In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize olive trees in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Deir Qaddis, claiming the man injured an Israeli soldier in a “car bomb attack.” Israeli forces also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians, including a child, during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a home in al-Walaja, displacing 5 people. Israeli forces also arrest 22 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Salfit, Tubas, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 632 Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb al-Bureij refugee camp, Beit Lahiya, Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 12 Palestinians. Israeli forces also issue a new evacuation order for parts of Jabalia refugee camp. An infant dies of hypothermia, raising the recent infant death toll from the cold weather to 7. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb homes in Ayta ash-Shaab and set fire to homes in Aitaroun. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; AJ 1/2)
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More than 45,553 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,379 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 837 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 393 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/1)
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The Palestinian Civil Defense says flooding has destroyed more than 1,500 tents in recent days as cold weather continues to be a lethal threat to displaced Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 12/31; AJ, AJ, WAFA 1/1)
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The PA suspends Al Jazeera’s broadcast and work and closes its offices in the West Bank, citing an issue with network’s legal status and violations of Palestinian laws, including incitement. Hamas condemns the PA’s decision as a “clear violation of the freedom of press” and an “insult” to the profession of journalism. Palestinian National Initiative party leader and former PA minister of information Mustafa Barghouti calls the decision “a big mistake.” Al Jazeera also condemns the decision, saying it is consistent with the Israeli occupation’s practices against its crews and is linked to Al Jazeera’s coverage of the PA’s assault on the resistance in Jenin. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the PA to reverse its decision immediately. (WAFA 12/31; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 1/1; AP, HA 1/2)
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Former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant resigns from the Knesset. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU 1/1; HA 1/2)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Kafl Haris, vandalizing homes and vehicles. Israeli settlers also raze farmland in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Jayyus. Israeli forces also punitively demolish the family home of a Palestinian prisoner in Bal’a. An Israeli settler is injured by stones thrown at a bus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, al-Mawasi, Shati’ refugee camp, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, reportedly killing at least 90 people, including Gaza police chief Mahmud Salah and the deputy police chief Hussam Shahwan in al-Mawasi. Near Gaza, Israeli forces arrest 15 people who attempt to enter Gaza after a pro-settlement event near the Gaza fence. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Nabatieh, Jbaa, al-Rihan, and Jabal al-Zighrine. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb military facilities in Safira near Aleppo. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; AJ, AP 1/3)
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More than 45,553 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,438 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 837 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 393 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (HA 1/2)
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UNOCHA reports that 21 families comprising 94 people were displaced from their homes on 12/24 and 12/25 during the 48-hour Israeli raid on Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camp. More than 1,000 housing units were damaged during the raids. (UNOCHA 1/2)
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The Israeli human rights organization Physicians for Human Rights Israel says in a statement that the Israeli army has denied it is holding Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. There is video evidence that Safiya was taken into an Israeli tank on 12/27. UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese calls on all medical professionals to sever ties to Israel in response to Israel’s destruction of the health sector in Gaza. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 1/2)
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The New York Times reports that the UN is preparing to end UNRWA operations in the West Bank and Gaza due to Israel’s decision to ban the agency from operating in all of Palestine. (NYT 1/2)
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorizes Israeli negotiators to travel to Doha for ceasefire talks. Netanyahu is released from the hospital after prostate surgery on 12/29. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/2)
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Israeli Army Radio reports that the Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi has sent a letter to the military’s Southern Command commander Yaron Finkelman, warning that Israeli forces are not adequately assessing the size of the civilian population before attacking targets in Gaza. 8 members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, from the Likud, Religious Zionism, Jewish Power, and Shas parties, sign a letter to Defense Minister Israel Katz, calling on the military to destroy all sources of water, food, and energy in Gaza. Haaretz reports that 252nd Division commander Yehuda Vach, who commands the Israeli forces in the Netzarim Corridor, ordered his troops to ethnically cleanse 250,000 Palestinians from northern Gaza, telling them that only “by losing land will the Palestinians learn the necessary lesson.” Vach also told his troops that “there are no innocents in Gaza” and that soldiers need to harass aid trucks, so they will not enter Gaza. (HA 1/1; AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 1/2; HA 1/3)
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Germany, the UN Human Rights Office, and the Foreign Press Association denounce the PA’s decision to suspend Al Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank. (AJ 1/2)
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The World Bowls Tour reverses its decision to bar Israeli players from the World Indoor Bowls Championship in England later this month, saying additional security measures have been put in place. (AJ, REU 1/2)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers use stones and batons to assault and injure 7 Palestinians and set fire to 6 cars during a raid in Silwad. Israeli settlers also assault and severely injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Shaab al-Butm in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians during a raid in al- Mughayyir. Israeli settlers also vandalize tents and agricultural structures in Burqa. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man and injure 9 others during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Beit Furik. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child during a raid in Tuqu’. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in al-Bireh. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters in Beita. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians and seize a vehicle during a raid in Nablus. 2 Palestinians, a father and his 14-year-old son, are shot and killed in Jenin refugee camp, reportedly by PA forces. The PA denies being active in the area where they are killed. Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemn the killings. A PA intelligence officer is also killed in the camp in what is described as an accident. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Maghazi, killing at least 77 Palestinians, including at least 25 people outside of al-Aqsa Hospital. Israeli forces reportedly order the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital and al-Awda Hospital. Israel denies ordering the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital. Meanwhile, Israeli forces also order the evacuation of parts of al-Bureij refugee camp. 2 rockets are launched at Israel; no injuries are reported. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire a missile at Israel, which is intercepted over Modi’in. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Bani Haiyyan and Kfar Kila and set fire to homes in Houla. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/3; AJ, AJ, AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/4)
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More than 45,658 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,583 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 838 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 393 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/3)
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ABC News reports that Israel has acknowledged that Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is being held by Israel a day after Israel’s military denied to Physicians for Human Rights Israel that he was in Israeli custody. (AJ, HA, HA 1/3)
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Ceasefire negotiators meet in Doha. Hamas official Basem Naim says Hamas wants a deal that brings a permanent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. (AJ, HA, REU 1/3)
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The UN Security Council discusses the Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls on Security Council members to end the genocide in Gaza, saying they have an obligation to save lives. UN high commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk says Israel has not provided evidence to back its claims that health facilities are being used by Palestinian militants. Israeli deputy ambassador to the UN Jonathan Miller claims that Israel suspects that Kamal Adwan Hospital director Abu Safiya is a Hamas operative. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/3; AJ 1/4)
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Axios reports that the U.S. State Department has informed Congress that the Biden administration plans to transfer $8 billion in arms to Israel, including munitions for fighter jets and helicopters, and artillery shells. (AX 1/3; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinian families in Khirbet Tana, forcing 12 families to flee the area. Israeli settlers also set fire to agricultural structures in al-Mughayyir. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalize 6 olive trees and an apple tree in Battir. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child in Beit Umar during a raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Beit Hanun, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 66 Palestinians, including 9 people overseeing security for aid trucks in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also damage al-Amal Hospital in an airstrike on Khan Yunis. Gaza authorities say the Indonesian Hospital has ceased operations. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Bani Haiyyan and Markaba. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; AJ 1/5)
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More than 45,717 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 108,856 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 838 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 172 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 393 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/4)
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Hamas releases a video of an Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza. The video prompts mass protests in Tel Aviv for a ceasefire deal. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 1/4)
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UNIFIL says that Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon are jeopardizing the deal. UNIFIL says Israel has demolished markers delineating the withdrawal line and destroyed an observation tower belonging to the Lebanese army. (AJ 1/4)
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Israeli Channel 12 reports that Israel plans to further restrict aid entering Gaza after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on 1/20. The Israel Broadcasting Authority reports that Israel is planning to tell the U.S. that it will not withdraw from Lebanon 60 days after the ceasefire agreement took effect, as stipulated in the agreement. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 1/4; HA 1/6)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks with Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty in a phone call, discussing ceasefire talks. Blinken says in an interview with the New York Times that he threatened Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu with canceling President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel 5 days after 10/7/2023 if Netanyahu did not allow aid into Gaza. (HA, NYT 1/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize 12 olive trees in Battir. Israeli settlers also set up new outposts near Qaryut and Nahalin. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child during a raid in Askar refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a PA security forces officer in Meithalun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces also ram a parked vehicle with 5 Palestinians in it, injuring them, in Ein al-Beida. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian child during a raid in Ni’lin. Israeli forces also demolish 2 irrigation ponds in Furush Beit Dajan. Separately, Israeli forces vandalize 3 tractors during a raid in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Jericho, Ramallah, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 120 Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities force 6 Palestinian families to demolish their own homes in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 88 people. An infant dies of hypothermia, raising the recent infant death toll from hypothermia to 8. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Marjayoun. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; AJ 1/6)
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More than 45,805 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,064 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 840 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 173 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 393 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/5)
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Hamas says it has approved a list of 34 Israeli captives it is ready to release as part of a ceasefire deal. U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk reportedly arrives in Doha for the ceasefire negotiations. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU 1/5; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 1/6)
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The Lebanese government says Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement 392 times since it took effect on 11/27/2024. (AJ 1/5)
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The Magistrate Court in Ramallah orders the closure of 4 of Al Jazeera’s websites for 4 months. (AJ 1/6)
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Several Israeli media outlets report that the Israeli government is warning Israeli soldiers that they may face arrest and prosecution while traveling abroad. The Israeli Foreign Ministry assists an Israeli soldier accused of committing war crimes in Gaza in fleeing Brazil to Argentina after a Brazilian court orders an investigation into his conduct. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, WAFA 1/5)
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The American Historical Association adopts a resolution opposing Israel’s scholasticide in Gaza. (DN 1/6)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to vehicles in Hijja. Israeli settlers also attack Palestinian homes in Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to an agricultural structure in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also block roads and throw stones at vehicles in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tulkarm, Huwwara, Tuqu’, and Jenin. Israeli forces assault 2 Palestinian children during a raid in Bardala. Israeli forces also issue a notice that they will seize 262 dunams (64.7 acres) of Palestinian land in Jaba’, al-Ram, Kfar Aqab, and Mukhmas to expand settler road 45. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue a stop-work notice for a home in Umm al-Shaqhan. Israeli forces also arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Nablus, al-Yamun, and Qalqilya. 3 Israeli settlers are killed and 7 are injured in an attack on a bus in al-Funduq; Hamas and Islamic Jihad take joint responsibility. In East Jerusalem, more than 140 Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, Gaza City, and al-Mawasi, killing at least 48 people. 2 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat in northern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khiam, killing 7 people. Israeli forces also shell Aitaroun. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/6; AJ, HA, HA 1/7; AJ, REU 1/8; UNOCHA 1/9)
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More than 45,854 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,139 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 840 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 173 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 395 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/6)
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The World Food Programme says Israeli forces opened fire on 3 of its vehicles on 1/5, hitting them with 16 bullets and causing damage but no injuries. The organization condemns the incident, which happened near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/6; HA, WAFA 1/7)
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Physicians for Human Rights Israel says Israel is barring lawyers from meeting with Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya until 1/10/2025. (WAFA 1/6; AJ 1/7)
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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says in response to the attack on a settler bus in al-Funduq that “Funduq, Nablus, and Jenin must look like Jabalia.” The Prime Minister’s Office says Benjamin Netanyahu has approved an operation in the West Bank to apprehend the perpetrators. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 1/6)
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The U.S. reallocates $95 million in military aid from Egypt to Lebanon, saying Lebanese forces are a key partner in upholding the ceasefire. (REU 1/6; AJ 1/7)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara and Jinsafut. Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in an airstrike and injure 5 others during raids in Tammun. Israeli forces also shoot and kill Qassam Brigades commander Jaafar Dababshe in Wadi al-Badhan. Hamas calls the killing an assassination. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also raid al-Far’a refugee camp, damaging homes and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Israeli forces fire tear gas at Palestinians during raids in Hizma, Kafr Jamal, Hebron, Beita, Sebastia, and Bayt Rima. Israeli forces also demolish a nursery and car wash in Salfit and 3 agricultural structures in Tuqu’. PA forces open fire at a vehicle near Attil, injuring 3 people, including founding member of the Tulkarm Brigades Yousef Muhanna. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Mawasi, Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, and Shati’ refugee camp, killing at least 49 Palestinians. An Israeli soldier is killed in northern Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; AJ, WAFA 1/8; UNOCHA 1/14)
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More than 45,885 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,196 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 843 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 173 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 396 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/7)
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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for a “large-scale operation” in the West Bank “to eradicate terrorism,” saying Israel must “move from defense to offense.” On 1/6, Smotrich called for al-Funduq, Nablus, and Jenin to be destroyed like Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza. (AJ 1/7; HA 1/8)
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Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz meets with UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Abu Dhabi, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and ceasefire negotiations. Reuters reports that Israel, the U.S., and the UAE have discussed the possibility of the UAE helping to temporarily manage the administration of Gaza until a reformed PA can take responsibility. Katz also calls the killing of 3 Israeli settlers on 1/6 an “act of war.” (AJ, HA, REU 1/7; AJ 1/8)
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U.S. president-elect Donald Trump reiterates his threat that there will be “hell to pay” if the Israeli captives are not released from Gaza by his inauguration on 1/20. Trump says, “it will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone.” Senior Hamas member Osama Hamdan says Trump should “make more disciplined and diplomatic statements.” Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says he is part of the ceasefire negotiations in Doha and that he will be returning to Qatar on 1/8 to continue negotiations. (AJ, HA, NYT 1/7; AJ, NYT 1/8)
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Ireland submits a declaration to join the South African genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. (AJ, NYT 1/7)
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Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati says he has sent a clear message to the ceasefire oversight committee that Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement must stop, and that Israel must withdraw completely from Lebanon as stipulated in the agreement. (AJ 1/7)
In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rams a Palestinian child in al-Manshiyya. Israeli settlers also set fire to a vehicle in Wadi Rahal. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Beita and Nablus. Israeli settlers also try to steal cattle in Bardala but are repelled by Palestinians. Israeli forces bomb Tammun, killing 3 Palestinians, including 2 children aged 9 and 10. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm refugee camp, assaulting a woman and severely damaging homes and infrastructure. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fire tear gas at a school in Kisan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish a car repair shop, a sheep pen, and raze a road in Mukhmas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 45 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Tubas, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Jerusalem. PA forces arrest a journalist covering the PA raids in Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, and al-Mawasi, killing at least 51 people. 3 Israeli soldiers are killed in northern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfar Kila. In Syria, Israeli forces arrest French journalist Sylvain Mercadier and his local fixer in al-Hamidiyah. Mercadier says he is abused and humiliated for 4 hours before he is released again. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb the Harf Sufyan and Sanhan districts. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/8; UNOCHA 1/14)
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More than 45,936 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,274 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 846 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 175 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 399 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. The Nasser Hospital suspends services for everything except intensive care due to a shortage in fuel. Doctors Without Borders says the European and al-Aqsa Martyrs hospitals are also close to closing due to the lack of fuel. The WHO says it has facilitated the evacuation of 6 children and their 5 companions and 4 adult patients and their 5 companions for treatment in Jordan and the U.S. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 1/8; AJ 1/9; UNOCHA 1/14)
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Peace Now reports that Israel will expand the Adam settlement by 1,107 dunams (273,5 acres) to the southeast of the settlement. (PCN 1/8)
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Israel blocks the UN from investigating whether sexual violence was part of Hamas’s attack on Israel on 10/7/2023 due to fears that it would have to grant access to the UN to investigate allegations of sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli prisons and detention camps. The Israeli military instructs its soldiers not to say their names or show their faces in the media to shelter them from international prosecution. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 1/8)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says a ceasefire deal is “very close.” Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich criticizes the ceasefire negotiations, saying Israel “will stay in Gaza for a very long time” and that Israelis should not be afraid of using the word occupation. (AJ, HA 1/8)
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UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini meets with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, discussing Israeli legislation to ban UNRWA that will take effect soon. Axios reports that U.S. State Department officials have told the Trump transition team that there could be a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza if the Israeli law to ban UNRWA takes effect. (AJ, AX 1/8)
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The Quaker organization, American Friends Service Committee, says the New York Times refused to run a committee ad in the newspaper because it described Israel’s attack on Gaza as genocide. (AJ 1/9)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a new outpost near Tammun. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Sebastia. Israeli forces continue raiding Tulkarm refugee camp, damaging homes and infrastructure. Israeli forces assault and injure 2 Palestinians in Hebron. Israeli forces seize 2 vehicles during a raid in Ni’lin. Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 70 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Aita ash Shab. In Yemen, Houthi forces launch 3 drones at Israel, all of which are intercepted. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/9; AJ 1/10)
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More than 46,006 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,378 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 846 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 175 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 399 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/9)
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The PA says it has arrested 247 Palestinian “outlaws” in Jenin refugee camp since its forces started raiding the camp on 12/10/2024. President Mahmoud Abbas discuss the operation against resistance groups in the Jenin governorate with PA security officials. The PA is calling the operation Protecting the Homeland. (AJ, HA, REU 1/9; WAFA 1/10)
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WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says in a tweet that no other agency can replace UNRWA in Gaza, as Israeli legislation to ban UNRWA in Palestine is set to take effect on 1/26. (AJ 1/9)
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Haaretz reports that sources close to Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir say that he has ordered the Israeli police to prioritize demolitions of Palestinian homes in Israel over homes of Jewish Israelis. (HA 1/9)
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The Lebanese parliament elects army commander Joseph Aoun as the next president of Lebanon with 99 out of 128 votes. Aoun says in his first speech that only the state’s forces should carry weapons and that the state will remove the “Israeli occupation and deter its aggression.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas sends Aoun a telegram, expressing his congratulations and best wishes. Hamas also congratulates Aoun. Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar congratulates Lebanon on the election of a new president. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian welcomes Aoun’s appointment, saying “[t]here is no doubt that reinforcement of stability and unity will defeat the greed of the Zionist enemy against Lebanese territory.” U.S. president Joe Biden speaks with Aoun and tells the press that he is a “first-rate guy.” (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 1/9; AJ, NYT, WAFA 1/10)
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The U.S. House of Representatives passes the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” which would impose sanctions on any foreigner who helps the ICC investigate, detain, or prosecute a U.S. citizen or a citizen of an allied country that does not recognize the ICC. The legislation, which passes 243-140, seeks to punish the ICC for pursuing war crimes charges against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amnesty International condemns the vote, saying it will cause great harm if the Senate also approves the bill. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU 1/9)
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Polish president Andrzej Duda asks the Polish government not to arrest Netanyahu should he decided to attend the Auschwitz liberation anniversary event later this month. Later in the day, the government adopts a resolution promising not to arrest Netanyahu if he takes part in the event. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/9)
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The Lancet journal publishes an article saying that the death toll in Gaza likely is undercounted by 41% in the period between October 2023 and June 2024, estimating that the death toll by the end of June was 64,260 instead of 37,877. The Gaza Media Office confirms that there is a large discrepancy based on the inability to register all casualties and calls on the international community to help effort to recover and bury the victims. (HA, REU 1/9; AJ, AJ 1/10; HA 1/11)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to homes and farmland and spray racist graffiti on walls in Khirbet Abu Falah. Israeli settlers also raid Susiya in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during raids in Idhna, Budrus, Burqa, Tuqu’, and Yatma. Israeli forces also raid Qabatiya, bombing a home, taking measurements for 3 punitive demolitions, and arresting 15 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Qabatiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevent Palestinians from working their land in Umm al-Qaba. Israeli forces also force Palestinians to close their shops in Huwwara until 1/12. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Mawasi, and Khan Yunis. There is no new fatality update from the Gaza Health Ministry. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb a vehicle in Tayr Debba, killing 5 people. Israeli forces also bomb Aita ash Shaab and Bint Jbeil. In Yemen, U.S. and Israeli forces bomb the Ras Isa port, killing 1 person and injuring 6 others. U.S. and Israeli forces also bomb the Hodeidah port and a power station in Hezyaz. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; UNOCHA 1/14; UNOCHA 1/16)
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More than 46,006 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,378 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 846 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 175 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 399 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. PA communications and digital economy minister Abdul Razzaq al-Natshe says the lack of fuel in Gaza is causing additional disruptions to the phone and internet communication services. Doctors Without Borders warns of catastrophic consequences to hospitals in Gaza if more fuel does not enter Gaza. 14 doctors from different countries enter Gaza. (AJ 1/10)
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A court in Ashkelon extends Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya’s detention until 2/13 and extends the ban on Abu Safiya meeting a lawyer until 1/22. Israel releases the head of the orthopedics department at the Nasser Hospital, Mahmoud Abu Shahada, after an appeal for his release was filed at the Supreme Court. Abu Shahada’s lawyer says he has been subjected to torture and harsh treatment since he was arrested on 2/17/2024. (AJ 1/10)
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Hamas calls on the PA to end its aggression against the resistance in Jenin refugee camp, saying the PA is ignoring national calls not to serve the occupation. (AJ 1/10)
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UNRWA says it has successfully transported its archive outside of Gaza and digitized it protect the rights of Palestinian refugees. (AJ 1/10; WAFA 1/11)
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U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff meets with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, discussing ceasefire negotiations. CIA director Bill Burns tells NPR that he believes there is a chance that a ceasefire deal can be reached and that the gaps between Israel and Hamas have been narrowed. Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reports that Hamas has offered to postpone decisions on the future stages of the ceasefire deal to secure an agreement on the first stage as soon as possible. (AJ, HA 1/10)
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Israeli defense minister Israel Katz says he has requested a plan from the Israeli military for the “complete defeat of Hamas in Gaza” if the captives are not released by the time President-elect Trump is inaugurated on 1/20. (AJ, HA 1/10)
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Israeli media reports that Shin Bet director Ronen Bar has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to approve a major military offensive in the West Bank to eliminate the Palestinian resistance. (AJ 1/10)
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The London police ban a pro-Palestine march scheduled for 1/18, saying the route is too close to a synagogue. The organizers from Palestine Solidarity Campaign condemn the decision, saying there have been no incidents near synagogues in the previous weekly marches it has arranged in London. (AJ 1/10)
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The Hind Rajab Foundation submits a legal case against Israeli soldier Boaz Ben David for war crimes in a Swedish court as he is believed to be in Sweden. The foundation also files legal complaints in Finland, Denmark, and Norway in case he flees Sweden through its neighboring countries. (AJ, AJ 1/10)
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Columbia University professor Katherine Franke says she has entered an agreement with the university to retire after an investigation into her support for the pro-Palestine student protest on campus. Franke, who was a tenured professor, says she was effectively forced to retire. (AJ, HA, HA 1/11; AJ 1/12)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raid Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 3 Palestinians and arresting 4 others. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians and steal their possessions during a raid in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalize olive trees in Bardala. Israel forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Dura. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Yatma. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man in al-Arroub refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Jabalia refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 32 Palestinian have been killed in the past 48 hours. 4 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat in Beit Hanun. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Shebaa Farms, Ayta ash Shaab, and Kounine, injuring 2 people in Kounine. Rescue workers find 11 bodies in rubble in Naqoura, Bayada, and Tayr Harfa. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; UNOCHA 1/14; UNOCHA 1/16)
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More than 46,537 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,571 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 846 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 175 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 403 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. The Gaza Health Ministry says fuel has entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/11)
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Fatah says that it will not allow Hamas to replicate its actions in Gaza in the West Bank, saying Hamas has sacrificed the interests of the Palestinian people for the interests of Iran. (HA 1/11)
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Haaretz reports that the Israeli military has approved the withdrawal of troops from large parts of Gaza. Israeli has also reportedly sent 3 additional battalions to the West Bank. (AJ, HA 1/11)
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The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office says it will send a delegation to Doha for ceasefire negotiations that includes Mossad director David Barnea, Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, and military and political advisors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Jerusalem, discussing Witkoff’s meetings with negotiators in Doha on 1/10. Witkoff returns to Qatar after the meeting. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 1/11; NYT 1/12)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians with pepper spray near the Za’atra checkpoint. Israeli settlers also assault Palestinians in Madama. Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinian children in Jaba’. Israeli forces order shops to close in Hebron as collective punishment, saying stones were thrown at Israeli settlers. PA forces ambush a vehicle carrying members of Islamic Jihad’s Tulkarm Battalion. PA forces also lay siege to, and conduct raids in, Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issue a demolition order for a home in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Shati’ refugee camp, killing at least 28 Palestinians. Israeli forces also issue an evacuation order for parts of Nuseirat refugee camp. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Houmine. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; UNOCHA 1/14)
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More than 46,565 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,660 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 846 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 175 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 403 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA1/12)
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The PA Commission of Detainees and Ex Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society issue a report based on 23 testimonies from Palestinians held in al-Naqab Prison and the Naftali detention camp, saying they have been ill-treated and tortured. Some prisoners say they have been urinated on and burned with boiling water. (AJ, WAFA 1/12)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas calls on Israel to accept the end to its campaign in Gaza. U.S. president Joe Biden speaks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing ceasefire talks in Doha. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the deal is “very, very close. Yet being very close still means we are far.” Vice President-elect JD Vance says in an interview that the incoming Trump administration will “enable the Israelis to eliminate the last remnant of Hamas and its leadership” if a ceasefire deal is not completed by 1/20. Haaretz reports that Israel continues to refuse to commit to ending the war as part of the second phase of the deal. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 1/12; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 1/13)
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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says he will use the withheld PA tax revenue to pay the PA’s debt to the state-run Israel Electric Co. Smotrich says the debt to the company is $543 million. (AJ, REU 1/12)
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CBS’s 60 Minutes runs a segment on Israel’s war on Gaza, interviewing former State Department officials. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs Andrew Miller says the U.S. defers to Israel’s narrative of events in Gaza and has left Prime Minister Netanyahu in “the driver’s seat,” saying Netanyahu knows he can take U.S. support for granted. Another former official, Hala Rharrit, says she was berated by a superior for including images of Palestinian children that had starved to death in a report. (HA 1/13)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers and steal 3 sheep during a raid in al-Maniya. Israeli settlers also vandalize around 200 olive tree saplings in Nahalin. Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Awa. Israeli also forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Sa’ir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fire tear gas near a school in al-Khader, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish a home under construction, a commercial structure and an agricultural structure in al-Funduq, demolish the foundations of a home and a carpentry shop in Hizma, and deliver a stop-work notice for an agricultural structure in Khallet al-Fara. Meanwhile, Israeli forces distribute maps notifying residents in Husan that Israel has seized 7.5 dunams (1.85 acres) of land adjacent to the Beitar Illit settlement. Israeli forces also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in az-Zubaidat and 5 during raids in al-Ain refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 45 people. 5 Israeli soldiers are killed in northern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfar Kila. Rescue workers retrieve 11 bodies from Tayr Harfa and Shama. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; HA 1/14)
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More than 46,584 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 109,731 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 846 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 175 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 1/13)
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The Palestinian Prisoners Society reports that Palestinian prisoner Moataz Abu Zneid has died in an Israeli prison, becoming the 55th Palestinian to die in Israeli custody since 10/7/2023. Physicians for Human Rights-Israel says that the Israeli military has confirmed that Kamal Adwan Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is being held at the Ofer Prison. (AJ, AP, WAFA 1/13; UNOCHA 1/16)
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Ceasefire mediators reportedly submit their final draft of a ceasefire agreement to Israel and Hamas after having a breakthrough in talks in Doha over the weekend. Hamas Political Bureau acting chairperson Khalil al-Hayya meets with Qatari emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, afterwards saying that the ceasefire talks are progressing well. U.S. president Joe Biden says the ceasefire deal is on the “brink” after speaking with Emir Al Thani. Several media outlets report that the deal is largely the same as the one presented by the Biden administration in May 2024. Haaretz reports that President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff forced Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire deal over the weekend. According to Haaretz’s sources, Witkoff forced through a meeting on Saturday despite Netanyahu’s aides saying that he was observing the Sabbath. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/13)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with UK foreign secretary David Lammy in Ramallah. Lammy says after the meeting that he reiterated the UK’s “steadfast support” for the PA and that it will work toward a 2-state solution. Lammy also meets with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar, expressing support for an immediate ceasefire and urging Israel not to implement its ban on UNRWA. PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Ramallah, and Jordanian prime minister Jafar Hassan and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman. Lokke Rasmussen also meets Saar in Jerusalem. Lokke Rasmussen says Denmark and Israel do not “see eye to eye” on Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; HA 1/14)
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Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide says delegations from around the world will travel to Norway on 1/15 to take part in a meeting on the 2-state solution. (AJ, WAFA 1/13)
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Cuba files a declaration to join the South African genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. (HA, WAFA 1/14)
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The Hind Rajab Foundation calls on Italy to arrest Israeli major general Ghassan Alian, the head of COGAT, who reportedly is traveling in Rome. (AJ, HA 1/13; HA 1/14)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian olive trees in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. Israeli forces bomb Jenin refugee camp, killing at least 6 Palestinians, including a child. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians during raids in Nablus and al-Khader. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue 16 stop-work orders for homes and agricultural structures in Ras al-Ahmar. Israeli forces also arrest 35 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Shati’ refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, killing at least 38 Palestinians. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfar Kila and Meiss Ej Jabel. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire 2 missiles at Israel, both are intercepted with shrapnel causing damage near Jerusalem. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/14; HA 1/15; UNOCHA 1/16)
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More than 46,645 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 110,012 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 852 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 176 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/14)
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Islamic Jihad’s Jenin Battalion says it has agreed to an initiative to end Palestinian infighting and its conflict with the PA. The announcement comes hours before the Israeli airstrike on Jenin refugee camp. The PA condemns the airstrike. (AJ 1/14)
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The Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari says the ceasefire negotiations have reached the “closest point” to a conclusion so far. Hamas says it has not formally responded to the deal yet because it lacks a map of plans for the Israeli military’s withdrawal from Gaza. Islamic Jihad says it has sent a delegation to Doha for negotiations. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the Security Cabinet to discuss the ceasefire deal. Israeli media reports that the first phase of the deal will be 16 days long and include exchanges of Israeli and Palestinian prisoners, reportedly 50 Palestinian prisoners for each female Israeli soldier released and 30 Palestinian prisoners for each of the other remaining captives. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says that he prevented Israel from entering a ceasefire deal during previous negotiations, contradicting the U.S. narrative that it was Hamas that prevented a deal from happening. Ben-Gvir also acknowledges that he and his party are no longer the decisive factor that can topple the government, due to other parties joining the government. (AJ, AJ, AP, DropSite, HA, HA, NYT 1/14)
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The PA warns that Israel plans to disconnect Gaza from the West Bank to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state. (AJ 1/14)
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Peace Now reports that the Jerusalem Magistrate Court has ruled to evict 24 Palestinian families, constituting 122 people, from their homes in Batn al-Hawa in Silwan. (PCN 1/14)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken presents the U.S. plan for the “day after” Israel’s war in Gaza, saying a key element will be international help to the PA to establish an interim administration and that a “reformed” PA can take control of the area at a later point. Blinken also says the plan envisions an international force to oversee policing and crossings and that the U.S. believes that Hamas has been able to recruit nearly as many new militant members as Israel has killed. Moreover, Blinken criticizes Israeli government policies, saying that Palestinians will never accept “being a non-people without national rights,” that Israel should not withhold the PA’s tax revenue, and that it has to stop settlement outpost growth and settler violence. Lastly, Blinken says he believes that Hamas conducted Operation Al-Aqsa Flood to prevent a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Blinken is interrupted several times during his speech by an activist who call him a war criminal. President Joe Biden speaks with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing ceasefire efforts, and extends his executive order allowing sanctions on Israeli settlers for 1 year until 2/1/2026. Biden says in the formal notice that settler violence has reached “intolerable levels and constitutes a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the West Bank and Gaza, Israel, and the broader Middle East.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 1/14; AJ 1/15)
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Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar meets with Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani in Rome. Tajani expresses hope that a ceasefire deal can be reached. (AJ, HA 1/14)
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ICJ president Nawaf Salem resigns after being appointed as the prime minister-designate in Lebanon. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/14)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and shops during a raid in Huwwara, injuring 4 Palestinians. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian agricultural land near Madama. Israeli forces bomb Jenin refugee camp for the second day in a row, killing 6 people and injuring 2 others. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Bal’a. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural structure in Khalayel al-Loz and an agricultural structure in Shawawra. Israeli forces also demolish 3 commercial structures in Wadi Dayouk. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seize a concrete mixer in Qira. Israeli forces also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. 3 Israeli soldiers are injured when their bulldozer is hit by an IED in Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a home in Kafr ‘Aqab, reportedly stealing gold and cash. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Dayr al-Balah, Shati’ refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 62 people. Israeli forces also issue an evacuation order for parts of Jabalia refugee camp. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kfarchouba, Ayta ash Shaab, Hanine, Markaba, and Maroun al-Ras. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb a Syrian government vehicle in Quneitra, killing 3 people and injuring 7 others. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15; AJ, UNOCHA 1/16)
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More than 46,707 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 110,265 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 858 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 176 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 1/15)
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Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. announce that Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire deal that will take effect on 1/19. In the first phase of the ceasefire, which will last 42 days, 33 Israeli captives and hundreds of Palestinian captives will be exchanged, Israeli forces will retreat to within 2,297 feet of the Gaza fence, Palestinians can return to northern Gaza, much more aid will enter Gaza, the Rafah crossing will partially reopen, wounded Palestinians will be allowed to leave, and Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor before completely withdrawing 50 days after the ceasefire takes effect. In the second phase, the remaining Israeli captives will be exchanged for Palestinian captives and Israel will start withdrawing completely from Gaza. In the third phase, the bodies of the remaining Israeli captives will be delivered to Israel and a 3-5-year reconstruction plan for Gaza commence. The deal stipulates that if negotiations to reach the second phase take longer than 42 days then the ceasefire will continue as long as negotiations continue. The deal is nearly identical to the May ceasefire deal presented by U.S. president Joe Biden. Hamas celebrates the deal, saying it has thwarted Israel’s attempt to exterminate the Palestinians in Gaza and that all the party’s demands have been met. Islamic Jihad calls the ceasefire deal honorable and says it is produced by “legendary steadfastness.” Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich calls the ceasefire deal “bad and dangerous,” saying a “clear condition for us [the Religious Zionist Party] to remain in the government is the absolute certainty of returning to the war.” Both U.S. president Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump take credit as the facilitators of the deal. Trump’s incoming administration is largely seen as the deciding factor that either made a deal with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu or applied significant pressure on him to accept the deal. Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) executive president Nihad Awad commends Trump for pushing for the ceasefire. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks both Biden and Trump in separate phone calls. Trump’s incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz says that the U.S. will support Israel resuming its attacks on Gaza if Hamas breaches the deal. Israel intensifies the bombing of Gaza after the announcement is made. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/15; AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/16; HA)
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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa addresses a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Oslo, calling for international pressure on Israel to achieve Palestinian statehood. Mustafa tells the delegates from 85 countries that the PA will unify and rebuild Palestine and is ready to assume full responsibility in Gaza. Mustafa also calls on the countries present to take unified action to protect UNRWA. (AJ, HA, Norway, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15)
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The Italian foreign ministry and justice ministry say that Italy would not arrest Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant if they were to visit the country. Italian foreign minister Antionio Tajani met with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar on 1/14 in Rome. (HA 1/15)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Burin, setting fire to a vehicle. Israeli settlers also graze their sheep on Palestinian crops in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raid Askar refugee camp, shooting and injuring 3 Palestinians, including 2 children. Israeli forces also demolish an agricultural structure and close a landfill in Shuqba. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a concrete mixer in al-Zuwaydin in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also arrest 22 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tubas. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 81 Palestinians. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; AJ, AP 1/17)
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More than 46,788 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 110,453 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 858 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 176 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA 1/16)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with International Committee of the Red Cross president Mirjana Spoljaric in Ramallah, thanking her for the organization’s work. Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa meets EU officials in Brussels, including European Parliament president Roberta Metsola. The EU says it will send a delegation to Egypt to prepare to resume monitoring of the Rafah crossing. The EU also announces a new aid package to Gaza worth $123 million. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; REU 1/17)
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party issues a statement saying that the ceasefire agreement does not end Israel’s war on Gaza and that the deal allows Israel to return to attacking Gaza under U.S. guarantees. Netanyahu claims that Hamas is backtracking on its approval of the deal, postponing the Security Cabinet vote to approve the deal. Later in the day, Netanyahu says that an agreement has been reached and that the Security Cabinet will convene on 1/17 to vote on the deal. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says he and his Jewish Power party will leave the government if the cabinet votes to accept the ceasefire deal that was announced on 1/15. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli says he will resign from the government if Israeli withdraws from the Philadelphi Corridor. The Houthi movement says it will monitor the ceasefire and respond if Israel breaches the deal. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 1/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, WAFA 1/17)
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The WHO says that it will cost at least $10 billion to rebuild Gaza’s health system. (AJ 1/16)
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Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, saying Israel must immediately withdraw from the parts of Syria it recently invaded. Al-Sharaa says there is no Iranian presence in Syria and that Israel should withdraw from the buffer zone. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU 1/16)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken holds a press conference at the State Department. During the press conference, journalist Max Blumenthal is escorted out after asking questions during Blinken’s remarks. Afterwards, journalist Sam Husseini is carried out while asking Blinken questions after being told he will not be allowed to ask questions following the remarks. Husseini shouts at Blinken, asking why he is not in The Hague. President Joe Biden says during an interview with MSNBC that he told Netanyahu in October 2023 that he should not be carpet bombing and indiscriminately killing Palestinians in Gaza. Biden also urges Israel to accommodate “the Palestinian question” for its own security. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 1/16; HA, NYT, NYT 1/17)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian vehicles during a raid in Shuqba. Israeli settlers also vandalize 100 olive trees in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up a new outpost near Qusra. Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Sabastia. Israeli forces also violently disperse the weekly anti-settlement marches in Kfar Qaddum and Beita with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault 2 Palestinians during a raid in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in Haris and Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Mawasi, killing at least 88 Palestinians. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Meiss Ej Jabel and arrest a Syrian national grazing cattle near Rmeish. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire missiles at Eilat, Tel Aviv, and the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea; no damage is reported. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17; WAFA 1/18; UNOCHA 1/22)
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More than 46,876 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 110,652 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 858 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 176 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17)
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The PA reaches a deal with the Jenin Battalion to end the fighting. The deal includes having civil defense crews dismantle explosives planted in Jenin refugee camp and restoring water and electricity supplies. Separately, PA president Mahmoud Abbas reiterates in a statement that the PA is ready to assume “full responsibility” in Gaza. PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa meets with EU high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas and Belgian foreign minister Alexander De Croo in Brussels. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17; AJ, AJ, HA 1/18; HA 1/19)
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The Israeli Security Cabinet recommends the approval of the ceasefire deal and adds enhanced policing of militants in the West Bank to the overall war objectives. Later in the day, the cabinet approves the deal, which will take effect on 1/19 at 8:30 a.m., with 24 ministers voting in favor and 8 voting against. The U.S., Qatar, Israel, and Egypt agree to form a joint operations room in Cairo that will oversee the ceasefire after a meeting of negotiators in Egypt. The Israeli Ministry of Justice publishes the names of the 95 Palestinians that will be released on the first day of the ceasefire. The list includes PFLP politician Khalida Jarrar, journalist Bushra al-Tawil, and former Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri’s sister Dalal. The PA sends a delegation to Egypt to discuss the management of the Rafah crossing when it reopens. Hamas official Bassem Naim says the ceasefire deal would not have been possible without U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration and his Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff’s mediation efforts. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 1/17; NYT 1/18)
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Israeli defense minister Israel Katz announces that he has ordered the immediate release of all 5 Israeli settlers held in administrative detention, citing the expected release of Palestinian “terrorists” as part of the ceasefire deal. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 1/17)
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ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan tells Reuters in an interview that Israel has made “no real effort” to investigate allegations of war crimes its military may have carried out in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, REU 1/17)
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UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini reiterates his warning that the Israeli ban on UNRWA activities in Palestine will be catastrophic and will lead to a further breakdown of the social order in Gaza. (AJ 1/17; WAFA 1/18)
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UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres names former Dutch foreign minister Sigrid Kaag as the new UN Middle East envoy, replacing Tor Wennesland. Kaag will continue to serve as the UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. The UN also releases a strategic framework for combatting anti-Semitism which includes the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism. The alliance’s definition has been widely denounced by critics of Israel for conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. (AJ, HA, REU 1/17)
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U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says in an interview with the New Yorker that the Saudi price for normalization with Israel “has gone up” since 10/7/2023, saying Saudi solidarity with Palestine “is more deeply felt, more strongly felt now than it was before October 7.” Blinken also admits that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lies to keep himself in power and keep his coalition together. (HA 1/17)
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The American Historical Association council vetoes a resolution condemning Israel’s scholasticide in Gaza after 428 members voted for the resolution at its annual conference on 1/5. 88 members voted against the resolution. (HA, NYT 1/17)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Yatma, throwing stones and using pepper spray against residents, injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli settlers also assault and injure 2 Palestinians near Khirbet Ibziq. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers steal 53 sheep in Arab al-Milehat. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinian children with live ammunition during a raid in Beit Umar. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Mawasi, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 23 Palestinians. In Tel Aviv, an Israeli person shoots and kills a Palestinian man who allegedly stabbed and wounded another Israeli. In Yemen, Houthi forces fire missiles at Eilat; no damage is reported. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/18; UNOCHA 1/22)
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More than 46,899 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 110,725 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 858 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 176 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/18)
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PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with French president Emmanuel Macron, discussing the PA taking control of Gaza after the Israeli withdrawal. Abbas also meets with Chinese Middle East envoy Zhai Jun in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 1/18)
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says in a televised speech that part of the ceasefire deal allows Israel to resume its war on Gaza with U.S. backing if progress toward the second phase of the deal collapses. Netanyahu also says that Israel will increase its military presence along the Philadephi Corridor. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says his Religious Zionism party will remain in the government coalition because he had been given guarantees that Israel will gradually takeover Gaza. Smotrich also says that Israel has made Gaza uninhabitable and that it will keep it that way. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announces that he will resign from the government due to the ceasefire deal, saying the “truth is that Hamas has not yet been defeated, so it is clear that returning to the war is inevitable.” Ben-Gvir also calls on Smotrich to resign from the government before the second phase of the ceasefire to prevent it from happening. A U.S. presidential transition official tells NBC News that President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff is considering visiting Gaza, saying that there are “radicals, fanatics, not just from the Hamas side, from the right wing of the Israeli side, who are absolutely incentivized to blow this whole deal up.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 1/18; HA, WAFA 1/19; HA 1/20)
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The Houthi movement says it fully supports the ceasefire deal and will stop military operations against Israel and in the Red Sea in support of Gaza. The movement says the missiles launched at Israel on 1/17 and today were a result of the continued Israeli assault on Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA 1/18)
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Lebanese president Joseph Aoun meets with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres in Beirut, discussing the urgent need for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by 1/26 as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement. Aoun notes in a statement after the meeting that Israel continues to bomb and demolish homes and villages despite the ceasefire. The U.S. announces a $117 million donation to the Lebanese forces. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/18)
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The Hind Rajab Foundation files a legal complaint against Israeli soldier Mori Keisar in a Barcelona court. Keisar is said to be in the city. (AJ 1/18)
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London police arrest more than 70 people at the weekly pro-Palestine protest in the city, including Stop the War Coalition head Chris Nineham. (AJ 1/18)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set 2 homes and 4 vehicles on fire during a raid in Sinjil. Israeli settlers also set homes on fire in Ein Siniya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalize homes in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also throw stones at cars traveling near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiyam Atara, Jaba’, and Jinsafut. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian child standing outside his home during a raid in Sabastia. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Idhna. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians awaiting the release of Palestinian prisoners outside of the Ofer Prison, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently disperse Palestinians with tear gas during a raid in Beit Umar. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing 25 Palestinians before the ceasefire takes effect at 11:15 a.m. The Civil Defense says 19 people are killed in the period between when the ceasefire was supposed to take effect at 8:30 a.m. and the implementation time at 11:15 a.m. Palestinians celebrate the ceasefire deal taking effect in Gaza City and begin returning to their homes. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/19; AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 1/20; UNOCHA 1/22)
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More than 46,913 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 17,818 children and 12,287 women, and around 110,750 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 11,000 people are missing in rubble. 859 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 177 children. More than 6,500 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 408 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 2,485 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. 87% of all housing units in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged since 10/7/2023. (AJ, WAFA 1/19)
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90 Palestinian prisoners, including 21 children and 69 women with Palestinian lawmaker Khalida Jarrar among them, are released from the Ofer Prison after 3 Israeli captives are handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza as part of the first day of the ceasefire deal. The ceasefire is reportedly delayed nearly 3 hours due to Hamas not providing Israel with a list of the 3 captives that will be released. The first phase of the ceasefire deal will last 42 days while the details for the second phase are negotiated from the 16th day of the first phase. Aid trucks begin entering Gaza. Local police and military forces are reinstated to uphold order. Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida says in a televised speech that Hamas is committed to the ceasefire, which could have started more than a year ago had it not been for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “malicious ambitions.” The WHO says half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functioning while all hospitals have sustained damage or been partially destroyed by Israeli bombings. Incoming U.S. national security advisor Mike Waltz says the U.S. will support Israel to restart the war if Hamas breaches the deal. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and 2 other ministers from his Jewish Power party resign from the government over the deal. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, BBC, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/19; AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WP 1/20; UNOCHA 1/22)
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The Palestinian Prisoners Society says a 22-year-old Palestinian man died in an Israeli prison today. (WAFA 1/19)
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PA prime minister Mohammad Mustafa delivers the government’s Gaza Relief, Early Recovery and Emergency Response Plan to President Mahmoud Abbas. (WAFA 1/19)
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The Houthi movement announces in an email to shippers that will limit its attacks on ships in the Red Sea to Israeli-affiliated vessels. The statement says the attacks on the Israeli-affiliated ships will cease when all phases of the ceasefire have been fully implemented. (AP 1/20)
