The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, Jericho, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck several targets, causing damage; no injuries were reported. An IDF spokesperson said that the attack was in response to a rocket fired at Israel on 12/25. Israeli forces also made incursions east of Rafah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; HA, HA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

The organizing committee of the Great March of Return announced the suspension of the weekly Great March of Return protest to the end of March 2020. The announcement also declared that from April 2020, the protest would be monthly instead of weekly. (AJ, HA 12/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the Likud leadership primary over his rival Gideon Sa’ar with 72.5 percent of the vote. Netanyahu said in his victory speech that he would work toward U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and all Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (AJ 12/26; AJ, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian mother and her daughter in Hebron using pepper spray. Israeli forces seized a truck and a bulldozer in Bayt Umar near Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians, including 1 disabled teenager by al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 9 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 3 at a northern entrance to Bethlehem; and 1 at a flying checkpoint north of Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized tents and uprooted trees in Khirbat Tana and dismantled residential shacks and a barn near Tubas. During the incident near Tubas, a B’tselem fieldworker was detained and his car was seized. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and in Silwan. Approximately 232 Israeli settlers with military escort toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian trying to cross the Gaza fence was injured by Israeli live ammunition; he was hospitalized and interrogated before being released on 12/24. Israeli forces also fired flare bombs and artillery shells east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/26)

Israel’s civil administration said it had reversed its initial decision to not allow any Christians from Gaza enter Jerusalem and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. It said that all 950 applicants would be allowed to travel, pending a security screening. (HA 12/23)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized the Israeli government’s decision to return $63 million from the Palestinian Workers’ Sick Fund to Israeli employers. The $63 million were accumulated by payments from Palestinian workers in Israel to the sick fund for paid sick leave. The court ordered a freeze in payment to the Israeli employers and gave the Israeli state 3 months to respond to the justices’ questions. (HA 12/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed graffiti on a wall in Far’ata village west of Qalqilya. In Gaza, 45 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets at protesters during the 85th weekly Great March of Return protest. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah, causing tear-gas related injuries. In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

House Resolution 1865 was signed into law by U.S. president Donald Trump. H.R. 1865 is a 715 page-long appropriations bill for the 2020 fiscal year which allocates $150 million in aid to Palestine, $75 million in assistance to the PA security forces and $75 million for civilian and humanitarian programs and institutions not directly connected to the PA. The bill also seeks to “fix” the Anti-Terrorism Clarifications Act which became law on 10/3/2018 and effectively ended all aid for the PA, including security aid, as it subjected the PA to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts if the PA accepted any aid from the U.S. The “fix” gives U.S. courts jurisdiction if the PA or the PLO provides payments to any individual or family of an individual convicted of killing a U.S. citizen. (HA 12/18; Congress, FMEP 12/20)

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Fatou Bensouda announced that there is basis to probe Israel for war crimes committed against Palestinians, but requested the ICC to decide on the question of the jurisdiction of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda said that her preliminary investigation has found that “war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.” (AJ, Guardian, HA, HA, WAFA 12/20; HA 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 300 olive trees in al-Khadir. Settlers also wrote racist graffiti on walls of buildings and slashed the tires of 25 vehicles in al-Jib. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub, causing tear-gas related injuries. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel struck targets in Gaza after a rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. No injuries were reported, but damage was reported. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, forcing farmers to leave. Israeli naval forces fired a water cannon at a Palestinian fisherman, causing damage to his boat. Israel also reduced the fishing zone to 6 nautical miles. 3 Palestinians were arrested after trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence; all 3 were released on 12/20. (AJ, HA, HA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/26)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized Israeli police handling Palestinian complaints of destruction of their property. The court said the police’s handling of such complaints “is troubling, to say the least” and that in 1 case, “except for taking the Palestinian plaintiff’s statement, the police did virtually nothing.” (HA 12/20)

The United Arab Emirates announced a $25 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/19)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Qalqilya; during the raids in Ramallah and Bethlehem, 3 Palestinians were injured. Israeli forces prevented Palestinian farmers east of Tubas from plowing their land. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the coast of Jabaliya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/18; PCHR 12/19)

A 21-year-old Palestinian shepherd who lost 4 fingers due to an undetonated grenade in a West Bank military firing zone in 2012 was awarded, by the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court, $87,000 for his injuries as the court ruled that the Israeli defense ministry had neglected to clear the area. (HA 12/18)

U.S. president Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. house of representatives. 2 articles of impeachment passed. Article 1: Abuse of Power passed 230-197 and Article 2: Obstruction of Congress passed 229-198. (FOX, NYT, REU, WP 12/18; AP, CNN 12/19)

The World Bank announced that it will provide a $9 million grant to improve early childhood development among Palestinian children. (World Bank 12/18; WAFA 12/20)

In the West Bank, the Israel Electric Corporation cut power for 10s of thousands of Palestinians in Ramallah for 3 hours between 2pm and 5pm. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles driving on a road between Nablus and Qalqilya, causing damage. Israeli settlers also vandalized a number of Palestinian-owned bulldozers in the Jordan Valley by filling their fuel tanks with sand. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids, including a Fatah official. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands, damaging a municipality truck. In a separate incident, Israeli forces fired tear gas near Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the coast of Jabaliya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/15; PCHR 12/19)

The Qatar Fund for Development signed a $20.7 million contribution agreement with the UNRWA for Palestinian refugees in Syria. (WAFA 12/15)

In the West Bank, Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed during a raid near Ramallah; no injuries were reported, but a live bullet smashed a window of a Palestinian-owned house. 1 Palestinian was arrested near Qalqilya for allegedly throwing stones at Israeli soldiers. In Gaza, 9 Palestinians were injured by Israeli-fired live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries during the 84th Great March of Return protest. (PCHR 12/19)

The UN General Assembly extended UNRWA’s mandate to 3 years in a vote of 169-2 with 9 countries abstaining. The U.S. and Israel were the 2 votes against extending the mandate. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the extension “evidence that the entire world are standing with our people, its historical rights, and its just cause.” (AJ, HA, WAFA 12/13; JP 12/14)

In the West Bank, 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 11 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho; 3 were arrested at flying checkpoints near Qalqilya. During a raid in Ramallah, 1 Palestinian paramedic was injured by gunfire as Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In Israel, a Palestinian village was raided by Israeli extremists, slashing the tires of some 20 Palestinian-owned vehicles and writing racist graffiti like “Muhammad is a pig” on buildings, including a mosque. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/12; PCHR 12/19)

A spokesperson for Israel’s military liaison said that none of the around 1,000 Palestinian Christians in Gaza would be allowed entry to the West Bank to celebrate Christmas or visit family. (REU 12/12; WAFA 12/13; HA 12/14)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians were arrested, including: 1 during a house raid near Ramallah; 1 at a shop near Qalqilya, who had been in a fight with an Israeli settler; and 1 near the separation barrier. In Gaza, 3 rockets were launched at Israel from Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested after crossing from Gaza to Israel; both were unarmed. (HA 12/7; HA 12/8; PCHR 12/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in several cities; Palestinians were protesting the U.S. administration’s announcement that it no longer considers Israeli settlements in contradiction to international law on 11/18. 82 Palestinians received treatment for tear gas and smoke inhalation and rubber-coated bullet wounds in al-Bireh, Bethlehem, Huwwara, Abu Dis, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Silat al-Dahir and Tulkarm, who were demonstrating because of the death of a Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail who died of cancer. Israeli forces also demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Qalandia and delivered a demolition notice for a house in Bayt Awa. Israeli settlers vandalized cars and buildings in al-Jaba‘, slashing tires and writing racist graffiti. Israeli settlers also set Palestinian-owned farmland on fire in Madama and in Sabastiyya. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, Biddu, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian fisherman. In Gaza, 2 rockets were launched at Israel; 1 was intercepted and the other fell in an open area, causing no injuries or damage. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/26; PCHR 11/28)

An Egyptian tank fired a shell at a building in Israel in what was said to be a misfire. (HA 11/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers vandalized 7 Palestinian-owned vehicles in ‘Urif. In northern Gaza, Israel assassinated Baha Abu al-Ata, the commander of Islamic Jihad in Palestine. Several rockets were then fired from Gaza toward Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Subsequently, Israel heavily bombed Gaza, killing at least 10 Palestinians and injuring more than 40. CNN and Al Jazeera reported that their reporters were prevented by Israeli forces from covering the events from near the Gaza fence. Schools in Gaza and much of southern Israel were closed. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, JP, NPR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/12; AJ 11/13; PCHR 11/14)

After assassinating al-Ata, Israel tried to assassinate another member of Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Akram al-Ajouri in Damascus, killing his son instead during an airstrike. Syrian media reported that 2 people were killed and 6 were injured during Israel’s attack. (HA, WAFA 11/12)

The EU high court of justice ruled that the EU states have to identify products from Israeli settlements. The U.S. State Department criticized the ruling, calling it anti-Israel biased and serving the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. (AJ, Guardian, HA, WAFA 11/12; State Department 11/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 6 houses near Ramallah. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in al-Suwana; and demolished a shed and razed Palestinian-owned land in Issawiyya. PA Jerusalem Governor Adnan Gheith was summoned for interrogation. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot down a drone flying over Gaza. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 10/31)

Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest over Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention; 1 has been held since 8/20 and the other since 9/2. Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi also demanded that Israel release the 2 Jordanians, calling administrative detention illegal. (AJ, HA 10/30)

Lebanon’s prime minister Sa’d Hariri resigned after days of protest against his government. (AJ, HA 10/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians by throwing stones at homes in Haris. Elsewhere, in Huwwara, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on a Palestinian-owned home. 22 Palestinians were arrested, including 14 during a raid at a school in al-‘Arub refugee camp; 8 others were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian minor was shot and injured after he allegedly tried to stab an Israeli police officer. Following the incident, Israeli forces closed several gates to the Old City and detained 3 Palestinians. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Jabalia. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28; PCHR 10/31)

An Israeli soldier was demoted to the rank of private and sentenced to 1 month of community service for shooting and killing a 15-year-old Palestinian, without approval from his superior, in Gaza on 7/13/2018. (TOI 10/29; HA, NYT 10/30; AJ 10/31)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement clashed with Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also damaged a Palestinian-owned home near Jalud. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian minor who allegedly was throwing stones near Qalqilya. Israeli forces handed out notices in Qaryut informing residents of plans to seize 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. Elsewhere, in ‘Azun, Israeli forces closed a metal gate on an eastern entrance and put up a flying checkpoint on the western entrance to the town. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint in Qalqilya; and 1 during a house raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; at the same time, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians in the area. In Gaza, the Erez border crossing was closed by Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/24)

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Reuven Rivlin that he was not able to form a government, handing the coalition building efforts to his rival Benny Gantz. (HA 10/21)

After 5 days of protests in Lebanon, the Lebanese cabinet approved new measures to deal with the country’s economic crisis, including cutting the salaries of top officials in half. Prime Minister Sa’d Hariri said that the measures would reduce the country’s deficit by $3.4 billion in 2020. (HA 10/21)

In the West Bank, al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed to Muslim worshipers due to Israeli restriction during the Jewish Sukkot holidays. Israeli settlers vandalized 6 Palestinian-owned cars in Dayr ‘Ammar. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burin and al-Jaba‘. During the attack in Burin, 1 pro-Palestinian Israeli activist suffered broken bones and a settler set fire to some trees. 15 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Abu Dis, Ramallah, Hebron, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Tulkarm, Israeli forces seized 10,000 NIS ($2,800) in cash. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel southwest of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, for the 2d day in a row, a natural spring was opened for Jewish visitors only; Israeli forces guarded the spring and closed a road leading to nearby Palestinian towns. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in Issawiyya; 1 preacher of the al-Aqsa Mosque was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land northeast of Jabalia. In Israel, Israeli forces attacked bedouins in southern Israel. (WAFA 10/15; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, +972, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/17; HA 10/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers picking olives, injuring 1 in Tell. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 was injured by live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces at a checkpoint near Barta‘a. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Health Work Committees in Ramallah, damaging furniture. Israeli forces also raided the family house of an alleged Palestinian attacker and took measurements for a punitive demolition of the house. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; 2 at a checkpoint in Bayt Furik; and 2 during house raids in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was detained at the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was banned from entering the compound for 15 days. In Gaza, 71 Palestinians were injured during the 78th Great March of Return protest, including 33 by live ammunition. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscated a water tank in Anata, halted construction for a water well in the northern Jordan Valley, and razed 30 dunams (7.4 acres) of land south of Hebron. 3 Palestinians working on restoring the water well in the Jordan Valley were arrested. Another 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, Qalqilya, Salfit, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Israeli forces also raided a cultural center near Ramallah, confiscating documents. Israeli settlers uprooted 36 olive trees near Burin. 2 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets in separate incidents near checkpoints in Jenin and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian who was injured during the Great March of Return prostest on 4/19 succumbed to his wounds. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 229. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/7; PCHR 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti and punctured tires on 13 vehicles in Qira. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. 7 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition fired by Israeli forces escorting Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets as he was trying to enter Israel near Tulkarm. Israeli forces also punitively demolished the house of an alleged attacker in al-Am‘ari refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Silwan and the Old City; 1 was arrested on a street in the Old City. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/6; PCHR 10/10)

Israeli minister of interior Arye Dery ordered the Israeli immigration authorities to look into revoking co-founder of the BDS movement Omar Barghouti’s permanent residency because of his involvement in the movement. (HA, TOI 10/6)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians and 1 Israeli peace activist were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum. 2 Palestinians were arrested: 1 at a checkpoint near Qalqilya; and 1 during clashes in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also seized 15,000 NIS ($4,200) during a house raid near Tulkarm. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was killed and some 65 wounded by Israeli forces during the 77th weekly Great March of Return protest. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 228. Later, unidentified persons launched 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel, both landing inside of Gaza. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested for the 2d day in a row against Israeli police’s inaction amidst an uptick in violence in the community, including in Nazareth, Umm al-Fahm, Tamra, Majdal Krum, and Kafr Kassim. (AJ, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 10/4; HA 10/5; PCHR 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Taybeh and 1 under construction in Bayt Umar. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus. 1 Palestinian photojournalist was injured by a rubber-coated bullet after clashes broke out during an Israeli raid in Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during an event at a hotel in Shaykh Jarrah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Jabalia. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel held a general strike in Majdal Krum to protest Israeli police’s inaction amidst an uptick in violence in the community. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/3; PCHR 10/10)

After a meeting between the Israeli finance minister Moshe Kahlon and PA officials, the PA announced that it would start receiving tax revenue collected by Israel again. However, the dispute between Israel and the PA over revenue for payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families remained unsolved. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities seized some 1,500 dunams (370 acres) of Palestinian-owned residential and agricultural land in Dura. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in and around Abu Dis, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah; 1 was arrested during a daytime raid. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Silwan; 1 Palestinian child was arrested at the al-Aqsa mosque after he allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli police officer, he was reportedly heavily beaten. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; PCHR 10/3)

Palestinian women in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Israel marched to protest violence against women. The protesters adopted the slogan “Free homeland, free women.” The protests were sparked by a number of murders of Palestinian women by members of their families. The most recent was in late August, where a 21-year-old was killed allegedly by members of her family. (HA 9/27)

Around 100 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails ended a 15-day-long hunger strike after the Israel Prison Service agreed to limit the jamming devices installed in the prisons and to install public phones. (WAFA 9/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas announced at the UN general assembly that he will set a date for general elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. President Abbas asked the UN to help aid and monitor the process. (HA 9/26)

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister announced that the country will contribute $50 million to UNRWA’s core program budget. (WAFA 9/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh against the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails; 8 injuries were reported. Elsewhere, in Ramallah, Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries during an Israeli military raid. Israeli forces also arrested 27 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, Hebron, Abu Dis, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with military escort raided an archeological site in Sabastiyya and Joseph’s Tomb in Balata. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli magistrate court ordered the eviction of a Palestinian family of 13 from their home in Silwan. The lawsuit was brought by the settler organizations Ateret Cohanim and Elad. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Issawiyya and Silwan. Haaretz reported that more than 350 Palestinians have been arrested in Issawiyya the last 3 months while less than 10 have been indicted for a crime. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/23; PCHR 9/26)

A court in Jerusalem upheld the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories decision not to allow the majority of players and staff of the soccer team Khadamat Rafah travel permits to the West Bank for a match in the Palestinian soccer cup championship. The match was originally scheduled for 7/3, but the players and staff had not been able to obtain the permits to travel to the West Bank for the match for more than 2 months. The winner of the final game between Khadamat Rafah and Balata FC would represent Palestine at the Asian Cup. (AP, HA 9/23; AJ 9/25)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Hizma and 1 at a flying checkpoint near Qalqilya. Israeli settlers razed 6 dunams (1.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in Turmus ‘Ayya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land east of al-Bureij. 1 Palestinian was arrested while applying for a travel permit at the Erez crossing. In Israel, Israeli authorities demolished a Palestinian-owned house under construction in Qalansawe. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/26)

The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) said it would cut electricity in some areas of the West Bank, arguing that the PA owes the company $484 million. The chairman of the Palestinian Energy Authority said that the debt is less than half of what the IEC claims. PA officials called the decision collective punishment and called on the international community to protest the decision. (HA 9/22)

The Joint Arab List, which won 13 seats in the Knesset at the Israeli elections on 9/17, recommended Blue and White leader Benny Gantz as the next Israeli prime minister, giving Gantz’s coalition 2 more votes than Likud’s 55. Blue and White still needs 4 more votes to be able to form a governing coalition. Joint Arab List leader Ayman Odeh explained in an op-ed in The New York Times that the Joint Arab List is not endorsing Gantz’s policy proposals, but is rather voting to unseat Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (NYT 9/22; HA 9/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces entered Bardala in the Jordan Valley and shut down the village’s water pipes. Israeli settlers with military escort entered a mosque in Halhul, leading to clashes with Palestinians; several Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets and from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces raided several buildings in Ramallah, including the Addameer office, and confiscated documents and computers. The raid led to clashes with Palestinians; several Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets and from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 5 residential structures and animal barns in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces arrested 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid and 1 Palestinian was handed a summons for interrogation. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/19; PCHR 9/26)

Israel returned to their families the corpses of 2 Palestinians killed in East Jerusalem and the West Bank in April and August. (WAFA 9/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian woman was killed by Israeli forces using live ammunition by a checkpoint in Qalandia after allegedly trying to stab an Israeli soldier. Israeli forces also chopped down more than 100 olive trees in Burqin, delivered stop-work orders for a number of houses under construction in Barta‘a, razed 145 dunams (35.8 acres) of agricultural land for expansion of the Karni Shomron settlement near Qalqilya, and demolished 2 agricultural structures in Atuf in the Jordan Valley. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Aida refugee camp and 1 at a checkpoint near Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for several homes in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 7 Palestinians were injured after rockets fired from Gaza landed inside the territory. Separately, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural land east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/18; PCHR 9/19)

A day after the general elections in Israel, it remained unclear which of the 2 top contenders, Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, would be able to form a government coalition. (AJ, HA 9/18)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah after being beaten by Israeli forces at a checkpoint outside of Ramallah. Israeli forces also arrested 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers slashed tires and sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Duma village. Israeli forces razed land and demolished 1 house and 2 greenhouses in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/19)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with the Israeli Army Radio that he “intends to extend [Israeli] sovereignty on all the settlements and the [settlement] blocs . . . sites that have security importance or are important to Israel’s heritage.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said in response that the “Jordan Valley is part of Palestinian lands and any settlement or annexation is illegal,” further stating that the PA will sue Israel in international courts. (AJ, WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with military escort raided an area west of Dura. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked the home of a Palestinian near Qalqilya but failed to enter the house as Israeli forces prevented them. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis and Rafah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 9/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 17 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tubas, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus. In Gaza, an Israeli drone was intercepted by Hamas. Later, rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, close to where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was addressing a crowd; he was subsequently evacuated. Israel then struck 15 different targets in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries were reported. Israel forces also opened fire near the Gaza fence; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/10; HA, HA, WAFA 9/11; PCHR 9/12)

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that, if reelected, he would annex the Jordan Valley from the northern part of the West Bank to the southern part, effectively surrounding the West Bank by Israel and creating small enclaves of Palestinian cities and villages in the area annexed, including Jericho. Netanyahu’s announcement drew condemnation from many countries and organizations. The U.S. responded that, “[t]here is no change in United States policy at this time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas warned that if Israel annexed parts of the West Bank, the PA would end all agreements with Israel. (HA, HA 9/10; AJ, WAFA 9/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Halhul, and Salfit, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in Hebron; among the arrested at a late-night raid in Ramallah was 1 Palestinian instructor from Birzeit University in Ramallah. Israeli forces also conducted house raids in Zabbuba near Jenin; no arrests were reported. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles travelling on a road northeast of Ramallah, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian demolished his store in Silwan after receiving a demolition order by Israeli authorities. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

After more than 340 Palestinians had been arrested in Issawiyya in East Jerusalem during the summer, it was reported that the Israeli police, the Jerusalem Municipality, and residents of Issawiyya had come to an agreement on limiting Israeli operations in Issawiyya. The agreement includes that residents of Issawiyya cancel a school strike on 9/2, the 1st day of the school year. (HA 9/1)

According to the Palestinian Energy Authority, Qatar will be cutting the amount of fuel it funds for Gaza by 50 percent, causing the hours of electricity available in Gaza to drop from 8 hours per day to 5 or 6. (HA 9/1)

At a visit to the Israeli settlement of Elkana, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that that he aspires to apply Israeli sovereignty to all Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s announcement comes 2 weeks before the Israeli general election. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1)

The al-Kasom Regional Council in the Negev, which presides over a large Bedouin community, announced that 17,000 students would not start the school year as planned on 9/2 as the Israeli education ministry had not given it enough money to begin the school year as planned. (HA 9/1)

Israeli forces and Hezbollah operatives exchanged missiles near the border of Israel and Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, it fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli military and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that it had hit the Hezbollah cell that fired the anti-tank missiles with “100 shells, aerial fire and various measures.” (HA 9/1; AJ, AJ, HA 9/2; HA 9/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for Hebron-area houses belonging to 3 Palestinian families who have family members suspected of killing an Israeli settler earlier in August. Israeli forces also arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. During a raid south of Ramallah, soldiers seized equipment from a blacksmith workshop. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians in Issawiyya. In Gaza, unidentified perpetrators in the evening killed 3 Hamas policemen and wounded several others in 2 apparent suicide bombings at 2 checkpoints. (WAFA, WAFA 8/27; AJ, HA, WAFA 8/28; PCHR 8/29)