The Palestine Chronology

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 (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. Later in the day, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler’s car driving nr. Ni‘lin. They seal the village after the incident. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when he is found to be carrying a knife, and patrol nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA, TOI 3/31; MNA 4/1; PCHR 4/6)

Palestinians gather across the West Bank to commemorate Land Day. IDF troops violently disperse them in Bethlehem, Madama village nr. Nablus, and several other areas; at least 16 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze around 20 dunams (5 acres) of land nr. Salfit to make way for the expansion of a settlement industrial zone. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers verbally confront dozens of Jewish settlers touring Haram al-Sharif; there are no arrests or violence. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. (MNA, WAFA 3/30; PCHR 4/6)

In a meeting with his security cabinet, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a new policy to manage settlement growth: the Israeli govt. will continue construction in previously developed areas, when permissible, and adjacent areas, when not permissible; allow construction on the closest land possible to developed areas when neither adjacent nor permissible land is available; and bar the creation of any new settlement outposts. The PM insists that the new policy is not based on an understanding with the Trump admin., although it comes a week after an Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington for talks on settlement growth. Netanyahu also says that 900 dunams (approx. 222 acres) nr. the Eli settlement have been declared state land and that final approval has been given to market 2,000 new homes in existing settlements (these 2,000 are among the 5,700 advanced in the 3 weeks following U.S. pres. Trump’s inauguration on 1/20; see JPS 46 [3]). (HA, JP, TOI 3/30; HA, TOI 4/2)

Israel’s security cabinet announces its unanimous approval of a new Israeli settlement n. of Ramallah to house the former residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which was evacuated and demolished in early 2/2017. The approval reflects PM Netanyahu’s promise to build the former residents a new settlement. (NYT 3/30; HA, JP, TOI 3/31)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after she allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them with a pair of scissors outside the Old City. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Anata r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid a secondary school in Burin village nr. Nablus, arresting 1 student; arrest 5 Palestinians during further raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Jenin and Hebron. A late-night IDF raid in Tubas sparks clashes with stonethrowing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction nr. Bethlehem. Israeli settlers assault several Palestinian farmers working their lands nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/29; MNA, PCHR 3/30; PCHR 4/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs the Foreign Ministry to reduce by $2 m. the amount of funds Israel transfers annually to the UN in response to “hostile proposals concerning Israel adopted by the UNHRC [on 3/24],” according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson. The money will go instead to development programs in countries that support Israel in international forums. (HA, JP 3/29)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian buildings under construction in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and demolish the contents of a workshop during raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

A PA commission of inquiry established to investigate the PASF’s repression of protests in c. Ramallah and Dahaysha r.c. on 3/12 finds that the Palestinian troops violated PA regulations and acted disproportionately, although they maintained a “high level of self-control.” The commission recommends punishments for several PASF officers who used excessive violence (PA PM Hamdallah will accept the commission’s recommendations on 3/29). (MNA 3/28; MNA, WAFA 3/29)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths at a checkpoint outside Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are lightly injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a residential structure nr. Jericho. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF vehicle that reportedly entered Sa‘ir village nr. Hebron by accident. PASF and IDF troops then enter the village to escort the vehicle out. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif after they prevent an Israeli archaeologist from removing several stones from the sanctuary. The Israeli police escort the archaeologist and his colleagues out of the sanctuary and arrest 6 more guards during late-night raids across the city. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/27; HA, MNA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

After closing it on 3/26, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza conditionally re-opens the Erez border crossing this morning. Medical patients, families visiting prisoners in Israel, women of all ages, and men between the ages of 15 and 45 are allowed to exit Gaza, and all are able to enter, as long as they possess the appropriate permissions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Atty. Gen. Ismail Jaber issues a gag order on the publication of any information relating to the investigation into the killing of senior military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/27)

Israeli PM Netanyahu has decided to reassess his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, according to reports in the Israeli press today. Any change in the current policy would come after a 3-mo. assessment period. Netanyahu instituted the ban in 10/2015 during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (JP, TOI 3/27; MNA 3/29)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 53 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 3/26; PCHR 3/30)

Amid the ongoing investigation of the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha, the Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza indefinitely shuts down the Erez border crossing, except for humanitarian cases; orders all fishermen to return to the shore; and shuts down the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. (Most of these restrictions will remain in place through 4/6.) The Kerem Shalom border crossing remains open. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/26; MNA 4/6)

A spokesperson for the residents of the Amona settlement outpost warns that if the Israeli govt. does not build them a new settlement, as PM Netanyahu promised before Amona’s evacuation and demolition in 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3]), they will “have to unilaterally move onto the [designated] land” and build it themselves. The spokesperson is likely responding to reports in the Israeli press about Israel-U.S. talks in Washington last week, and specifically an unconfirmed report that the U.S. may condone the Amona replacement in exchange for other limitations on settlement growth. (JP 3/26; JP 3/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron overnight, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and confiscate a drone during raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian tears down the roof of his own home to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud and al-Sawana. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/30)

At the funeral of Hamas cmdr. Fuqaha in Gaza City, thousands of Hamas mbrs. and supporters call for revenge against Israel for its alleged role in his killing on 3/24. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya says that “Fuqaha didn’t have enemies, and Israel is the only beneficiary in his assassination.” Also, Hamas’s military wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, releases a statement threatening to “respond in a manner that befits [Fuqaha’s] position.” (HA, YA 3/25)

IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, killing 1 Palestinian youth and seriously injuring the other 3 occupants (1 of the youths will succumb to his injuries on 4/10). IDF troops then shut down a major checkpoint nearby and violently disperse Palestinians from the camp gathering to protest the shooting; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints in n. Hebron in response to stone throwing in the area. Israeli forces raid and damage the contents of 2 Palestinian printing shops in Tulkarm, and arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Salfit and in Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat nr. Gaza City. Later, they open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police officer assaults and injures several Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz after 1 of them reportedly rammed him with a car. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/23; EI, MNA 3/24; PCHR 3/30)

Concluding 4 days of talks in Washington, Israeli and U.S. officials release a joint statement saying that the Israeli govt. intends to take the Trump admin.’s concerns regarding settlement activity in the oPt “into consideration.” They do not reach a broader agreement on the subject. The talks were focused on “concrete, nr.-term measures to improve the overall climate in order to advance the prospects for a genuine and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” including steps Israel could take to improve the economic situation in the oPt and the need to bring humanitarian relief to Gaza. (NYT, WP 3/23; HA 3/24; HA 3/26)

The U.S. Senate confirms Friedman as the new amb. to Israel in 52–46 vote. Only 2 Democrats vote in favor of U.S. pres. Trump’s nominee: Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). (CNN, HA, JP, TOI 3/23)

Israeli forces positioned along Gaza’s border fire artillery shells at 3 Palestinians nr. Rafah; 1 is killed and the other 2 are injured. The IDF says the soldiers fired after “detect[ing] 2 suspects.” The incident comes hours after the IDF carried out a major military exercise in the area. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces punitively seal with concrete the Jabal Mukabir home of the Palestinian killed in a confrontation with Israeli soldiers on 1/7. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 agricultural sheds outside Jericho and uproot a number of trees in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in s. Hebron when he is found with to be carrying a knife, and arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers working outside Burin nr. Nablus, lightly injuring 1. (EI, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/22; MNA, PCHR 3/23; PCHR 3/30)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “there has been significant progress” in the ongoing talks between Israeli and U.S. officials in Washington this week. They are reportedly working toward a mutual understanding on Israeli settlement growth. (HA, JP, TOI 3/22)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian nr. Nablus, causing moderate injuries. The IDF delivers confiscation orders to the Palestinian owners of 169 dunams (42 acres) of farmland nr. Qalqilya and stop-work orders to 7 Palestinian homes under construction in Kafr al-Dik nr. Salfit. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and confiscate a tractor during raids nr. Ramallah, Jericho, and Tubas; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 residential buildings in Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, WAFA 3/ 20; MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/23)

PA pres. Abbas meets with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss regional affairs and the prospect of holding a regional peace conference to kick off a new round of peace talks. Al-Sisi reportedly tells Abbas that the Palestinian question will remain a high priority in Cairo. (TOI, WAFA 3/ 20; MNA, WAFA 3/21)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that the U.S. will be boycotting the UNHRC’s discussion of Israel at its 34th session this week, also known as Agenda Item 7. “The U.S. strongly and unequivocally opposes the existence of the UNHRC’s Agenda Item 7,” the State Dept. statement reads. (JP, TOI, USSD 3/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under renovation e. of Hebron and a demolition order for another home under construction in nearby Bayt Umar. They also assault and arrest a Palestinian youth during a raid outside a secondary school nr. Nablus and detain a Palestinian child in c. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 more Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jericho. PASF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 1 Palestinian civilian and sparking a brief firefight with armed residents of the camp; 1 PASF member is killed and another is injured. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural land nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/19; MNA, WAFA 3/20; MNA 3/21; MNA, PCHR 3/23)

An Israeli delegation arrives in Washington for a week of talks with the Trump admin. on settlement construction. Israeli amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer will join the delegates. (JP 3/19)

Palestinian fighters launch 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel overnight; 2 fall short of the border and 1 lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF conducts retaliatory air strikes on Hamas posts in Gaza City and nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing damage. Later in the day, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians march through al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in mourning for the Palestinian killed in the camp on 3/17. When some mourners throw stones at an IDF post, Israeli soldiers violently disperse the demonstration; 5 Palestinians are injured. The IDF then conducts raids in the camp, detaining several Palestinians. IDF troops arrest 14 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian’s car nr. Hebron, damaging the windshield. (JP, MNA, WAFA 3/18; PCHR 3/23)

IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and moderately injuring the other, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron after they allegedly throw firebombs at Israeli settlers’ cars nearby. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 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 (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Israeli activists are injured. They also patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. The IDF conducts further patrols in and around Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers uproot around 75 olive tree seedlings nr. Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at 3 Israeli settlers who enter Qalandia r.c.; the IDF then escorts the settlers out of the camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no injuries or damage; uproot around 90 grapevine seedlings outside Bethlehem; and assault a Palestinian taxi driver nr. Jerusalem. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Dep. Knesset Speaker Moshe Feiglin tours Haram al-Sharif with a group of right-wing Jewish activists in the morning. In West Jerusalem, 2 Jewish Israelis assault and moderately injure a Palestinian taxi driver. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Bedouin community Umm Batin nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/16; MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Ahead of his 2d meeting with U.S. envoy Greenblatt this week, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction. Agreedupon for us, of course, not just for the [U.S.] side.” Netanyahu and Greenblatt then make progress on the issue, pledging to continue contacts next week, according to a joint statement. Separately, Greenblatt meets with leaders of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization for settlement municipalities. (HA, JP 3/16; JP 3/17)

Hamas announces the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. It will comprise mbrs. of the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council bloc and other senior officials. “Hamas has not formed a substitute govt. to replace the [PA] consensus govt.,” according to senior Hamas official Salah Bardawil. “A governmental administrative comm. was formed, not an actual govt. [The comm.] aims to organize the work of state institutions, and any minister from Ramallah is welcome to come to Gaza and do his job, and the comm. will be at his service,” he adds. (ALM 3/22)

Israeli DM Lieberman names the Palestinian National Fund a terrorist organization due to its “continuous and sustained support of entities responsible for serious terrorist activity against Israel.” The PA fund is primarily used to disburse payments to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel on terrorismrelated charges, and to assist prisoners’ families. PA pres. Abbas calls the move “an Israeli attempt to impede, destroy, and belittle” the ongoing U.S.-led peace-making effort. (JP, TOI 3/16)

Fighters fire a projectile from Gaza into s. Israel, which lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct air strikes on 2 Hamas sites in n. Gaza late at night, causing damage to electricity infrastructure in the area. (JP, MNA 3/15; MNA, WAFA 3/16)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after she allegedly attempts to carry out a ramming attack nr. Bethlehem. They also conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. Also nr. Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to pass through a gap in the separation wall, and deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron for allegedly possessing a knife. They also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Tubas; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. Approximately 42 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Gaza City. For a 2d day in a row, the ILA demolishes crops in a Bedouinowned field nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/16; PCHR 3/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They conduct further patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah; and arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian schools go on strike to protest the closure of al-Nukhba School on 2/23 and the Jerusalem Municipality’s 12/2016 decision to align its vacation calendar with the Israeli school calendar. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya as well as 2 rooms in a Palestinian home in Silwan; arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Hizma and Issawiyya; and shut down a dept. of the Arab Studies Society in Bayt Hanina because of alleged affiliation with the PA (it will be reopened on 3/16). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting Israeli demolitions of Palestinian property outside the finance ministry’s headquarters; there are no serious injuries. In s. Israel, the Israel Land Authority (ILA) demolishes crops in a Bedouin-owned field nr. Beersheba. (HA, MNA, PLONAD, TOI, WAFA 3/14; PCHR 3/16; MNA 3/17)

The Israeli Knesset approves amendments to the Basic Law barring politicians from running for office if they are known to “support terrorism,” if they do not recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, or if they incite racism or support armed resistance against Israel. In response, Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi says “there is a tendency in recent Knessets in which MKs from the right wing compete with themselves over which bill they can present to exclude authentic representatives of the Arab population.” (KNE, WAFA 3/15)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. special representative for international negotiations Greenblatt in Ramallah. Abbas tells him that “under [U.S.] pres. Trump’s leadership a historic peace deal is possible,” according to a U.S. statement. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu comments on his 3/13 meeting with Greenblatt, saying that “we’re in a process, but it’s a process of mutual dialogue, authentic and honest in the positive sense.” The process is “not yet visible to the media,” he adds. (MNA, NYT, HA, TOI 3/14)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 of them. Israeli forces then raid the alleged attacker’s home in Jabal Mukabir, sparking minor clashes with residents of the area; 5 Palestinians are arrested. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Ramallah to protest the PASF’s violent assault on protesters on 3/12, and to call for PA pres. Abbas to end security coordination with Israel and resign. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. (HA, IMEMC, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/13; EI 3/14; PCHR 3/16)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announces that it will not be participating in the municipal elections set for 5/13 in protest of the PA’s repression of demonstrations against security coordination on 3/12. Meanwhile, a PA spokesperson announces that Ramallah’s chief of police Abd al-Latif al-Qaddumi has resigned, but denies that his resignation is coming as a result of the 3/12 protests against PA security coordination with Israel, which were held outside a court in Ramallah and violently dispersed by PA security forces. PM Hamdallah announces that he has appointed a fact-finding comm. to look into the events at the 3/12 protests. (MNA 3/13; JP 3/14)

Jason Greenblatt, U.S. pres. Trump’s special representative for international negotiations, meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem for 5 hours. According to a joint statement, they discussed settlements “in the hope of working out an approach that is consistent with the goal of advancing peace and security.” Later, Greenblatt meets with senior Palestinian officials in Ramallah, who tell him they are interested in the Trump admin. presenting its own plan for a peace deal. Greenblatt is set to remain in Israel and the oPt all week for more meetings, including with PA pres. Abbas on 3/14. (ALM, HA, JP 3/13; HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 3/14)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron for allegedly planning a stabbing attack. Palestinian witnesses film the scene, and their footage shows Israeli soldiers preparing to plant a knife on the youth as grounds for his arrest. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot around 140 olive trees from Palestinian villages s. of Nablus. PA security forces (PASF) violently suppress demonstrations in Ramallah and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem against the PA security coordination with Israel that led to the IDF killing of Basel al-Araj, Palestinian activist, on 3/6; at least 11 Palestinians are injured, including al-Araj’s father, and prominent hunger striker Khader Adnan is arrested. (JP, MNA, WAFA 3/12; MNA 3/13; PCHR 3/16)

Two days after he spoke with U.S. pres. Trump by phone for around 10 minutes, PA pres. Abbas says that Trump “promised his full commitment to peace and to the 2-state solution.” Abbas and his advisors are reportedly pleased with Trump’s position on the issue. (JP, TOI 3/12)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Birzeit nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when he is found to be carrying a knife. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus and Ramallah; and patrols during the day nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Bayt Hanina, arresting a Palestinian novelist whose new book they allege to have incited violence. They release her later in the day after she pays NIS 10,000 (approx. $2,700) in bail. A Palestinian family demolishes its own home outside the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In Israel, around 3,000 Palestinian citizens march through Kabul village in the Galilee to protest the so-called muezzin bill, which passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset on 3/8. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/11; MNA 3/12; PCHR 3/16)

An IDF spokesperson announces a 24-hour extension to the Purim closure of crossings in and out of the West Bank and Gaza. Only humanitarian, medical, and exceptional cases will be allowed to cross between Gaza and the West Bank until 3/13. (HA, JP, MNA 3/11)

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 (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, Silwad, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, c. Hebron, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. They also patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities shut down all border crossings between Israel and the West Bank. They are set to re-open after the Jewish Purim holiday on 3/12. (MNA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/16)

U.S. pres. Trump speaks with PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas by phone, marking their first official contact since Trump’s inauguration on 1/20. He formally invites Abbas to the White House to “relaunch the peace process,” according to a PA spokesperson. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 3/10; YA 3/12)

Fighters launch 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel, which fall short of the border, causing no damage or injuries. The Fatahaffiliated al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claims responsibility for the attack, the group’s first since Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza. In response, the IDF fires artillery shells at several sites in s. Gaza late at night, causing damage. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot dozens of olive trees and spray herbicides on Palestinian crops outside Yatta village nr. Hebron. IDF troops patrol nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah during the day. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 110th time since 2010, and arrest 15 Palestinians who allegedly crossed into Israel illegally during raids in the Galilee. (MNA, WAFA 3/9; JP, MNA, TOI 3/10; PCHR 3/16)

The Israeli authorities close the Erez border crossing into Gaza for the Jewish Purim holiday, which ends on 3/12. This marks the 2d year in a row the Israeli authorities have closed Erez for Purim. (HA, MNA, TOI 3/9)

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Comm. approves U.S pres. Trump’s nominee for amb. to Israel, David Friedman, for a confirmation vote in the Senate by a vote of 12 to 9. (EI, HA 3/9)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Islamic Waqf officials at Haram al-Sharif, alleging that they refused to comply with orders related to Israeli restoration efforts at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. They also temporarily detain U.S.-Israeli anti-occupation activist Jeff Halper at the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, following a complaint that he possesses “materials related to [the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement].” Halper, a cofounder of the Israeli Comm. Against House Demolitions, was leading a tour of the oPt. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/8; PCHR 3/9; PCHR 3/16)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 3 planned days. (WAFA 3/8; HA 3/14)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian hitchhiker stabs and injures an Israeli settler driver who picked him up nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians outside the Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah protesting the 3/6 killing of Basel al-Araj and PA security coordination with Israel; 8 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also set up mobile checkpoints around the Bethlehem area in the evening, confiscate personal property, and arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces dismantle an explosive device nr. Jabaliya r.c. Around the same time, Israeli forces shell an Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) post nearby, injuring 1 Palestinian, according to PIJ. The IDF says it will look into a connection between the incidents. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, the Israeli authorities deliver demolition orders to several homes in the Bedouin village Rakhama nr. Beersheba. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 3/6)

During the U.S. State Dept.’s first press briefing under the Trump admin., a spokesperson says that the dept. is “working closely” with Trump on his new Middle East policy and that the admin. is working with Israel to figure out “what exactly it would look like” for Israel to restrict settlement growth. (USSD, JP, TOI 3/7; AFP, HA 3/8)

IDF troops conduct a raid on a house in al-Bireh nr. Ramallah in which they shoot and kill Basel al-Araj, a prominent Palestinian activist. Two other Palestinians are injured in confrontations with Israeli forces following the raid. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shut down a workshop nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in s. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers nr. Nablus, injuring 2. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct overnight raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are arrested and 3 are issued arrest summons. Meanwhile, Palestinian youths gather outside the Jerusalem Municipality complex nr. the Old City to protest the Israeli authorities’ closure of their school in Sur al-Bahir on 2/23. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nearby. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/6; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing Palestinians to enter and exit Gaza. (MNA 3/6)

Israel’s Knesset passes a law barring foreign nationals who call for economic, cultural, or academic boycotts of Israel or “area under its control,” such as Israel’s settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), from receiving entry visas or residency rights. The interior minister is granted the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. (HA, JP, NYT 3/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians nr. Nablus for allegedly possessing a knife and planning a stabbing attack. They arrest 9 more Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah during the day. The Israeli authorities deliver demolition orders to 44 homes and other buildings in the Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar in the n. Jordan Valley. Residents are given 7 days to leave their homes. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians at mobile checkpoints in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 3/5; JP 3/6; PCHR 3/9)

A Palestinian prisoner held by the PA dies after 2 days on hunger strike. It’s unclear why he went on strike, but the PA has come under fire recently for its alleged mistreatment of detainees. (MNA 3/6)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron alleging that he was planning a stabbing attack. They arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Salfit. Israeli settlers uproot 15 olive tree seedlings and spray herbicide on 7 others outside Yatta village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli police in Silwan, injuring 1 officer. Israeli forces assault and detain 5 Palestinians on their way home from a prison visit in s. Israel. (MNA, TOI 3/4; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/9)

Less than 24 hours after unidentified fighters fired a rocket from Gaza into Israel, Hamas fighters open fire on an IDF patrol nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle, according to the IDF. The IDF then launches a retaliatory air strike and several artillery salvos at Hamas positions along the border. The amount of damage caused is unclear. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Zabbuba village nr. Jenin overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops conduct more raids nr. Qalqilya, confiscating 32 water pipes from a construction site; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Kafr Kassim. They also conduct raids in Umm al-Hiran nr. Beersheba, leading residents to fear that more demolitions are imminent (Israeli forces demolished a number of structures in the village on 1/18). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/2; PCHR 3/9)

An Israeli settler shoots and kills a Palestinian youth at a settlement outpost nr. Hebron after the Palestinian allegedly sneaks into the settler’s home, then stabs and lightly injures him. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a printing shop in Tulkarm, destroying much of its contents and confiscating the printer. They arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Ramallah, and close the entrances to Marda village nr. Salfit following reports of stone throwing in the area. The IDF also violently disperses Palestinian students marching to the Beit El checkpoint to protest the detention of 6 of their classmates; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces bulldoze 9 homes in the Ofra settlement, after having evacuated it on 2/28. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 2-level apartment building in Issawiyya, displacing 30 Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Hanun and nr. Dayr al-Balah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/1; MNA, PCHR 3/2; PCHR 3/9)

Unidentified persons fire a rocket into s. Israel from Gaza. It lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas then evacuates several military positions anticipating Israeli retaliation. (HA, JP 3/1)

Fatah vice-chair Mahmoud al-Aloul, in his first interview since his 2/15 appointment to the post, says that a 1-state solution “in which everyone lives equally” would be “acceptable,” but that he doubts Israel would accept such a res. to the conflict. He also comments on recent PA communications with the Trump admin. “It is still not clear to us what will be the U.S. policy in the coming period,” he says. (SA, TOI 3/1)

U.S. dep. asst. secy. of state Erin Barclay says that the Trump admin. is reviewing the U.S. relationship with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an eye toward ending the council’s “obsession with Israel.” She says that “in order for this council to have any credibility, let alone success, it must move away from its unbalanced and unproductive positions.” Israeli PM Netanyahu has reportedly raised the UNHRC issue with the Trump admin. (HA, JP, REU 3/1; HA, JP 3/2)