The Palestine Chronology

In a major attack in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians at a gate to the Old City after the 2 allegedly carry out a stabbing attack on a group of Israelis, killing 1 and injuring another (a 2d Israeli civilian is killed by Israeli crossfire). Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinian students n. of the city on the pretext that they were throwing stones; assault and arrest 3 Palestinians in a nearby village; arrest 4 Palestinians on raids in Jabal Mukabir and the Old City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when they allegedly find her carrying a knife through a checkpoint. They also raid 2 villages nr. Ramallah and ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwers and injuring 14 Palestinians. The IDF conducts further house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, in and around Hebron, and in 2 villages nr. Nablus, arresting 16 Palestinians; patrols in Tulkarm, as well as 4 villages, al-Fawar r.c., and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Israeli forces reopen a street leading to Ramallah, having kept it closed for mos. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of al-Bureij r.c. to level land. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces confront a group of Palestinian fishermen, arresting 9 and confiscating their 2 boats. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI 12/23; HA, MNA 12/24; PCHR 12/31)

The Israeli Knesset passes into law, 53–48, a new measure formalizing the role of the World Zionist Organization’s Settlement Division, giving the Israeli govt. more control over certain policies in West Bank settlements. (+972 12/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Hebron after she allegedly draws a knife on them. Israeli forces raid a home in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, demolishing its doors and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is assaulted and arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting the recent Israeli crackdown on the oPt w. of Tulkarm, in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 2 nr. Ramallah; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts late-night house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 each nr. Bethlehem and Nablus, in and around Tulkarm, and in Tubas, arresting 10 Palestinians; patrols in 6 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Late at night, Israeli settlers leave price-tag graffiti on a Palestinian home and throw smoke grenades through its windows nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. On Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of Khuza‘a to level land along the barrier fence. Twice off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on and detain a number of Palestinian fishing boats, arresting 4 Palestinians and confiscating 2 boats. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City after she is found to be carrying a knife; arrest and bar from Jerusalem for 5 mos. a Palestinian, on a raid in the Old City. (JP, MNA, TOI 12/21; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/22; PCHR 12/31)

Israel’s COGAT announces the partial lifting of a series of movement restrictions on Palestinian Christians around the Christmas holidays. (HA, MNA 12/21; TOI 12/22)

Protests continue across the oPt as IDF troops violently clash with Palestinians protesting and throwing stones along Gaza’s border e. of al-Bureij r.c. and at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm; 11 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab them. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Qalqilya, 3 areas nr. Hebron, as well as Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, arresting 9 Palestinians, issuing an arrest summons to 1, and confiscating personal property; patrol in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Qalqilya, and 6 villages nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces begin installing steel columns and other security infrastructure at the city’s bus stations, implementing Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 12/14 order; arrest 4 Palestinians on late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, TOI 12/20; MNA, TOI, YA 12/21; PCHR 12/31)

In Syria, senior Hezbollah officer Samir Kuntar and several Syrian civilians are killed in an air strike outside Damascus. Hezbollah and both Lebanese and Syrian media say that Israel is responsible. The Israeli govt. does not confirm its involvement. Later, unknown persons fire 3 rockets from s. Lebanon into open areas in the Galilee, causing no injuries or damage. The IDF launches retaliatory artillery fire toward the source of the rockets. (DS, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/20; CNN 12/21)

In Gaza, unknown persons fire a rocket into s. Israel and it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Holding Hamas responsible, the IAF launches late-night air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites in c. Gaza, causing serious damage but no injuries. E. of Rafah, IDF border troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. the barrier fence, injuring 1. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron and al-‘Arub r. c., Tulkarm, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Nablus, arresting 16 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron and 5 nr. Jenin. Palestinians throw rocks at an Israeli settler’s car nr. Ramallah, causing 3 minor injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians on late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and the Old City. (MNA, TOI, YA 12/13; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/17)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli soldiers are injured in a suspected ramming attack outside an Israeli settlement nr. Salfit, and Israeli forces later arrest a Palestinian suspect during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah. IDF troops injure 9 Palestinians in clashes with student protesters at the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm. The IDF conducts a raid in Ramallah late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwers wherein 2 Palestinians are injured; conducts further late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm, Tulkarm r.c. and 1 nearby village, Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 12 Palestinians; patrols in 7 villages and al-Fawar r. c. nr. Hebron. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers’ cars on a road to Jerusalem, causing minor damage and light injuries. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse 40 right-wing Jewish activists demonstrating outside Haram al-Sharif, arresting 2 who allegedly planned to erect a menorah to commemorate Hanukkah. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths in al-Tur; arrest 2 Palestinians walking in the Old City. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/10; HA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/17)

Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Israeli govt. designated as “state land” a 30-dunam (7.4-acre) swath of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem in 11/2015. The previous designation of state land came in 8/2014. (PCN 12/10; MNA 12/11)

A total of 2 Palestinians and 1 Israeli settler are killed throughout the day. First, Israeli border police shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and seriously injures an Israeli settler (the settler will succumb to his injuries on 12/30). After the incident, Israeli settlers march through c. Hebron to protest the attack, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian stone-throwers. Late at night, IDF troops conduct a raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 5 Palestinians and killing 1 Palestinian in the ensuing clashes with stone-throwers. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently clash with Palestinians protesting their continued presence at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct late-night house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, Ramallah and a nearby village, and Qalqilya, arresting 12 Palestinians and confiscating personal property; patrol in 1 village each nr. Salfit, Jenin, and Tulkarm, as well as 8 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 12 homes under construction in a village nr. Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Jabaliya r.c., on 3 occasions, Israeli naval forces open fire on and otherwise confront Palestinian fishing boats, arresting 6 fishermen and confiscating 1 boat. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a late-night raid in al-Thawri. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/7; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/8; PCHR 12/10; HA, MNA 12/30)

In the Ramallah area, 2 Palestinians are killed in separate incidents. First, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver n. of Ramallah after he rams his car into a group of Israeli soldiers, injuring 2. Meanwhile, IDF troops set up a mobile checkpoint in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwers, and 1 Palestinian is killed after he allegedly stabs and moderately injures an Israeli soldier during the clashes. (MNA, TOI 12/4; PCHR 12/10)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently clash with Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Budrus, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), 2 areas nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Hebron, 4 neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, and 4 areas along Gaza’s border; 36 Palestinians are injured (1 will succumb to his injures on 12/31). The IDF also conducts late-night raids and house searches in 1 village nr. Hebron and Tulkarm r.c., arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in Tulkarm and 4 villages nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops fire artillery shells at a Palestinian bird hunter and 2 other Palestinians approaching the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, causing moderate injuries to each and damaging 2 homes in the area. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. The Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing in the evening, having kept it open for 2 days. They also release 34 Palestinian prisoners who were being held in Egyptian jails on charges of “illegal infiltration.” (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/4; MNA 12/5; PCHR 12/10; MNA, WAFA 12/31)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank and Jerusalem, leading to the deaths of 2 Palestinians. First, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler (no Israelis are injured). E. of Tulkarm, an Israeli soldier shoots and kills a Palestinian at a checkpoint, claiming that she attempted to stab him. Finally, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli civilian in West Jerusalem. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian woman each in Hebron, outside a settlement nr. Nablus, and s. of Bethlehem, claiming that the women are carrying knives. A video of the Bethlehem incident will show IDF troops forcing the Palestinian woman to pick up a knife prior to her arrest. Late at night, Israeli troops raid the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian woman accused of planning a stabbing attack outside a nearby settlement earlier in the day. They detain and threaten her family. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA, 12/1; PCHR 12/3)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops chase, shoot, and injure 3 Palestinian youths in Hebron, alleging that they were preparing to throw Molotov cocktails at an IDF post. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, and Dayr ‘Ammar nr. Ramallah, arresting 18 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol in 8 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes in which 4 Palestinians are injured and an errant tear gas canister causes minor fire damage to a nearby home. E. of Gaza City, IDF border troops open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in al-Tur late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur, arresting 4 Palestinians and shooting tear gas canisters at a Palestinian hospital (several patients suffer burns and tear gas inhalation). Meanwhile, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in the Old City on order from the Israeli authorities. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian apartments in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/1; EI, MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/3)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents. First, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and injures an Israeli police officer nr. the Damascus Gate to the Old City. Israeli forces then temporarily shut down all entrances to Nablus, home of the alleged attacker. In the evening, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting the morning’s killing, in Ras al-Amud, firing at protesters with live ammunition. A 17-year-old Palestinian is shot and taken to a medical center in Silwan, where he succumbs to his injuries; Israeli forces raid the center in an attempt to retrieve the boy’s body and question the Palestinian medical staff. Also nr. Ras al-Amud, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures a Nepalese woman on a bus. Meanwhile in the West Bank, IDF troops violently clash with Palestinians protesting outside a settlement nr. Ramallah, in a village nr. Hebron, in Bethlehem, and at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm; at least 12 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts a raid in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwers wherein 3 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces take pictures and measurements of the Hebron-area homes of Palestinians who were shot and killed on 11/22 and 11/23 during confrontations with Israeli settlers and the IDF. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 3 nr. Hebron, 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians; patrol in Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers spray racist graffiti on a Palestinian car nr. Bethlehem. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Jabaliya r.c., Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/29; JP, MNA, WAFA 11/30; PCHR 12/3)

In response to the EU’s new labeling guidelines for products imported from Israel’s settlements (11/11), the Israeli govt. announces that PM Netanyahu has ordered all Israeli contacts with EU bodies involved in the peace process to be suspended, including EU-sponsored projects for the Palestinians and all Foreign Ministry contacts with the EU. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 11/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. In Hebron, Israeli forces raid the Dream Radio station, destroying equipment, damaging offices, and issuing an order to shut the station down for 6 mos., claiming “incitement to violence.” This is the 3d Hebron radio station shut down by the IDF in the last mo., with others being closed on 11/3 and 11/21. IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 1 nr. Ramallah, and at a checkpoint nr. Nablus; 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, 5 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jenin, arresting 6 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in 5 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Salfit. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a raid in Ras al-Amud. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Umm al-Fahm to protest the Israeli govt.’s 11/16 outlawing of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/28; MNA, WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/3)

The Hebron area is hit hard throughout the day, as IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at the entrance to al-Fawar r.c. after he stabs and seriously injures an Israeli soldier (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries later in the day); Israeli forces place a closure on the camp. IDF troops are heavily deployed across Hebron, after a Palestinian gunman allegedly shot at an Israeli settler’s vehicle in the Old City. Israeli forces conduct raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and patrol throughout the Hebron area, arresting 10 Palestinians total. Elsewhere in the West Bank, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF nr. Ramallah 2 weeks ago, on 11/11. IDF troops violently clash with protesters at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm for the 2d day, injuring 4 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in Jenin and 4 villages nearby, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians. Israeli forces demolish a road in a bedouin community in the Jordan Valley; confiscate stonecutting equipment from a quarry nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a sports club in al-Tur, confiscating data from surveillance cameras. A number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya to level land and build up earth mounds that will obstruct Palestinian farmers; open fire on Palestinian lands along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/25; PCHR 11/26, 12/3)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian youth during clashes in Qatanna n. of the city. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after he allegedly rams his car into a group of Israeli security forces at a junction nr. Nablus, injuring 4. They also violently clash with Palestinian protesters at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm (the IDF maintains a shooting range close to the university and blocked administrators from building a wall to deter violent protests at the range last mo.), w. of Qalqilya, and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 16 Palestinians. The IDF assaults 1 Palestinian and arrest 19 others during raids and house searches in Jenin r.c.; 4 villages, Qaddura r.c., and Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah; and 7 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians picking olives outside Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no major injuries; the settlers then set fire to some of the olive trees. Palestinians throw rocks at an Israeli settler’s car driving nr. Ramallah, causing moderate injuries. Palestinian gunmen later open fire on an Israeli settler’s car driving nr. Ramallah, causing damage. They also arrest 6 Palestinians on late-night raids in al-Thawri and Issawiyya. In Israel, Palestinian journalist and administrative detainee al-Qiq begins an open-ended hunger strike after being tortured in Israeli detention. He was captured by Israeli forces during a raid at his home on 11/21. In West Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian accused of planning a stabbing attack nr. the Central Bus Station. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces stationed e. of Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian agricultural land, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/24; MNA 11/25; PCHR 11/26; HA 12/12; MNA 1/10; SAM 1/28)

U.S. secy. of state John Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss means of quelling the ongoing violence in the oPt among other issues. Kerry reportedly rejects Netanyahu’s request for the U.S. to recognize construction within Israel’s settlement blocs in exchange for Israel undertaking measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the oPt. (AA, HA, MNA 11/24; TOI 11/25; HA 11/27)

A total of 3 Palestinians and 1 Israeli settler are killed across the West Bank. In a contested incident, an Israeli settler and former Samaria Regional Council head rams a Palestinian youth with his car after she allegedly attempts to stab another settler at a checkpoint nr. Nablus; the girl is shot and killed at the scene. There are conflicting reports around the shooting, with some outlets alleging the driver shot the girl and others claiming it was either another settler or IDF soldiers stationed at the nearby Huwwara checkpoint. A Palestinian taxi driver is shot and killed hours later nr. Kefar Adumim settlement by an Israeli settler, who claims that the driver attempted to ram a group of settlers on a main road nr. Bethlehem. According to the IDF, the settler opened fire after he saw the Palestinian taxi driver exit his car with a knife. However, Palestinian eyewitnesses report that Israeli settlers threw stones at the taxi, causing the driver to swerve into another car. In the final of such incidents, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and seriously injures an Israeli settler at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem (the settler succumbs to her injuries later in the day). The IDF then raids a village nearby, arresting the Palestinian attacker’s 4 brothers and sparking clashes with stone-throwers; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently clash with Palestinians protesting w. of Qalqilya and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah; 3 Palestinians are injured. After reports of stone-throwing, Israeli forces impose an evening curfew and briefly close the main checkpoint in Huwwara, where a Palestinian girl was killed earlier in the day (see above). The IDF also conducts raids and house searches in 1 village nr. Nablus, as well as 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, confiscating personal property, arresting 11 Palestinians, and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in 5 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian property in 2 areas nr. Nablus, causing clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces after settlers throw stones at a Palestinian secondary school. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct late-night raids in Ras al-Amud and Shu‘fat, arresting 6 Palestinians. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/22; PCHR 11/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian and injure 2 others n. of Ramallah, claiming that the Palestinians opened fire on their patrol. Protests continue across the region as IDF troops clash with protesters in Bethlehem and outside Beit El settlement (where a similar protest was held on 11/16), injuring 6 Palestinians. Also nr. Bethlehem, Israeli forces indefinitely shut down 2 Palestinian factories, due to youth protests in the area and for “security reasons,” leaving around 150 Palestinians jobless. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in the Nablus, Hebron, al-Bireh, and Ramallah areas, including in al-‘Arub r.c., arresting 11 Palestinians total and confiscating property; patrols in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. In the Gaza Strip, unknown persons fire a rocket toward Israel, and it falls short of the border fence. Later that night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launches air strikes at a military site nr. al-Bureij r.c. belonging to Palestinian armed groups. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. During the ongoing protests in Gaza, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians e. of al-Bureij r.c., injuring 1 youth, and fire at Palestinian homes and agricultural land e. of Khan Yunis, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire in Ras al-Amud and arrest 10 Palestinian schoolchildren. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/17; TOI 11/18; PCHR 11/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves the construction of 454 new units in the Ramot Shlomo and Ramot settlements in East Jerusalem after a 2-year freeze on the project. (AS, JP, MNA, TOI 11/17)

Following a day of punitive demolitions and clashes in Qalandia refugee camp (r.c.), thousands of Palestinians march in the funeral of the 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces the previous day. Later, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops clash with stone-throwers in the camp, injuring 5 Palestinians. Israeli forces demolish 9 residential structures and animal barns nr. Hebron early in the morning, and later clash with Palestinian protesters in the area. Similarly, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters w. of Qalqilya (where similar protests were conducted on 11/13 and 11/15) and outside Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah; at least 15 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. During the day, Israeli forces patrol in 1 village each nr. Salfit and Nablus, and they conduct late-night house searches and raids in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. as well as nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin, arresting 13 Palestinians. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians harvesting olives nr. Salfit, driving them off their land but causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on raids in al-Tur. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces fire at Palestinian fishing boats overnight, injuring 2 fishermen. (MNA, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/19)

PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet outlaws the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel, citing the group’s “dangerous incitement.” After the announcement, Israeli forces arrest a senior mbr. of the movement during a raid in Umm al-Fahm, and Israeli courts issue orders to shut down 17 organizations and groups that operate on behalf of the movement. (EI, HA, MNA, YA 11/17)

Small-scale incidents continue to characterize the ongoing wave of violence as armed Palestinians open fire on an Israeli vehicle driving s. of Hebron, killing 2 settlers and injuring 2 more. After the incident, the IDF closes the entrances to 2 nearby villages and al-Fawar r.c., patrols in 12 villages nr. Hebron, and conducts searches and raids in the area, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2 more. Separately, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth nr. Ramallah after he and a group of other youths throw stones at the soldiers. An Israeli settler attempts to ram 3 Palestinians nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 11/13; PCHR 11/19)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt continues as well. IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting in 3 areas along Gaza’s border, 1 village nr. Hebron, w. of Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Nablus, and 2 areas nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is killed and 49 are injured (2 international journalists are injured in the Gaza clashes). The IDF also violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation and recent attacks in the oPt in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih) as well as Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of 3 homes in Nablus and 2 nr. Ramallah belonging to Palestinians who committed recent attacks on Israelis. Israeli soldiers conduct a raid in a village nr. Jenin, arresting 1 Palestinian. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting in Jabal Mukabir; there are no serious injuries. They also assault and arrest a Palestinian child in Shaykh Jarrah. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 11/13; JP, MNA, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/19)

In the most high-profile incident of the day, undercover Israeli soldiers raid a hospital in Hebron and arrest a Palestinian patient—an alleged suspect in the stabbing of an Israeli settler on 25 October—and shoot and kill the man’s cousin. Meanwhile, Palestinians across the West Bank demonstrate in commemoration of the 11-year anniversary of former PLO chair Yasir Arafat’s death. IDF troops violently disperse them in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, w. of Tulkarm, 2 areas nr. Ramallah (al-Bireh and Jalazun r.c.), and Bethlehem; at least 70 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere, IDF troops conduct a series of raids in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians youths; 13 Palestinians are injured. Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, causing no damage. The IDF then raids stores in a nearby village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. The IDF also conducts raids in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, Nablus and 2 nearby villages, 1 village nr. Tulkarm, Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Jenin, as well as 3 villages, Aida r.c. and al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 44 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a school in Silwan, arresting a Palestinian youth and issuing the school’s principal an arrest summons. They arrest 4 other Palestinians on raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 11/11; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 11/12; PCHR 11/19)

The Jerusalem Municipality approves the construction of 891 new units in a settlement nr. Bayt Jala. (WAFA 11/11)

Israel’s Knesset approves, 55–31, the 1st reading of a bill that will allow the govt. to bar anyone who calls for a boycott of Israel from entering the country. (HA, JP 11/11)

The EU Commission adopts an interpretive notice “on indication of origin of goods from the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967,” including guidelines requiring products imported from Israel’s West Bank settlements to be labeled as such. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 11/11; YA 11/12)

Stabbing and other small-scale incidents continue, keeping tensions high in the oPt. IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at a junction nr. Nablus after he rams a group of Israelis with his vehicle, injuring 4 (a 5th Israeli is injured by errant fire during the incident). Israeli settlers block a nearby road to protest the attack. An Israeli security guard shoots and seriously injures a Palestinian woman at the entrance to a settlement nr. Bethlehem after she stabs and lightly injures him. The IDF then raids several homes in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Later, a Palestinian stabs and moderately injures an Israeli settler in a village nr. Qalqilya. IDF troops raid the village after the attack, searching a number of houses and detaining 15 Palestinians. (EI, MNA, 11/8; HA 11/9; PCHR 11/12)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting w. of Tulkarm and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts late-night house searches and raids in Nablus and 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 4 Palestinians. In Gaza, unknown persons fire a rocket into s. Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. IAF jets launch a retaliatory air strike on a Hamas military base nr. Rafah late at night, causing damage. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians on raids and patrols in Silwan and nr. the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 11/8; HA, JP, MNA, YA 11/9; PCHR 11/12)

For the 10th day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinian protesters, injuring 1 e. of al-Bureij r.c. Separately, off the coast nr. Khan Yunis and twice nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)

Stabbing and small-scale attacks continue amid the ongoing wave of violence in Israel and the oPt. In s. Israel, Israeli police shoot and kill a bedouin Palestinian in Beersheba after he grabs a soldier’s gun and opens fire on a crowd at the city’s central bus station, killing 1 soldier and injuring 11 Israeli civilians. During the attack, an Israeli security guard shoots an Eritrean asylum seeker, allegedly misidentifying him as the shooter, then a group of Israeli civilians assault the man, seriously injuring him (he succumbs to his injuries later in the day). (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/18; EI 10/19; PCHR 10/22)

Throughout the day in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinian protesters across 5 areas in the region, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. IDF troops fire tear gas canisters into a secondary school in Jenin, causing no serious injuries; conduct house searches, raids, and patrols in 8 areas across the West Bank, arresting 11 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2. Israeli settlers attempt to kidnap 2 Palestinians in a village nr. Nablus; throw stones at Palestinian homes in e. Hebron, causing no serious damage. Early in the morning, around 30 Israeli settlers attempt to pray at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians and the PASF; 5 settlers are arrested. In East Jerusalem, an elderly Palestinian woman dies of complications related to tear gas inhalation, which she suffered during clashes nr. her home in Issawiyya earlier in the week. Her family was driving her to the hospital at the time of her death, but they were delayed at an Israeli mobile checkpoint. The Israeli police will say that the family’s vehicle was only detained briefly. Israeli forces begin installing a planned 300 m concrete wall to separate Jabal Mukabir from the nearby Israeli settlement East Talpiot; assault 3 Palestinians and arrest 1 at a checkpoint in Silwan; arrest 7 Palestinians on late-night raids in Sur al-Bahir and al-Thawri. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/18; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/19; EI 10/20; PCHR 10/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel rejects France’s rumored proposal for international observers to be deployed at Haram al-Sharif, responding to the 10/17 reports in French press. (HA, JP 10/18)

Stabbing and other small-scale attacks continue in Israel and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians attack a group of Jewish Israelis on an Israeli bus in Jabal Mukabir, killing 2 and injuring at least 10 (a 3d Israeli will succumb to injuries sustained in the attack on 10/27). Israeli police shoot the 2 Palestinians, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other. In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver rams an Israeli pedestrian, then gets out of his car and stabs 5 other Israelis (1 Israeli will succumb to his injuries later in the day). Israeli police shoot and critically injure the Palestinian before arresting him (the Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day). In Israel, Israeli police shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli in Ra’anana, n. of Tel Aviv. Later, a Palestinian stabs and injures 4 Israelis in the same city. Several Jewish Israelis assault and detain him as he attempts to flee, including 1 Israeli driver who rams the man with his vehicle. An Israeli man attacks a Palestinian citizen of Israel in Netanya, lightly injuring him. In Kiryat Ata nr. Haifa, a Jewish Israeli stabs and moderately injures another Jewish Israeli, mistakenly identifying him as a Palestinian. Following the morning’s attacks, Israel’s security cabinet meets and decides not to return the bodies of Palestinians shot and killed by Israeli forces after carrying out attacks on Israeli citizens. Instead of returning the bodies to their families, they will bury them secretly. The cabinet also decides to revoke the residency status of Palestinian attackers, bar any homes punitively demolished from being rebuilt, and allow the police to “impose a closure on, or to surround, centers of friction and incitement in Jerusalem, in accordance with security considerations”. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI 10/13; EI, HA, MNA, NYT 10/14; HA 10/27)

For the 5th day in a row, IDF troops open fire on hundreds of Palestinians protesting along Gaza’s border fence e. of al-Bureij r.c. and nr. the Erez border crossing, injuring 51. They also disperse and drive back around 30 Palestinians who cross the s. border. The Israeli authorities close the Erez crossing shortly after the clashes. Later, Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces patrolling along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, causing no damage. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/13; HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones throughout the region, killing 1 Palestinian in Bethlehem and injuring at least 33. Israeli forces raid the Jenin home of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed and injured an Israeli soldier in Afula on 10/8, preparing for a possible punitive demolition. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian drivers nr. Nablus and nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian in the former and sparking minor clashes in the latter. Israeli settlers also assault and moderately injure a Palestinian youth outside a settlement e. of Jerusalem; assault 4 Palestinian farmers working nr. Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

In Israel, many schools, public institutions, and businesses in predominantly Palestinian cities go on strike, and around 20,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel and solidarity activists march through Sakhnin protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif and violations in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; EI, HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Three errant mortar shells launched from Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF fires artillery shells at 2 Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage. (HA, JP, TOI 10/13)

For the 4th day in a row, hundreds of Gazans gather along the s. border with Israel to protest the recent Israeli crackdown, and the IDF violently disperses them, injuring 2 and detaining 1 of dozens who briefly break through the border fence. In a related development, an Israeli military source says that the IDF’s Southern Command has ordered soldiers to focus on using tear gas and firing warning shots in the air in their efforts to disperse groups of Palestinians nr. the border fence. The source says there has been no official change in the rules of engagement, but that the IDF’s commanders hope to reduce the number of Palestinians killed in similar confrontations. Separately, off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/12; JP, 10/13; PCHR 10/15)

Small-scale attacks and stabbings continue amid the ongoing wave of violence in the oPt and Israel. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man outside the Old City overnight after he allegedly attempts to stab a border police officer, according to the Israeli police, but Palestinian witnesses contest the claim. Later, 2 Palestinian youths attack a group of Israeli settlers nr. Shu‘fat, stabbing and seriously injuring 2. Israeli police shoot the attackers, killing 1 and injuring the other. Around the same time, Israeli police shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian youth after she stabs and injures 2 Israelis in Shaykh Jarrah. In West Jerusalem, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian on a bus nr. Chords Bridge after he attempts to stab 1 of them and take a gun. Meanwhile, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting in various neighborhoods in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, injuring 29 Palestinians. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in 1 village each nr. Salfit and Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths in both cases; 2 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, Israeli forces raid a village nr. Ramallah, surrounding a Palestinian’s home, firing live rounds through the windows, and sparking clashes with Palestinian stone-throwers, injuring 1 Palestinian and arresting 3. They arrest another Palestinian on a late-night raid nr. Hebron. In Israel, Israeli police arrest a senior official of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Rahat on charges related to incitement. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/12; JP, MNA, YA 10/13; PCHR 10/15)

The Israeli Knesset passes, 41–11, the 1st reading of 2 bills designed to deter stone-throwing, including mandatory minimum sentences and the imposition of penalties on parents of minors convicted for such crimes. The 2 bills comprise several measures agreed to by the security cabinet on 9/24 and the full cabinet on 10/11 (key provisions of the measures will pass into law on 11/2). (JP, KNE 10/13)

Israel’s High Court of Justice reaffirms its 2014 order to demolish a synagogue in the West Bank settlement Givat Ze’ev, rejecting a petition from settler leaders. The court orders the synagogue’s demolition within 1 week (the demolition deadline will be delayed to 11/19, following another petition). (JP 10/13)

Dozens of Gazans gather nr. the border for a 2d day, protesting the Israeli killing of 7 Gazans on 10/9. IDF troops open fire on the protesters, killing 2, injuring 26, and arresting 5 of the 70 who cross into Israel. Meanwhile, unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket toward Ashqelon, Israel, and it is intercepted by an Iron Dome missile defense battery. IAF jets launch retaliatory air strikes on Hamas military sites in s. and c. Gaza, killing 1 pregnant Palestinian and her young daughter and injuring 5 others. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya r.c., Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

Stabbing attacks continue in East Jerusalem, with 2 such incidents today. First, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian youth nr. a gate to the Old City after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israelis. Later, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and injures 2 policemen nr. the same gate (a 3d police officer is injured by friendly fire), and clashes break out following the attack. After a funeral for the Palestinian killed in Shu‘fat r.c. on 10/8, Israeli forces clash with and violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians in a hospital in al-Tur and clash with stone-throwers, injuring at least 29 Palestinians. (MNA, WAFA 10/10; MNA, YA 10/11; PCHR 10/15)

In the West Bank, undercover Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian youth and detain 4 others in overnight clashes nr. Jenin; the IDF will conduct raids in the village during the day, confiscating computers and arresting 1 Palestinian. Throughout the day IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian stone-throwers and protesters across the West Bank, injuring 34 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier. The IDF also conducts raids and patrols throughout the region, arresting 4 Palestinians and confiscating a vehicle. Israeli settlers continue attacking Palestinians and their property, clashing with Palestinians outside the Kiryat Arba settlement; Israeli forces violently disperse the gathering. Palestinian shops in and around Hebron observe a general strike in the morning, protesting the killings of Palestinians from the area by Israeli forces on 10/7 and 10/9. In Israel, around 1,500 Palestinian citizens peacefully march through Nazareth in protest of the recent Israeli attacks and restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif. A similar demonstration in Ramla turns violent, and the Israeli police arrest 10 Palestinians accused of stone-throwing. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/10; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/11; TOI 10/12; PCHR 10/14)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves the deployment of 16 reserve companies of border police—as many as 2,000 troops—in Palestinian cities across Israel, in Jerusalem, and along major highways (the cabinet will approve the proposal on 10/11). (JP, TOI 10/10)

Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Kafr Kanna, Nazareth, and other predominantly Palestinian cities to protest the Israeli police’s 48-hour ban on Palestinian access to the Old City of Jerusalem, and many Palestinian families in East Jerusalem opt to keep their children home from school in light of the heavy Israeli police presence. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 right-wing Israelis gather outside the PM’s residence in Jerusalem to protest Netanyahu’s insufficiently tough response to the recent Palestinian attacks. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

Amid the ongoing wave of violence in the oPt, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure 3 Palestinian youths with live ammunition during clashes in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem (1 will succumb to his injuries later in the day). After the boy is announced dead, Palestinian businesses in Bethlehem close in mourning. Throughout the rest of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israeli troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting the Israeli crackdown. At least 120 Palestinians are injured (4 seriously) in such clashes, including 1 journalist. IDF troops continue their crackdown on alleged stonethrowers, raiding the Hebron home of a Palestinian youth accused of stone-throwing, and leave once they learn that the accused is only 3 years old. They conduct late-night raids in Nablus, searching for the perpetrators of the shooting of 2 Israeli settlers on 10/1, arresting 4 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths (7 Palestinians are injured). The IDF conducts further arrest raids, house searches, and patrols throughout the West Bank, arresting 10 Palestinians total. Israeli settlers enter al-‘Arub r.c. and Palestinian villages nr. Qalqilya and Nablus, sparking clashes between Israeli forces and stone-throwing Palestinians (3 Palestinians are injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces detain 2 Palestinian fishermen. (HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/5; EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/8)

For the 2d day in a row, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian outside the Old City as he is fleeing a group of Jewish Israelis. The police claim he stabbed and injured an Israeli teen in the area, but multiple videos show the Palestinian youth weaponless and fleeing Israelis who were trying to attack him. Following the killing, clashes break out in the surrounding area and Israeli forces conduct raids throughout East Jerusalem. In total, 21 Palestinians and 1 Lebanese journalist are injured and at least 22 Palestinians are arrested. Around 100 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif on the last day of Sukkoth. The holiday and corresponding restrictions on Palestinian access at Haram al-Sharif (announced 9/27) end this evening. Protesting the recent Israeli violations at Haram al-Sharif, Palestinian shop owners across the Old City and East Jerusalem shutter their businesses. Later, the Israeli police announce a 48-hour ban on Palestinian entry to the Old City: Only Israeli citizens, Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, and tourists will be allowed access. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI 10/4; MNA, WAFA 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

Hundreds of Palestinians continue nonviolent protests throughout the West Bank. In response, Israeli forces violently disperse protesters, conduct raids, and patrol throughout the area, injuring a total of 25 (1 succumbs to his injuries later in the evening) and arresting 2 Palestinians. Nr. Ramallah, IDF troops search the home of the Palestinian man who attacked a group of Israelis with a knife on 10/3, detaining 18 mbrs. of his family and threatening punitive demolition. The worst violence of the day is concentrated in the Hebron area, where Palestinian youths throw an improvised explosive device toward Israeli troops, and the soldiers respond with live ammunition. Nearby, Israeli settlers assault an elderly Palestinian; smash solar panels; assault a Palestinian family; break the windows of a Palestinian car. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural areas nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with Palesinian stone-throwers. Israeli soldiers intervene to protect the settlers, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. Meanwhile, hundreds of settlers block off 2 roads in the Jordan Valley and n. of Ramallah in protest of recent Palestinian attacks. For the 8th time this quarter, rockets are fired from Gaza toward Israel. Although Sarayat al-Shaykh Umar Hadid fighters claim responsibility for the 2 rockets, IAF jets target a retaliatory air strike at a Hamas military site s. of Gaza City, causing severe damage. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/4; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, NYT 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

In a televised statement, Israeli PM Netanyahu pledges to expedite the punitive demolitions of Palestinian attackers’ family homes, extend the terms of administrative detentions, and increase troop deployments in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 10/4; MNA, YA 10/5)

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval forces ram and consequently sink a Palestinian fishing boat, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian youths burn tires and throw stones at IDF vehicles on a road to an Israeli settlement nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with IDF troops who injure 1 Palestinian with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah during the day; violently disperses Palestinians protesting the occupation nr. Qalqilya, causing no injuries. Israeli soldiers assault a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, accusing him of throwing a Molotov cocktail at them. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians on raids in the Old City. (PCHR 10/1)

A rocket fired from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries. The IDF says it was errant fire from the Syrian conflict. (MNA, TOI 9/26)

Marking the 3d such attack in 3 days, Sarayat al-Shaykh Umar Hadid fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Earlier in the day, the IDF deploys an Iron Dome missile defense battery nr. Sderot. Meanwhile,Israeli naval forces open fire on Gazan fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, around 2,000 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus under an IDF escort, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 IDF soldier is lightly injured. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli cars nr. Hebron and Jerusalem, and later at an Egged bus nearby, causing minor damage. In Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, PASF troops disperse around 300 Palestinians protesting the PASF’s alleged use of excessive force in recent confrontations, including on 9/18. Israeli soldiers assault 2 Palestinian women during a raid nr. Hebron, demolish 5 Palestinian stores n. of Jerusalem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli forces conduct a series of raids throughout East Jerusalem neighborhoods, arresting 21 and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (1 is injured) (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/20; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/21; PCHR 10/1)

In response to a statement released by PM Netanyahu’s office on 9/19, Israeli atty. gen. Weinstein says that he has not approved increasing minimum sentences for those convicted of throwing stones or Molotov cocktails and that he opposes changing the Israeli police’s rules of engagement in East Jerusalem. After meeting with Weinstein and the security cabinet, Netanyahu backs off his proposal. According to a statement released by his office, Netanyahu is “leaning toward the idea raised in the meeting to stiffen penalties— setting mandatory minimum penalties for stone-throwers by means of a temporary provision that would be in place for a year at the first stage.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 9/20)

The Israeli crackdown on protests in East Jerusalem continues as the Israeli authorities restrict Palestinians’ access to Haram al-Sharif; only men over 40 and women are permitted to enter the sanctuary. Meanwhile, Israeli forces clash with Palestinian protesters across the city for the 2d day in a row (nr. the Old City and in Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, Issawiyya, Shu‘fat r.c., al-Tur, Abu Dis, al-‘Izzariya, and Wadi al-Juz); at least 4 Israeli police and 4 Palestinians are injured, and 11 Palestinians are arrested. Israeli forces also conduct raids and house searches in Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, Shaykh Jarrah, and the Old City, arresting 16 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 9/18; PCHR 10/1)

As violence and tension spread from Jerusalem across the oPt, unknown persons launch a rocket from Gaza into Israel that lands in Sderot, damaging a bus. Iron Dome missile defense batteries intercept a 2d rocket fired toward Ashqelon. At night, IAF jets launch retaliatory air strikes on 3 Hamas military sites in n. Gaza, causing 2 minor injuries and serious damage. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. Israeli forces e. of al-Bureij r.c. arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and recent restrictions at Haram al-Sharif in 7 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside Ofer Prison, Silwad, ‘Abwayn, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and nr. Bethlehem; 8 Palestinians are injured and at least 13 Palestinians are detained. Israeli forces also patrol in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Jenin. Meanwhile, Palestinian police officers assault 2 young Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem (a video taken of the incident will proliferate on Palestinian media in the next few days). The PASF reportedly blocked a group of demonstrators from approaching an Israeli military post to protest the recent Israeli restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif. (AJA, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/18; JP, MNA, YA 9/19; MNA 9/24; WAFA 9/27; PCHR 10/1)

The tension in East Jerusalem escalates significantly today as Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif in the morning, clashing with dozens of Palestinians who stayed overnight in al-Aqsa Mosque; 110 Palestinians are injured to various degrees, including 9 journalists. Later that morning, around 650 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary for Rosh Hashanah, including Agriculture Min. Uri Ariel (Jewish Home Party). Israeli forces violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians protesting the restrictions at Haram al-Sharif in Silwan and Issawiyya, arresting 2 Palestinians and injuring others.

Elsewhere, an Israeli driver crashes into a power pole in Sur al-Bahir, injuring all 3 passengers (the driver will succumb to his injuries on 9/14). Israeli police believe that Palestinian stone-throwers caused the crash, but are also investigating whether it was due to the man’s medical condition. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces fire warning shots at a group of Palestinians who were allegedly approaching the border fence. The Palestinians return fire, but there are no injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel e. of Jabaliya r.c. Off the n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to kidnap a Palestinian child nr. Nablus, lightly injuring him. The boy’s father stops the attack. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting settlement activity nr. Bethlehem; conduct a late-night raid nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrol in al-Fawar r.c. and nr. Hebron and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 9/13; HA, JP, NYT, YA 9/14; PCHR 9/17)

In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian child in Silwan, sparking clashes between settlers and stone-throwing Palestinians, injuring 13 Palestinians and 4 Israeli police. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. Late at night, Israeli forces stationed e. of Gaza City open fire on and arrest 2 Palestinians approaching the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops search the Nablus home of the city’s PA police chief, evicting his wife and children. Forces conduct further raids and house searches in Nablus, and nr. Salfit and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to a 3d; patrol in villages nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. They also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the recent restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Silwad) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, injuring 6 Palestinians. (MNA 9/11; MNA, WAFA 9/12; HA 9/13; PCHR 9/17)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 1 Palestinian at an entrance to Haram al-Sharif while 30 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Another Palestinian is arrested in the Old City. Off Gaza’s s. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in Hebron and nr. Salfit, arresting 4 Palestinians and damaging some furniture. Similarly they patrol nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/17)

The UNGA approves a res., 119–8, with 45 abstentions, to allow non-mbr. observer states— Palestine and the Vatican—to raise their flags outside the UN’s headquarters and offices (an official flag-raising ceremony will take place on 9/30). (MNA, NYT 9/10; HA, MNA 9/11)

The European Parliament passes a symbolic motion, 525–70, with 31 abstaining, that supports the labeling of products imported from Israel’s settlements. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 9/10)

In Paris, PA FM al-Maliki and French FM Fabius sign 5 agreements on politics, finance, and French-funded development projects in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). They also discuss updates on the French initiative to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including a possible UNSC res. (MNA, WAFA 9/10)