The Palestine Chronology

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)

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)

For a 10th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. After attendance spiked on 12/15, the size and number of these protests decreases substantially. Israeli forces violently disperse protestors along Gaza’s border and in Tulkarm and East Jerusalem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Anata refugee camp and Gaza City in funeral processions for 2 of the Palestinians killed in the clashes on 12/15. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. 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. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/21)

Egyptian diplomats circulate a draft resolution to the UNSC that “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void, and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the [UNSC]” and “calls upon all states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the Holy City of Jerusalem.” The U.S. is expected to veto the resolution. (HA, REU, YA 12/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 4 planned days. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

For an 8th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Hanun. At least 36 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol near Hebron during the day. Approximately 233 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, marking the start of Hanukkah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)

Approximately 100,000 Palestinians gather in Gaza City at a rally marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hamas. Top party officials address the crowd and pledge to continue protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (AP, TOI, YA 12/14)

A spokesperson for the Israeli Knesset announces that U.S. VP Pence’s trip to Israel, which was set for 12/17–19, has been postponed amid the growing unrest across the Middle East over U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “[The Americans] told us it was because of the votes on tax reform in Congress,” he says. (HA, TOI, YA 12/14)

For a 4th day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Salfit, Bethlehem, at Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 24 Palestinians are injured and 8 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate Palestinian agricultural equipment near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Palestinians throw rocks at Israeli settler cars near Jerusalem, lightly injuring 1 minor. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees in a cemetery outside the Old City and arrest a Palestinian attempting to stop them. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them at the Central Bus Station. They later uncover a message the alleged attacker posted on Facebook indicating that he was motivated, at least in part, by the 12/6 U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/14)

The IDF demolishes a tunnel leading from Gaza into Israel near Kibbutz Nirim. “The tunnel that was thwarted today was a very significant tunnel and [built] to higher standards than what we are used to seeing,” a spokesperson says. (HA, NYT, TOI 12/10)

Senior PA official Nabil Shaath says that the PA no longer intends to sever all ties with the U.S. over Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We are not cutting our relationship with America. We are protesting the move of Mr. Trump,” he says. Shaath says that some forms of communication have continued throughout the recent crisis, but that communication about the peace process has been “interrupted.” (TOI 12/10)

Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that there have been “obstacles” blocking the PA from taking full control of Gaza, which was supposed to proceed by today after being delayed from the 12/1 deadline initially enshrined in the 10/12 national reconciliation agreement. The 2 sides neglect to set a new deadline, and the future of the reconciliation process is therefore unclear. (AFP, TOI 12/10)

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)

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)

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)

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, 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)

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)

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 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)

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) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Hebron protest at the Abu Rajab house that Israeli settlers seized on 7/25, and which has been subject to ongoing litigation ever since. Elsewhere in Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working in his fields south of Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City of East Jerusalem, allegedly for carrying a knife. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/20; WAFA 10/21; MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/26)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran for talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and other regional issues. A Hamas official says that the group wants to increase its cooperation with Iran and to “secure Iranian financial and logistical support.” (AFP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces shoot and injure a Palestinian sailing near Bayt Lahiya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Halawa village south of Hebron and an agricultural structure in the nearby village of al-Tuwani. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Jenin, and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (MNA, WAFA 10/19; HA, MNA, YA 10/20; PCHR 10/26)

Two days after Israel’s security cabinet imposed new conditions on Israel’s participation in a new round of peace talks with the Palestinians, U.S. special representative Greenblatt issues the first official U.S. response to the 10/12 Palestinian national reconciliation agreement: “All parties agree that it is essential that the PA be able to assume full, genuine, and unhindered civil and security responsibilities in Gaza and that we work together to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living there,” he says, in a statement. “The U.S. reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties—including to disarm terrorists—and commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements.” In response, a senior Hamas official accuses the U.S. of “blatant interference” in the reconciliation process. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/19)

A mortar fired from inside Syria lands in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, Israeli tanks fire on a Syrian army position near Qunaytra. (TOI, YA 10/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during a patrol in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF patrol outside a settlement near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Qalandia refugee camp and Issawiyya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian during a late-night raid in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. 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, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

After days of positivity from both Hamas and the PA in the wake of the 10/12 reconciliation deal, a Hamas spokesperson criticizes the PA for not prioritizing the rollback of sanctions on Gaza. “It is not justified to continue the sanctions on Gaza, while the [PA] government is content with talking about getting control of border crossings and exploration for [natural] gas in Gaza,” he writes, on Twitter. His comments come after the Fatah Central Committee neglected to discuss the sanctions at a meeting on 10/15. Meanwhile, the PA’s director of border crossings, Nazmi Muhanna, arrives in Gaza. He says he is there to “to carry out the first article of the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo [on 10/12] regarding taking over the crossings.” (TOI 10/16; MNA, TOI 10/17)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Licensing Subcommittee of Israel’s Civil Administration has approved 31 building permits for new housing units in central Hebron, marking the first approval of new settlement construction in Hebron in 15 years. (AP, PCN, REU, TOI, YA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

A Syrian antiaircraft battery positioned east of Damascus fires on Israeli fighter jets allegedly flying in Lebanese air space, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IAF launches an air strike on the battery. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/16)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters fire 2 rockets from the north Sinai Peninsula into Israel, where they land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Sources on the ground in Sinai report seeing Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a number of targets in response to the rockets. The attacks come after a day of heavy violence in Sinai and weeks of tension between Hamas and local Islamist groups in Gaza. Hours before the attack, SPIS fighters assaulted Egyptian soldiers at a vacant church in al-Arish with rocket-propelled grenades and car bombs, and also rob a bank nearby, sparking a firefight with Egyptian security personnel (at least 3 civilians and 4 soldiers are killed and at least 20 people are injured). The Egyptian army then launches a counterassault on insurgent hideouts near Rafah, al-Arish, and Shaykh Zuwayd, killing at least 24 fighters affiliated with SPIS and other armed groups. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities announce that they will not be opening the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for 4 days as planned. (AA, AP, HA, JP, REU, TOI, WAFA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian children on their way to school in Hebron. They also throw stones and bottles at a mosque in al-Tuwani village near Hebron, causing minor damage and sparking clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area (there are no serious injuries). Settlers steal olives harvested from more than 65 trees in orchards near Nablus and Ramallah (IDF troops arrest a number of them later in the day). Other settlers attempt to assault Palestinians picking olives outside the Eli settlement near Hebron, but the Palestinians drive them off. IDF troops conduct a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian family gathering in Issawiyya to welcome a relative home from prison, moderately injuring 3 of them. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest 4 fishermen and confiscate 2 boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 10/15; MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

At the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu says U.S. pres. Trump’s 10/13 decision not to certify the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal presents an opportunity to “fix” the deal. “I believe that any responsible government, and whoever seeks to promote peace and security in the world, needs to take advantage of the opportunity that Pres. Trump’s decision has created to improve the agreement or abrogate it and, of course, stop Iran’s aggression,” he says. (TOI 10/15; JTA 10/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate 2 Palestinian trucks being used to repair an agricultural road near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah and Jenin. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/14; PCHR 10/19)

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 Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Qalqilya and Tulkarm. 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, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/19)

U.S. pres. Trump announces that his administration will not be certifying the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal, triggering a 60-day period for the U.S. Congress to either reinstate sanctions, do nothing, or pass new legislation outside the context of the deal that could change the U.S. position toward Iran. Trump also announces “tough” new sanctions on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps and promises to “work closely with Congress and our allies to address the deal’s many serious flaws so that the Iranian regime can never threaten the world with nuclear weapons.” In response, Iranian pres. Hassan Rouhani says that Tehran will expand its ballistic missile program, yet continue to honor its obligations under the deal. The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany reaffirm their commitment to the agreement. (AJ, BBC, CNN, HA, REU, TOI, WP 10/13)

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, Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 13 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 3 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving near Hebron, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle and lightly injuring a Palestinian child. Later in the day, the IDF closes a number of roads between Ramallah and Nablus, clearing the area for a foot race organized by Israeli settlers. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/6; MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/12)

In the West Bank, IDF troops close down a road near Bethlehem, blocking Palestinian farmers in the area from working their fields. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Jenin and patrol near Hebron. Late at night,Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars near Ramallah, causing minor damage and seriously injuring 1 child. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 10/5; MNA, WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/12)

Israeli DM Lieberman and IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot decide to permit the entrance into Israel of West Bank Palestinians “employed in required sectors of the economy.” Lieberman previously ordered, on 10/1, an 11-day closure of the West Bank and Gaza for the holiday (10/4–15). (HA, TOI 10/6)

PA PM Hamdallah returns to Ramallah from Gaza, where he spent 4 days meeting with various local officials and working to bring PA administration to the region. Further details of the ongoing reconciliation process are expected to be disclosed on 10/10, when Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Cairo for more talks. Meanwhile, Hamas announces that the PA has officially taken over as the administrative authority in Gaza. A spokesperson says that Hamas has been “supporting the consensus government.” (TOI, WAFA, YA 10/5)

Israeli border police shoot and kill a Palestinian worker at the back entrance of the Har Hadar settlement near Jerusalem after he opens fire on them, killing 3 officers and seriously injuring a 4th. The IDF then raids and imposes a lockdown on Bayt Surik, the alleged attacker’s hometown, and 8 other Jerusalemarea villages. Israeli soldiers threaten his family with punitive home demolition and arrest at least 15 residents, including his father and brother. Elsewhere, IDF troops assault 3 Palestinians during a raid in Hebron, arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside Hebron, damaging several. They also bulldoze Palestinian agricultural land outside the Bethlehem village al-Khadir, clearing the area for a new sewage system to serve the nearby settlements. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 9/26; MNA 9/27; PCHR 9/28)

Following the deadly attack at Har Hadar this morning, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel will demolish the alleged attacker’s home and revoke his extended family’s work permits. He also calls on PA pres. Abbas to denounce the attack “and not try to justify it.” (TOI 9/26)

PA PM Hamdallah says that new committees will be formed to administer the transfer of power from the various ministries in Gaza, as well as border crossings and security services, to the PA. “Today, we are moving toward unification and toward enhancing the steadfastness of our people,” he says. The PA is set to hold its weekly cabinet meeting in Gaza on 10/3. (WAFA 9/26)

In the West Bank, IDF troops evacuate a small Israeli settlement outpost near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with the residents; 1 settler is arrested after turning his dog loose on the soldiers. Israeli settlers then torch a number of Palestinian olive trees in the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces confiscate 3 Palestinian cars and 2 tractors from residents of Ras al-Ahmar near Tubas. IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem late at night, ordering a bookstore to close for 3 weeks and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during further raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Jericho, Jenin, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces level Palestinian land outside Hizma in preparation for the construction of a new road in the area. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. 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 9/24; MNA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/28)