The Palestine Chronology

A Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli settler inside his home in the Efrat settlement nr. Bethlehem. After the attack, Israeli forces crack down on Palestinian villages nr. Bethlehem, setting up mobile checkpoints and clashing with stone-throwing Palestinians in multiple locations; there are no serious injuries. They also violently suppress the annual “Santa Claus March” in Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. Elsewhere, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF nr. Ramallah on 12/15. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/23; MNA 12/24; PCHR 12/29)

The UNSC passes Res. 2334, the anti-Israeli settlement measure that Egyptian diplomats circulated on 12/21, with 14 votes in favor and the U.S. abstaining. The res. contains no enforcement protocols, but it could facilitate lawsuits against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), sanctions on Israel’s settlement building, and more boycotts of settlement products. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 12/23; HA, JP, YA 12/24)

After the UNSC vote, U.S. secy. of state Kerry says that he plans to “speak further to the vote . . . and share more detailed thoughts, drawn from the experience of the last several years, on the way ahead.” Some of Kerry’s aides say that he intends to lay out a “comprehensive vision for peace.” (YA 12/23; HA 21/24)

The Israeli authorities return 9 corpses of Palestinians killed during confrontations with the IDF in the past 6 mos., marking the 2d return of bodies in a week. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and 3 are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops issue 2 Palestinians arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City. There are no injuries in either incident. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Kafr Kanna and other villages to protest a bill, approved in a Knesset comm. on 11/13, that would bar mosques from broadcasting the call to prayer (see JPS 46 [2]). (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 5th of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/18; OCHA 12/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; at least 5 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails into the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah overnight, causing 1 home to burn down completely. Dozens of Orthodox Jews attempt to visit Rachel’s Tomb nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with IDF troops; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, the IDF fires several mortar shells at “suspicious” targets nr. Khan Yunis, according to an army spokesperson. There are no reports of injuries or serious damage. (MNA 11/11; MNA 11/12; PCHR 11/17)

In a wide-ranging interview with the Wall Street Journal, U.S. pres.-elect Trump says he will attempt to achieve the “ultimate deal” between Israel and the Palestinians, “for humanity’s sake.” (WSJ 11/11; HA 11/12)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus early in the morning, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian residents; at least 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 5 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. (MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/20)

A Palestinian prisoner in Israel’s Ramon Prison dies of a stroke. He was severely beaten by Israeli guards in 2003, and his health has deteriorated ever since. Hours after his death, a group of Palestinian prisoners declares a 3-day hunger strike in solidarity with their deceased comrade. Israeli prison guards raid their cells, assaulting several of their leaders. (MNA, WAFA 9/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli border guards assault a Palestinian worker attempting to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. They cause moderate injuries and leave him with the broken leg he sustained after falling from the separation wall. Israeli forces demolish around 35 saplings in a nature reserve nr. Hebron. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering nr. Salfit to protest recent settlement expansion in the area; 1 Palestinian is arrested when he stands in front of a bulldozer. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Jenin, and nr. Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus, causing moderate damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and Abu Dis. (MNA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/29)

In a meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu in New York, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says that, if elected, he will “accept the long-standing Congressional mandate to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel,” according to a Trump campaign press release. Netanyahu later meets with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, and she pledges to oppose “any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict . . . including the UN,” according to a press release from her campaign. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 9/25; HA 9/26)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth outside the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and multiple locations along Gaza’s border; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians and issue 5 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Salfit, as well as in and around Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. (EI, HA, MNA 9/23; PCHR 9/29)

For the 3d and final day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinian pilgrims to return from their trip to Saudi Arabia. (MNA 9/23; MNA 9/24)

Leaders of the Middle East Quartet, including U.S. secy. of state John Kerry, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, and UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon, reiterate the group’s call for the creation of “conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations that will end the occupation that began in 1967 and resolve all final status issues,” and reaffirm conclusions from the report they released in 7/2016 (see JPS 46 [2]). Afterward, Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (YA 9/23; MNA 9/24; HA 9/25)

In the heaviest day of violence since the beginning of 7/2016, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians and 1 Jordanian in East Jerusalem and the Hebron area. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Jordanian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. An eyewitness reports that the youth did not attack anyone, and that he only yelled “Allahu akbar” when the Israeli forces asked him to lift his shirt. Israeli forces later find a knife on his body. IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting a ramming attack outside Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other; 3 Israelis are injured in the alleged ramming. Separately, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. After the attacks, an officer with Israel’s COGAT says that the IDF will impose strict punishments on the attackers’ home villages, including Bani Na‘im. The IDF then shuts down a number of checkpoints in Hebron and the entrances to Bani Na‘im, declaring the village and c. Hebron closed military zones. Israeli troops conduct raids in Bani Na‘im late at night, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 9/16; HA 9/17; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Jalazun r.c.), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also disperse Palestinian stone-throwers nr. Nablus, arresting 1; arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 2 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Salfit, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron throughout the day. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus traveling between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement, injuring the driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search cars and detain a handful of Palestinians during patrols in Silwan, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 2 Palestinians are injured. A Palestinian man demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. (MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hungerstriking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s settlement, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 4 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries. They arrest 5 fishermen and confiscate their boats. (MNA 8/12; MNA 8/13; PCHR 8/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s occupation, settlement, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids in Bayt ‘Amr nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 7 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Hebron and nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. (MNA 8/5; MNA 8/6; PCHR 8/11)

As the IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district that was put in place on 7/1, Israeli PM Netanyahu visits the separation wall under construction nr. Hebron and remarks on the necessity to “prevent illegal residents and attackers from reaching Israel’s cities.” Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians and issue 6 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol throughout the day nr. Hebron. Israeli forces uproot a number of olive trees outside Dayr Istya village nr. Salfit to clear space for Israeli settlers to build a road. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish several Palestinian structures nr. the Israeli settlement of Atarot. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian farmer working nr. Dayr al-Balah and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 4 Palestinian fishermen. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 7/20; PCHR 7/21; PCHR 7/28)

Along the Israeli-Syrian border, unidentified fighters open fire on an IDF position on the Israeli side of the border, causing minor damage. Later in the day, Syrian rebels report that an Israeli air strike hit a Syrian army position, causing an unknown amount of damage. (HA, JP, MNA 7/20)

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, patrolling the area throughout the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 of the 100 international and Palestinian activists cleaning an abandoned Palestinian factory in Hebron to prepare it for use as a cinema. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw rocks at Palestinian cars nr. Qalqilya, causing damage to 1. (MNA 7/15; JP, MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/21)

Hamas announces that it intends to participate in the planned municipal elections that the PA has set for 10/8. It is still unclear if the PA will organize ballots in Gaza as well as the West Bank. Hamas’s announcement is considered a surprise (the party did not participate in the 2012 elections). (MNA 7/16; JP 7/17; HA 8/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwers in the area; there are no injuries. An IDF raid in Dura nr. Hebron sparks further clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured and a 2d is arrested. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 international activist is injured. Israeli soldiers conduct further raids and house searches in and around Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah throughout the day. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains the closure on Bani Na‘im village, and continues to restrict Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district in response to the 7/1 settler shooting. (WAFA 7/8; MNA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/14)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian woman nr. Hebron after she allegedly rams her car into a group of Israelis, lightly injuring 2. It is unclear whether the ramming was intentional or accidental. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall, as well as protests over the recent water shortage, in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Tulkarm, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Jenin; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities bar all Palestinian men younger than 45 from Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/24; PCHR 6/30)

The IDF ends its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the evening, but maintains the closure of Yatta, the Hebron-area village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6/8. During an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya, IDF troops shoot flares that set fire to a swath of Palestinian land nr. the separation wall, destroying about 50 olive trees. They also arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, sparking clashes with Muslim worshippers after a handful of the settlers appear to pray at the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians and 2 Jewish Israelis are arrested and removed from the site. Late at night, unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus in Wadi al-Juz, causing damage. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/12; MNA, WAFA, YA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

Reps. of 29 countries gather in Paris for a French-organized conference aimed at establishing a framework for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Conference participants agree to push for another international conference by the end of 2016, release a joint statement reaffirming the 2-state solution as their goal, express “alarm” at the current situation, and state that“the status quo is not sustainable.” The nonbinding statement also acknowledges both Israeli settlements and acts of violence as obstacles to peace (see Update). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/3; HA, JP 6/4)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 2 arrest summons during raids in Bethlehem and Hebron; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen. (MNA 6/3; MNA, WAFA 6/6; PCHR 6/9)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing in Gaza closed. It had been open on 6/1–2.

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and Silwad) and 1 nr. Qalqilya, as well as along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. For the first time in 11 years, the IDF refrains from using violent crowd control methods to disperse the Friday protest in Bil‘in nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces since the surge of violence began in 10/2015 (1 on 5/23 nr. Jerusalem and 1 in Hebron on 3/24). They also level Palestinian land nr. Salfit to clear the area surrounding a nearby settlement. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and in Hebron; and also patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Salfit, damaging 1. In Gaza, a small armed group fires a rocket toward Israel, but it falls short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 5/27; TOI 5/28; PCHR 6/2)

In a 5th day of cross-border violence in Gaza, Palestinian fighters fire 2 mortar shells into s. Israel overnight, causing damage and no injuries; Israeli forces respond with air strikes on 2 Hamas targets nr. Khan Yunis and artillery fire on areas nr. Rafah, causing damage. Following the morning’s violence, Israel and Hamas agree to deescalate tensions along Gaza’s border. Israeli forces pull back from the so-called Access Restricted Areas along the border fence and Hamas fighters maintain a cease-fire. Qatar, Egypt, and the UN were reportedly involved in the deescalation talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials say they plan to continue anti-tunnel operations in the coming weeks. (JP, TOI 5/7; YA 5/8; PCHR 5/12)

IDF troops stationed along the border nr. Gaza City open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2 fishermen and confiscating their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to climb the separation wall and enter Jerusalem, causing minor injuries; and arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Jericho when they find he is carrying a knife. They also conduct raids and house searches in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian human rights activists in Hebron, destroying some of their personal property. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians in Silwan, arresting 3. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. On Gaza’s border, an explosive device detonates under an armored Israeli bulldozer, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 2 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen, arresting 4, and then confiscating the boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse Palestinians conducting a sit-in in Silwan in protest of Israeli efforts to Judaize the city; 6 Palestinians are arrested and a tent is confiscated. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian for allegedly planning a stabbing attack outside the Old City, and temporarily detain a shaykh at Haram al-Sharif, accusing him of “incitement.” (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/8; PCHR 4/14)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson says that the Obama admin. has not decided whether or not to support the draft UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements that the Palestinians circulated earlier in the week (a U.S. veto would scuttle the effort). Separately, 394 mbrs., or 90%, of the House of Representatives sign onto a letter calling on U.S. pres. Obama to “oppose and, if need be, veto one-sided UNSC resolutions,” inter alia. (USSD 4/8; TOI 4/9; JP 4/10; JTA 4/15)

In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians participate in the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem (the Israeli authorities barred all 103 Gazan hopefuls from participating). Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem, and in 3 areas along Gaza’s border; 6 Palestinians are injured. In and around Hebron, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid and patrol in 3 villages. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Palestinians stage a sit-in protest at Haram al-Sharif calling for national reconciliation. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Rafah, causing it to catch fire and sink. (WAFA 3/31; HA, MNA 4/1; MNA 4/2; PCHR 4/7)

Alleged stabbing attacks continue across the oPt. Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron when a knife is found on her person, and arrest another Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli police officers in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths nr. the Old City of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 3d of 3 planned days and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers in c. Hebron verbally assault the human rights worker who captured video of the unprovoked killing nearby on 3/24. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Jenin, Tubas, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 5; patrol in Tulkarm and nr. Hebron. Israeli forces shut down a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, TOI 3/25; MNA 3/26; PCHR 3/31)

At the Jaffa Military Court, IDF prosecutors formally charge with murder the Israeli soldier who shot and killed an incapacitated Palestinian in c. Hebron on 3/24. (TOI 3/27)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem. Palestinian witnesses say that the alleged attacker got out of his car without anything in his hands when the Israeli soldiers opened fire, unprovoked. Israeli soldiers also arrest a journalist documenting the incident. Separately, Israeli soldiers arrest 2 Palestinians accused of preparing to carry out a stabbing attack outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 areas along Gaza’s border, 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 9; patrol in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, as well as 3 villages nr. Ramallah. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of the Bethlehem-area village of the 2 Palestinians suspected of carrying out a stabbing attack on 3/17, blocking both entrances and exits except for humanitarian cases. Israeli soldiers also conduct raids in the village, arresting at least 1 Palestinian. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian shepherd working nr. Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI 3/18; PCHR 3/24)

Following mos. of stalled talks, Jordan’s Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani says that cameras will be installed at Haram al-Sharif in the coming days, implementing the 10/24/2015 Israeli-Jordanian agreement. The Israeli govt. does not comment on the reports, leading to speculation that Al Momani was merely restating Jordan’s position in the ongoing negotiations. (JP 3/19; AP 3/20)

Unknown Gazans fire a number of rockets into Israel, and at least 3 land nr. Sderot, causing no injuries or damage. Israel Air Force jets launch retaliatory air strikes on 4 Hamas sites in n. Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian child, injuring 4, and causing substantial damage (a 2d Palestinian child will succumb to her injuries on 3/12). Meanwhile, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian outside the Old City after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw a firebomb at an Israeli settler’s vehicle nr. Hebron, causing damage, and open fire on Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, injuring 2. After the 2d attack, the IDF closes several roads and conducts raids in a nearby village. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, along Gaza’s border, and in 1 neighborhood in East Jerusalem (Abu Dis); 5 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing an arrest summons to another; patrol nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah and Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 3/11; HA, MNA, NYT, YA 3/12; PCHR 3/17; EI 3/18)

Uncoordinated stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank and Jerusalem, resulting in the deaths of 3 Palestinians. Two Palestinians open fire on an Israeli bus in Ramot, causing no damage. Israeli police then chase the shooters into the Old City, where they shoot and kill the 2 men after they allegedly attempt to ram their car into a Jewish Israeli pedestrian, causing no serious injuries. A 3d Palestinian is critically injured in the crossfire. The IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit. On the outskirts of the village nr. Salfit, Israeli soldiers open fire on 2 Palestinian youths as they approach an IDF checkpoint, killing 1 and critically injuring the other. An IDF spokesperson says that one of the youths was armed with a knife and intended to attack the soldiers. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/9; PCHR 3/10)

Elsewhere in the oPt, Hamas announces that 1 of its fighters died earlier in the day during unspecified training exercises. IDF troops raid a village nr. Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They conduct further raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Hebron, arresting 18 Palestinians. An Israeli settler stabs and injures a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Late at night, Israeli settlers spray price-tag graffiti on the walls of a Palestinian home in a village nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/9; MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/17)

In response to the string of attacks on 3/8 and after conferring with senior security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that Israel will complete the construction of the separation wall in the s. Hebron Hills. He also states that his govt. proposes new legislation to deter and punish Palestinians who enter Israel illegally, close Palestinian media outlets responsible for alleged incitement, and deny work permits to the families of Palestinians who commit serious crimes against Israelis. Israeli police immediately arrest 10s of Palestinians in raids across Israel, targeting those who entered the country without proper permits. (HA, JP, TOI 3/9)

The Israeli authorities inform 5 Palestinian food companies that their goods will no longer be permitted to pass through the Beitunia crossing for sale in Jerusalem. Israel last barred West Bank food products from entering East Jerusalem for a brief period in 2010. (TOI 3/13)

In Cairo, French FM Jean-Marc Ayrault says that France will not recognize the State of Palestine if the planned French peace initiative fails, effectively retracting his predecessor’s 1/29 pledge. “There is never anything automatic,” he says, adding that “France will present its initiative to its partners. It will be the first step, there is no prerequisite.” (TOI 3/9; JTA 3/10)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem after she allegedly attempts to ram an Israeli soldier (the soldier is injured in the collision). In the evening, a verbal argument between small groups of Palestinians and Israelis in the Old City of Jerusalem turns violent; 1 Israeli is stabbed and lightly injured. Meanwhile, the IDF violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside a settlement nr. al-Bireh), 1 nr. Qalqilya, in n. Bethlehem, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids nr. Bethlehem, arresting 7 Palestinians; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli forces level 2 small swaths of land nr. Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian workers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians in the Old City and 2 on raids in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 3/4; PCHR 3/10)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to stab them. The IDF later returns the body of the alleged Palestinian attacker to his family. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Masara, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and along Gaza’s border nr. Khan Yunis and al-Bureij r.c.; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 6; patrol in Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Salfit, and nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on 3 Palestinians walking nr. Khan Yunis, moderately injuring 1; arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross the border nr. Rafah to work in Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 2/26; MNA 2/27; PCHR 3/3)

Following weeks of reports on back-channel economic talks, the Israeli press reports that Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has decided to take steps to help improve the PA’s economic situation, including a transfer of NIS 500 m. (around $131 m.) in withheld tax revenues. PM Netanyahu reportedly approved Kahlon’s proposals after they met on 2/24. (YA 2/26; JP 2/29)

A Palestinian is found mortally wounded on the grounds of the Palestinian Embassy in Bulgaria and succumbs to his injuries in an ambulance on the way to hospital. He is later identified as Omar Nayef Zayed, who was wanted by Israel for his alleged killing of an Israeli in 1986. (EI, HA, MNA 2/26)

Nr. Bethlehem, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier at the Gush Etzion junction. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate construction materials and equipment and deliver a stop-work order at a construction site outside Hebron; seize a tractor from another village nr. Hebron. After unknown persons throw a small IED at the separation wall outside a village nr. Bethlehem, the IDF raids a nearby village and clashes with stone-throwers, causing injuries. The IDF conducts additional raids and house searches in 4 villages nr. Hebron, 1 nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Jenin, arresting 8 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrols in 5 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, setting 1 boat on fire and causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/5; MNA, TOI 1/6; PCHR 1/7)

Small-scale violence continues in the Jerusalem and Hebron areas. A Palestinian shoots and injures an Israeli soldier outside al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron, and another shoots and lightly injures an Israeli soldier outside a junction nr. Hebron; both suspects evade arrest. Later, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli at a bus station. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct further raids and house searches in Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Hebron and 2 villages nearby, 2 villages nr. Nablus, al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, and 2 neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, arresting 17 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 15; patrol in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and 3 villages nr. Ramallah. While renovating their home in the Old City, Israeli settlers break 6 holes through the wall of an adjacent Palestinian home. When the Israeli police arrive, they ask the settlers to repair the damage. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/3; JP, MNA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)