In March, Israel violated the Gaza ceasefire agreement it had previously reached with Hamas, which had been in place since 19 January, by launching airstrikes and initiating a ground invasion of Gaza. After reimposing a full siege on Gaza on 2 March, blocking all humanitarian aid, the Israeli military launched a new wave of airstrikes across the Strip on 18 March. The following day, Israeli forces retook control of the Netzarim Corridor, cutting off north-south movement within Gaza. On 20 March, a new ground invasion was launched in the north. By the end of the month, more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since the strikes resumed. The violence also caused widespread displacement, with new evacuation orders issued by Israel throughout Gaza, including in the southern city of Rafah on 31 March, forcing thousands to flee.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Associated Press (1), Associated Press (2), Haaretz (1), United Nations, Middle East Eye, Haaretz (2)

On 22 March, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the establishment of a directorate within the Ministry of Defense to oversee the ‘voluntary departure’ of Palestinians from Gaza to third countries. The directorate’s mandate includes organizing safe and controlled passage, securing transit routes, conducting screenings at designated crossings, and coordinating infrastructure for land, sea, and air travel to third countries. While Israeli officials portray the initiative as ‘humanitarian’, observers warn that, if implemented, it would result in the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. To date, no third countries have publicly agreed to accept Palestinians from Gaza. However, media reports indicate that Israel and the United States discussed plans with at least three East African governments.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: The Times of Israel (1), Haaretz, The Times of Israel (2), Associated Press

On 19 January, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, potentially ending 15 months of war in Gaza. The first phase of the agreement, planned to last 42 days, is to involve the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. Israel has also started to withdraw its military forces from populated areas and the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes and facilitating the entry and delivery of humanitarian aid. If successful, a second phase would involve an additional exchange of hostages and prisoners and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops. The third phase would focus on Gaza's reconstruction. The agreement, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, showed initial progress by the end of January, but concerns about its stability remain. Details of the second and third phases of the ceasefire are yet to be negotiated.

Sources: Financial Times, WAFA, Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sada News

On 21 January, Israel launched "Iron Wall," a large-scale military operation in the northern West Bank, which initially targeted Jenin Camp before quickly expanding to the refugee camps of Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and Faraa. In early February, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees reported that the violence has rendered these camps uninhabitable, displacing over 40,000 people (more than half the population of these camps). At least 29 Palestinians were killed, and many more were injured, with homes and civilian infrastructure severely destroyed by airstrikes. Further military raids were also reported in Hebron, Bethlehem, and East Jerusalem. The escalation also saw an increase in attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages, following a decision by the United States to lift sanctions on violent settlers.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Associated Press, Al Arabiya, Reuters, WAFA, UNRWA

In December, the Palestinian Authority (PA) launched a large-scale operation in the northern West Bank, targeting militant groups in the Jenin refugee camp. The PA stated that the operation aimed to reestablish control and disarm militias, while the militant groups accused the PA of collaborating with Israel to suppress resistance. As clashes intensified, the PA deployed snipers and opened fire on demonstrators supporting the militant groups, causing injuries. Analysts describe the situation as the most intense intra-Palestinian fighting since 2007, suggesting the PA is seeking to demonstrate to Israel, the US and other potential brokers that it could maintain security within the Gaza strip should it be allowed to govern there after the war. With declining domestic support for the PA, these developments may further inflame intra-Palestinian tensions and similar operations that lead to more violence in the West Bank.

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, The New Arab, The Washington Post, Middle East Eye, Mada Masr

In October, Israel intensified military operations in northern Gaza. Over 1,100 Palestinians were killed, making it the deadliest month in the North Gaza governorate this year. Israel ordered the evacuation of the approximately 400,000 residents and cut off essential supplies like food, water, fuel, and medicine. This compounds a context marked by the collapse of the healthcare, water and sanitations systems. 91 per cent of the population faces severe food insecurity and famine risk is rising as aid is restricted and 70 per cent of Gaza's agricultural resources have been destroyed. Over the past year, Israeli evacuation orders have impacted at least 84 per cent of Gaza's total area, forcing nearly 2 million people—the entire population—into repeated displacement.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Associated Press, OCHA, United Nations (1), United Nations (2), Relief Web, OtP Health Cluster, World Health Organization, United Nations (3), UNRWA, Forensic Architecture, World Food Programme, UNDP, International Labour Organisation, UNICEF

On 28 October, the Israeli Knesset passed two bills that prohibit the operations in Israel of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The ban, set to take effect 90 days from its passage, is likely to severely impede the agency in carrying out its role as the principal provider of essential aid and services to Palestinians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that there is currently no viable alternative to UNRWA and that, amidst the acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ban will leave Palestinians there without the life-sustaining assistance they need, including healthcare, shelter and food aid. The ban will also impact the welfare of Palestinians in the West Bank who rely on UNRWA's clinics, schools, and social services.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: The Jerusalem Post, United Nations (1), United Nations (2), Reuters, Amnesty International, UN Secretary General