The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. (PCHR 4/13; PCHR 4/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 18 olive trees nr. Salfit to clear space for the construction of a new water supply network for nearby settlements. IDF troops patrol in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, more than 40 Palestinians banned from Haram al-Sharif gather outside the sanctuary in protest while approx. 300 rightwing Jewish activists tour the area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Rafah. (MNA, WAFA 4/11; MNA 4/12; PCHR 4/13)

In the West Bank, the IDF temporarily shuts down all entrances into Hebron around midday without providing an official reason. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at a settlement nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit. Israeli settlers uproot 310 olive trees outside Mukhmas village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search Haram al-Sharif after arresting a Palestinian outside the sanctuary; and arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 4/10; MNA 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jalazun r.c. on 3/23. (EI, MNA, WAFA 4/10; PCHR 4/13)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State fighters fire a rocket from the n. Sinai Peninsula into s. Israel, which hits a greenhouse in the Eshkol region, causing no serious damage or injuries. The launch comes hours after Israeli authorities announced the closure of the Taba border crossing from Israel to Egypt over suspicions about such an attack. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/10)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will be sending a high-level delegation to Washington in 2 weeks to prepare for PA pres. Abbas’s meeting with U.S. pres. Trump on 5/3. “The main goal here is to reach understandings that would make the president’s visit a success . . . with positive results that would serve the Palestinian cause,” he says. (WAFA 4/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops ransack and shut down a Palestinian metal workshop nr. Hebron. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. In Gaza, interior ministry security forces raid the PLO office in Gaza City, conducting a search for undisclosed reasons. (MNA, WAFA 4/9)

Thousands of PA employees in Gaza gather in Gaza City to protest the PA’s recent decision to cut their salaries by at least 30%. (The cuts were not made public until 4/4) In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids across the city, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing orders banning 30 others from Haram al-Sharif for periods ranging from 15 days to 6 mos. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate building materials from a workshop and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron. (MNA, TOI 4/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/9; PCHR 4/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams 2 Palestinians outside Hebron, causing minor injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian family’s flock in the n. Jordan Valley, killing 1 sheep and injuring a goat. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. (MNA 4/7; HA 4/10; PCHR 4/13)

The Israeli authorities announce that they will be closing crossings to and from the West Bank and Gaza during the upcoming Passover holiday. The closure will last from midnight on 4/9 until midnight on 4/17, and only exceptional cases will be allowed to exit the territories, including humanitarian situations and Palestinian Christians hoping to enter Jerusalem to celebrate Easter. (JP, TOI 4/7; MNA 4/8; JP 4/9; TOI 4/10)

A Palestinian driver allegedly rams his car into 2 IDF troops at Ofra junction nr. Ramallah, killing 1 and injuring the other. IDF troops open fire on the vehicle, injuring the driver. The IDF then freezes the work permits of the driver’s family and, late at night, raids the Silwad homes of some other relatives, detaining 4. Israeli soldiers also measure the driver’s home, threatening punitive demolition. Israeli settlers, meanwhile, congregate on a road nr. the site of the alleged ramming, calling for revenge and blocking traffic. Elsewhere in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an IDF post nr. Ramallah late at night, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct 2 limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/13)

Hamas executes 3 Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel outside a police compound in Gaza City. They were sentenced to death mos. ago, long before the killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24 and the ensuing investigation. (AP, JP, MNA, TOI 4/6)

The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza lifts the restrictions on the Erez border crossing, the Rafah border crossing, and Palestinian fishermen that it imposed on 3/26 in the wake of the 3/24 killing of Fuqaha. (JP, MNA 4/6; MNA 4/7)

IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces raze around 100 dunams (approx. 25 acres) of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Bethlehem and demolish 3 residential structures and 4 tents nr. Salfit. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 2 Islamic Waqf guards from Haram al-Sharif for 6 mos., and 3 other Palestinians from the sanctuary for 3 mos. They don’t give a reason for the bans. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat r.c. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces spray pesticides on Palestinian agricultural areas nr. Khan Yunis for the 2d day in a row; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 111th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/5; JP 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

The Israeli govt. and PA sign an agreement to allow Palestinian mobile service providers to offer 3G to their customers in the oPt. The IDF’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) releases a statement explaining that the deal is meant to strengthen the Palestinian economy. Prior to today’s agreement, the Israeli authorities were barring Palestinian companies from offering 3G due to security concerns. In 11/2015, Israel and the PA signed a similar agreement to enable 3G access in the oPt, but it was never implemented. (MNA 4/5)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 apartment buildings, an agricultural shed, and 5 retaining walls in al-Za’ayem village on the outskirts of the city. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah, Qalandia r.c., and al-Tur. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Bayt Hanina to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian mobile home nr. Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes and agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli drones spray pesticides on Palestinian lands nearby. (MNA, WAFA 4/4; HA 4/5; PCHR 4/6)

A Hamas spokesperson calls on alleged Palestinian collaborators with Israel to give up information relating to the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha. Hamas is giving alleged collaborators a week, starting today, to come forward in exchange for “full legal and physical protections, as well as a discreet undertaking of the matter.” The spokesperson calls it a “week of repentance.” (JP, MNA 4/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 150 olive trees nr. Salfit because they were “damaging the natural view and values of the [nearby] natural resort,” according to an IDF spokesperson. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah. During a raid in Jalazun r. c., Palestinian youths throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, sparking minor clashes; 3 Palestinians are arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Qatanna. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/3; MNA 4/4; PCHR 4/6)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) releases a report on Israel and the oPt, concluding that the Israeli govt. is systematically limiting human rights workers’ access to the Gaza Strip, which restricts their ability to document rights abuses and violations of international law. HRW says that it has only been able to get permission for 1 delegation of foreign staff to visit Gaza since 2008, in 9/2016. (HA, HRW, JP, TOI 4/3)

In East Jerusalem, 67 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinian children playing in al-Bustan. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian killed in East Jerusalem on 4/1 and interrogate his family mbrs. They also arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at an IDF post outside Zuffin settlement nr. Qalqilya; arrest 6 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/6)

Jerusalem district police cmdr. Doron Turgeman says that security in the city will likely be increased around Passover, which is set to begin on 4/10. “Holidays and festivals over the years have caused higher tensions and sensitivity and are a preferred period for attacks,” he says. (TOI 4/2)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures 3 Israelis. Palestinian witnesses say that the police could have apprehended the assailant without killing him. The Israeli police then shut down the entrances to the Old City, sparking clashes with Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured, 1 is arrested, and several shop owners are issued arrest summons. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze 15 dunams (approx. 4 acres) of Palestinian-owned land nr. Bethlehem to clear space for the expansion of settlement infrastructure in the area. They also shift the location of their cement roadblocks in c. Hebron, expanding IDFcontrolled territory by several meters. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm, as well as in Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers approach the outskirts of Burin village nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/1; HA, MNA 4/2; PCHR 4/6)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. Later in the day, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler’s car driving nr. Ni‘lin. They seal the village after the incident. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when he is found to be carrying a knife, and patrol nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA, TOI 3/31; MNA 4/1; PCHR 4/6)

Palestinians gather across the West Bank to commemorate Land Day. IDF troops violently disperse them in Bethlehem, Madama village nr. Nablus, and several other areas; at least 16 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze around 20 dunams (5 acres) of land nr. Salfit to make way for the expansion of a settlement industrial zone. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers verbally confront dozens of Jewish settlers touring Haram al-Sharif; there are no arrests or violence. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. (MNA, WAFA 3/30; PCHR 4/6)

In a meeting with his security cabinet, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a new policy to manage settlement growth: the Israeli govt. will continue construction in previously developed areas, when permissible, and adjacent areas, when not permissible; allow construction on the closest land possible to developed areas when neither adjacent nor permissible land is available; and bar the creation of any new settlement outposts. The PM insists that the new policy is not based on an understanding with the Trump admin., although it comes a week after an Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington for talks on settlement growth. Netanyahu also says that 900 dunams (approx. 222 acres) nr. the Eli settlement have been declared state land and that final approval has been given to market 2,000 new homes in existing settlements (these 2,000 are among the 5,700 advanced in the 3 weeks following U.S. pres. Trump’s inauguration on 1/20; see JPS 46 [3]). (HA, JP, TOI 3/30; HA, TOI 4/2)

Israel’s security cabinet announces its unanimous approval of a new Israeli settlement n. of Ramallah to house the former residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which was evacuated and demolished in early 2/2017. The approval reflects PM Netanyahu’s promise to build the former residents a new settlement. (NYT 3/30; HA, JP, TOI 3/31)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after she allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them with a pair of scissors outside the Old City. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Anata r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid a secondary school in Burin village nr. Nablus, arresting 1 student; arrest 5 Palestinians during further raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Jenin and Hebron. A late-night IDF raid in Tubas sparks clashes with stonethrowing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction nr. Bethlehem. Israeli settlers assault several Palestinian farmers working their lands nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/29; MNA, PCHR 3/30; PCHR 4/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs the Foreign Ministry to reduce by $2 m. the amount of funds Israel transfers annually to the UN in response to “hostile proposals concerning Israel adopted by the UNHRC [on 3/24],” according to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson. The money will go instead to development programs in countries that support Israel in international forums. (HA, JP 3/29)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian buildings under construction in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and demolish the contents of a workshop during raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

A PA commission of inquiry established to investigate the PASF’s repression of protests in c. Ramallah and Dahaysha r.c. on 3/12 finds that the Palestinian troops violated PA regulations and acted disproportionately, although they maintained a “high level of self-control.” The commission recommends punishments for several PASF officers who used excessive violence (PA PM Hamdallah will accept the commission’s recommendations on 3/29). (MNA 3/28; MNA, WAFA 3/29)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths at a checkpoint outside Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are lightly injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a residential structure nr. Jericho. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF vehicle that reportedly entered Sa‘ir village nr. Hebron by accident. PASF and IDF troops then enter the village to escort the vehicle out. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif after they prevent an Israeli archaeologist from removing several stones from the sanctuary. The Israeli police escort the archaeologist and his colleagues out of the sanctuary and arrest 6 more guards during late-night raids across the city. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/27; HA, MNA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

After closing it on 3/26, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza conditionally re-opens the Erez border crossing this morning. Medical patients, families visiting prisoners in Israel, women of all ages, and men between the ages of 15 and 45 are allowed to exit Gaza, and all are able to enter, as long as they possess the appropriate permissions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Atty. Gen. Ismail Jaber issues a gag order on the publication of any information relating to the investigation into the killing of senior military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/27)

Israeli PM Netanyahu has decided to reassess his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, according to reports in the Israeli press today. Any change in the current policy would come after a 3-mo. assessment period. Netanyahu instituted the ban in 10/2015 during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (JP, TOI 3/27; MNA 3/29)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 53 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 3/26; PCHR 3/30)

Amid the ongoing investigation of the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha, the Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza indefinitely shuts down the Erez border crossing, except for humanitarian cases; orders all fishermen to return to the shore; and shuts down the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. (Most of these restrictions will remain in place through 4/6.) The Kerem Shalom border crossing remains open. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/26; MNA 4/6)

A spokesperson for the residents of the Amona settlement outpost warns that if the Israeli govt. does not build them a new settlement, as PM Netanyahu promised before Amona’s evacuation and demolition in 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3]), they will “have to unilaterally move onto the [designated] land” and build it themselves. The spokesperson is likely responding to reports in the Israeli press about Israel-U.S. talks in Washington last week, and specifically an unconfirmed report that the U.S. may condone the Amona replacement in exchange for other limitations on settlement growth. (JP 3/26; JP 3/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron overnight, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and confiscate a drone during raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian tears down the roof of his own home to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud and al-Sawana. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/30)

At the funeral of Hamas cmdr. Fuqaha in Gaza City, thousands of Hamas mbrs. and supporters call for revenge against Israel for its alleged role in his killing on 3/24. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya says that “Fuqaha didn’t have enemies, and Israel is the only beneficiary in his assassination.” Also, Hamas’s military wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, releases a statement threatening to “respond in a manner that befits [Fuqaha’s] position.” (HA, YA 3/25)

IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, killing 1 Palestinian youth and seriously injuring the other 3 occupants (1 of the youths will succumb to his injuries on 4/10). IDF troops then shut down a major checkpoint nearby and violently disperse Palestinians from the camp gathering to protest the shooting; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints in n. Hebron in response to stone throwing in the area. Israeli forces raid and damage the contents of 2 Palestinian printing shops in Tulkarm, and arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Salfit and in Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat nr. Gaza City. Later, they open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police officer assaults and injures several Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz after 1 of them reportedly rammed him with a car. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/23; EI, MNA 3/24; PCHR 3/30)

Concluding 4 days of talks in Washington, Israeli and U.S. officials release a joint statement saying that the Israeli govt. intends to take the Trump admin.’s concerns regarding settlement activity in the oPt “into consideration.” They do not reach a broader agreement on the subject. The talks were focused on “concrete, nr.-term measures to improve the overall climate in order to advance the prospects for a genuine and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” including steps Israel could take to improve the economic situation in the oPt and the need to bring humanitarian relief to Gaza. (NYT, WP 3/23; HA 3/24; HA 3/26)

The U.S. Senate confirms Friedman as the new amb. to Israel in 52–46 vote. Only 2 Democrats vote in favor of U.S. pres. Trump’s nominee: Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). (CNN, HA, JP, TOI 3/23)

Israeli forces positioned along Gaza’s border fire artillery shells at 3 Palestinians nr. Rafah; 1 is killed and the other 2 are injured. The IDF says the soldiers fired after “detect[ing] 2 suspects.” The incident comes hours after the IDF carried out a major military exercise in the area. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces punitively seal with concrete the Jabal Mukabir home of the Palestinian killed in a confrontation with Israeli soldiers on 1/7. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 agricultural sheds outside Jericho and uproot a number of trees in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in s. Hebron when he is found with to be carrying a knife, and arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers working outside Burin nr. Nablus, lightly injuring 1. (EI, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/22; MNA, PCHR 3/23; PCHR 3/30)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “there has been significant progress” in the ongoing talks between Israeli and U.S. officials in Washington this week. They are reportedly working toward a mutual understanding on Israeli settlement growth. (HA, JP, TOI 3/22)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian nr. Nablus, causing moderate injuries. The IDF delivers confiscation orders to the Palestinian owners of 169 dunams (42 acres) of farmland nr. Qalqilya and stop-work orders to 7 Palestinian homes under construction in Kafr al-Dik nr. Salfit. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and confiscate a tractor during raids nr. Ramallah, Jericho, and Tubas; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 residential buildings in Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, WAFA 3/ 20; MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/23)

PA pres. Abbas meets with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss regional affairs and the prospect of holding a regional peace conference to kick off a new round of peace talks. Al-Sisi reportedly tells Abbas that the Palestinian question will remain a high priority in Cairo. (TOI, WAFA 3/ 20; MNA, WAFA 3/21)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that the U.S. will be boycotting the UNHRC’s discussion of Israel at its 34th session this week, also known as Agenda Item 7. “The U.S. strongly and unequivocally opposes the existence of the UNHRC’s Agenda Item 7,” the State Dept. statement reads. (JP, TOI, USSD 3/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under renovation e. of Hebron and a demolition order for another home under construction in nearby Bayt Umar. They also assault and arrest a Palestinian youth during a raid outside a secondary school nr. Nablus and detain a Palestinian child in c. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 more Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jericho. PASF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 1 Palestinian civilian and sparking a brief firefight with armed residents of the camp; 1 PASF member is killed and another is injured. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural land nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/19; MNA, WAFA 3/20; MNA 3/21; MNA, PCHR 3/23)

An Israeli delegation arrives in Washington for a week of talks with the Trump admin. on settlement construction. Israeli amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer will join the delegates. (JP 3/19)

Palestinian fighters launch 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel overnight; 2 fall short of the border and 1 lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF conducts retaliatory air strikes on Hamas posts in Gaza City and nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing damage. Later in the day, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians march through al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in mourning for the Palestinian killed in the camp on 3/17. When some mourners throw stones at an IDF post, Israeli soldiers violently disperse the demonstration; 5 Palestinians are injured. The IDF then conducts raids in the camp, detaining several Palestinians. IDF troops arrest 14 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian’s car nr. Hebron, damaging the windshield. (JP, MNA, WAFA 3/18; PCHR 3/23)

IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and moderately injuring the other, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron after they allegedly throw firebombs at Israeli settlers’ cars nearby. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Israeli activists are injured. They also patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. The IDF conducts further patrols in and around Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers uproot around 75 olive tree seedlings nr. Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at 3 Israeli settlers who enter Qalandia r.c.; the IDF then escorts the settlers out of the camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no injuries or damage; uproot around 90 grapevine seedlings outside Bethlehem; and assault a Palestinian taxi driver nr. Jerusalem. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Dep. Knesset Speaker Moshe Feiglin tours Haram al-Sharif with a group of right-wing Jewish activists in the morning. In West Jerusalem, 2 Jewish Israelis assault and moderately injure a Palestinian taxi driver. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Bedouin community Umm Batin nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/16; MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Ahead of his 2d meeting with U.S. envoy Greenblatt this week, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction. Agreedupon for us, of course, not just for the [U.S.] side.” Netanyahu and Greenblatt then make progress on the issue, pledging to continue contacts next week, according to a joint statement. Separately, Greenblatt meets with leaders of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization for settlement municipalities. (HA, JP 3/16; JP 3/17)

Hamas announces the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. It will comprise mbrs. of the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council bloc and other senior officials. “Hamas has not formed a substitute govt. to replace the [PA] consensus govt.,” according to senior Hamas official Salah Bardawil. “A governmental administrative comm. was formed, not an actual govt. [The comm.] aims to organize the work of state institutions, and any minister from Ramallah is welcome to come to Gaza and do his job, and the comm. will be at his service,” he adds. (ALM 3/22)

Israeli DM Lieberman names the Palestinian National Fund a terrorist organization due to its “continuous and sustained support of entities responsible for serious terrorist activity against Israel.” The PA fund is primarily used to disburse payments to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel on terrorismrelated charges, and to assist prisoners’ families. PA pres. Abbas calls the move “an Israeli attempt to impede, destroy, and belittle” the ongoing U.S.-led peace-making effort. (JP, TOI 3/16)

Fighters fire a projectile from Gaza into s. Israel, which lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct air strikes on 2 Hamas sites in n. Gaza late at night, causing damage to electricity infrastructure in the area. (JP, MNA 3/15; MNA, WAFA 3/16)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after she allegedly attempts to carry out a ramming attack nr. Bethlehem. They also conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. Also nr. Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to pass through a gap in the separation wall, and deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron for allegedly possessing a knife. They also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Tubas; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. Approximately 42 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Gaza City. For a 2d day in a row, the ILA demolishes crops in a Bedouinowned field nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/16; PCHR 3/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They conduct further patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah; and arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian schools go on strike to protest the closure of al-Nukhba School on 2/23 and the Jerusalem Municipality’s 12/2016 decision to align its vacation calendar with the Israeli school calendar. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya as well as 2 rooms in a Palestinian home in Silwan; arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Hizma and Issawiyya; and shut down a dept. of the Arab Studies Society in Bayt Hanina because of alleged affiliation with the PA (it will be reopened on 3/16). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting Israeli demolitions of Palestinian property outside the finance ministry’s headquarters; there are no serious injuries. In s. Israel, the Israel Land Authority (ILA) demolishes crops in a Bedouin-owned field nr. Beersheba. (HA, MNA, PLONAD, TOI, WAFA 3/14; PCHR 3/16; MNA 3/17)

The Israeli Knesset approves amendments to the Basic Law barring politicians from running for office if they are known to “support terrorism,” if they do not recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, or if they incite racism or support armed resistance against Israel. In response, Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi says “there is a tendency in recent Knessets in which MKs from the right wing compete with themselves over which bill they can present to exclude authentic representatives of the Arab population.” (KNE, WAFA 3/15)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. special representative for international negotiations Greenblatt in Ramallah. Abbas tells him that “under [U.S.] pres. Trump’s leadership a historic peace deal is possible,” according to a U.S. statement. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu comments on his 3/13 meeting with Greenblatt, saying that “we’re in a process, but it’s a process of mutual dialogue, authentic and honest in the positive sense.” The process is “not yet visible to the media,” he adds. (MNA, NYT, HA, TOI 3/14)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 of them. Israeli forces then raid the alleged attacker’s home in Jabal Mukabir, sparking minor clashes with residents of the area; 5 Palestinians are arrested. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Ramallah to protest the PASF’s violent assault on protesters on 3/12, and to call for PA pres. Abbas to end security coordination with Israel and resign. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. (HA, IMEMC, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/13; EI 3/14; PCHR 3/16)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announces that it will not be participating in the municipal elections set for 5/13 in protest of the PA’s repression of demonstrations against security coordination on 3/12. Meanwhile, a PA spokesperson announces that Ramallah’s chief of police Abd al-Latif al-Qaddumi has resigned, but denies that his resignation is coming as a result of the 3/12 protests against PA security coordination with Israel, which were held outside a court in Ramallah and violently dispersed by PA security forces. PM Hamdallah announces that he has appointed a fact-finding comm. to look into the events at the 3/12 protests. (MNA 3/13; JP 3/14)

Jason Greenblatt, U.S. pres. Trump’s special representative for international negotiations, meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem for 5 hours. According to a joint statement, they discussed settlements “in the hope of working out an approach that is consistent with the goal of advancing peace and security.” Later, Greenblatt meets with senior Palestinian officials in Ramallah, who tell him they are interested in the Trump admin. presenting its own plan for a peace deal. Greenblatt is set to remain in Israel and the oPt all week for more meetings, including with PA pres. Abbas on 3/14. (ALM, HA, JP 3/13; HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 3/14)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron for allegedly planning a stabbing attack. Palestinian witnesses film the scene, and their footage shows Israeli soldiers preparing to plant a knife on the youth as grounds for his arrest. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot around 140 olive trees from Palestinian villages s. of Nablus. PA security forces (PASF) violently suppress demonstrations in Ramallah and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem against the PA security coordination with Israel that led to the IDF killing of Basel al-Araj, Palestinian activist, on 3/6; at least 11 Palestinians are injured, including al-Araj’s father, and prominent hunger striker Khader Adnan is arrested. (JP, MNA, WAFA 3/12; MNA 3/13; PCHR 3/16)

Two days after he spoke with U.S. pres. Trump by phone for around 10 minutes, PA pres. Abbas says that Trump “promised his full commitment to peace and to the 2-state solution.” Abbas and his advisors are reportedly pleased with Trump’s position on the issue. (JP, TOI 3/12)