Update on Conflict and Diplomacy 16 NOVEMBER 2015–15 FEBRUARY 2016

This update is a summary of bilateral, multilateral, regional, and international events affecting the Palestinians and the future of the peace process. More than 100 print, wire, television, and online sources providing U.S., Israeli, Arab, and international independent and government coverage of unfolding events are surveyed to compile the quarterly Update. The most relevant sources are cited in JPS’s Chronology section, which tracks events day by day. JPS Chronologies are archived on the JPS website at www.palestine-studies.org.

Highlights of the Quarter: The ongoing wave of violence that began in Jerusalem amid tension over Haram al-Sharif in 9/2015 continues throughout the quarter, and Israel extends its crackdown from the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) to the Palestinian minority in Israel and left-wing Israeli activists. There are no new major initiatives to address the violence. Meanwhile, the Palestinian leadership’s unilateral efforts within international institutions dovetail with a broad French proposal to restart peace negotiations, although Israel continues to develop settlements and rebuff international criticism. Pressure rises along Gaza’s border over Hamas’s underground tunnels, then subsides as both Hamas and Israel agree to avoid a return to full-scale violence. Internally, the Palestinians embark on a new Qatar-brokered reconciliation effort. Iran and the P5+1 (U.S., UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany) implement their 7/14/2015 nuclear deal.