwayb. Israeli settlers also set a vehicle on fire and spray racist graffiti on homes in Idhna. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a car wash and an auto shop and raze roads in Wadi Juz. Israeli forces also demolish a commercial structure in Sur Baher. Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Silwan, displacing 14 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and Gaza City, killing at least 58 people, including 8 at a school in Dayr al-Balah. An Israeli soldier is killed in the central part of Gaza. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Zabadani, killing 4 people, including Palestinians and a Hezbollah member. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/28; AJ, AJ, HA 8/29)
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More than 40,534 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,778 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 652 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 144 children. More than 5,420 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, 340 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,254 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says 650 patients at al-Aqsa Hospital have been forced to evacuate and it has opened a field hospital in Dayr al-Balah that was not scheduled to open until September to cope with the situation. MSF also says Israel has been blocking the entry of 4,000 hygiene kits that it has tried to transfer to Gaza the past 3 months. The World Food Programme says it has paused all operations in Gaza after Israeli forces opened fire on 1 of its aid convoys on 8/27. UNRWA estimates that around 100 trucks enter Gaza a day, down from 300 before the Israeli invasion of Rafah in May. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/28; AJ, AJ, AP, NYT, WAFA 8/29)
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The PA condemns Israel’s assault on the West Bank. President Mahmoud Abbas returns to the West Bank ahead of schedule from his trip to Saudi Arabia. Palestinian National Initiative secretary-general Mustafa Barghouti says the Israeli operation in the West Bank is “not just raids . . . it is an act of war.” Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz says Israel should temporarily evacuate Palestinians in parts of the West Bank, as Israel does in Gaza. After Katz’s call the Israeli military urged Palestinians in part of Nur Shams refugee camp to evacuate. EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell says that the “Israeli major military operation in the occupied West Bank must not constitute the premises of a war extension from Gaza, including full-scale destruction.” UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres calls on Israel to end its operation in the West Bank immediately. The Arab League, Egypt, and Turkey condemn Israel’s operation. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/28; AP, HA, WAFA 8/29)
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Delegations from Egypt, Qatar, the U.S., and Israel meet in Doha to continue ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, HA, REU 8/28; AX 8/29)
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The U.S. imposes sanctions on the settler organization Hashomer Yosh, which is funded by the Israeli government and through donations from the U.S, and the Yitzhar settlement security coordinator Yitzhak Levi Filant. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he views the sanctions “with utmost severity” and that he will have a “pointed discussion” with U.S. officials. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU, WAFA 8/28; AJ, PCN 8/29)
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The UN Security Council adopts a resolution calling on “relevant actors” to restore “calm, restraint, and stability” along the Blue Line and extends the UNIFIL mandate until 8/31/2025. (AP 8/27; REU 8/28; AP 8/29)
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4 pro-Palestine protesters are arrested at a University of Michigan event. (HA 8/29)
In the West Bank, the major Israeli assault on the Tulkarm, Tubas, and Jenin governorates continue for the second consecutive day. In the Tulkarm governorate, Israeli forces assassinate Islamic Jihad commander in Tulkarm Mohammed Jaber and kill 4 others in an attack on a mosque. Israeli forces withdraw from Tulkarm, Tulkarm refugee camp, and Nur Shams refugee camp by the end of the day, leaving behind widespread destruction of property and infrastructure. In Jenin, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in the eastern part of the city. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians with live ammunition in Jenin and shoot, injure, and arrest a man in nearby Bruqin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue the siege of the Ibn Sina and Jenin Governmental hospitals. Telecommunications in the city are out. In the Tubas governorate, Israeli forces cordon off al-Far’a refugee camp, blocking ambulances and destroying infrastructure, including sewage networks. Israeli forces leave the camp at the end of the day. Separately from the attacks on the Tubas, Tulkarm, and Jenin governorates, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home in Umm al-Kheir, displacing 17 people. Israeli forces also arrest 12 Palestinians during a raid in al-Arroub refugee camp, stealing more than $10,000. Israeli settlers fence off Palestinian-owned land in Khirbet al-Farisiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, and Shati’ refugee camp, killing at least 68 people, including 5 people who were part of an aid convoy organized by Anera. 2 rockets launched from Gaza land in open areas near Kissufim. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfar Kila and Yarine. Hezbollah forces launch rockets at the Zarit barracks, Kfar Yofal, the Dovev barracks, and Talat al-Taihat. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/29; AJ, AP 8/30)
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More than 40,602 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,855 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 658 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 144 children. More than 5,420 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, 340 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,254 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/29)
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WHO says Israel has agreed to a 3-day area-specific humanitarian pause to allow UN health officials to administer polio vaccines. The localized pauses are scheduled to start on 9/1. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 8/29)
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The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Al-Haq, and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights call on the international community to intervene to stop Israel from implementing its war tactics from Gaza in the West Bank, referring to the ongoing raids that started on 8/28. (AJ, AJ 8/29)
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Hamas says PA forces have arrested Palestinian militants in the Nablus governorate, condemning the PA and calling on it to release members of the resistance. (AJ 8/29)
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The Israeli Security Cabinet approves keeping Israeli soldiers along the Philadelphi Corridor. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant is the only vote against the decision. Separately, Gallant calls on Israel to expand its war goal to include “the safe return of Israel’s northern residents to their homes.” (AJ, HA, REU 8/29; AJ, HA 8/30)
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Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz calls for a security fence to be placed along the Israel-Jordan border, saying Iran is smuggling weapons through Jordan. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi strongly condemns Katz for lying and incitement against Palestinians. (AJ 8/29)
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EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell says he has initiated procedures to sanction “some Israeli ministers” because of their hate speech against Palestinians and proposals that go against international law. Irish foreign minister Micheal Martin and Belgian deputy prime minister Petra de Sutter say they support Borrell’s call for sanctions against the Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Martin says Israel is waging “a war against Palestinians, not just Hamas.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/29)
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The UK and Switzerland convene the UN Security Council for a meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. China “strongly condemns” Israel’s assault on the West Bank and says it is shocked that Israeli officials are speaking of using the same approach in the West Bank as in Gaza, saying “Gaza has been turned into hell on earth” and that China will not allow this to happen in the West Bank. U.S. deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood criticizes Israel for targeting a UN vehicle on 8/27 in Gaza. (AJ, AP, UNOCHA, WAFA 8/29)
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U.S. vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris says in an interview with CNN that too many civilians have been killed in Gaza but that she will not break with President Joe Biden’s policies toward Israel if elected, including on the delivery of weapons. Harris repeats unsubstantiated claims of sexual violence occurring on 10/7/2023 when speaking of her commitment to Israeli security. (CNN, HA 8/29; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 8/30)
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Palestine Action condemns the UK as a police state after counter-terrorism police arrest pro-Palestine activist Sarah Wilkinson for online posts, raid the home of another activist who is in prison, and charge a third activist with supporting a proscribed organization for 2 speeches he has given. (AJ 8/29)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continue the assault on the Jenin governorate for the third day in a row. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man driving a car near Zababdeh, when the car ignites 2 others escape the car before they are hit by an Israeli drone strike. Hamas says its commander Wissam Ayman Hazem is one of the victims of the attack. Israeli forces also shoot and kill an 84-year-old man outside of his home in Jenin, injuring another person. Meanwhile, Israeli forces injure 3 Red Crescent medical staff, including 1 with live ammunition and 2 with shrapnel. Israeli forces also open fire at a group of journalists and demolish a home with explosives in Jenin. Internet connectivity in Jenin remains limited for the second day in a row. Separately from the attacks in the Jenin governorate, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man near Beit Umar, claiming he opened fire at the Karmei Zur settlement; an Israeli person is reportedly injured after being rammed by the Palestinian man. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian man after he allegedly caused an explosion at a gas station at the Gush Etzion junction, 2 Israelis are injured. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a child during a raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians near Ramallah. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters during raids in Yatma and Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. An Israeli settler opens fire at Palestinians in Huwwara. Israeli settlers also set fire to farmland near Burqa. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Maghazi. There is no update from the Gaza Ministry of Health on the number of casualties. Israeli forces also withdraw from eastern parts of Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Hezbollah forces launch 40 rockets at the western Galilee. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; UNOCHA 9/4)
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More than 40,602 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 93,855 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 664 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 144 children. More than 5,420 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, 340 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,263 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (UNOCHA 8/30)
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The Israeli ceasefire negotiation team leaves Qatar. Israeli sources say there still is no breakthrough on the sticking points relating to Israel’s insistence on its forces remaining at the Netzarim and Philadelphia corridors and at the Rafah crossing. (HA 8/30)
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UNRWA says it has suspended its services in some refugee camps in the West Bank due to the Israeli operations in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas governorates. EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell calls on Israel to end its operation in the West Bank, saying “[a]ny escalation is a disaster in the making. Israel genuine security concerns cannot justify civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, especially water and sewage systems.” The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office issues a statement expressing concern over Israel’s operation in the West Bank and “strongly condemns settler violence and inciteful remarks such as those made by Israel’s National Security Minister [Itamar] Ben-Gvir, which threaten the status-quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.” The French foreign ministry also express concern over Israel’s attacks in the West Bank. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 8/30; AJ 8/31)
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FIFA says it will not address the Palestinian request to have the organization suspend Israel from international football competitions today, moving the assessment to October. (AJ, HA, REU 8/31)
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The UAE donates $5 million to support the WHO polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. (AJ 8/31)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continue large-scale raids in the Jenin governorate for the fourth day in a row. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and block emergency workers from reaching the wounded while opening fire at an ambulance in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also force Palestinian families to evacuate their homes near the Jenin Governmental Hospital. The Jenin Municipality says Israeli forces have uprooted more than 70% of streets in the city. The Jenin Governmental Hospital says it has been running on backup generators for 4 days due to Israeli forces damaging powerlines to the hospital and that it has suspended its dialysis service as a result. An Israeli soldier is killed and another injured during the raids. Separately from the raids in the Jenin governorate, Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during raids in Qusra. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Marda. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian child and steal his bicycle in Birzeit. Israeli forces also demolish an agricultural structure in Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces erect checkpoints at all entrances to the Hebron governorate. Israeli forces also arrest 22 Palestinians during late-night raids. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian man near Majdal Bani Fadel. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Qalqilya and Jericho, injuring one Palestinian and damaging a car. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers steal 300 sheep during a raid in Sa’ir. Israeli settlers also uproot 70 olive tree saplings in Ni’lin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Jabalia refugee camp. The Gaza Ministry of Health says at least 89 Palestinians have been killed in the past 48 hours, including 3 near the al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Markaba. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at the Ramtha and al-Marj military sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, 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, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; AJ, HA 9/1; UNOCHA 9/2; UNOCHA 9/4)
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More than 40,691 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,456 children and 11,088 women, and around 94,060 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 10,000 people are missing in rubble. 666 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 144 children. More than 5,420 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, 340 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,263 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. At least 79,000 housing units have been destroyed and 370,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 8/31)
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The Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Club say Palestinian Nasr Zeyara from Gaza died in the Ramla Prison on 8/16 due to “systematic torture.” Zeyera was arrested on 12/29 along with his son Jihad who is being held at the Naqab Prison. (AJ, WAFA 8/31)
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The UN Human Rights Office demands that Israel halts its raids on Jenin refugee, citing unlawful killings, insecurity for residents of the camp, and “enormous destruction.” (AJ, WAFA 8/31)
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UNRWA commissioner-general Phillippe Lazzarini says Israel is attempting to defame the agency by spreading misinformation about it on Google advertisements. (AJ, AJ, WAFA 8/31)
