Spotlight on the Israel-Palestinian Conflict (November 5 – 12 , 2024)

IDF operations in the Gaza Strip

• This past week, IDF operations focused on northern Gaza, along with ongoing activity in the Rafah area in the south and the Netzarim Corridor in the center. IDF forces attacked dozens of terrorists from the air and on the ground, some operating in civilian areas. Large amounts of weapons and other terrorist facilities were located and destroyed. Five IDF soldiers were killed in the northern Gaza Strip (IDF spokesperson, November 5-12, 2024).
• Northern Gaza Strip” IDF forces continued operations in the Jabalia refugee camp and Beit Lahia, eliminating dozens of terrorists, seizing large quantities of weapon, and destroying terror facilities. Civilians were safely evacuated from combat zones in Beit Lahia, (IDF spokesperson, November 5-12, 2024).
• Palestinian eyewitnesses reported extensive destruction in the neighborhoods of Tal al-Zaatar, Mashrou’ Beit Lahia and Jabalia, which they claimed were now uninhabitable. According to reports, IDF forces were creating a geographic separation between northern Gaza and Gaza City by demolishing thousands of structures and facilities along a seven-kilometer path (al-Ayyam, November 10, 2024). It was also reported that IDF forces surrounded schools in Beit Hanoun which serve as shelters for residents, and instructed the 130 Palestinian families in the shelters and nearby homes to leave and move southward via the Salah al-Din Road (Wafa, November 12, 2024; Palinfo, November 12, 2024).
• Hamas in Gaza continued to accuse Israel of intentionally harming rescue and health services in the northern part of the Strip. Ismail Thawabta, director of the Hamas government media information office, claimed that all hospitals in the northern Strip were no longer operating (al-Jazeera, November 10, 2024). Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Hamas civil defense, accused the “occupation” of disrupting the activities of its teams, and claimed dozens of residents could not be rescued (Safa Agency, November 10, 2024).
• Southern Gaza Strip” IDF forces continued operations in the Rafah area, eliminating terrorists, locating weapons and destroying terrorist facilities. In al-Shaboura neighborhood, a weapons storehouse was discovered near a mosque and hospital. It had observation posts, drones, parts for explosive devices and dozens of mortar shells (IDF spokesperson, November 5-12, 2024). In recent weeks, two attack tunnels over two kilometers long with 20 exit points were found and destroyed. The forces eliminated several terrorists who emerged from the tunnels, including two who participated in the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack and massacre (IDF spokesperson, November 7, 2024).

     
Weapons found near a mosque and hospital (IDF spokesperson, November 11, 2024)

• “Palestinian sources” reported a significant, unprecedented increase in demolition activities in Rafah in recent weeks, particularly in the al-Jenina, al-Brazil, and al-Salam neighborhoods (east of the city), with operations extending towards the al-Tannour neighborhood and other areas near the Rafah Crossing. A buffer zone, 13 kilometers long and about one-kilometer-wide, was established along the Philadelphi Axis, with all neighborhoods within the area demolished. According to reports, the zone comprises about 40% of Rafah’s total area and half of Rafah’s residents have lost their homes (al-Ayyam, November 10, 2024).
• Gaza City” Palestinian media reported an airstrike on the Shahiber school in al-Shati refugee camp in western Gaza. “Palestinian sources” reported that the school served as a shelter for refugees, and that 12 Palestinians were killed and 35 others injured in the strike (al-Aqsa TV and the Quds News Agency, November 7, 2024). According to reports, the al-Rimal school in al-Nasr neighborhood in western Gaza was attacked from the air. The school is used as a shelter for displaced persons; six Gazans were reported killed (Safa Agency Telegram Channel, November 7, 2024).^[2]

Eliminating terrorist operatives

• On November 9, 2024, Muhammad Abu Sakhil, head of operations for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip, was killed on what had formerly been the Fahed al-Sabbah School in northern Gaza (IDF spokesperson’s the Telegram Channel, November 10, 2024). Palestinian media reported an attack on Hajj Ahmed al-Sabbah school, east of Gaza City, in which five people were killed (al-Risalah Telegram Channel, November 9, 2024).

Ammunition found in a humanitarian convoy

• On November 10, 2024, IDF forces stopped a humanitarian aid convoy coordinated and organized by the international community after detecting unusual movement. Inspection revealed a bag containing ammunition. In consequence, those involved and the convoy personnel were detained and taken for questioning. The IDF reported it was an internal convoy between the northern and southern Gaza Strip, not through the crossings used for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza (IDF spokesperson, November 11, 2024).

     
Ammunition found by IDF forces on the humanitarian axis
(IDF spokesperson, November 11, 2024)

Rocket fire from the Gaza Strip

• On November 7, 2024, a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip at Netiv HaAsara, immediately to the north of the strip, was intercepted. No injuries were reported (IDF spokesperson, November 7, 2024). The military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) claimed responsibility for the attack, in coordination with Fatah’s Abd al-Qadir al-Husseini Brigades (DFLP central information Telegram channel, November 7, 2024).

• “High-level Palestinian sources” reported that several Arab countries close to Hamas have issued “warnings and alerts” to the movement’s leadership, stating that the Palestinian issue faced a “more difficult and dangerous” future following the election of Donald Trump. According to the sources, the countries urged Hamas to agree to the “Arab initiatives” for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, even if temporarily, to avoid prolonging the drawn-out, bloody conflict (Rai al-Youm, November 8, 2024).
• According to reports, after 12 years of hosting the movement’s leaders, Qatar ordered Hamas to close its offices in Doha and leave the country, following a request from the United States. According to a “senior official” in the American administration, the order came after Hamas repeatedly rejected offers to release hostages (Reuters, November 8). Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, spokesman for the Qatari foreign ministry, claimed the reports were “inaccurate” and the main purpose of Hamas’ presence in the country was to operate a communication channel between the parties which led to ceasefires and “prisoner” exchanges in November 2023. Al-Ansari also reported that Qatar informed the parties involved in the negotiations that if no agreement were reached, it would freeze its mediation efforts and resume them only when “partners with the necessary seriousness” were involved. He said Qatar would not accept “extortion or the use of negotiations as justification to continue the war” and would continue to support the Palestinians (Qatari foreign ministry X account, November 9, 2024). Hamas responses included the following:
  • A member of the Hamas political bureau member who lives in Doha denied the report about the demand to leave Qatar. He claimed that the movement disregarded reports which always originate from “enemy” media and seek to drive wedges, create conflicts and affect the morale of the “resistance.” He claimed that Hamas adhered to its position, which would not be changed by pressure, assassinations or expulsion (Quds Press, November 9, 2024).
  • A “senior Hamas figure” reported that the movement had been made aware of the existence of an American request and increased pressure regarding the expulsion of the Hamas leadership from Qatar, but the Qatari government had not requested anything from the movement’s leaders. He added that the issue had arisen several times in the past and appeared to be a form of American pressure to force Hamas to make concessions in the ceasefire negotiations (al-Sharq al-Awsat, November 9, 2024).
  • Senior Hamas figure Mahmoud Mardawi said that all reports regarding Qatar and the Hamas political bureau were “propaganda warfare” and an attempt to undermine the “resistance’s” morale. He claimed that Hamas was doing everything possible to stop the “genocide, starvation and displacement,” but Israel reneged on the agreement of July 2, 2024, which had been agreed upon with the mediators and known to them, despite the agreement’s providing an opportunity to end the war and relate to all its challenges (Quds Agency, November 9, 2024).
  • “Hamas sources” claimed that the American threat to expel the movement’s leadership from Qatar was not serious and was an attempt made by the Biden administration to pressure Hamas to agree to Israeli terms before Trump took office. “The sources” added that the Hamas leadership had not received an official demand to leave Qatar and that there were contingency plans in place if the movement was required to leave, including relocating to Turkey, Iran or Lebanon (al-Sharq, November 9, 2024).

• “Palestinian sources” reported that Hamas was planning to appoint Khalil al-Haya, deputy head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip, as its new head, replacing Yahya al-Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024. Al-Haya currently heads the team negotiating the ceasefire and leads talks with Fatah regarding the future of the Gaza Strip. It was also reported that for the Hamas leadership it was important to have the head of the bureau come from within Gaza to express loyalty to the masses in the region. According to the report, the appointment could be made at any moment, though no official announcement has been made (al-Sharq al-Awsat, November 9, 2024).

Palestinian casualties

• The Hamas-controlled ministry of health in the Gaza Strip reported that since the beginning of the war, 43,603 Palestinians had been killed and 102,929 injured (ministry of health in Gaza Facebook page, November 12, 2024).

The situation in the Gaza Strip

• On November 12, 2024, the Kissufim Crossing was opened to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The crossing had been closed since Israel’s disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005, and was reopened under Israeli direction to increase aid channels to the Strip (IDF spokesperson, November 12, 2024). The IDF announced the expansion of the humanitarian zone in Gaza. The zone has field hospitals established after the outbreak of the war, tent compounds, shelters, and supplies of food, water, medicine and medical equipment brought in by the international community in coordination with the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) (IDF spokesperson, November 11, 2024).

• Majed Abu Ramadan, minister of health in Ramallah, announced the completion of the polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza district. He reported that 105,558 children had been vaccinated in Gaza City, with 556,774 children under age 10 vaccinated in the second round across Gaza, or 94% of the region’s children. He said children in the northern Gaza Strip had not received a second dose because of intensified Israeli “aggression” (Wafa, November 5, 2024).
• Abu Ramadan praised the success of the third round of the “Our blood is one” blood donation campaign, in which residents of Judea and Samaria donated around 800 units of blood to aid Gazans. The campaign included all the blood banks in government hospitals, as well as the central blood bank in Ramallah and a mobile blood bank. He said the campaign reflected the genuine national spirit of the Palestinian people, noting that “every drop of blood donated by our people represents new hope for healing and life, embodying the unity of blood and belonging to our one homeland, Palestine” (al-Hurriya Network, November 11, 2024).
• According to reports, the Shuhadaa al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, with support from the Turkish organization SKT, opened an internal emergency department to meet regional medical needs and help the displaced in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Raed Hussein, the hospital director, noted the hospital’s commitment to improving medical services despite significant challenges (Osama al-Kahlout’s Telegram channel, November 8, 2024).

• A “Hamas source” claimed that the movement had offered Fatah full management over the Gaza Strip, including management of the crossings and security. The source also reported that Hamas had not yet received a response from Fatah regarding the proposal presented during a meeting held in Cairo in early November 2024. Meanwhile, Fatah stated it was still too early to determine whether the discussions had been successful and that another meeting between the parties would be held (al-Arabiya, November 10, 2024).
• Jibril Rajoub, secretary of Fatah’s Central Committee, said he supported the establishment of a national unity government focused on internal unity and a unified political vision based on internationally recognized principles. He noted the need for internal dialogue and partnership with Hamas which would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with Jerusalem [sic] as its capital. He claimed that the Palestinians’ enemies exploited internal division, making unity essential for achieving international legitimacy. He also called for strategic cooperation with Arab countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan, and praised Saudi Arabian position supporting the Palestinian “struggle” (al-Quds, November 7, 2024).
• Mahmoud al-Habbash, advisor to Mahmoud Abbas for religious affairs, claimed the Palestinian Authority (PA) held legal authority over the Gaza Strip. However, he noted that “several public figures” suggested forming a community committee to assist the government in its functions and exercise of powers. He said the details of the committee had to be finalized in talks between Fatah and Hamas. The committee members would not represent “factions” but would be chosen as national representatives by Mahmoud Abbas, PA chairman. Al-Habbash added that only after the end of the Israeli “aggression” would it be more acceptable to discuss and finalize the committee’s details (al-Shahed, November 10, 2024).

Hamas torture of Gazan civilians

• The IDF spokesperson published videos captured by IDF forces in the Gaza Strip documenting Hamas operatives torturing Gazans between 2018 and 2020. The videos, which were found on computers in a Hamas military base in the Jabalia refugee camp, show prisoners bound in painful positions and with bags over their heads being beaten tortured and subjected to electric shocks. The prisoners were tortured after being suspected of collaborating with Israel, expressing criticism of Hamas or being members of the LGBTQ+ community (IDF spokesperson, November 9, 2024).

Gazans protest high prices

• Following calls on social networks, many Gazans protested high prices, forcing market and stall owners to close their businesses in various areas across the Strip, including markets in Gaza City, the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, Deir al-Balah, and al-Mawasi in Khan Yunis (Xinhua News Agency, November 6, 2024; BBC in Arabic, November 8, 2024). Residents accused merchants of intentionally gouging prices because there was no regulation, the police were weak and the war continued. One merchant claimed that prices were high merchants having to pay around $5,000 as protection to armed robbers to ensure their trucks reached warehouses and then markets (Xinhua News Agency, November 6, 2024).
• The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) warned “profiteers” who exploited the situation and worsened the suffering of Palestinians. The PFLP expressed its support for a peaceful popular protest and called for the establishment of a unified national leadership to address the price crisis and assist citizens. The organization also stated that it would not hesitate to take action against those exploiting the crisis for personal gain (PFLP Telegram channel, November 8, 2024).

Terrorist attacks

• A vehicular and stabbing attack at the entrance to the community of Shilo: On November 6, 2024, a Palestinian rammed his vehicle into two Israelis at the entrance to the community of Shilo, north of Ramallah, and then attempted to stab them. An armed resident shot and killed the terrorist (Israeli media, November 6, 2024). The Palestinian was identified as Harith Abdallah Jabara from the village of Deir al-Ghusun (Quds News Agency, November 6, 2024).

Counterterrorism activities

• The Israeli security forces continued their counterterrorism activities in Judea and Samaria, detaining dozens wanted Palestinians and those suspected of terrorist activities, locating weapons and funds used to finance terrorist activities, and preventing weapons from being smuggled in to Judea and Samaria from Jordan (IDF spokesperson, November 5-12, 2024):
  • On November 7, 2024, the IDF ended three days of Israeli security force counterterrorism activities in Jenin, Tulkarm, the Nur Shams refugee camp, Qabatiya and other villages. Seven terrorist operatives were killed in airstrikes and clashes, and two explosive labs and dozens of explosives planted along routes to attack security forces were destroyed. Wanted Palestinians were detained and weapons were seized (IDF spokesperson, November 7, 2024). At least six terrorist operatives were killed in Qabatiya, including two members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s (PIJ) Jerusalem Brigades and two members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades (Jerusalem Brigades in Judea and Samaria Telegram channel, November 8, 2024; al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades Telegram channel, November 6 and 8, 2024). The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, announced the death of one of its operatives in the Tulkarm refugee camp (al-Aqsa TV, November 7, 2024). It was also reported that Abdallah Muhammad al-Saadi, a general in Palestinian General Intelligence, was killed in Jenin (Wafa, November 6, 2024; al-Araby al-Jadeed, November 7, 2024).
  • On November 9, 2024, Israeli security forces ended a counterterrorism operation in al-Aqaba in the northern Jordan Valley. The forces eliminated a terrorist operative who shot at them. Several wanted Palestinians detained and weapons were seized (IDF spokesperson, November 9, 2024). “Palestinian sources” reported that the dead terrorist operative was Adham Zaid al-Masri, from al-Aqaba (Palestinian Media Center Telegram channel, November 9, 2024). A Carlo-type machine gun was seized by the forces (IDF spokesperson, November 9, 2024).

• • On November 11, 2024, during a security operation in the town of al-Khader, west of Bethlehem, a Palestinian vehicle broke through a roadblock, injuring two IDF soldiers. Security forces pursued the fleeing vehicle and detained two Palestinians suspected of carrying out the attack (IDF spokesperson, November 11-12, 2024). According to reports, following the incident, shop owners in al-Khader and surrounding areas were asked to erase camera recordings to hinder security forces from capturing the attackers (al-Dheisheh al-Hadath al-Ehtiyatiah Telegram channel, November 11, 2024).
• On November 9, 2024, it was reported that released prisoner Tareq Zaidan died after being wounded by an explosive device near his home the previous day (Hebron News Agency Telegram channel, November 9, 2024). The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, issued a mourning notice for “commander and military engineer” Tareq Ghanem Zaidan, claiming he had been killed in an Israeli operation in Tulkarm (Hamas Telegram channel, November 12, 2024).

Israeli-Arab minors accused of conspiring to commit terrorist attacks

• The State Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment against two Israeli-Arab minors from the so-called “Triangle region” of Arab communities near the Green Line, accused of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism. According to the indictment, one of the minors was recruited to a terrorist cell in August 2023, where he received training, obtained chemical materials and attempted to assemble an explosive device. He recruited another minor, and the two watched instructional videos on TikTok and acquired military equipment, including vests and communication devices (Jerusalem District Spokesperson, Ministry of Justice, November 7, 2024).
• A 17-year-old resident of the Negev, whose father was originally a Palestinian from Judea and Samaria, was detained on suspicion of security offenses and intentions to carry out an attack inspired by terrorist organizations. The investigation revealed that he identified with Hamas and expressed support for the movement. He also expressed intentions to carry out an attack and took preparatory actions to implement it (Shin Bet and Israel Police Spokespersons, November 10, 2024).

Activities of the Palestinian security forces

• Over the past week, PA security forces operated to locate, dismantle and destroy explosives planted by the “resistance” in the Tubas and Tulkarm areas to attack Israeli security forces (@A7rartoubas Telegram channel, November 5-9, 2024; @a7rartullkarm Telegram channel, November 10, 2024).
• A flyer was distributed criticizing the Palestinian security force actions in northern Samaria. The flyer stated that “While our people in Gaza are being destroyed by the occupation, the Palestinian Authority security forces strive to protect it by continuing to pursue the resistance in the West Bank, dismantling explosives and missiles, and seizing weapons in Tubas and Ramallah” (al-Far’a Camp-Tubas Telegram channel, November 5, 2024).
• Mustafa Taqatqa, the governor of Tulkarm, toured the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps to monitor the progress of infrastructure reconstruction following IDF operations. He was accompanied by heads of the PA security forces in the district and leaders of government offices and institutions in Tulkarm (governor of Tulkarm’s Facebook page, November 10, 2024). The PIJ’s Tulkarm Camp Battalion reported that shouting matches and tensions observed during the visit were the result of a lack of coordination, adding that they should have been informed of the security forces’ arrival in the camp so the information could be communicated to all Battalion operatives. The PIJ claimed that “everyone” was aware of the permanent coordination between the Battalion and the security forces for the good of the camp and residents, and that in the past there had been coordination for the security forces to enter and dismantle explosives placed by the IDF, during which they had been “received with a smile and given a warm welcome” (@a7rartullkarm Telegram channel, November 10, 2024).

Mahmoud Abbas’ activity in the international arena

• On November 7, 2024, Mahmoud Abbas, PA chairman, met in Ramallah with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, accompanied by Muhammad Mustafa, PA prime minister. Abbas reiterated his demand for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735 for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the delivery of humanitarian aid, Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction. He also expressed concern over Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA activities and thanked Barrot for France’s support of the Palestinians and its recognition of a Palestinian state (Wafa, November 7, 2024). After the meeting, Barrot visited al-Bireh, where, according to Palestinian reports, Israeli settlers had burned about 20 vehicles a few days previously (Wafa, November 7, 2024).
• On November 8, 2024, Abbas called President-elect Trump. According to reports, he congratulated Trump on his victory and wished him success in his new term, expressing his willingness to work with Trump to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy. Trump reportedly confirmed his intention to end the war and expressed a willingness to work with Abbas and relevant parties in the region and worldwide to establish peace (Wafa, November 8, 2024).
• A “source in Ramallah” claimed Abbas, with Saudi Arabian assistance, had decided to turn over a new leaf in relations with Trump. It was noted that Abbas would not renew disputes regarding Jerusalem and the peace plan presented by Trump during his previous term (Majhar al-Nasr News Agency Telegram channel, November 7, 2024). According to another report, Abbas had been working in recent months to restore his relationship with Trump through Massad Boulos, Lebanese-American businessman whose son was married to Trump’s daughter, and Beshara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American supporter of Trump. According to Bahbah, Abbas met with Boulos on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2024, expressing his desire to advance peace with Israel based on the two-state solution and claiming that a future Palestinian state would not engage in any conflict with Israel. Boulos and Bahbah also helped deliver a letter from Abbas condemning the [alleged] attempted assassination of Trump in July 2024 (New York Times, November 10, 2024).
• On November 10, 2024, Abbas arrived in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, leading a senior Palestinian delegation to participate in the joint Arab-Islamic summit meeting. While there he met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss recent developments on the Palestinian front and ways to end the “Israeli occupation,” as well as preserving the historical and legal status of holy sites for Islam and Christianity. They also discussed joint coordination to deal with “current and future challenges,” with Abbas emphasizing the need to end the “aggression,” withdraw IDF forces and allow humanitarian aid into the Strip, while maintaining an UNRWA presence (Wafa, November 10-11, 2024).
• On November 11, 2024, Abbas delivered a speech at the Arab-Islamic summit meeting (Wafa, November 11, 2024):
  • He said that the [alleged] “crimes of the occupation” compelled all parties to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2735 to end “aggression” in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid. He said he opposed attempts to separate Gaza from the Judea and Samaria and demanded the return of Palestinian sovereignty over Gaza. He claimed the PA was working to establish the necessary mechanisms and operational structures to manage Gaza under the rule of the “State of Palestine” and the PLO.
  • He called on Arab and Muslim countries to pressure the UN Security Council and General Assembly to revoke Israel’s membership if it does not meet its international obligations and to impose sanctions if it fails to implement the General Assembly resolution to end the “occupation” within a year. He also urged Arab countries to reconsider their relations with Israel and avoid promoting normalization as long as it continues “genocide crimes,” including damage to UNRWA.
  • He noted the need to promote Palestine’s full membership in the UN and support the international coalition established by Saudi Arabia to help establish a Palestinian state.

Other international activity

• Muhammad Mustafa, PA prime minister, met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. Mustafa reviewed the “war crimes and ethnic cleansing” allegedly committed by Israel and outlined the government’s efforts to support Palestinian citizens. The Egyptian minister expressed Egypt’s support for the Palestinian cause and pledged continued cooperation to halt the escalation and mobilize international support (Wafa, November 10, 2024).
• Meeting in Ramallah with Sigrid Kaag, the UN coordinator for Gaza relief and reconstruction, Mustafa urged the UN to take more effective action to stop “Israeli crimes in Gaza,” [falsely] accusing Israel of “collective punishment of two million Palestinians by blocking aid and medical convoys.” Mustafa emphasized the Palestinian people’s disappointment over the international community’s failure to stop the war, noting that statements and condemnations were insufficient in dealing with [alleged] “crimes of ethnic cleansing ” in Gaza. He also called for an international position against “attacks by Israeli forces and settlers” on cities, towns and refugee camps in Judea and Samaria (Wafa, November 7, 2024).
• Interviewed by the press, Mustafa stated that Gaza and the West Bank should be unified along with all political institutions and decisions toward “the establishment of a single independent state.” He called for continued ceasefire efforts and urged the international community to persuade Israel to stop the war in Gaza. He mentioned discussions with several countries, including Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany and the UK, to recognize the state of “Palestine,” though many of the countries preferred a collective decision (al-Sharq al-Awsat, November 11, 2024).
• Husam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the UK, met at the Foreign Office in London with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Hamish Falconer Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa. They discussed the urgent need to force a comprehensive, immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Zomlot called on the British government, as the current president of the Security Council, to promote a resolution for Palestine’s full membership in the UN and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem [sic] as its capital. He also urged the UK to take a clear position against “illegal Israeli settlements” and impose sanctions on the import of “settlement products,” along with a comprehensive arms embargo on British weapons exports to Israel (Wafa, November 9, 2024).

20^th anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat

• In a speech marking the 20^th anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat, former PA chairman, Mahmoud Abbas noted the firm stance of the Palestinian people against the [alleged] “ethnic cleansing” in the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria. He claimed Gazans were undergoing “second nakba” and said he would not allow the implementation of the “displacement plan” in Gaza. He reiterated his commitment to the peace option with Israel but noted that peace would only be achieved with the end of the “occupation,” the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and a resolution for the issued of the refugees. He also called on the international community to intervene and support the Palestinian people, and promised to continue efforts for unity under the PLO (Wafa, November 10, 2024).