In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Ofer Prison in solidarity with imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi; there are no serious...
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December 28, 2017
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December 23, 2017
IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 3...
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December 21, 2017
Hundreds of Palestinians gather at protests across the West Bank against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them near Hebron and...
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December 18, 2017
For the first time since U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, there are no major Palestinian demonstrations in the oPt. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and...
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December 7, 2017
Thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The IDF deploys additional battalions in the West Bank to quell the...
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December 4, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers gather outside Qusra village near Nablus where a Palestinian farmer was shot dead by a settler on 11/30. Palestinians throw stones and roll burning tires toward...
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December 3, 2017
In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers visit Haram al-Sharif, sparking a minor confrontation with Islamic Waqf guards; there are no serious injuries. Israeli police later arrest 4 of the guards....
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December 2, 2017
In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Qusra in a funeral procession for the Palestinian shot by a settler 11/30. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest...
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December 1, 2017
Near Jenin in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the killing of an Israeli settler on 10/4/2017. Meanwhile,...
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November 29, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces order Palestinian farmers to leave their lands near Tubas for undisclosed reasons. They also evacuate and demolish a structure in the Netiv Ha’avot settlement...
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November 25, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his...
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November 23, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian garbage truck serving communities south of Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at a mobile checkpoint near Hebron,...
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November 22, 2017
Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA...
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November 21, 2017
Approximately 1,000 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 1...
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November 20, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem,...
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November 19, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. Along...
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November 18, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and in Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Approximately 200 Israeli settlers visit a...
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November 15, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Bayt Surik home of the Palestinian killed during an attack on IDF troops outside Har Hadar settlement on 9/26. They also...
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November 12, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near...
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November 11, 2017
Thousands of Palestinians gather at a rally in Gaza City to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a...
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November 8, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and injure 3 Palestinians outside Urif near Nablus, sparking clashes between IDF troops in the area and stone-throwing residents of the village; there...
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November 6, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy several water pipes used by Palestinians in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah...
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November 5, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives outside Huwwara village near Nablus, causing no injuries. They also set fire to some of the trees. IDF troops...
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November 4, 2017
Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night...
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October 27, 2017
IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi...
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October 25, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces erect an iron gate at the entrance to a Palestinian cemetery near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus,...
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October 24, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and damage the doors of 4 shops during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jerusalem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In...
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October 23, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem,...
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October 22, 2017
Israeli police and border guards conduct a series of raids in Issawiyya late at night, arresting at least 50 Palestinians, including 23 children. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal olives...
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October 21, 2017
Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3...
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Ofer Prison in solidarity with imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi; there are no serious injuries. They shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during minor clashes near Ramallah. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian, allegedly for carrying a bomb into a courthouse near Bethlehem. The IDF arrests 5 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalqilya and near Salfit, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrols near Hebron and Tulkarm. More than 20 Israeli settlers enter a Palestinian school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing students; 2 students are injured and 2 Palestinian vehicles are damaged. The settlers claim that some students from Burin threw stones at their cars earlier in the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/28; PCHR 1/4)
PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinian leadership has decided to request, at a summit planned for 1/6 in Amman, the implementation of the Amman Summit resolutions of 1980, which stipulated a political and economic boycott of any country that moves its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He also says that the PA will lobby in countries where Israeli diplomats are pressing governments to move their embassies to Jerusalem, and that they will wait for a new composition of the UNSC before resubmitting their application for full membership at the UN. (WAFA, WP 12/28)
IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian journalist’s home in Tulkarm, sparking a minor confrontation; 3 Palestinians are lightly injured. The IDF confiscates a car and issues 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, and patrols in the area as well. Approximately 50 Israeli settlers sneak into Madama village near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and the Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City and Shu‘fat. (MNA 12/23; PCHR 12/28)
A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s border on 12/17. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/28)
Hundreds of Palestinians gather at protests across the West Bank against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them near Hebron and Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers cut down 20 Palestinian-owned olive trees near Nablus. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire at Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; PCHR 12/28)
The UNGA adopts Resolution ES-10/L.22 rejecting U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, with 128 countries in favor, 35 abstaining, and 9 opposing, including the U.S. and Israel. After the vote, PA pres. Abbas calls it a “victory for Palestine” and a PA spokesperson thanks the countries that favored the measure, “despite all the pressure exerted on them.” U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley formally invites the representatives of all the countries that voted “no” or abstained to a reception on 1/3 “to thank you for your friendship to the U.S.” (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/21; TOI 12/22)
For the first time since U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, there are no major Palestinian demonstrations in the oPt. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures 2 Palestinians, arrests 14, and issues arrest summons to 1 during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Anata refugee camp, Issawiyya, and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/21)
The UNSC votes on a resolution that Egyptian diplomats circulated on 12/16. The resolution states that any decisions about Jerusalem’s status have no legitimacy under international law. Every member votes in favor, except the U.S., which exercises its veto. U.S. ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley calls the resolution an “insult” that won’t be forgotten. Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Haley on Twitter: “You lit a candle of truth. You dispel the darkness. One defeated the many.” (AP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/18; HA, TOI, YA 12/19)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 4 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/18)
Thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The IDF deploys additional battalions in the West Bank to quell the protests, and Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Shu‘fat refugee camp, at a checkpoint near Ramallah, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 9 with live ammunition, and 16 are arrested. Palestinians also observe a general strike throughout most of the oPt. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/14)
Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel; 2 fall short of the border, and 1 lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF targets 2 Hamas positions in Gaza with artillery shelling and air strikes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/7)
In response to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Palestinian delegation at the UN files a formal complaint, requesting that the UN Security Council (UNSC) work toward reversing Trump’s decision. Senior PA official Jibril Rajoub says that U.S. VP Mike Pence, who is set to visit Israel and the oPt later this month, is “unwelcome in Palestine.” He says the Palestinians “will not welcome Trump’s deputy in the [oPt].” The response from the international community is near-universal condemnation, with few exceptions. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that some countries have reached out to discuss similar recognitions of Jerusalem. “I have no doubt than when the U.S. embassy will move there, and even before that, many embassies will relocate to Jerusalem,” he adds. Czech Republic pres. Miloš Zeman says Trump’s announcement made him “truly happy.”(HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; HA 12/8)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers gather outside Qusra village near Nablus where a Palestinian farmer was shot dead by a settler on 11/30. Palestinians throw stones and roll burning tires toward the settlers; IDF troops violently disperse them, critically injuring 1. Elsewhere, IDF troops conduct raids in Kafr Dan near Jenin, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif and 4 more Palestinians during raids in Biddu and Ras al-Amud. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/7)
The Trump administration announces that it has not yet reached a decision about relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel, despite the fact that today is the deadline for Trump to sign the presidential waiver delaying the move for 6 months. “We will share a decision on the waiver in the coming days,” a spokesperson says. Because Trump did not sign the waiver in time, U.S. law allows Congress to demand that he move the embassy and cut funding to the State Dept. It’s unlikely lawmakers will pursue either option. (HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/4; HA, REU 12/5)
The IAF conducts air strikes on a Syrian government military research center near Damascus late at night, causing a disputed amount of damage. (HA, TOI 12/5)
In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers visit Haram al-Sharif, sparking a minor confrontation with Islamic Waqf guards; there are no serious injuries. Israeli police later arrest 4 of the guards. Israeli forces also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and Kafr ‘Aqab. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no serious damage or injuries (5 fishermen are arrested and their boat is seized). (TOI 12/3; MNA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/7)
A projectile fired from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. It’s unclear if it was an intentional attack or errant fire from the Syrian civil war. (HA, TOI 12/3)
In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Qusra in a funeral procession for the Palestinian shot by a settler 11/30. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 2 cars during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp, al-Qarara, and Juhur al-Dik, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/7)
Following days of unconfirmed reports and rumors from the White House, PA pres. Abbas calls upon the leaders of 8 Arab states to pressure U.S. pres. Trump into delaying or cancelling his proposed move of the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. According to a PA spokesperson, Abbas “warned categorically that taking such a step would lead to the destruction of the peace process” and create an “uncontrollable situation” in the region. (TOI 12/2)
Near Jenin in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the killing of an Israeli settler on 10/4/2017. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the 11/30 killing of a Palestinian farmer and Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, and Qusra near Nablus; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue arrest summons for 2 more during raids in and around Bethlehem and Jenin. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp and on agricultural lands near Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/7)
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launches an air strike at a military base outside Damascus, Syria. According to Syrian press sources, the target was an Iranian military base 13 km south of the city. The extent of the damage is not reported. (HA, TOI 12/2)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces order Palestinian farmers to leave their lands near Tubas for undisclosed reasons. They also evacuate and demolish a structure in the Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Jerusalem. The remaining 15 buildings in the outpost are to be demolished by 3/2018. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif and ban him from entering the Old City for 20 days. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/7)
Hours after employees of the Hamas-run government prevent former PA civil servants from entering government offices in Gaza City, Fatah and Hamas agree to temporarily delay the transfer of government ministries to 12/10. Under their 10/12 reconciliation agreement, administrative control over Gaza was supposed to be transferred to the PA by today (see JPS 47 [2]). The delay is meant to diffuse tensions that have arisen since, according to a joint statement. (AFP, HA 11/20)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Umm Tuba to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 11/30)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian garbage truck serving communities south of Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at a mobile checkpoint near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops issue 2 arrest summons to Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Bayt Hanina, and arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/23; PCHR 11/30)
Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA to take control of Gaza, and call for a new round of elections for the PA presidency, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Palestinian National Council by the end of 2018. They do not reach a resolution on the issue of Hamas’s military wing, however. (TOI, WAFA 11/23)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes under construction in Batir village near Bethlehem, a residential structure and an animal barn in Jiftlik village near Jericho, and a residential building in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya and another in Shu‘fat, and arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on and then arrest 2 Palestinians as they are attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Lahiya (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/23; PCHR 11/30)
An Israeli youth succumbs to injuries she sustained in a bombing attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem in 3/2011. (HA, TOI 11/22)
The Arab press reports that PA pres. Abbas has refused a phone call from senior advisor to U.S. pres. Trump Jared Kushner, apparently implementing the Palestinians’ threat, reported on 11/21, to cut off communication with the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s threat to close the PLO office in Washington. Instead of taking the call, Abbas reportedly referred Kushner to the PLO office in Washington. (HA, TOI 11/22; HA 11/23)
Approximately 1,000 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Palestinians steal and torch the car of 3 Israeli settlers in central Nablus, prompting the IDF to escort the settlers out of the city. IDF troops also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (IMEMC, TOI, WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/23)
Representatives of Hamas, Fatah, and 11 other Palestinian factions meet in Cairo for the 1st of 2 planned days of reconciliation talks. (TOI, WAFA 11/21)
PA FM al-Maliki says that the Trump administration is reconsidering its threat, 1st reported on 11/17, to shutter the PLO office in Washington, following the Palestinians’ refusal to comply with their demands. He says that in the meantime, the Palestinians have decided to freeze contacts with the U.S. “In practice, by closing the office they are freezing all meetings and we are making that official.” A State Dept. spokesperson responds, “In our view, communications are not frozen.” She says that Trump administration officials are in contact with Palestinian officials “about the status of that PLO office in Washington, as well as having conversations with them about our larger efforts on the part of a lasting and comprehensive peace process.” (HA, TOI 11/21)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids in Silwan, Bayt Hanina, Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, Hizma, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/23)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d and final consecutive day, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 11/20)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. Along Israel’s southern border, errant gunfire from the northern Sinai Peninsula strikes an Israeli soldier, lightly injuring him. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (HA, TOI, YA 11/20; PCHR 11/23)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a 2d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 11/19)
For a 2d day in a row, an Israeli tank fires a warning shell at Syrian forces near the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, YA 11/19)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and in Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Approximately 200 Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site near Hebron (the burial site of the prophets Gad and Nathan), sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis, Juhur al-Dik, and alBureij refugee camp, causing no serious damage. (MNA, WAFA 11/18; PCHR 11/23)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. This opening is the first with the Gaza side of the crossing under PA control. (TOI, WAFA 11/18)
PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will not give in to U.S. “extortion,” following the 11/17 report of a U.S. threat to close the PLO diplomatic mission in Washington. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/18)
An Israeli tank fires a warning shell at Syrian forces congregating near the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI 11/18)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Bayt Surik home of the Palestinian killed during an attack on IDF troops outside Har Hadar settlement on 9/26. They also arrest 20 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol near Jenin and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a residential building and an agricultural warehouse in Issawiyya and a storehouse in Wadi al-Juz. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/15; PCHR 11/16; PCHR 11/23)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit, and patrol in and around Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Hanina. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)
Thousands of Palestinians gather at a rally in Gaza City to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tractor belonging to Palestinian farmers near Tubas. IDF troops clash with Palestinians in central Hebron (1 Palestinian is seriously injured), arrest 6 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. An Israeli settler assaults and injures a Palestinian teenager in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and again near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/11; MNA, PNN, WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and injure 3 Palestinians outside Urif near Nablus, sparking clashes between IDF troops in the area and stone-throwing residents of the village; there are no more serious injuries. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth, allegedly for carrying a knife in his sock, during a security check at the entrance to al-Ibrahimi Mosque in central Hebron. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and in Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in al-Suwana and Hizma. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, lightly injuring 1 fisherman. (TOI, WAFA 11/8; MNA, PCHR 11/9; PCHR 11/16)
Chief of the Palestinian Civil Police Hazim Attallah announces that the PA resumed security coordination with Israel 2 weeks ago, approximately 3 months after Pres. Abbas suspended it on 7/21 in response to new Israeli security measures at Haram al-Sharif (see JPS 47 [1]). (REU, TOI 11/8)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy several water pipes used by Palestinians in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas, and patrol near Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian school in Bayt Hanina, detaining 4 teachers before ordering the school to shut down. The students are told to look for another school to attend this year. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 3 separate occasions. They arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate their boat; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on farmlands near Gaza City and late at night near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/6; PCHR 11/9)
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives outside Huwwara village near Nablus, causing no injuries. They also set fire to some of the trees. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a group of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/5; PCHR 11/9)
Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (PCHR 11/9)
IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 5 Palestinians are seriously injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers harvesting olives near Hebron; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khuza‘a. (MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 11/2)
Senior Hamas military leader Tawfiq Abu Naim is moderately injured when his jeep explodes as he is leaving the Abu al-Hassan Mosque in central Gaza. Hamas officials initially blame Israel for the alleged attack, then say they suspect local Islamist groups. (MNA, TOI, YA 10/27; TOI 10/28)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces erect an iron gate at the entrance to a Palestinian cemetery near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm, and patrol in and around Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers harvesting olives outside Dayr Nizam village near Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 120th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/26; PCHR 11/2)
The Jerusalem Municipality and Jerusalem District Council issue building permits for 176 new housing units in Nof Zion, an Israeli settlement inside Jabal Mukabir. If this construction goes forward, Nof Zion would be the largest Israeli settlement inside a Palestinian neighborhood in Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 10/25)
During a meeting with settler leaders, Israeli PM Netanyahu promises to invest NIS 800 million (approximately $230 million) in roads and other infrastructure development in the West Bank, starting in 2018. The settler leaders’ reaction is mixed. While some welcome the pledge, others are dubious, including Samaria Regional Council chair Yossi Dagan, who says, “We are fed up with promises and spin.” (TOI, YA 10/25; HA 10/26)
In Texas, U.S. VP Mike Pence announces that he will visit Israel and the oPt soon in an effort to promote Pres. Trump’s peace initiative. (HA, YA 10/26)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and damage the doors of 4 shops during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jerusalem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 25 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Juhur al-Dik. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/26)
Wataniya Mobile launches telecommunications services in Gaza, making it the 2d provider operating in the region. An employee of the company says that both Israeli and Palestinian restrictions previously blocked Wataniya from operating in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 10/24)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/26)
Israeli DM Lieberman accuses Hezbollah of perpetrating the 10/21 rocket attack on Israel. He says that the barrage was “not spillover, it was deliberate fire at Hezbollah’s initiative.” Later, Israeli defense sources say they cannot confirm Lieberman’s accusation. “The remarks reflect the minister’s best judgment,” one official says. (HA, TOI 10/23)
Israeli police and border guards conduct a series of raids in Issawiyya late at night, arresting at least 50 Palestinians, including 23 children. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal olives harvested from 260 trees in Palestinian orchards near Nablus. IDF troops and Israeli settlers assault Palestinian students in central Hebron, claiming they were throwing stones. When Palestinian teachers intervene, the Israeli soldiers arrest 1 of them. Outside Hebron, Palestinian students throw stones at IDF troops stationed near Bayt Umar, causing no injuries; 1 Palestinian is arrested. IDF troops violently disperse the Palestinians, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at several Palestinian homes in Umm al-Khayr, sparking a minor altercation with the residents of the village. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Tulkarm, and patrols near Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Lydda. It was reportedly built without the proper permits. (WAFA 10/22; HA, YA 10/23; MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/26)
Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Qalqilya, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol near Hebron, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians walking through the Old City. (PCHR 10/26)
Five projectiles fired from southern Syria land in an open area in northern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF fires artillery at 3 Syrian army targets near the border area. The IDF threatens to use the incident as a justified provocation for “a more fierce Israeli response.” The Syrian government then files letters of complaint to the UN regarding the Israeli strikes, accusing the Israeli government of coordinating with local “terror groups.” (HA, TOI, YA 10/21)