The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians in late-night raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Palestinian students and teachers in a Hebron school suffered from tear gas inhalation when Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters in the vicinity of the school. In a similar incident in an ‘Urif school south of Nablus, students and teachers suffered from tear gas inhalation when Israeli forces fired teargas canisters into the yard of a school. One student was taken to a hospital for treatment. Off the coast of Gaza, 1 Palestinian fisherman was injured after Israeli naval forces shot him in the back and neck. He was rushed to a hospital in Gaza City. (WAFA ,WAFA, WAFA 4/14; WAFA 4/15)

In the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement attacked a Palestinian family in the village of ‘Urif south of Nablus. A video shows the Israeli settlers hurling rocks at the Palestinian family while the family takes cover, injuring 1 and causing moderate damage to property, including 2 vehicles. In Hebron, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital after being shot in the face by Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested in late-night raids; 1 of the detained was Adnan Gheith, the PA governor of Jerusalem. A family in the Old City demolished their own house to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/13; WAFA 4/14; HA 4/16)

Mohammed Shtayyeh was sworn in as new PA prime minister in Ramallah by President Mahmoud Abbas. The former prime minister Rami Hamdallah resigned in January. Of the 22 cabinet members in the new cabinet, 17 are new in their position. (AJ, HA, WAFA 4/13)

Israeli airstrikes on Syria wounded 6 Syrian soldiers in the province of Hama. (AJ 4/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly protest in Bil‘in west of Ramallah. 1 Palestinian was also injured after Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest with rubber-coated bullets and tear gas in Kafr Qaddum. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli settlers raiding the village of Burin south of Nablus. The Palestinian was rushed to a hospital in Nablus for treatment. In Hebron, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by a rubber-coated bullet by Israeli forces and another suffered from tear gas inhalation in clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli forces. Israel’s Council for Higher Education passed a vote approving a medical school in the settlement of Ariel in the West Bank and connected to Ariel University. In Gaza, a 15-year-old Palestinian was shot dead and 66 others injured by Israeli live fire during the weekly Great March of Return protest east of Jabaliya refugee camp. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 218. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/12; WAFA 4/13)

In a press release by the World Health Organization, a call was made for Israel to protect health workers in Gaza and said it had recorded 3 deaths and 731 injuries among health workers since the Great March of Return began on 30 March 2018. (WAFA 4/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces blocked the entrance to the town of Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem and stormed the city center, leading to clashes with local residents; no injuries were reported. Israel also issued a military order to confiscate 401 dunams (99 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in al-‘Arub, Bayt Umar, and Halhul near Hebron. Israeli forces also confiscated 4 Palestinian-owned vehicles during late-night raids. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, and Salfit. Separately, a 19-year-old Palestinian woman was also arrested at the al-Zaayim checkpoint for allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier. In East Jerusalem, around 87 Israeli settlers along with Israeli forces stormed Haram al-Sharif to perform prayers. Israeli forces sealed the Damascus Gate of the Old City and arrested 2 Palestinians in the vicinity. Later, demolition notices were delivered for 13 residential structures in the al-‘Izzawiya neighborhood. In Gaza, Israeli forces razed land east of Rafah and fired toward Palestinians east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/10; MNA, MNA, WAFA 4/11)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory after the 4/9 Israeli general elections and will serve his 5th term as prime minister. Both U.S. president Donald Trump and secretary of state Mike Pompeo congratulated Netanyahu with his victory. The PR firm behind the Likud party’s initiative to place cameras at the Palestinian-majority polling stations (see 4/9) boasted a historically low turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel in a Facebook post that also depicted 2 of its employees with Netanyahu and his wife Sara. Turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel was less than 50 percent. PLO Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi called Netanyahu’s victory a vote to “entrench and expand apartheid.” (HA, HA, WAFA 4/10; HA 4/11)

The Palestinian activist and co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement Omar Barghouti was denied entry to the U.S. to embark on a speaking tour in several U.S. cities and to attend his daughter’s wedding. He was stopped before boarding his plane in Tel Aviv and was told that the American consulate had ordered that he could not board the plane. (NYT 4/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces gave evacuation notices for land seizure to several Palestinians in Bittir near Bethlehem and Halhul and Bayt Umar near Hebron. Israeli forces also gave notice to Palestinians in 7 villages in the Nablus area that 406 dunams (100 acres) will be seized by Israel for a settler-only road and 384 dunams (94 acres) for a military road in the northern Jordan Valley. In Hebron, several Palestinian students, a teacher, and a janitor suffered from tear gas inhalation when Israeli forces fired tear gas into the school yard. The teacher and janitor were taken to a hospital for treatment. Israeli forces also halted construction of a road west of Yatta near Hebron. South of Bethlehem, a Palestinian was hospitalized after an Israeli settler rammed his car. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were injured and 3 arrested by Israeli police after a confrontation with Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also sealed the door to the Shaykh Makki Mosque in the Old City for a 3d time (2 previous sealings happened in March). An Israeli court released 5 Palestinians who had been detained since March but banned them from returning to their homes in Silwan for 30 days. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces fired at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles offshore from al-Sudaniyya. Israeli forces also razed farmland and fired at Palestinians near Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8)

After the postponement of the Palestinian prisoners’ hunger strike reported on 4/7, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails started an open-ended hunger strike to protest their treatment by the Israelis. (HA, WAFA 4/8)

A French employee at the French consulate in Jerusalem was sentenced to 7 years in prison by an Israeli court for smuggling arms from Gaza to the West Bank. He confessed to having smuggled 30 guns, receiving $7,200 for his services. (HA 4/8; MEMO 4/9)

Russian president Vladimir Putin said weeks after U.S. president Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty of the Golan Heights that the U.S. change of policy is “a violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.” (MNA 4/9)

In response to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comment on 4/6 that he would extend Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, the Arab League’s assistant secretary-general Saeed Abu Ali said that such actions would lead to “dangerous repercussions” and called for an “immediate official investigation” by the International Criminal Court of “the ongoing settlement crimes in the Palestinian territories.” (MEMO 4/9)

In a White House statement, President Trump announced that the U.S had decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization. Prime Minister Netanyahu later tweeted on his Hebrew language account, “Thank you for the answer to another important request that serves the interests of our country and the region,” implying that the terror designation was made upon request by Netanyahu. On Netanyahu’s English language Twitter account, the word “request” was omitted. (NPR 4/8; HILL 4/9; HA 4/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being shot in his mouth by a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Ni‘lin village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians driving on Route 60 near Burqa; no injuries were reported. Parts of Route 60 south of Bethlehem were closed for a marathon arranged by Israeli settlers. An Israeli settler critically injured a 15-year-old Palestinian by ramming into him with his car by Tuwanah near Hebron. Palestinians were detained at a flying checkpoint east of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested: 1 during a late-night raid in the Old City of Jerusalem and 2 at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was critically wounded by an Israeli sniper using live ammunition during the weekly Great March of Return protest. Over 10,000 Palestinians protested and at least 80 were injured. (HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA 4/6)

A new settler bypass road in the Nablus district of the West Bank was approved for construction by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The road will bypass the Palestinian town Huwwara and parts of the road will be built on Palestinian-owned land previously seized by Israel. (MNA 4/5)

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas departed for Jordan for a 3-day trip to partake in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa by the Dead Sea. (WAFA 4/5)

The South African foreign minister Lindiwe Sisulu announced that South Africa would not reinstate its ambassador to Israel who was recalled in 2018 due to Israel’s lethal response to the Great March of Return. (HA 4/6)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler shot and killed a 23-year-old Palestinian at the Huwwara checkpoint. A 22-year-old was taken to a hospital in Nablus for treatment of a gun wound sustained in the same incident. Eyewitnesses say that the settler blocked the road with his truck and shot at the 2 Palestinians. The settler claims that he was attacked by the 23-year-old. Separately, several Palestinian hikers were injured and 7 were arrested when Israeli forces attacked them while hiking a trail near ‘Ayn al-Hilwa in the West Bank. At night, hundreds of Israeli settlers and their military escort harassed residents of the West Bank village of Awarta. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired a missile at Palestinian teens for the 2d day. The missile hit Gaza City without causing injuries or damage. Israeli forces claimed that the teens were firing incendiary balloons. Separately, Israeli forces claimed that it had detonated several explosive devices thrown at the Gaza fence on 3/30. Israeli forces also conducted incursions for land levelling near al-Bureij refugee camp in Gaza. Meanwhile, off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot at Palestinian fishermen inside of the permitted fishing zone. No injuries were reported. Later, Israeli forces shot live ammunition at 3 Palestinians who allegedly attempted to cross into Israel from Gaza. All 3 were taken to a hospital in Israel. In Israel, a Palestinian prisoner in the Negev prison was assaulted and transferred to an unknown location after he allegedly threw hot water on a prison guard. (AJ, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; MNA, MNA, MEMO, WAFA, 4/4)

After a relatively calm day in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts dozens of air strikes on Hamas sites near Rafah and Khan Yunis late at night, causing extensive damage. The IDF says that the strikes were retaliation for previously unreported incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel earlier in the day. A senior Palestinian official says that the IAF has destroyed 30 residential buildings and damaged at least 500 others since the recent campaign of air strikes began on 3/25. After the air strikes resume, unidentified Gazans fire a projectile into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. A number of protesters sneak across the border fence and set fire to an IDF post before returning to Gaza. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations, injuring 1 Palestinian minor. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to enter 2 Palestinian elementary schools in Tuqu‘ village near Bethlehem. Palestinian teachers and staff block them, but they are forced to dismiss their students early. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah; arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during further raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/27; PCHR 3/28)

A senior Israeli official says that despite the reports of an Egypt- and UN-brokered cease-fire late last night, the Israeli assault on Gaza that began on 3/25 is “not over.” The official also says that the IDF struck “very harsh blows” on Hamas. “We’re ready to deal even more.” Separately, Palestinian sources in Gaza say that the Israelis are demanding an end to all resistance activities along the border fence, including the planned Great March of Return protest this Friday, in exchange for a cease-fire. (HA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/26)

For a 3d day in a row, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; there are no serious injuries reported. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting stones and gravel near Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging 2. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinians while she is leaving Haram al-Sharif. They also ban an Islamic Waqf guard from the city for a week. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/28)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/23. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 212. (MNA, WAFA 3/24)

After Hamas-affiliated prisoners stab and injure 2 Israeli security guards in Ketziot Prison, Israeli guards raid 3 sections of the prison and assault hundreds of Palestinians prisoners, injuring at least 9 (2 critically). Some prisoners say that the injured guards provoked the prisoners during a transfer between sections. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/24)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Bayt Hanun to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. In response, Israeli tanks shell Hamas observations posts near the demonstrations and the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several targets east of al-Bureij refugee camp and in southern Gaza, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing extensive damage. The IDF says that the strikes were targeting Palestinians launching incendiary balloons into Israel (there are no reports of incendiary balloon landings in southern Israel throughout the day). In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian woman and her son in central Hebron, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in al-‘Izzariya. (WAFA, WAFA 3/23; HA, MNA, MNA, TOI 3/24; PCHR 3/28)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian minors congregating near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. The Israeli press reports that the Palestinians were launching incendiary balloons into southern Israel. Later in the day, an Israeli tank shells a Hamas post in southern Gaza, injuring 7 Palestinians. The IDF says that the strike was retaliation for the launching of incendiary balloons into Gaza earlier in the day. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver rams and moderately injures a Palestinian in central Hebron. The settler then flees the scene. Separately, settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Urif near Nablus, causing damage and sparking a minor confrontation with residents of the village. Unidentified assailants throw a firebomb at an Israeli vehicle near Nablus, lightly injuring the 2 settler occupants and damaging the vehicle. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. Israeli forces shut down a number of streets in central Hebron to make room for Israeli settlers to celebrate Purim. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse an event at the French Cultural Center on the grounds that it was co-sponsored by the PA. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/21; MNA 3/22; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump tweets, “After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability!” His tweet reverses decades of U.S. policy and runs counter to several UN Security Council resolutions and international law. It comes in response to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for the international community to recognize Israeli control over the Golan Heights, and it is widely seen as a boon for Netanyahu’s chances the upcoming Israeli election on 4/9. Trump later says, in an interview with Fox Business Network, that his tweet was not an effort to support Netanyahu’s re-election campaign. “I hear [Netanyahu] is doing okay,” he says. “Whoever’s against him is also in favor of what I just did.” In response to Trump’s tweet, an EU spokesperson says that the EU has no plans to change its position on the Golan Heights. “The EU, in line with international law, does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967, including the Golan Heights, and does not consider them to be part of Israel’s territory.” (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 3/21; HA 3/22)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 more are injured. The IDF later says that an explosive device was thrown at a patrol, prompting the fatal shooting. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is injured. The IDF later says that the men were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The local authorities in Bethlehem declare a general strike in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian youth in Bayt Sira village near Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; and violently disperse Palestinian students gathering in al-Bireh to protest the Israeli occupation (there are no serious injuries reported). Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and dismantle 3 Palestinian makeshift residential structures south of Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler bus near Salfit, causing minor damage. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging several. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Muslim worshipper and an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are detained). Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Gazans gather near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. After unidentified Gazans fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near the protesters near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They discuss a range of issues, and in a press conference after the meeting Netanyahu calls on the international community to recognize Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/20)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp late at night to set tires on fire, throw stones and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 4 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian collecting stones and gravel near Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water well Umm al-Nir near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones and glass bottles at Palestinian homes and vehicles in Kafr Haris near Salfit and outside Nablus, injuring 2 Palestinians and breaking several windows. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif for a 2d day in a row. (MNA, MNA, TOI 3/18; MNA, MNA 3/19)

An Israeli settler succumbs to injuries sustained in the shooting attack near Salfit on 3/17. Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the site of the 3/17 shooting and announces the construction of 840 new housing units in the nearby Ariel settlement. “Tomorrow, we will begin building 840 housing units in Ariel in a new neighborhood as was approved two years ago,” he says. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/18)

Unidentified assailants assault and seriously injure a Fatah spokesperson in Gaza near his home in Bayt Lahiya. Later, a senior Fatah official in Gaza says that the assailants broke the man’s arms and legs and that Hamas was behind the “assassination attempt.” Hamas, for its part, denies the accusation and pledges to conduct a full investigation into the incident. The attack comes amid ongoing popular protests against Hamas and the high cost of living in Gaza and rising tensions between Hamas and Fatah. (HA, JP 3/19)

A Palestinian stabs and kills an Israeli soldier at the Ariel Junction near Salfit. He opens fire on a group of Israeli settlers, seriously injuring 1, before fleeing the scene. The IDF conducts raids and sets up roadblocks and mobile checkpoints in and around Salfit, searching for the assailant. IDF troops also conduct raids in Burqin village near Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes (2 Palestinians are injured). Three Palestinians are injured and three more are arrested during clashes sparked by similar arrest raids in nearby al-Zawiya and Kafr al-Dik late at night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles near Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus, injuring 5 Palestinians and causing minor damage. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian minor when she is found with a knife on her person; arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, Hamas security forces arrest dozens of activists during raids in Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. The arrests are widely seen as an attempt to undermine the quality of life protests that started earlier this week. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/17; EI, MNA, MNA, TOI 3/18)

An Israeli court issues an order to keep closed the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, approving the Israeli police’s plan for reducing tensions at the sanctuary. A member of the Islamic Waqf says his organization does not recognize the court’s decision. (HA, MNA 3/17)

For a 3d day in a row, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to protest the high cost of living and restrictions on imports to Gaza. Hamas security forces violently disperse the protesters, causing several minor injuries. A senior PLO official says that the PLO has called on Egypt to help pressure Hamas into ending its violent suppression of these protests, which started earlier this week. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bayt Hanina, Jabal Mukabir, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, TOI 3/16)

For the 2d day in a row, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to protest the high cost of living and the restrictions on imports to Gaza. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Hanun. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers tear the doors off a building in the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at the sanctuary. 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 and Bi‘lin near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an IDF patrol in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/15; TOI 3/16; MNA 3/17)

The organizing committee behind the Great March of Return announces that today’s planned demonstrations along Gaza’s border have been cancelled in light of the extensive Israeli air strikes in Gaza last night. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials say that they and their colleagues with the UN have brokered a cease-fire to end the cross-border violence.  (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI 3/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas onto the grounds of a Palestinian elementary school near Hebron, causing minor injuries and forcing the school to close temporarily. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around al-Bireh, Jericho, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes south of Jerusalem, demolish a Palestinian barn near Bethlehem, and confiscate a Palestinian sewage transport vehicle near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities re-open the entrances to Haram al-Sharif, having shut them down in response to an alleged firebomb attack on 3/12. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 3/13; PCHR 3/14)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them in central Hebron. After the incident, the IDF imposes strict restrictions on Palestinian movement in the area, with mobile checkpoints and road closures all around al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Salfit. 40 other Palestinians are injured in the clashes. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police storm Haram al-Sharif, assault a number of worshippers, arrest 17, evacuate the area, and forcibly shut down all entrances to the sanctuary. The Israeli authorities say that the police entered the sanctuary after reports of a firebomb thrown at an Israeli security post (1 Israeli security guard is injured in the ensuing blaze). After Israeli police enter the sanctuary, dozens of Palestinians gather in the streets of the Old City to pray and protest the restrictions. Late at night, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/12; EI, MNA 3/13; PCHR 3/14)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage. They also arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (1 fisherman is arrested and his boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian land to set up an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus. Also near Nablus, settlers also uproot 33 olive trees from a Palestinian grove and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing no reported damage or injuries. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian barn and uproot a number of nearby trees outside al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron. They also deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during raids in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/10; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appoints senior Fatah official Mohammed Shtayyeh prime minister, replacing outgoing prime minister Rami Hamdallah. Abbas calls on Shtayyeh to form a new government that can work toward reuniting Gaza and the West Bank and prepare for a new round of elections. Meanwhile, PA finance minister Shukri Bishara announces that the PA will only be paying 50% of its civil servants’ salaries for 2/2019 due to budget constraints stemming from Israel’s decision to withhold a fraction of the tax revenues transferred monthly to the PA. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/10; MNA 3/11)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 2/22. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 208. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/11; EI 3/13)

Hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed several Hamas sites across Gaza, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Hamas should not expect Israel to abstain from a full-scale assault on Gaza because there is an Israeli election coming up on 4/9. “I suggest to Hamas—don’t count on it,” he adds. “We will do everything necessary to restore security and quiet to the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip and to the south in general.” (TOI 3/10)

In response to an Israeli television personality saying that Israel is a country for all its citizens, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says that Israel is a state for Jews alone. “Israel is not a state of all its citizens. According to the Nation-State Law that we passed, Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish People—and them alone.” (HA 3/11)

Japan announces a $7 million contribution to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and Syria. (MNA, WAFA 3/10)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to set tires of fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are injured. After armed Palestinians open fire on an IDF post from the other side of the border fence late at night, an Israeli tank shells a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage. 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, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Ramallah-area home of a Palestinian accused of killing 2 Israeli soldiers on 12/13/18. The demolition sparks clashes between the Israeli troops and Palestinian residents of the area; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home under construction near Nablus and 2 makeshift Palestinian housing structures near Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police enter the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, provoking tensions at the sanctuary. Later, they arrest 7 Palestinians in the Old City on their way to the sanctuary and 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian bedouin village al-Araqib for the 141st time since 2010. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/14)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 3/6. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 206. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7)

Afghanistan contributes $1 million to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees. A senior UNRWA official calls the contribution an “immense gesture of dignity.” (MNA, WAFA 3/7)

Hours after Palestinians fly 2 incendiary balloons into southern Israel from Gaza, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on “a number of terror targets in a Hamas military compound in the northern Gaza Strip,” according to an IDF spokesperson. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are injured. Also, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian students and teachers outside a school in Shu‘fat refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor confrontations with residents of the area; 1 Palestinian student is lightly injured and several Palestinian vehicles are damaged. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians amid clashes sparked by a late-night raid near Hebron; arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further late-night raids near Nablus and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer from a Palestinian construction site near Nablus. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian family homes near Haifa. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; MNA, MNA 3/6; PCHR 3/7)

A delegation of senior Egyptian officials arrives in Gaza to meet with their counterparts in Hamas. The Egyptians are reportedly attempting to ease tensions along Gaza’s border fence, which have been escalating in recent weeks. They reportedly convey a message to Hamas from the Israeli government, threatening a major escalation should Hamas not limit the ongoing protests. (HA, YA 3/5; TOI 3/6)

After unidentified Palestinians fly 2 incendiary balloons from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites near Gaza City, causing extensive damage. Hours later, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 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. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; MNA 3/5; PCHR 3/7)

The U.S. formally merges its consulate in Jerusalem and its new embassy in the city to “form a single diplomatic mission.” The embassy’s new “Palestinian Affairs Unit” will serve Palestinians in Jerusalem out of the old consulate building, where all diplomacy with the Palestinians was based out of previously. In response, the PLO releases a statement calling the merging of the two offices a “denial of international law.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA 3/4; MNA 3/5)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters. After some protesters reportedly hurl an explosive device over the border fence, Israeli forces shell a Hamas outpost near Bayt Hanun, causing damage. Separately, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned carwash in Bayt Hanina and assault and detain a Palestinian outside the Old City. They also deliver an order to the chairman of the Islamic Waqf council, banning him from Haram al-Sharif for 40 days, and arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Silwan, and Bayt ‘Anan. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure a 3d after their vehicle collides with an IDF vehicle outside Ramallah, injuring 2 Israeli soldiers. The IDF claims that it was a purposeful ramming attack, while Palestinian eyewitnesses say the collision was an accident. Separately, the Israeli authorities temporarily close the checkpoint at the southern entrance to Hebron’s al-Ibrahimi Mosque, blocking of the area to make room for Israeli settlers holding demonstration. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by a patrol in Nablus; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers chase Palestinian shepherds off their lands near Jericho. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian carwash, a merchant’s cart, and 2 other steel structures near Salfit. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/7)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 17 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities order a Palestinian restaurant in the Old City to close for 10 days as punishment for hiring a West Bank resident who did not have permission to enter East Jerusalem. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by a raid in Balata refugee camp near Nablus. They also patrol near Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/1; MNA, MNA 3/2; PCHR 3/7)

Texas comptroller of public accounts Glenn Hegar places the U.S.-based home-sharing company Airbnb on Texas’s “List of Companies that Boycott Israel,” triggering a suspension of all state dealings with the company. The move is reportedly an implementation of the law Texas passed in 2017 barring state contracts with companies that boycott Israel. (HA, JTA 3/4)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them in the evening, injuring 1. After an incendiary balloon flown from Gaza sparks a small fire and damages a home in southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza late at night, causing major damage. In East Jerusalem, MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) leads a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 50 olive trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; HA, MNA, MNA, PCHR, YA 2/28)

The EU announces an €82 million (approximately $93.3 million) to support UNRWA’s core budget in 2019. (WAFA 2/27)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, injuring 3. Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, 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, Israeli forces uproot approximately 300 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Jenin. They also deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction near Salfit. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; MNA, MNA 2/26; PCHR 2/28)

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner offers new details about the Trump administration’s long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace, which is expected to be released after the Israeli elections on 4/9. “We want to see Palestinians under one leadership that will allow them to live in dignity,” he says. Kushner also says that one of the main goals of the plan is to eliminate borders “in order to guarantee freedom of movement for people and goods.” The plan also reportedly focuses on strengthening the Palestinian economy. (HA, HA, REU, TOI, YA 2/26)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest the head of the Islamic Waqf and his chief deputy at Haram al-Sharif, following a week of clashes and heightened tensions at the sanctuary. The 2 men are accused of opening the al-Rahma Gate area of the sanctuary to protesters on 2/22. Along with 4 other Waqf officials, they are barred from Haram al-Sharif for a week. In the West Bank, Israeli forces destroy 2 solar panels providing power to Palestinian homes near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Salfit; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers surround a swath of Palestinian farmland near Tubas with an electric fence, claiming the land as their own. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp and arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, HA, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/24; MNA 2/25; PCHR 2/28)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to call for PA president Mahmoud Abbas to resign. They are protesting the punitive measures Abbas has ordered against Gaza in an effort to increase pressure on his political rivals in Hamas. (TOI 2/24)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Rafah to light tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, causing no serious injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp. They also assault and injure a Palestinian journalist in Hebron; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside Huwara village near Nablus. Settlers also assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian teacher during a raid in Issawiyya. They also arrest 4 Palestinians accused of organizing at the recent protests at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 2/23; MNA, MNA, MNA 2/24; PCHR 2/28)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian minor is killed and at least 23 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 205. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Hebron to mark the 25th anniversary of the 2/25/94 massacre at al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 1 Palestinian is injured. The also disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah (3 Palestinians are injured); arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 200 olive tree seedlings from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Palestinians gather at Haram al-Sharif to protest the recent Israeli incursions at the sanctuary. Ahead of the mid-day prayer, Muslim leaders lead the protesters into the al-Rahma Gate area of the sanctuary for the first time since 2003. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 38 Palestinians in raids across the city. (AP, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; MNA 2/23; PCHR 2/28)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device into southern Israel using a balloon. The device sparks a small fire, causing minor damage. Israeli jets then conduct air strikes on 2 sites near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing extensive damage. An IDF spokesperson says the sites were used as staging grounds for incendiary balloon attacks. Late at night, dozens of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Khan Yunis to throw stones, light tires on fire, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 6. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City, injuring 3 fishermen (2 of the fishermen are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). In the West Bank, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 10 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; MNA, PCHR 2/21; PCHR 2/28)