Spotlight on Terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (November 8-15, 2022)

Scene of stabbing attack at the entrance to the Ariel industrial zone.

Scene of stabbing attack at the entrance to the Ariel industrial zone.

The car the terrorist crashed into (Magen David Adom, November 15, 2022)

The car the terrorist crashed into (Magen David Adom, November 15, 2022)

Israeli security forces in action (IDF spokesman's Twitter account, November 12, 2022).

Israeli security forces in action (IDF spokesman's Twitter account, November 12, 2022).

Mourning notice issued by the AAMB for the death of its operative Mahdi Hashash (Newpress Twitter account, November 9, 2022).

Mourning notice issued by the AAMB for the death of its operative Mahdi Hashash (Newpress Twitter account, November 9, 2022).

Rafat Issa's funeral in Sanur. His body was wrapped for burial in a Fatah flag (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).

Rafat Issa's funeral in Sanur. His body was wrapped for burial in a Fatah flag (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).

Al-Ansar Brigades march (Right: QudsN Telegram channel, November 14, 2022. Left: Safa, November 14, 2022).

Al-Ansar Brigades march (Right: QudsN Telegram channel, November 14, 2022. Safa, November 14, 2022).

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian delegate to the UN, at the UN Fourth Committee meeting.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian delegate to the UN, at the UN Fourth Committee meeting.

A parade in Ramallah.

A parade in Ramallah.

  • This past week Palestinians carried out two terrorist attacks. One was a combined stabbing-vehicular ramming attack in Ariel, killing three Israelis and wounding four; the other was a shooting attack at the Gilboa Crossing, where no Israeli casualties were reported. Palestinians continued throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli vehicles driving on the roads in Judea and Samaria. The Israeli security forces continued counterterrorism activities in Judea and Samaria, detaining dozens of wanted terrorists and confiscating weapons. Ayham al-Amer, a Palestinian terrorist operative wanted by Israel, escaped from the Palestinian Authority (PA) prison in Jenin.
  • The Gaza Strip remained relatively calm. The terrorist organizations marked the anniversary of Operation Pillar of Defense with a military display in front of the house of Ahmed Jaabari, former commander of Hamas’ military-terrorist wing. For the first time since 2007, Israel allowed “dual-use” [civilian and terrorist] equipment into the Gaza Strip for the repair of fishing boats.
  • The PA continued promoting unilateral measures against Israel. On November 11, 2022, the UN General Assembly Fourth Committee voted in favor of the Palestinian resolution asking the International Court of Justice in The Hague (ICJ) for an urgent “advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, from its prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.” The Palestinians were pleased with the outcome of the vote, regarding it as a victory of its international efforts. Mahmoud Abbas, interviewed by Egyptian TV, claimed that neither recently-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his soon-to-be-formed government believed in peace.
  • PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh continued accusing Israel of direct damage to the PA’s environment. At the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh (COP27), he accused Israel of “stealing” the Palestinians’ natural resources and water, and polluting the environment by dumping solid waste material in the PA territories.
Combined stabbing-vehicular ramming attack in Ariel
  • On the morning of November 15, 2022, a Palestinian terrorist carried out a combined stabbing-vehicular ramming attack in Ariel. He drove to the entrance of Ariel’s industrial zone, showed his entrance permit to the guard and then stabbed him. From there he ran to the nearby gas station and stabbed and killed two Israeli civilians. He stabbed another civilian, stole his car and drove east on route 5. He rammed into a civilian standing at the side of the road, killing him. He exited the car and stabbed another civilian, seriously wounding him. When a civilian driving by witnessed the attack and exited his car to help the man who had been hit, the terrorist stole it and drove away. When he reached a military roadblock and saw soldiers, he made a U-turn and drove away west on the wrong side of the road, hitting another car. That caused a roadblock which made it impossible for the terrorist to drive further, so he tried to escape on foot. Soldiers and civilians at the site shot and killed him (Ynet, November 15, 2022).
 The car the terrorist crashed into (Magen David Adom, November 15, 2022)  Scene of stabbing attack at the entrance to the Ariel industrial zone.
Right: Scene of stabbing attack at the entrance to the Ariel industrial zone. Left: The car the terrorist crashed into (Magen David Adom, November 15, 2022)
  • According to the Palestinian social media, he was Muhammad Murad Sami Souf, 19, from the village of Hares, north of Salfit. He was a Fatah operative; his father, a released prisoner, is also a Fatah operative (Facebook page of Rafat Abo Alaa, November 15, 2022; Facebook page of Ahmad Saleh, November 15, 2022). He reportedly had a work permit which allowed him to enter the Ariel industrial zone (Ynet, November 15, 2022).
Palestinian terrorist Muhammad Murad Sami Souf (Facebook page of Oday Ali. November 15, 2022).
Palestinian terrorist Muhammad Murad Sami Souf
(Facebook page of Oday Ali. November 15, 2022).
  • Hamas spokesman Abd al-Latif al-Qanua praised the attack, claiming it proved the failure of Israel and its security and military forces to kill the “spirit of resistance [Palestinian terrorism] and prevent its spread” (Hamas website, November 15, 2022). The Hamas-affiliated media issued videos and posted notices on the Palestinian social media with the hashtag, #general_of_knives” (Meithaq, November 15, 2022).
Call for anti-Israel violence (Meithaq, November 15, 2022).
Call for anti-Israel violence (Meithaq, November 15, 2022).
  • Tareq Izz al-Din, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) spokesman for the West Bank, praised the attack, claiming it again showed Israel’s fragility and the collapse of its security and military (Daffa_media [the Telegram channel of the PIJ in the West Bank], November 15, 2022).
  • As usual after Israelis are killed in terrorist attacks, in the Gaza Strip Hamas distributed candy and pastries to passersby in the street (Shehab Twitter account, November 15, 2022). Armed, masked operatives also distributed candy and pastries to passersby in Jenin (Paldf Twitter account, November 15, 2022).
Shots fired at the Gilboa Crossing
  • On November 10, 2022, shots were fired at the Gilboa Crossing (north of Jenin). No casualties were reported; the building was hit. The crossing was closed and a search of the area was conducted (Israeli ministry of defense spokesman’s unit, November 10, 2022).
Counterterrorism Activities
  • This past week the Israeli security forces continued intensive counterterrorism activities in Judea and Samaria, detaining Palestinians suspected of involvement in terrorist activities and confiscating large quantities of weapons:
  •   On November 12, 2022, Israeli security forces operating in Qabatiya (south of Jenin) detained wanted Palestinian Muhammad Abu Zina, a PIJ terrorist operative and former prisoner who was released in August 2022. He was born in 1995 and lived in the Jenin refugee camp. Immediately after his release he returned to terrorist activities, working to finance and arm the PIJ military-terrorist infrastructure in northern Samaria. While he was being detained local residents threw rocks and an IED at the forces. No Israeli casualties were reported (IDF spokesman’s Twitter account, November 12, 2022).
Israeli security forces in action (IDF spokesman's Twitter account, November 12, 2022).     Muhammad Samir Abu Zina (PIJ website, November 12, 2022).
Right: Muhammad Samir Abu Zina (PIJ website, November 12, 2022). Left: Israeli security forces in action (IDF spokesman’s Twitter account, November 12, 2022).
  • On the morning of November 10, 2022, Israeli security forces operating in Jenin detained Sidqi Ahmed Ali Marai, 23, from Jenin, a wanted senior military-terrorist operative who was involved in a series of shooting attacks targeting IDF forces, including one in which an Israeli counterterrorism special unit (Yamam) fighter was killed (IDF Twitter account, November 10, 2022). An M-16 assault rifle and two handguns were found in his possession.
weapons Sidqi Mari had in his possession (Israel Police Force Twitter account, November 10, 2022).     Sidqi Mari (Arabs48 website, November 10, 2022).
Right: Sidqi Mari (Arabs48 website, November 10, 2022). Left: weapons Sidqi Mari had in his possession (Israel Police Force Twitter account, November 10, 2022).
Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli security forces
Palestinian killed in Bitunia
  • On the morning of November 14, 2022, IDF forces operated in Bitunia (west of Ramallah) to detain a Palestinian involved in terrorist activity. During the operation they identified a suspicious vehicle approaching them. They signaled the driver to halt, but instead of stopping he accelerated and drove towards them. In response the forces shot at the vehicle. The incident is under investigation. No casualties were reported (Israeli Channel 7 website, November 14, 2022; Ynet, November 14, 2022).
  • The death of a Palestinian woman was reported, including her name. Several hours later the report was retracted and she was reported as Fella al-Muslama, 16 years old; Anas Hasouna, 26, was reported as having been wounded and detained by the Israeli security forces (Wafa, November 14, 2022).
  • Rawhi Fatouh, head of the Palestinian National Council, condemned the event and warned of Israeli “escalation” against Palestinians in the coming days (Wafa, November 14, 2022).
  • Tor Wennesland, special UN envoy to the Middle East peace process, sent his condolences to the family and called for an immediate, comprehensive investigation of the girl’s death (Tor Wennesland’s Twitter account, November 14, 2022).
Palestinian killed in Nablus while worshippers enter the Tomb of Joseph
  • On November 19, 2022, an IDF force secured Israeli worshippers entering the Tomb of Joseph in Nablus. Gunfire was heard and local residents rioted, blocking roads and burning tires. An IDF force shot a Palestinian terrorist placing an IED (IDF spokesman’s Twitter account, November 9, 2022).
Palestinians riot in Nablus when Israeli worshippers enter the Tomb of Joseph (Paldf Twitter account, November 9, 2022).    Palestinians riot in Nablus when Israeli worshippers enter the Tomb of Joseph (Paldf Twitter account, November 9, 2022).
Palestinians riot in Nablus when Israeli worshippers enter the Tomb of Joseph (Paldf Twitter account, November 9, 2022).
  • The Palestinian media reported that during the riot in Nablus a young Palestinian was killed. He was Mahdi Muhammad Hamdallah Hashash, 15 years old (17 years old according to the Quds Press website), from the Balata refugee camp in Nablus (Wafa, November 9, 2022). The al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades (AAMB) in Nablus issued a mourning notice for the death of its operative, Mahdi Hashash (Amad, November 9, 2022).
  • Hamas also issued a mourning notice for Mahdi Hashash, who “died during a clash with IDF forces in Nablus,” and sent its condolences to the family. Hamas offered its support to the “heroes of the resistance” [terrorist operatives] and called on them to continue attacking the settlements and IDF forces, and to “resist” them with all their might when they entered Palestinian cities (Palinfo website, November 9, 2022).
 Mahdi Hashash. His rifle strap bears a white AAMB emblem (Paltoday, November 9, 2022).  Mourning notice issued by the AAMB for the death of its operative Mahdi Hashash (Newpress Twitter account, November 9, 2022).
Right: Mourning notice issued by the AAMB for the death of its operative Mahdi Hashash (Newpress Twitter account, November 9, 2022). Left: Mahdi Hashash. His rifle strap bears a white AAMB emblem (Paltoday, November 9, 2022).
Palestinian killed near Jenin
  • On November 9, 2022, the ministry of health in Ramallah reported the death of Rafat Ali Abdallah Issa, 29 years old, from the town of Sanur (south of Jenin). He was shot by the IDF near the border security fence west of Jenin. According to reports, he was shot in the legs while standing close to the security fence near the village of Anin, west of Jenin. He was detained and taken to the Salem camp and from there a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance took him to the hospital in Jenin, where he died (Wafa, November 9, 2022). The IDF reported the Palestinian was killed while vandalizing the border security fence with the intention of entering Israeli territory. Protocol for detaining a suspect was instituted and ended with shots fired at his legs. The soldiers turned him over to Red Crescent doctors for medical treatment (Ynet, November 9, 2022).
  •   On the sidelines of the funeral held on November 10, 2022, Nasri Hamamra, Fatah spokesman in Jenin, said that on November 10, 2022, Issa’s wife, daughter and parents came from Jordan for the funeral. Issa lived in Jordan, had relatives in Sanur and had arrived two months previously to work in Israel, but IDF soldiers shot him while he was [allegedly “trying to reach his place of work” on November 9, 2022 (al-Araby al-Jadeed, November 10, 2022).
Rafat Issa's funeral in Sanur. His body was wrapped for burial in a Fatah flag (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).    Rafat Ali Abdallah Issa (Rafat Issa's Facebook page, October 25 2022).
Right: Rafat Ali Abdallah Issa (Rafat Issa’s Facebook page, October 25 2022). Left: Rafat Issa’s funeral in Sanur. His body was wrapped for burial in a Fatah flag (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).
Palestinian terrorist operative escapes from PA prison in Jenin
  • Sources in the Jenin refugee camp reported that Iham al-Amer, a political prisoner wanted by Israel, escaped from the PA military intelligence prison in Jenin. He escaped while being transferred to the government hospital in Jenin, where he was being taken because his condition deteriorated after he was tortured by the Palestinian security forces. He was detained because of his activity in the Jenin Battalion and other “resistance” activity against Israel. He had been an operative in the Palestinian preventive security forces. Al-Amer was the son of released prisoner Muhammad al-Amer from the Jenin refugee camp, and brother of prisoner Issar al-Amer, and had helped the security prisoners who escaped from the Gilboa Prison (Shehab, November 13, 2022; alshahed website, November 13, 2022).
Iham al-Amer. The inscription on his vest in the left-hand picture read, "The wasp nest" (alshahed website, November 13, 2022).
Iham al-Amer. The inscription on his vest in the left-hand picture read, “The wasp nest” (alshahed website, November 13, 2022). 
Significant Terrorist Attacks in Judea and Samaria since November 2020[1]

Significant Terrorist Attacks in Judea and Samaria since November 2020

Monthly Distribution of Rocket and Mortar Shell Fire since January 2020

Monthly Distribution of Rocket and Mortar Shell Fire since January 2020

Annual Distribution of Rocket Hits

Annual Distribution of Rocket Hits

Military display held for the 10th anniversary of Operation Pillar of Defense
  • On November 14, 2022, the al-Ansar Brigades, the military-terrorist wing of the Palestinian al-Ahrar movement, held a march to the home of Ahmed al-Jaabari in the al-Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City to mark the 10th anniversary of his death at the hands of Israel and the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense (November 14, 2012). Most of the military wings of the terrorist organizations operating in Gaza Strip were represented in the march (QudsN Telegram channel, November 14, 2022; Shehab, November 14, 2022).
Al-Ansar Brigades march (Right: QudsN Telegram channel, November 14, 2022. Left: Safa, November 14, 2022).
Al-Ansar Brigades march (Right: QudsN Telegram channel, November 14, 2022. Left: Safa, November 14, 2022).
Israel allows fiberglass to be delivered to the Gaza Strip
  • On November 13, 2022, the office of Tor Wennesland, special UN envoy to the Middle East peace process, UNSCO, reported that for the first time since 2007, Israel had allowed the delivery to the Gaza Strip of “dual-use” materials for the repair of fishing boats. According to the report, the UN will continue its efforts to improve the Palestinians’ lives and reduce “the limits Israel places on them” (UNSCO Twitter account, November 13, 2022). Zakaria Bakr, head of the fishing committee in the union of agricultural work committees (an NGO), said that thanks to UN efforts, small amounts of fiberglass and webbing for repairing fishing boats had been delivered to the Gaza Strip. He added that they hoped for larger deliveries in the future, because dozens of boats “had been destroyed by Israel” and needed repairs (al-Andalou News, November 13, 2022).
The UNSCO announcement (UNSCO Twitter account, November 13, 2022).
The UNSCO announcement (UNSCO Twitter account, November 13, 2022).

Hamas representative in Lebanon meets with Tor Wennesland, special UN envoy to the Middle East peace process

  • On November 9, 2022, Ahmed Abd al-Hadi, Hamas representative in Lebanon, met with Tor Wennesland, special UN envoy to the Middle East peace process. The meeting was held in the government palace in Beirut and attended by Mashour Abd al-Halim, a member of the Hamas political bureau in Lebanon. They discussed recent developments in the Palestinian arena. Al-Hadi stressed that the UN had to fulfill its role, defend the Palestinians and force Israel to stop its activities against them (Hamas website, November 10, 2022).
The meeting in Beirut (Hamas website, November 10, 2022).
The meeting in Beirut (Hamas website, November 10, 2022).
Palestinian reactions to the UN decision regarding the PA appeal to the International Court of Justice
  • On November 11, 2022, UN Fourth Committee (the special political and decolonization committee) voted in favor of a Palestinian resolution calling for an urgent “advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, from its prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.” The vote was 98 for, among them the Arab states, including those, such as the UAE, Jordan and Egypt, which have diplomatic relations with Israel; 17 against and 52 abstentions (UN website, November 11, 2022).
  • According to the resolution, the Palestinians want the ICJ to determine that the “Israeli occupation” is not temporary, as stated in Security Council Resolution 242, which means it is supposed to end by means of negotiations based on a formula of territory in return for peace, but rather permanent, that is, annexation. The ICJ is also liable to make recommendations to the UN regarding how to deal with Israel, for example through operative steps such as imposing sanctions, a boycott or something similar. The resolution has to confirmed by the UN General Assembly in December.
The results of the committee vote (Twitter account of the PA delegation to the UN, November 11, 2022).    Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian delegate to the UN, at the UN Fourth Committee meeting.
Right: Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian delegate to the UN, at the UN Fourth Committee meeting. Left: The results of the committee vote (Twitter account of the PA delegation to the UN, November 11, 2022).
  • Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki welcomed the majority vote in favor of “the resolution stating the measures taken by Israel and the activities of the settlements influence Palestinian rights.” He said the Palestinians requested the ICJ to answer the question as to what the essence and nature of the “ongoing occupation” is, and define Israel’s responsibility and obligations as “an illegal occupying force.” He said the “historic decision,” which he called a “Palestinian and international victory and diplomatic and legal achievement,” was consistent with international law and not a unilateral action but rather multilateral, and would mark the beginning of a new era in demanding accountability from Israel (PA foreign ministry website, November 11, 2022).
  • The PA foreign ministry issued an additional announcement captioned “Israeli hysteria at the UN resolution reflects its concern at an international demand for accountability of the crime of racist colonialism.” The announcement related to “Israel’s [alleged] hysterical reactions” to the UN decision, which was preceded by intensive Israeli efforts and contacts with a number of countries in an attempt to prevent the Palestinian leadership from continuing with its plan to propose a resolution, or to attack the resolution and prevent it from being passed by the Fourth Committee. According to the announcement, the Israeli government, which from its founding [sic] boasted that “there is no political process with the Palestinians, nor will there be,” and which refused political contacts with the Palestinian leadership, began, after the UN resolution, to talk about the damage it would do to any future political process, and to claim that “a resolution of the conflict will not pass through the UN,” as though it were currently in the middle of a political process and serious negotiations with the Palestinians (PA foreign ministry website, November 13, 2022).
  • Rawhi Fatouh, chairman of the Palestinian National Council, praised the decision and described it as a victory for “Palestinian rights and diplomacy” (Wafa, overview 11, 2022).
  • Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Mahmoud Abbas, responded to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who said the path to a resolution of the conflict did not pass through the corridors of the UN or through other international institutions, and that there would be consequences for the step taken by the Palestinians in the UN. Abu Rudeineh said the ongoing threats issued by the Israeli leadership and blaming “Palestine” for taking unilateral action were very strange, because Israel carried out unilateral actions on a daily basis, whether by violating agreements or by not abiding by them at every level. He claimed that appealing to UN institutions was everyone’s legitimate right (Wafa, November 13, 2022).
  • Hamas praised the decision, calling it an achievement and important step which could be used to leverage the Palestinian cause and Palestinians rights, and condemning the states that voted against it. Hamas called on the PA and Fatah leadership to continue their efforts and reject American-Zionist pressure which might be exerted on them (Hamas website, November 12, 2022).
  • An editorial in the Palestinian daily newspaper al-Quds praised the “achievement” of getting the vote passed. According to the editorial, the Palestinian leadership had taken a step in the right direction which could be used in the future to incriminate the occupation and bring it to trial in international courts, and first of all the ICJ (al-Quds, November 13, 2022).
  • Omar Helmi al-Ghoul, writing in al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, said the UN decision and the opinion of its court were important because they again collapsed Israel’s claims that the occupied Palestinian land was a matter of dispute between two sides. He claimed the decision and legal opinion would make it possible for the PLO to demand that the world countries, starting with the UN, obey the legal opinion to end the “occupation” and take the necessary legal, political and diplomatic measures to impose sanctions on Israel (al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, November 13, 2022).
Mahmoud Abbas’ first statement relating to the results of the Israeli elections
  • On November 13, 2022, Mahmoud Abbas was interviewed in his office in Ramallah by the Egyptian TV channel al-Qahera News. He related to the results of the Israeli elections for the first time, claiming that neither recently-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his soon-to-be-formed government believed in peace. However, he claimed he did not intend to change his opinion that the conflict would be resolved only by peaceful measures, and that he would continue working with the Israeli government. He added he was not discouraged by the current situation and did not intend to retire. He repeated that Palestinian elections had to be held, stressing the condition of holding them in east Jerusalem, adding that reconciliation talks with Hamas would continue (Palestinian TV YouTube channel, November 13, 2022).
 Muhammad Shtayyeh interviewed in his office in Ramallah by Egyptian TV (Palestinian TV YouTube channel, November 13, 2022).  Muhammad Shtayyeh interviewed in his office in Ramallah by Egyptian TV (Palestinian TV YouTube channel, November 13, 2022).
Muhammad Shtayyeh interviewed in his office in Ramallah by Egyptian TV (Palestinian TV YouTube channel, November 13, 2022).
  • Mahmoud Abbas gave a speech in Algeria for the 34th anniversary of the “declaration of Palestinian independence.” He said that peace and stability would begin with the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital. He called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel and force it to accept UN resolutions (Wafa, November 14, 2022).
Muhammad Shtayyeh (again) accuses Israel of directly harming quality of the PA environment
  • On November 8, 2022, PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh (COP27), held under the aegis of Egyptian President el-Sisi and with the participation of world leaders. Shtayyeh gave a speech relating to the PA’s environment, again accusing Israel of responsibility for it as an “occupying power.” He claimed that by means of the settlements Israel was stealing Palestinian natural resources, dumping “dangerous solid waste products,” stealing Palestinian water and uprooting Palestinian trees. He said that since 1967 Israel had uprooted more than 2.5 million trees, 800,000 of them olive trees. He claimed that every year Israel stole $41 billion worth of natural resources from the Palestinians by means of exploiting and drying its water sources. On the sidelines of the conference he met with Arab leaders and raised the issue of the need to help and support the Palestinian cause, strengthen political coordination with the PA and increase economic and environmental cooperation (Muhammad Shtayyeh’s Facebook page, November 8, 2022).
   Group photo of the conference participants (Wafa, November 7, 2022).    Shtayyeh speaks at the conference in Sharm el-Sheikh (Wafa, November 8, 2022).
Right: Shtayyeh speaks at the conference in Sharm el-Sheikh (Wafa, November 8, 2022). Left: Group photo of the conference participants (Wafa, November 7, 2022).
  • On November 10, 2022, the UN economic and financial conference passed a vote demanding Israel top exploiting, damaging or causing the loss or dwindling and endangering natural resources in the “occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan [Heights].” The resolution called on Israel to stop all the activities, including those of the Israeli settlers, that damaged the environment, including dumping any form of waste, in the “occupied territories” and “to stop destroying their vital infrastructure” (UN website, November 10, 2022).
  • On November 13, 2022, a Palestinian-American dialogue began in Ramallah regarding economic cooperation. The PA demanded the removal of the limitations Israel imposed on Palestinian natural resources. Khaled al-Asili, the Palestinian ministry of the economy, asked the United States to help the Palestinians circumvent what he termed “the limitations Israel placed on Palestinian natural resources in Area C” (Sawa, November 14, 2022).
Mass events marking the 18th anniversary of Yasser Arafat’s death
  • This past weekend Fatah-led rallies and mass events were held in Judea and Samaria to mark the 18th anniversary of Yasser Arafat’s death. On November 10, 2022, a march was held in Ramallah-al-Bireh and a rally was held at his grave, by invitation of the Ramallah-al-Bireh Fatah branch. Deputy Fatah chairman Mahmoud al-‘Aloul gave a speech in which he said the Palestinians were facing many difficulties. He claimed freedom and independence were their top priorities and they would continue their struggle to obtain them, “promising Yasser Arafat” they would continue to see what he saw, the light at the end of the tunnel, and would repeat what he often said, “they see it as far away but I see it as close” (Wafa, November 10, 2022).
Mahmoud al-'Aloul speaks at Arafat's grave (Wafa, November 10, 2022).     A parade in Ramallah.
Right: A parade in Ramallah. Left: Mahmoud al-‘Aloul speaks at Arafat’s grave
(Wafa, November 10, 2022).
  • On November 10, 2022, the Yasser Arafat Institute[2] marked the 18th anniversary of Arafat’s death with an event held in the Cultural Palace in Ramallah. Present were PA Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh as Mahmoud Abbas’ representative; Rawhi Fatouh, chairman of the Palestinian National Council; members of the PLO’s Executive Committee and Fatah’s Central Committee; members of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council and several government ministers. An award was given to Latifa Abu Hamid, mother of cancer patient and prisoner Nasser Abu Hamid, in recognition of her firm stance as the mother of a shaheed and four prisoners and as a symbol of the “Palestinian struggle” (Wafa, November 10, 2022).
Shtayyeh and the secretary general of the Yasser Arafat Institute present an award to the mother of prisoner Nasser Abu Hamid (Wafa, November 10, 2022).
Shtayyeh and the secretary general of the Yasser Arafat Institute present an award to the mother of prisoner Nasser Abu Hamid (Wafa, November 10, 2022).
  •   In the Gaza Strip, for the first time in years, on November 10, 2022, Hamas allowed Fatah to hold a mass memorial rally for Arafat in al-Katiba Squad in the western part of Gaza City. It was attended by thousands of Gazans, who waved Palestinian and Fatah flags, as well as pictures of Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas. Mahmoud Abbas broadcast a speech in which he said they were following the path of the founding leaders, the shaheeds and brave prisoners, of Fatah and the PLO, which was the only legitimate representative of the Palestinians, and of Palestinian patriotism. He added there was no state in the West Bank without Gaza, and no state in Gaza without the West Bank and Jerusalem, and they would not agree to anything less than an independent Palestinian state with the borders of June 4, 1967, and east Jerusalem as its capital (Wafa, November 10, 2022).
Mass Fatah rally in Gaza City (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).   Mass Fatah rally in Gaza City (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).
Mass Fatah rally in Gaza City (Wafa Facebook page, November 10, 2022).
France aids the Palestinian private sector
  • On November 10, 2022, in his office in Ramallah Khaled al-Asili, the Palestinian minister of the economy, signed an agreement with the French consul in Jerusalem for the renewal of a French donation of €2.5 million (about $2.58 million) to Palestinian companies. He noted the importance of the funding and its contribution to the Palestinian private sector, adding it helped 38 companies employing 450 workers (al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, November 10, 2022).

The Palestinian minister of the economy shakes hands with the French consul (al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, November 10, 2022).
The Palestinian minister of the economy shakes hands with the French consul
(al-Hayat al-Jadeeda, November 10, 2022).

The Islamic Bloc holds a fair in Birzeit University
  • On November 14, 2022, Hamas’ Islamic Bloc in Birzeit University held a fair where stationery, writing implements and electronic devices were sold near the university’s engineering department, called “the al-Yasmina Neighborhood” (i.e., the Kasbah in Nablus, from where the Lion’s Den terrorist network operates), which will continue until November 17, 2022. Painted on the walls were pictures of shaheeds and Lion’s Den’s “heroes of the resistance” who came from the Yasmina neighborhood, as well as pictures of rockets (Islamic Bloc West Bank website, November 14, 2022; Facebook page of the Islamic Bloc in Birzeit University, November 13, 2022).
Pictures from the fair. Right: Senior Lion's Den operative Musab Shtayyeh, imprisoned by the PA; the inscription reads, "One time the PA, next time the army." Left: Ibrahim al-Nabulsi and his mother (Filastin al-A'an, November 14, 2022).
Pictures from the fair. Right: Senior Lion’s Den operative Musab Shtayyeh, imprisoned by the PA; the inscription reads, “One time the PA, next time the army.” Left: Ibrahim al-Nabulsi and his mother (Filastin al-A’an, November 14, 2022).
Pictures from the fair. Right: The picture on the wall is of wanted Palestinian terrorist Fathi Hazem, and to his right the Arabic reads, "Jenin Battalion" (Filastin al-A'an, November 14, 2022).
Pictures from the fair. Right: The picture on the wall is of wanted Palestinian terrorist Fathi Hazem, and to his right the Arabic reads, “Jenin Battalion” (Filastin al-A’an, November 14, 2022). 
Rocks, Molotov cocktails and other attacks
  • In Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem Palestinians continued throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli vehicles driving on the roads. The more prominent events were the following:[3]
    • November 15, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle near al-Zawiya (southeast of Qalqilya). No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
    • November 14, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near al-Mugheir (northeast of Ramallah). No casualties were reported; the vehicles were damaged.
    • November 14, 2022: Rocks were thrown from a passing car at an Israeli vehicle near Ateret (northwest of Ramallah). No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
    • November 14, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus west of the Bayt Khahil Bridge (northwest of Hebron). No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 14, 2022: A Molotov cocktail was thrown at a military vehicle near Ma’aleh Shomron (east of Qalqilya). No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged.
    • November 14, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus east of Jerusalem. No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged. Policemen nearby detained three Palestinians suspected of throwing the rocks (Israel Police Force spokesman’s unit, November 14, 2022).
The damage done to the bus (Israel Police Force spokesman's unit, November 14, 2022).
The damage done to the bus (Israel Police Force spokesman’s unit, November 14, 2022).
    • November 13, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near Marda (northeast of Salfit). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 13, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus between Avigail and Susiya (west of Hebron) No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 13, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle in Funduq near Kedumim (east of Qalqilya). No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 13, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near al-Aroub (north of Hebron). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 12, 2022: Rocks and balloons filled with paint were thrown at an Israeli bus at terrorist Jinsafut Junction (east of Qalqilya). The bus driver was injured by flying glass and the bus was damaged.
    • November 12, 2022: A Molotov cocktail was thrown at Israeli vehicles near al-Khader (west of Bethlehem). No casualties or damage were reported.
    • November 12, 2022: A Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Israeli bus near al-Aroub (north of Hebron). No casualties or damage were reported.
    • November 11, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli vehicle south of the Nili traffic circle (northwest of Ramallah). No casualties were reported; the vehicle was damaged..
    • November 11, 2022: IEDs were thrown at an IDF post in Nebi Saleh (northwest of Ramallah). No casualties or damage were reported.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near Migdalim (southeast of Nablus) No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles in Azoun (east of Qalqilya). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus and other vehicles at the Ma’aleh Shomron Junction (east of Qalqilya). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles in Hawwara (south of Nablus). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus and other vehicles near Beit El (north of Ramallah). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli school bus and other vehicles in Teqoa (southeast of Bethlehem). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near the village of Shuqba (northwest of Ramallah) No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 10, 2022: An IED was thrown at an army post in Nebi Saleh. No casualties or damage were reported.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles between the al-Khader Junction and Beitar. No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus near the Jinsafut Junction. No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near Funduq. No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown near Burkin (west of Salfit) No casualties were reported; damage was reported.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus near al-Aroub. No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus and a truck near Zubeidat (Jordan Valley). No casualties were reported; damage was reported.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles near Dir Abu Mashal (northwest of Ramallah). No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.
    • November 9, 2022: A Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Israeli vehicle in Hawwara (south of Nablus). No casualties or damage were reported.
    • November 9, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli school bus near Zubeidat (Jordan Valley). No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 8, 2022: Rocks were thrown at an Israeli bus between the al-Khader Junction and Beitar. No casualties were reported; the bus was damaged.
    • November 8, 2022: Rocks were thrown at Israeli vehicles in Hawwara. No casualties were reported; vehicles were damaged.

Car window broken by a rock thrown in Hawwara.
Car window broken by a rock thrown in Hawwara.

 

[1] A significant attack is defined by the ITIC as involving shooting, stabbing, a vehicular attack, the use of IEDs, or a combination of the above. Stones and Molotov cocktails thrown by Palestinians are not included
[2] In independent Palestinian NGO founded in 2007 by Mahmoud Abbas. Funded by the PLO to immortalize Yasser Arafat's legacy, its headquarters is in Ramallah and it has a branch in Gaza City.
[3] Information and pictures from Rescue Without Borders in Judea and Samaria unless otherwise noted.