The Palestine Chronology

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 6 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 195. In the evening, unidentified Gazans launch a rocket into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Hours later, the Israeli Air Force responds with an air strike on a Hamas site in Dayr al-Balah, causing moderate damage to the site and several surrounding buildings. Separately, Israeli police find and dismantle several balloons and kites lashed with incendiary devices in Sdot Negev Regional Council, marking the first attack of its kind since Hamas cracked down on the incendiary balloon and kite attacks weeks ago; no damage or injuries are reported. Around the same time, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah; there are no injuries reported. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/28; HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/29; PCHR 1/3)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israeli police officers in the Old City. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians allegedly involved in a Hamas-affiliated wedding in the Old City. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops setting up a mobile checkpoint outside the Ofra settlement, killing 2 soldiers and critically injuring 2 more. After the shooting, the IDF shuts down all roads leading into Ramallah and conducts extensive raids in the area searching for the assailants; 40 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver after he allegedly rams a group of Israelis outside al-Bireh, lightly injuring 1. Some Palestinian witnesses say that the initial collision appeared to be an accident. IDF troops later conduct raids in al-Bireh, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 28 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Nablus, damaging 7 and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Later, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints south of Nablus to secure the area for a settler protest against recent Palestinian violence. Some of the settler protesters throw stones at Palestinian homes in the area; 2 Palestinians are injured and there is no major damage reported. Israeli settlers also throw stones and otherwise assault Palestinians and their property near al-Bireh, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron; 2 Palestinians are injured, 1 Palestinian home is damaged, and 20 Palestinian vehicles are lightly damaged. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. (HA, JP, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/13; EI, MNA, TOI, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/20)

Amid an uptick in Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of creating a climate of incitement through repeated incursions into major Palestinian cities. “Our constant policy is to reject violence, incursions and settlers’ terror and that incitement should stop and not to create an atmosphere that contributes to the aggravation of the situation.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, announces plans to promote the retroactive authorization of thousands of Israeli settler homes in the West Bank, the construction of 82 new homes in the Ofra settlement, and the establishment of 2 new settlement industrial zones in response to the violence. “They are thinking of uprooting us from our land, but they will not succeed,” he says. According to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu also conveyed a message to Hamas threatening to break the cease-fire in Gaza if violence in the West Bank continues. In the evening, approximately 1,000 right-wing Israeli protesters gather outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem to call for his resignation, burn pictures of Abbas, and push for the IDF to “crush the terrorist authority,” as one protester puts it. (MNA, TOI 12/13; HA, HA, TOI 12/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jalabiya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 33 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; several Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue an order banning the PA’s governor in Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, from the West Bank for 6 months. When he was released from detention on 12/2, he was banned from the West Bank for 2 weeks. (JP, MNA, WAFA 12/7; MNA 12/8; PCHR 12/13)

Unidentified assailants shoot and kill a West Bank Palestinian in Jaljulia, a small town in northern Israel. The Israeli police reportedly suspect he was killed by Palestinians who disagreed with his practice of selling land in the West Bank to Israeli settlers. In a video posted online before the man’s death, he can be heard saying, “You can say I’m an agent or a collaborator... whoever owns land over the fence [in the West Bank] and isn’t thinking of selling will experience the same thing that happened to [Palestinian] refugees who are still holding keys [for their old houses] and believe the UN and UNRWA.” (HA 12/8; TOI 12/9)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently suppress a Palestinian demonstration near the Old City against the poor treatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons; there are no serious injuries or arrests reported. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/6)

Haaretz reports that 2 U.S. police departments have backed out of a program involving skill-sharing and cooperation with Israeli police officers, following pressure from Palestinian solidarity activists in their communities. This marks the first time in the 20-plus years of the bilateral policing program that a U.S. police department has pulled out due to political pressure. (HA 12/1)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Hamas reportedly orders the protesters to stay away from the fence so as not to provoke any escalation of violence. Nevertheless, IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 60 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis and open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya, 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 West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at a Friday protest against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar, al-Mughayyir, and Bil‘in) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer from a Palestinian construction site near Salfit. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Jaba‘ village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Salam. (JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; JP 12/1; PCHR 12/6)

A Jordanian laborer assaults and moderately injures 2 Israelis in Eilat. The Israeli police say they suspect the attacker of having political motivations. The Jordanian was in Israel with a work visa. His first day of work in Israel was 11/29. (HA 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure in Suba village near Hebron and deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction outside Yatta. Unidentified assailants throw rocks at an Israeli settler vehicle driving near Ramallah, causing minor damage and lightly injuring 1 settler. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tubas, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse a small protest against the detention of the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, outside a police station near the Old City; several Palestinians are arrested. Israeli forces also arrest a Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (TOI, WAFA 11/27; MNA 11/28; PCHR 11/29)

Haaretz reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to lay off more than half of its employees in the West Bank and Gaza in the coming weeks, following U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to the Palestinians earlier this year. (HA, TOI 11/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announces that the prime minister is planning to visit Chad soon to re-establish diplomatic ties. The announcement comes hours after Netanyahu meets with Chadian president Idriss Déby in Jerusalem. “The two discussed shared threats and the struggle against terrorism, increased cooperation between the nations in the areas of agriculture, counter terrorism, border security, technology, solar energy, water, health and more,” the prime minister’s office statement reads. (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

Czech president Milos Zeman formally inaugurates the new Czech House, a cultural center in Jerusalem that he has described as the “first step” toward moving the Czech embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. In a joint press conference with Zeman, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says, “We have no greater friend than the Czech Republic in the eastern hemisphere.” (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post, U.S. president Donald Trump says that Israel is the “one reason for the U.S. to remain in the Middle East.” He is responding to a question about the future of the U.S. military presence in the Middle East specifically. “Oil is becoming less and less of a reason because we’re producing more oil now than we’ve ever produced.” Meanwhile, Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that the Trump administration is planning to release its long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace in early 2019. (WP, YA 11/27; HA, MNA, MNA, TOI 11/28)

The Israeli authorities announce the seizure of 66 acres of Catholic Church-owned land in the northern Jordan Valley for “military purposes.” In response, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem says, “The Patriarchate is looking into the aspects of this decision in order to address it in the appropriate manner, have it contested and to stop further damage.” (MNA 11/27; FMEP 12/7)

Along Gaza’s northern border, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian fisherman working from the shore near Bayt Lahiya. The incident comes hours after the Israeli authorities informed their Palestinian counterparts in Gaza that fishermen were allowed to return to the sea today. As ordered by Israeli defense minister Lieberman on 10/31, the fishing zone is limited to 6 nautical miles from Gaza’s northern shore and 9 nautical miles from its southern shore. (EI, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/15)

Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp The IDF claims he was throwing grenades at Israeli posts. Dozens of right-wing Israeli activists stand in the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing for several hours, blocking the entry of goods and fuel into Gaza in protest of the recent rocket fire. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian outside a police station in Jabal Mukabir after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 4 Israeli police officers (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 11/20). The Israeli police deploy in force in the neighborhood after the incident, conducting arrest raids and blocking off several roads. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian-owned vehicle and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Urif village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and near Hebron; shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by further raids near Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. (HA, HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, MNA, PCHR 11/15; PCHR 11/22)

In response to the Israeli security cabinet’s 11/13 decision to agree to a cease-fire with the armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces his resignation and calls for snap elections. Lieberman takes specific issue with both the cease-fire and the decision to allow Qatari money into Gaza to pay the civil servants of the Hamas-run government. “There is no other definition, no other significance, but a capitulation to terror,” he says. “What we are doing now as a country is buying short-term quiet at the cost of our long-term security.” Without Lieberman’s Yisrael Beytenu in the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc still holds a majority of the seats in the Knesset (61–59). (BBC, HA, HA, IHY, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 11/14; HA 11/15)

Israel Television News Company publishes a poll showing that 74% of the Israeli public is dissatisfied with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s handling of the recent conflict with Hamas. The poll was reportedly taken in the hours after Defense Minister Lieberman resigned earlier today. The results also show that Netanyahu’s Likud party would only win 29 seats in the Knesset if elections were held today, marking the weakest Likud has polled since 3/2018. Meanwhile, dozens of right-wing Israelis gather in Sderot for a 2d day in a row to protest Netanyahu’s handling of the recent escalation of violence. (HA, JP, TOI 11/14)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a junction near Salfit after he allegedly attempts to stab several of the soldiers. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers flood with wastewater parts of Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Later, Palestinian and international solidarity activists block the roads leading into the village, sparking clashes with the Israeli forces attempting to prepare for the demolitions; 7 Palestinians are injured and 4 activists are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in al-Lubban near Nablus to protest the recent closure of the village’s school; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 20 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian harvesting olives near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing offshore in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade; at least 24 Palestinians are injured. Separately, an Israeli aircraft bombs a Hamas post near Rafah after 2 Palestinians detonate a small explosive along the border fence in the area, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif, performing prayers with an Israeli police escort. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/15; MNA, MNA 10/16; PCHR 10/18)

In response to the recent threats of a full-scale IDF operation in Gaza, Hamas puts out a statement: “The threats serve as an incentive for increased participation in the Great March of Return, its continuity and its development.” (JP 10/15)

The Australian press reports that Australian prime minister Scott Morrison recently told Israeli prime minister Netanyahu that he is considering following the U.S. lead and moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. “I am saying I’m open to considering it,” Morrison reportedly said. (HA, HA, YA 10/15)

The Syrian authorities re-open the Qunaytra border crossing in the Golan Heights, allowing UN peacekeepers to travel between Israel and Syria for the first time in 4 years. The Syrian army recaptured the territory surrounding the crossing in 7/2018. (AP, HA, TOI, YA 10/15)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus after he stabs and critically injures an Israeli soldier. An Israeli settler is reportedly injured when the soldiers open fire. The Palestinian assailant evades injury and arrest, and he flees the scene. The IDF then establishes numerous roadblocks and mobile checkpoint across the Nablus region, and conducts extensive raids and home searches in search for the assailant. Late at night, Israeli special forces arrest the alleged assailant during a raid in Jama’in village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a number of makeshift Palestinian housing and agriculture structures in Hadida village in the northern Jordan Valley; and raze 5 dunams (approximately 1.2 acres) of Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. 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 (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, 2 incendiary balloons flown from Gaza land in open areas in southern Israel. Israeli police deactivate the devices, and they cause no major damage or injuries. In the evening, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 4 Palestinians are injure. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/11; HA, MNA, MNA 10/12; PCHR 10/18)

The IDF announces that it recently demolished a tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into southern Israel. The tunnel was reportedly 1 kilometer long, with the final 200 meters extending into Israel. According to the IDF, it was connected to a network of other tunnels. “It has different construction methods to what we've seen. IT phone and power lines,” an IDF spokesperson says. This marks the 15th tunnel from Gaza the IDF has demolished since 10/2017. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/11)

IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border fence near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 12 fires in southern Israel that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, 420 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning to commemorate Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain 2 Islamic Waqf guards attempting to bring tools and other equipment into the sanctuary. They also assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in the Old City and arrest a 3d during a late-night raid in Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops order a number of Palestinian shops in central Hebron to close and set up mobile checkpoints in the area, easing access to al-Ibrahimi Mosque for right-wing Jewish activists commemorating Sukkot. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol in the Hebron area throughout the day. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers uproot at least 6 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/27)

A Hamas spokesperson denies that the Egyptian-mediated talks on a long-term cease-fire with Israel and a reconciliation agreement with Fatah have stalled. “The efforts of our Egyptian brothers continue,” he says. “We in Hamas are responsive to these ongoing efforts.” (AFP, TOI 9/25)

The World Bank reports that Gaza’s economy is in “free fall,” having contracted by 6% in the first quarter of 2018. World Bank officials are planning to present the report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, at its meeting in New York City on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on 9/27. (HA, JP, YA 9/25)

IDF troops assault, critically injure, and arrest a Palestinian during overnight raids in Bayt Rima village near Ramallah. The Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops injure 1 Palestinian during clashes sparked by raids in Qalandia refugee camp near Ramallah and Artas near Bethlehem. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Thousands of right-wing Jewish activists visit Hebron to pray at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, commemorating Yom Kippur. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City after he assaults a right-wing Jewish activist and allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli police officer. A Palestinian eyewitness says that the deceased was not trying to stab anyone and that he was only “defending himself” from the Jewish activist. Errant Israeli fire from the incident damages the windows of a nearby shop and a number of vehicles in the area. Meanwhile, approximately 326 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif throughout the day to commemorate Yom Kippur. Israeli police assault and injure 7 Palestinians and arrest at least 5 others amid the ensuing confrontations at the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Bayt Hanun to continue the Great March of Return for a 5th day in a row; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 45 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 155. (AFP, EI, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/18; EI, MNA, MNA 9/19; PCHR 9/20)

Unidentified sources in Gaza tell the Israeli press that Hamas is working to escalate the weekly Great March of Return protests in order to pressure Israel and Egypt into resuming the backchannel talks on a long-term cease-fire, which have reportedly been suspended for the past few weeks. (YA 9/20)

Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinians suspected of starting a large fire near the Dead Sea overnight. The fire reportedly damaged 500 dunams (approximately 123.5 acres) of vegetation. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops surround Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, 2 Palestinian minors cross through the border fence into Israel and steal 3 cameras and a box of live ammunition from an IDF post before returning to Gaza. In response, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on 2 Hamas observation posts in the area, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, YA 9/11; MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/13)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the U.S. made the “right decision” to shutter the PLO office in Washington. “Israel supports American actions that are meant to clarify to the Palestinians that a refusal to negotiate and attempts to attack Israel at international forums will not promote peace.” The U.S. State Department announced the move on 9/10. Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 10 reports that the PA is considering cutting all remaining ties with the Trump administration following the office closure. (HA, TOI 9/11)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 90 are injured. Their deaths bring the Great March of Return death toll to 137. In response to shots allegedly fired at IDF border patrols in the evening, Israeli forces strike a Hamas observation post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers and fire sound bombs at Palestinian worshippers, clearing them from the sanctuary; 7 Palestinians and 4 Israeli police officers are injured, and 24 Palestinians are arrested. Some witnesses say that the Israelis entered the sanctuary after children threw firecrackers at them. After the clashes, Israeli forces seal the entrances to the sanctuary. The Islamic Waqf then organizes a sit-in protest outside, and the Israeli authorities order the entrances reopened hours later. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction and surrounding wheat fields near Nablus, causing extensive damage. The IDF seals off the entrance to Kobar village near Ramallah, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 3 Israeli settlers on 7/26. IDF troops conduct raids in the village throughout the day, sparking intermittent clashes; 5 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Israeli soldiers also violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured. Dozens of Palestinians gather outside Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, to protest the impending Israeli evacuation and demolition of the village. Throughout the day, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA 7/28; PCHR 8/2)

Israeli DM Lieberman pledges to advance the construction of 400 new housing units in the Adam settlement near Ramallah, justifying the settlement growth in response to the stabbing attack on 7/26. The “best response to terrorism is increased settlement,” Lieberman tweets. The 400 units are reportedly part of an existing plan to build 1,000 new units in the settlement. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/27)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City. One Palestinian is killed and at least 141 are injured, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 130. On the other side of the border fence, approximately 4,000 Israelis gather to call for the return of the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive and almond trees outside ‘Urif village near Nablus while their IDF escort performs raids in Palestinian homes on the outskirts of the village, sparking clashes with residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Settlers also start fires in 3 locations outside nearby Burin village, causing moderate damage. The settlers later accuse Palestinians of starting the fires. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Islamic Waqf staff perform repair work on an area of Haram al-Sharif that Israeli police reportedly damaged recently. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/6; MNA, WAFA 7/7; PCHR 7/12)

After Israel’s High Court of Justice froze the demolition orders for Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, on 7/5, hundreds of Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the village in solidarity with the residents. (WAFA 7/6)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Palestinians fly a number of incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel, sparking 15 separate fires that cause moderate damage. The IAF retaliates with a drone strike near Rafah, causing damage. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Jenin-area apartment of a Palestinian accused of carrying out a deadly car ramming attack on IDF troops on 3/16. The demolition sparks clashes between the IDF and stone-throwing residents of the area; 7 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Fajjar near Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents (5 Palestinians are injured). They also patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian woman at the entrance to Burqa village near Ramallah, causing minor injuries. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists verbally assault Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Sharif, sparking a minor confrontation involving the Islamic Waqf and Israeli police; there are no injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/21; PCHR 6/28)

In response to the rocket attacks on 6/20, Israel’s Public Security Minister Erdan says there is a “good chance” that Israel will launch an “operation” in Gaza to “create durable deterrence.” (HA, TOI 6/21)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt arrive in Egypt for meetings with Egyptian officials, including Egyptian president al-Sisi, on their Palestinian-Israeli peace initiative and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. They later visit Doha for similar talks with Qatari officials. (AP, JP, TOI, YA 6/21)

In the evening, the IAF conduct air strikes on a Hamas site and a vehicle near al-Bureij refugee camp, completely destroying the vehicle and injuring 2 Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly an incendiary kite into southern Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out approximately 21 fires in the border area allegedly caused by such attacks. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces begin dismantling and evacuating 10 buildings in the illegal settlement outpost West Tapuah near Nablus. The settler-residents throw bleach, sticks, and eggs at the Israeli forces, sparking minor clashes; 11 Israeli police are lightly injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and the Old City. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/17; PCHR 6/21)

The Israeli cabinet convenes to discuss the recent spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman support the IDF’s position that direct attacks on the perpetrators are likely less effective than retaliatory strikes on Hamas infrastructure. Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan and education minister Naftali Bennett reportedly push for the IDF to target the perpetrators directly. (HA 6/17; YA 6/18)

Israeli and Arab sources say that the U.S. delegation scheduled to visit the Middle East this week plans to call on wealthy Gulf states to invest up to $1 billion in an effort to strengthen Gaza’s economy. They reportedly plan to ask for Egypt and Israel to help administer the funds. “This is an issue that is urgent, and at the same time, can be dealt with relatively quickly,” one source says. (HA 6/17; TOI 6/18)

Israeli forces begin the evacuation and demolition of the illegal Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Bethlehem. Hundreds of settlers barricade themselves inside the 15 homes set for demolition and call for the government to annex the West Bank. Six Israeli police are injured in the minor clashes that ensue. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF issues an evacuation order to a Palestinian farmer for 25 dunams (approximately 6 acres) planted with palm trees near Jericho. IDF troops patrol near Hebron and Nablus, and arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/12; PCHR 6/14)

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers gather at the illegal Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Bethlehem to protest the impending evacuation and demolition of 15 homes therein. The High Court of Justice initially ordered the outpost demolished by early 3/2018 in response to a petition from the Israeli NGO Peace Now in 2016. The court then allowed a three-month delay to give the government time to facilitate a smooth relocation process for the residents. Separately, settlers enter Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. The Israeli authorities issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and Nablus, and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, sparking a number of small fires in southern Israel. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on Palestinian farmland nearby, causing no damage or injuries. In north Israel, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli civilian in Afula. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/11; TOI 6/12; PCHR 6/14)

Israeli firefighters extinguish 17 small fires along Gaza’s border fence, reportedly sparked by incendiary kites flown across the fence. The Israeli police say they found one kite with a bomb attached to it in a residential area. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, more than 1,500 Palestinians gather in Ramallah to call on PA president Abbas to lift his punitive sanctions on Gaza. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Salfit, Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near the Old City and in Issawiyya. (TOI 6/10; HA 6/11; PCHR 6/14)

The IDF announces that it destroyed a Hamas-built tunnel last week. It was reportedly constructed several meters into the Mediterranean for the purpose of allowing Hamas fighters to enter Israel from the sea. “They tried to make it possible to covertly move from land to sea in order to perpetrate attacks inside Israel,” a senior IAF officer says. “We have known about this tunnel for a few months and decided that this was the right time for us to destroy it.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 6/10)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Nablus overnight, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 8 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces block a road near Bethlehem, denying Palestinian farmers access to their lands. Unidentified persons fly incendiary kites toward 3 Israeli settlements—Matan, Yarhiv, and Nirit—marking the first use of this tactic in the West Bank. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif amid minor clashes at the sanctuary. The Israeli press reports that Muslim worshippers threw stones at right-wing Jewish activists touring the sanctuary, lightly injuring 2. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village of al-‘Araqib for the 129th time since 2010. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, 6/7; TOI 6/8; PCHR 6/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at protests, sit-ins, and other demonstrations across the oPt in commemoration of the Naksa (the anniversary of the June War of 1967). Palestinian officials declare 6/8 a “day of rage,” encouraging the public to protest the Israeli occupation at Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 50 right-wing Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Israeli police confront a group of Muslim worshippers praying at the sanctuary; 12 Palestinians are arrested. Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons into Israel, sparking fires in the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council and near Moshav Netiv Ha‘asara and Kibbutz Nir Am. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross the border near Khan Yunis and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun (7 Palestinians are injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, YA 6/5; PCHR 6/7)

In retaliation for the cross-border attack in Gaza on 5/26, the IDF fires artillery shells at Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) sites east of Dayr al-Balah and Rafah, killing 3 Palestinians, including 2 PIJ fighters, and completely destroying 1 of the sites. The IDF says that PIJ fighters planted an improvised explosive device along the border fence earlier in the day. Later, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring all of them. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy 700 grapevines in a Palestinian vineyard near Hebron. Later, an Israeli settler reports extensive vandalism in his vineyard near Ramallah, apparently in retaliation for the earlier attack. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, searching for the Palestinian who dropped a marble slab on an Israeli soldier amid clashes on 5/24. They arrest 5 Palestinians, sparking minor clashes; 13 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also arrests 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrols near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver when she allegedly ignores their calls to stop driving toward them. The Israeli police say that they suspected her of carrying an explosive device under her clothes. Separately, Israeli security forces arrest 6 Palestinians for waving Hamas flags at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/27; HA, MNA 5/28; PCHR 5/31)

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 7 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct 3 limited incursions to level land near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. During the late-night incursion near Khan Yunis, they also open fire on Palestinians in the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IAF drops leaflets across Gaza warning protesters not to approach the border fence during the planned demonstrations on 5/ 14. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1,000 right-wing Jewish activists visit Haram alSharif in the morning, commemorating the Israeli conquest of Jerusalem and sparking minor confrontations between the Israeli police and Islamic Waqf guards; there are no serious injuries. Outside the sanctuary, Israeli police arrest 6 Palestinians gathering at an Islamic cemetery in the Old City to protest ongoing Israeli excavations at the site. In the afternoon, tens of thousands of right-wing Jewish activists march through the Old City in the annual Flags March, commemorating the Israeli conquest of Jerusalem in 1967; a number of Palestinians are arrested when they throw stones at the demonstrators at the Damascus Gate. Late at night, Israeli settlers vandalize 28 Palestinian-owned cars and spray-paint racist graffiti on nearby walls in Shu‘fat. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 5/13; HA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for a 2d day. (AHR 5/14)

Thousands of Palestinian protesters gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for a 7th consecutive Friday. The march’s organizing committee says that the theme of the demonstrations this week is “preparation and warning of what’s to come,” referring to the mass protests set for 5/14 to coincide with the formal opening of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations along the border fence near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is killed and hundreds of Palestinians are injured. The killing today brings the death total stemming from the Great March of Return to 43. Meanwhile, Palestinians set fire to a pipeline leading from Israel to Gaza at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing major damage. In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 16 Palestinians are injured. Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian home in Duma near Nablus, causing moderate damage. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinian minors throwing stones at IDF posts in al-Bireh and Jericho; 2 Palestinians are injured. An unidentified driver allegedly rams and slightly injures an IDF soldier at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently disperse Palestinians gathering outside Haram al-Sharif to protest Israeli excavation work at an Islamic cemetery nearby; 3 Palestinians are injured and 6 are arrested. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/11; PCHR 5/17)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters participating in the Great March of Return for a 2d day in a row near Bayt Hanun, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 25 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, PA president Abbas calls for a general strike and a day of mourning for the 16 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 3/30. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Hebron to protest the killings; several Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron. Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver allegedly after he rams 1 of their vehicles near Nablus. In Israel, hundreds of Palestinians march through Umm al-Fahm in commemoration of Land Day. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/31; YA 4/1; PCHR 4/5)

U.S. diplomats block the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement calling for an “independent and transparent” investigation into the IDF’s deadly crackdown on the Great March of Return, according to several diplomats. “The wording was acceptable to all members of the council excluding the U.S.,” says Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danon. Later, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini calls for an independent and transparent investigation. (AFP, HA, TOI 3/31; HA, JP 4/1)

An Israeli drone crashes in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese press, a 2d drone destroys the first after it crashed. (HA, YA 3/31)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Hebron, and along Gaza’s border in various locations; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 13 are injured. Reportedly for the first time, the IDF uses a drone to drop tear gas on Palestinian protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and arrest 2 Palestinians at a mobile checkpoint near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 3 Palestinians during raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Madama village near Nablus; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. Settlers erect tents in the yards of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and homes outside nearby Yatta village. Palestinians set fire to an Israeli settler’s home near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with IDF troops; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police block Palestinian activists from organizing a running race to coincide with the Israeli government–organized Jerusalem Marathon, an annual race through the city that requires the closure of a number of main streets; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Approximately 5,000 runners participate in the Jerusalem Marathon. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 3/9; MNA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/15)

Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver allegedly after he rams and injures 3 Israeli security personnel in Acre in Israel. The police later say the alleged ramming was “politically motivated.” In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli drones spray herbicides on Palestinian farmlands near Jabaliya refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an arrest raid near Nablus, arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 5 Palestinian vehicles near Qalqilya and leave price-tag graffiti on the walls nearby. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian shop and cut down a number of trees in Issawiyya. They also arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Abu Dis, and al-Ram. Construction begins on a new center for Jewish religious studies in Jerusalem’s Old City, just a short distance from Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 2/13; EI, PCHR 2/15)

The Israeli police recommend charging PM Netanyahu in 2 cases where there is sufficient evidence he accepted bribes “against the public interest.” Atty.-gen. Avichai Mandelblit is now tasked with deciding whether or not to formally charge the PM. Netanyahu says that the recommendations are “biased” and have “more holes than Swiss cheese.” (HA, NYT 2/13; NYT, YA 2/14)

Approximately 1,000 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured and another is arrested. The IDF later says that a cell-phone bomb was planted at Joseph’s Tomb prior to the activists’ visit, but that Israeli soldiers detonated it safely, causing no injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers vandalize several Palestinian vehicles in Bayt Iksa village near Jerusalem, and enter ‘Azun village near Qalqilya, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing residents (28 Palestinians are injured). In East Jerusalem, Israeli police prevent Islamic Waqf staff from doing routine maintenance at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/16; JP 1/17)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that the Trump administration has decided to withhold $65 million from a $125 million transfer of aid to UNRWA. “There is a need to undertake a fundamental reexamination of UNRWA, both in the way it operates and the way it is funded,” a spokesperson says, explaining that the $65 million may be transferred after “future consideration” from the Trump administration. (JP, NYT, TOI 1/16; EI, HA, YA 1/17)

The Israeli authorities re-open the Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza, having closed it on 1/14 following Israeli air strikes in Gaza on 1/13. (MNA, WAFA, YA 1/16)