The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 20 Jewish settlers attempting to enter Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus late at night. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah. Jewish settlers cut down 10 Palestinian olive trees nr. Ramallah. (WAFA 6/24; MNA, TOI 6/25; PCHR 7/6)

After approximately 10 errant projectiles fired from Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on the supposed sites of origin, reportedly killing 2 Syrian soldiers. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 6/24)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shut down the main entrance to a Palestinian industrial area nr. Hebron. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Ramallah and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 5 Palestinians in West Jerusalem. The Israeli police then arrest the Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. (MNA 6/22; PCHR 7/6)

Following PA pres. Abbas’s meeting with senior U.S. advisor Kushner on 6/21, some Palestinian officials express disappointment with the Trump admin.’s failure to condemn recent reports of Israeli settlement construction, adding that they are especially concerned about this as the U.S.-led effort to restart peace talks begins. One official says, “It is impossible to speak about [bringing the sides] to serious negotiations as long as Israel continues massive construction in the settlements with a green light . . . or thunderous silence [from the U.S.]” (HA 6/22)

Using diesel fuel shipped from Egypt over the past few days, Gaza’s power plant resumes operations for the 1st time since 4/2017 (see JPS 46 [4]). The Egyptian authorities are set to ship another 1 m. L of fuel into Gaza on 6/24. (MNA, TOI 6/22; MNA 6/24)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves a project to add 300 new housing units to the Beit El settlement in the West Bank. On 6/19, he reportedly told Beit El’s mayor that plans will be formally advanced in 9/2017 in a private meeting. The mayor had been publicly criticizing Netanyahu for holding up the plan. (TOI 6/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah for the 4th time this week, confiscating about 20 vehicles and arresting 2 relatives of the 3 Palestinians killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces on 6/16. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Hebron and Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli forces level land nr. Nablus for a 2d day in a row. In East Jerusalem, around 300,000 Muslims pray at Haram al-Sharif late at night, marking Laylat al-Qadr, the night Muslims observe to mark the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. (MNA, WAFA 6/21; HA, PCHR, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 7/6)

Son-in-law and senior advisor to U.S. pres. Jared Kushner arrives in Israel and meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss U.S. efforts to restart Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. According to the White House, the 2 sides reaffirmed their desire to make peace and acknowledged the need for “economic opportunities for Palestinians and major investment in the Palestinian economy.” Kushner and U.S. rep. Greenblatt then travel to Ramallah to meet with PA pres. Abbas. No further details are made available. (HA, TOI, WHPO, YA 6/21; WAFA 6/22)

Netanyahu meets with several top defense and security officials to approve a new “security strategy” for Damascus Gate, the main entrance to Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter, following the 6/16 attack in East Jerusalem. The new strategy reportedly includes new “surveillance points,” increased numbers of cameras, and other measures. (They will announce it on 6/22.) (MNA 6/22; TOI 6/23)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at al-Jaba‘ checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. After the incident, the IDF raids the alleged attacker’s home in al-‘Izzariya and arrests his father. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces begin leveling land nr. Nablus to expand settlement infrastructure in the area. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly detain an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif and summon 3 other guards for interrogation. (HA, MNA 6/20; EI, MNA 6/21; PCHR 6/22)

A day after the Israeli authorities began cutting the electricity supply to Gaza, a Hamas-affiliated source says that the Egyptian govt. has agreed to ship diesel fuel into the region via the Rafah border crossing to allow Gaza’s sole power plant to resume operations for a limited time. It’s unclear if the shipments are linked to a rumored agreement between Egypt and Hamas earlier this mo. (HA, TOI 6/20)

Israeli forces begin construction on Amichai, a new settlement to house residents of the illegal Amona outpost, which was demolished in early 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3, 4]). Amichai is reportedly the 1st settlement built officially by the Israeli govt. in 25 years. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/20)

IDF troops conduct a raid in c. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 IDF vehicle is set on fire and there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 5 Palestinians on further raids nr. Bethlehem and Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, causing minor damage to some. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Hanun and Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 6/19; MNA, WAFA 6/20; PCHR 6/22)

The Israeli authorities begin implementing their 6/11 decision to cut the electricity supply to Gaza. (They will continue daily cuts through 6/22, fully implementing the 6/11 decision.) (EI, MNA, TOI 6/19; MNA 6/20)

Amid heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli police enter the sanctuary to disperse hundreds of Muslim worshippers protesting the Israeli crackdown following the deadly attack on 6/16; 3 Israelis are injured and several Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Kafr ‘Aqab. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah for the 3d day in a row, arresting at least 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 11 Palestinians and issues 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/18; MNA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

Following days of complaints from Israeli ultranationalists, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his security cabinet will reconsider the plan, 1st reported on 6/14, to allow Qalqilya to expand into Area C with 5,000 new housing units. He claims to not remember the cabinet’s approval of the plan back in 2016. (JP, TOI 6/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al for the 2d day in a row, confiscating 40 cars, threatening punitive demolitions, and sparking clashes; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli settler, arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage and no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest at least 350 Palestinians in the city for Ramadan, putting them on buses and sending them back to the West Bank. The campaign follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 6/16 order rescinding Ramadan permits. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/17; MNA, WAFA 6/18; PCHR 6/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. the city throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians and assault 1 during raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (PCHR 6/22)

PA atty. gen. Ahmad Barrak blocks 11 websites affiliated with Hamas and exiled Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan. He says the sites violate “rules of publications” banning defamation and misinformation. (AJ, JP, MNA 6/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 114th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/16; PCHR 6/22)

The Israeli press reports that the Israeli PM’s office approved a plan to increase the municipal boundaries of Qalqilya, which would allow the construction of approximately 14,000 new Palestinian homes in Area C of the West Bank. (It will be reported that only approximately 5,000 new homes could be built in the space allotted.) PM Netanyahu’s office later confirms that the plan was presented in 2016 and approved by the cabinet. The Samaria Regional Council pledges to file a formal petition against the plan. (HA, JP, TOI 6/14)

Israel’s Knesset advances a bill that would deduct from the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount that the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. It will now be sent to the Knesset Comm. on Foreign Affairs and Defense to prepare it for its 1st reading. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem late at night, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 5 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah; patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian during a raid in Silwan overnight. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops detain and interrogate 2 Palestinians during a raid in Rantis village nr. Bethlehem. Hours later, PASF troops arrive to arrest 1 of the men. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in c. Hebron after she is found to be carrying a knife. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli forces level Palestinian lands outside Bayt Dajan in the n. Jordan Valley. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. They also arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Rafah. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/12; MNA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

Hamas-affiliated media report that the high-level delegation to Egypt led by Hamas’s new 2d-in-command Sinwar has returned to Gaza without reaching any major agreement on the Rafah border crossing or other issues. “All the shared issues have been studied in a serious and deep way with our Egyptian brothers,” a Hamas source says. However, there is speculation in the Arab press that Hamas and the Egyptian govt. did, in fact, reach an agreement to ease points of tensions. (TOI 6/12; MNA, TOI 6/13)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly lock down Haram al-Sharif after an unidentified assailant throws a stone at Jewish settlers touring the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians are arrested and banned from Haram al-Sharif for various lengths of time in connection with the incident. Israeli forces also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Jericho; arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 6/11; MNA 6/12; PCHR 6/16)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a 40% reduction in the transfer of electricity to Gaza, acquiescing to the PA’s 4/27 request (see JPS 46 [4]). The security cabinet also discusses a proposal to build an artificial island off Gaza’s coast to host a port to facilitate economic growth and alleviate the region’s humanitarian crisis. DM Lieberman reportedly opposes the proposal, and no decision is made. (TOI 6/11; EI, JP, MNA 6/12; HA 6/13)

The Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill to deduct from Israel’s monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress in 2/2017 (see H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017 and S. 474 of 2/28/2017 at congressionalmonitor.org, as well as H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017). The sum deducted would be an estimated NIS 1 b. (approx. $280 m.) per year. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/11)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli blockade nr. Khan Yunis and al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and confiscate 2 cars during late-night raids in Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. (MNA 6/8; PCHR 6/16)

A senior Hamas military cmdr. is seriously injured in an explosion at a “resistance site” in s. Gaza, according to the Gaza-based Ministry of Health. He succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli blockade nr. Jabaliya; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault 2 Palestinians and confiscate a tractor during a raid nr. Nablus. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli forces bulldoze Palestinian land and establish a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin. Meanwhile, Palestinians across Israel observe a general strike to mourn the Palestinian killed in Kafr Kassim on 6/5. (MNA, WAFA 6/7; HA, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/16)

The Higher Planning Council of Israel’s Civil Admin. meets for a 2d day in a row to discuss and debate plans for settlement growth in the West Bank. Over the course of 2 days, the council advances plans for more than 2,000 new settler units, including 102 in Amichai, the new settlement that will house residents of the illegal Amona outpost, which was demolished earlier this year (see JPS 46 [3, 4]). (PCN, USSD 6/8; JP 6/11)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli blockade along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, Jabaliya r.c., and Rafah; 1 is killed and at least 7 are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol nr. Ramallah and arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during further raids nr. Hebron, Tubas, and Nablus. Israeli settlers erect what appears to be an illegal outpost on Palestinian lands nr. Salfit. (The Israeli press will report, on 6/8, that the outpost is, in fact, a temporary set for an Israeli children’s TV show). (MNA, WAFA 6/7; EI 6/8; MNA, PCHR 6/8)

A Jordanian govt. spokesperson announces that Jordan will join Saudi Arabia and 3 other Arab states in severing diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar on 6/5. (HA, JP, REU, TOI 6/6; AJ, MNA 6/7)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian citizen of Israel (PCI) and injure 2 others amid late-night clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Kafr Kassim. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents (1 Palestinian is injured); arrest 7 Palestinians, and issue 2 arrest summons during additional raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Juhur al-Dik. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli blockade nr. Jabaliya r.c., Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 3 Palestinians are lightly injured. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA 6/5; HA, MNA, WAFA 6/6; PCHR 6/9)

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates sever economic and diplomatic ties with Qatar, citing Doha’s support for so-called terrorist groups, including Hamas, inter alia. The Qatari Foreign Ministry calls the diplomatic break “unjustified” and “based on claims and allegations that have no basis in fact”. (AJ, ALM, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 6/5; EI 6/6)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khuza‘a, and open fire on Palestinian agricultural fields nearby. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting along the border fence nr. Gaza City and Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured. Seven more Palestinians are injured when an unidentified piece of unexploded ordnance detonates nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces assault and seriously injure a Palestinian taxi driver nr. Nabi Salih. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF post nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, unidentified assailants vandalize a number of Palestinian vehicles and spray-paint one with price-tag graffiti s. of Shu‘fat. Israeli forces conduct raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian journalist is injured. They arrest 2 Palestinians on further raids in the Old City and Shu‘fat r.c. (MNA, WAFA 6/4; JP, MNA, WAFA 6/5; PCHR 6/8)

Hamas’s new 2d-in-command, Yahya Sinwar, leads a delegation to Egypt for talks on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the status of the Rafah border crossing. (AP 6/4)

Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) troops conduct a late-night raid in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with armed residents of the camp; 2 residents are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops set fire to a Palestinian greenhouse during a raid nr. Qalqilya, arrest 3 Palestinians, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem; and patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 6/3; MNA 6/4; PCHR 6/8)

In East Jerusalem, dozens of Jewish settlers march through Silwan overnight, vandalizing vehicles and shouting insults at Palestinian residents. Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah. (MNA 5/31; PCHR 6/1; PCHR 6/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron when she is found to be carrying a knife. They also patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian students gather at PA-sponsored sit-ins across the West Bank to “send a message to the world” about Israel’s occupation, according to a PA spokesperson. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. (JP, MNA, WAFA 5/30; PCHR 6/1)

PA PM Rami Hamdallah meets with Israeli finance min. Moshe Kahlon in Ramallah, and agree to expand the PA’s authority in certain Israeli-controlled areas of the West Bank. A PA spokesperson says that they also agreed to the “cessation of home demolitions under the pretext of not being licensed” and to increasing the openings of the Allenby Bridge border crossing (a full schedule will be announced on 6/1). The agreements, designed to facilitate Palestinian economic growth and freedom of movement, come in the context of U.S. pres. Trump’s push for a resumption of peace talks. (MNA 5/31; JP, TOI, WAFA 6/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Issawiyya. (PCHR 6/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian shepherd nr. Nablus. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron. In Israel, more than 10,000 Israelis and Palestinians gather in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square in support of a 2-state solution. (HA, JP, MNA 5/27; MNA 5/28; PCHR 6/1)

Following almost 20 hours of negotiations between their leaders and representatives of the PA, the International Comm. of the Red Cross, and the Israel Prison Service, Palestinian prisoners end the Dignity hunger strike they launched on 4/17. In the wake of the deal, the prisoners celebrate a slew of reported concessions, including new sports equipment for some prison yards, while the Israeli authorities deny making any. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 5/27)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian youth nr. Hebron, causing serious injuries. Israeli settlers and IDF troops surround a Palestinian school in Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem. The soldiers arrest 2 teachers and 1 student who allegedly threw rocks at the settlers. IDF troops raid a printing shop in Ramallah, seizing $18,000 worth of equipment. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah, patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya; and violently disperse Palestinian and international activists at a protest encampment outside Yatta village nr. Hebron; there are no serious injuries. The IDF injures 4 Palestinians in further clashes at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during violent raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City; there are no serious injuries or damage. (MNA 5/25; PCHR 6/1)

The Palestinian man seriously injured on 5/23 in a confrontation with Israeli forces in Netanya succumbs to his injuries. (MNA 5/25)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. special rep. for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt in Ramallah to discuss the Dignity Strike. “We asked the American side to intervene in guaranteeing [our] prisoners’ rights and achieving their humane demands,” Abbas later tells the Fatah Central Comm. (JP, TOI 5/25)

Greenblatt also meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to follow up on U.S. pres. Trump’s visit to the region on 5/22–23. The PM’s office then denies a report that the U.S. is pushing for Israel to transfer parts of Area C to Area B, increasing Palestinian control of the West Bank, as a goodwill gesture. (JP 5/26)

The IDF’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Yoav Mordechai says that the Israeli govt. will acquiesce to the PA’s 4/27 request to reduce the electricity supply to Gaza (see JPS 46 [4]). The PA, which typically pays NIS 40 m. (approx. $11.2 m.) per mo. for Israel to transfer electricity to Gaza, will reduce its monthly payments to NIS 25–30 m. (BBC, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 5/25; AP 5/31)

Hamas forces execute the 3 Palestinians convicted of crimes related to the assassination of senior Hamas cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24 (see JPS 46 [3]). (JP, NYT 5/25; EI 5/26)

Approximately 60,000 Israelis march through the Old City of Jerusalem in commemoration of Jerusalem Day, a celebration of the IDF’s 1967 capture of the city. Hundreds of left-wing activists and Palestinians participate in a counter-demonstration outside the Old City, sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries). Approximately 700 Jewish settlers visit Haram al-Sharif; Israeli forces arrest 15 of them for praying at the sanctuary, along with 3 Islamic Waqf guards. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians nr. Nablus when they are discovered to be carrying pipe bombs. They also assault and arrest 2 Palestinian youths walking home from school in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Ramallah. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians are injured in an explosion at an unspecified “resistance site” nr. Rafah, according to medical sources. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural fields nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In n. Israel, unidentified assailants torch 2 cars and spray price-tag graffiti on a Palestinian building. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/25; PCHR 6/1)

Israeli forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures an Israeli police officer in Netanya. They arrest the man, a resident of Tulkarm, and take him to a hospital (he will succumb to his injuries on 5/25). In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth allegedly throwing stones at them outside Silwad nr. Ramallah. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians nr. al-Bureij r.c. and nr. Khan Yunis protesting in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. (HA, JP, MNA 5/23; PCHR 5/25)

On the 2d and final day of his visit to Israel and the oPt, U.S. pres. Trump meets briefly with Palestinian Authority (PA) pres. Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem before returning to Israel for a short tour of Yad Vashem. According to a White House statement released in the evening, Abbas tells Trump he is ready to “begin negotiating [with Israel] immediately,” without mentioning any preconditions . In a joint press conference with Abbas, Trump says, “I truly believe if Israel and the Palestinians can make peace, it will begin a process for peace in the Middle East. Abbas assures me he is ready to work toward that goal in good faith, and [Israeli PM] Netanyahu has promised the same.” He then says, “Peace can never take root in an environment where violence is tolerated, funded, and even rewarded,” referring to allegations that the PA is fostering anti-Israeli incitement. Later, on Trump’s flight from Israel to Rome, a senior U.S. official says that the pres. is hoping to reach a “common set of principles” on which to restart peace talks. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WHPO 5/23; HA, JP, TOI 5/24; TOI 5/25)

Armed fighters in the Sinai Peninsula fire a rocket into s. Israel overnight. It lands in an open space, causing no damage or injuries. No group claims responsibility. (JP, TOI 5/23)

Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel, and across the world join in a general strike in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners’ Dignity Strike. IDF troops violently disperse protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, outside Dayr Sharaf nr. Nablus, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; at least 10 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. No Israelis are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinian youths throwing stones at an Israeli settlement nr. Jericho; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Approximately 4,000 Jewish settlers, as well as former Arkansas gov. Mike Huckabee, visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis and agricultural areas nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah twice, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/25)

Upon his arrival in Israel, U.S. pres. Trump gives a short speech on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport to a crowd of Israeli leaders, including PM Netanyahu. (The Israeli PM reportedly orders his ministers to greet Trump on the tarmac after many, including several party heads, said they were not planning to attend). “We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region and to its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity, and peace,” Trump says, referencing the peace initiative he hopes to advance during his visit to Israel. “But we can only get there working together. There is no other way.” Trump then meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin and visits the Western Wall, the first time a sitting U.S. pres. has done so. In his major policy speech of the day, Trump links the fight against Iran with Israeli-Palestinian peace, saying that the Arab states are willing to work with Israel to normalize relations, if Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian lands. (HA, NYT, TOI 5/22; HA 5/23)

IDF troops raid a protest camp nr. Hebron where approx. 175 Palestinian and Israeli activists are protesting the eviction of an entire Palestinian community in the area. The IDF tears down the activists’ tents and confiscates their generator and sound system; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians nr. Ramallah (Silwad and Nabi Salih) and Jericho rallying in solidarity with the hunger-striking prisoners; at least 11 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot stun grenades and tear gas at Palestinian students in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, seriously injuring 1. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers attempt to cut the power supply to Burin village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Thawri. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

A Gaza court sentences 3 men to death for the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Mazen Fuqaha (see JPS 46 [4]). (TOI 5/21; MNA 5/22)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a package of measures designed to facilitate economic growth in Area C of the West Bank. The package is explicitly meant as a confidence-building gesture of good faith ahead of U.S. pres. Trump’s visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) on 5/22–23. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 5/21; TOI 5/22)

Israel’s security cabinet creates a comm. to address unregulated settlement outposts and the implementation of the so-called regulations law that the Knesset passed in 12/2016 (see JPS 46 [3]). The comm. is set to work on the issue for 3 years, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and DM Avigdor Lieberman receiving updates every 3 mos. (JP 5/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at an IDF post nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest a Palestinian girl at the Qalandia checkpoint allegedly found to be carrying a knife. They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Ramallah and nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escort Joint List member of Knesset (MK) Masud Ganaim from Haram al-Sharif after he violates the ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/20; PCHR 5/25)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with IDF troops on 3/15 nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

U.S. pres. Donald Trump meets with Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on the first day of his first international trip as president. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, among other regional issues, and sign a joint “strategic vision,” including $110 b. in U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia over 10 years. (AP, REU 5/20)

An Israeli settler shoots and kills 1 Palestinian and injures another outside Huwwara village nr. Nablus. A video of the incident shows that he drove his car into a group of Palestinians who then surrounded him, brandishing stones, and he opened fire. The shooting occurs amid clashes between IDF troops and Palestinians marching in solidarity with the 1,500-plus hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike. The IDF decides not to investigate the ramming and shooting as a criminal incident. Later in the day, the IDF shuts down the nearby Huwwara checkpoint while dozens of settlers gather to “show their presence” to Palestinians in the area. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Huwwara killing in Qalandia refugee camp (r.c.), al-Bireh, and Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured by live ammunition and 1 is arrested. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Salfit. Late at night, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian tractor and spray price-tag graffiti on walls outside Burin village. (EI, HA, MNA 5/18; MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/25)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Silwad village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured and 2 are arrested. Israeli forces demolish 8 coal production buildings and 2 sheds nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/18)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler shoots and injures a Palestinian after Palestinian youths throw rocks at passing vehicles outside Ramallah. The IDF then arrests the injured Palestinian and closes the entrance to nearby Silwad village. Palestinian businesses in Tulkarm hold a 1-day strike and Palestinian protesters shut down the United Nations (UN) office in Ramallah in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike and to protest the organization’s alleged inaction on their behalf. Israeli forces demolish the inner walls of a home nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating in Qalandia and Sheikh Jarrah in solidarity with the Dignity Strikers; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. They also arrest 27 Palestinians during latenight raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, Abu Dis, Issawiyya, and Hizma. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village of al-‘Araqib for the 113th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/17; MNA, PCHR 5/18; PCHR 5/25)