The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issued a stop-work order for a road near al-Mughayyir and seized nearby machinery. Israeli forces also distributed 8 demolition notices for Palestinian-owned homes south of Hebron. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Umar, Abu Dis, Ramallah, Nablus, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Madama, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Israeli Channel 13 released a video showing half a dozen Israeli policemen attacking a Palestinian near Shu‘fat refugee camp for failing to show his ID. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 5 international activists, including a member of the Finish parliament, were arrested by Israeli forces after trying to cut through the fence to Gaza in an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; TOI 1/14; HA, PCHR 1/16)

Israel relocated 33 Palestinian minors held at Ofer Prison in the West Bank to Damoun Prison in Israel. Israel also extended the administrative detention of a women scheduled to be released on 1/15 for another 6 months. The woman has been in administrative detention since 6/15/2019. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvest in Qaryut and flooded 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian farmland planted with olive trees with sewage waste in al-Jaba‘. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Israeli forces at Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces delivered notices that 2,522 dunams (623 acres) of land would be seized, including 2,000 in al-Jaba‘, 372 south of Hebron, and 150 near Bayt Liqya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Ram, Yatta, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned 2 members of the parents’ committee that organized a school strike in Issawiyya on 11/2 in protest over Israeli forces breaking into the school and arresting 1 student; 1 of the 2 members was arrested and clashes between Israeli forces and local Palestinians broke out, resulting in the arrest of 3 Palestinian minors. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; HA, HA 11/5; PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli housing cabinet approved the controversial cable car project which would connect Western Jerusalem with East Jerusalem’s Old City. The project is currently under review by Israel’s attorney general and it would need a final procedural approval by the Israeli government. The project, if approved, would likely be challenged in the Israeli high court of justice. (HA 11/4; CNN 11/5 BBC 11/6)

After Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel on 10/29 in protest of Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the 2 would be released to Jordan. (HA 11/4)

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, 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)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device into southern Israel using a balloon. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 2 fishermen are arrested and their boat is damaged. In the West Bank, Israeli forces bulldoze a road leading to Palestinian farmland outside Kobar village near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also deliver stop-work orders to 4 Palestinian structures under construction near Salfit. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and injure a Palestinian activist in Hebron; shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Nabi Salih near Ramallah; arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-‘Izzariya, al-Tur, and the Old City. (MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/11; MNA, MNA 3/12; PCHR 3/14)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 3/1. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 209. (AFP, MNA, TOI 3/12; EI 3/13)

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

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

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

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

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

One Palestinian is shot and killed and at least 9 others are injured during clashes with Israeli settlers and IDF troops in al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah (1 settler is lightly injured as well). The clashes reportedly stemmed from a dispute at a Palestinian olive grove outside the village. The nature of the dispute is unclear. Later in the day, there are conflicting reports about the perpetrator of the killing. All agree that the settlers used live ammunition. Some witnesses say that the IDF did too, despite the IDF’s claim to have only used “riot dispersal” methods. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah and Bethlehem; and patrol near Jenin and Nablus. An Israeli settler attacks 2 Palestinians with an axe near Salfit, causing them both light injuries. Settlers chase Palestinian children from an olive grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a West Bank Palestinian during a high-speed chase outside the Old City. The Israeli police later say that the man was suspected of driving a stolen vehicle. Separately, a Palestinian demolishes 2 rooms of his home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops fire tear gas at a group of Palestinian minors setting tires on fire and rolling them toward the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. Separately, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross the border fence armed with a knife and wire cutters. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/26; AFP, EI, HA, MNA, MNA 1/27; PCHR 1/31)

After several delays over the past 2 weeks, vehicles bearing $9.4 million in Qatari funds enter Gaza. Half the money is distributed to families in urgent need today. The other half is set to be distributed on 1/27. (AFP, HA, TOI, YA 1/26)

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah says that Hezbollah, Iran, and the Syrian government are considering ending their policy of not retaliating against Israel for its sorties in Syrian territory. “At any moment the Syrian leadership and the axis of resistance can take a decision to deal with the Israeli aggression in a different manner,” he says. Nasrallah also says that despite the Israeli campaign to uncover and destroy Hezbollah’s tunnels leading into northern Israel, the group is still prepared for an invasion. “The uncovering of the tunnels does not affect by 10 percent our plans to take over the Galilee,” he adds. “If we decide to do it—even if they’ve destroyed the tunnels—can’t we rebuild them?” (TOI, TOI 1/26)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire at a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Silwad village near Ramallah, injuring the driver. They also shoot and critically injure a Palestinian minor during clashes sparked by an alleged stone-throwing attack outside Qalqilya. IDF raids in al-Khadir near Bethlehem and Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah spark additional clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and 7 are arrested. IDF troops arrest 11 more Palestinians during further raids near Salfit, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving between Nablus and Ramallah, between Nablus and Tulkarm, and outside Hebron, causing minor damage to several. Three settler families set up makeshift homes on Palestinian-owned land outside the Kiryat Arba settlement in protest of the recent Palestinian attacks on their fellow settlers. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers driving near Nablus, moderately injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian near the Old City. Israeli forces then arrest the Palestinian victim of the assault and a 2d Palestinian during raids in Silwan. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; MNA, MNA 12/17; HA 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

Following a week of escalated tensions and violence across the West Bank, Israel’s Education Minister Naftali Bennett leads a rally outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem calling for a stronger crackdown on the occupied Palestinian territories. Bennett accuses the “security establishment” of choosing “the rights of Palestinians over the security of Israelis.” The crowd chants slogans calling for Netanyahu to resign. Meanwhile, the Israeli cabinet unanimously votes to back a piece of legislation, dubbed the “Young Settlement Bill,” which would direct the government to administer 66 illegal settlement outposts as it would legal settlements for a period of 2 years. During that time, the government would be directed to figure out a way to retroactively authorize the 66 outposts. (TOI 12/16; FMEP 12/21)

The IDF announces that it has discovered a fourth Hezbollah-built tunnel leading from southern Lebanon into northern Israel in the context of Operation Northern Shield. (HA, TOI, WP 12/16; TOI 12/18)

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

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

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering near the Old City to protest the detention of Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, on 11/24; 1 protester is arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 4 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol in and around Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a Hamas border control office near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; TOI 11/26; PCHR 11/29)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 32 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 167. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires in open areas in southern Israel that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza. Israeli forces stationed along the border fence arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to cross into Israel armed with a knife near Jabaliya refugee camp; conduct a limited incursion late at night to level land near Dayr al-Balah. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot approximately 40 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Ramallah; set fire to a Palestinian-owned home in central Hebron, causing major damage. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Ramallah, causing major injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. An IDF raid in Qalqilya sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no reported injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. (MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 10/3; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, PCHR 10/4)

Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinians across Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank observe a general strike in protest of the so-called Nation-State Law, which codified Israel’s status as the nation-state of the Jewish people when it passed in the Knesset on 7/19/18. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations against the law on the outskirts of Ramallah, and in Nablus, Qalandia refugee camp, and Qalqilya, as well as 2 neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, (al-‘Izzariya and Abu Dis); 14 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp throughout the day to protest the Israeli blockade, protest the Nation-State Law, and continue the Great March of Return; at least 44 Palestinians are injured. In the evening, several Palestinian fishing boats sail in a symbolic challenge to Israel’s blockade. They turn back to shore after Israeli naval forces fire warning shots in their direction, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 4 fires in southern Israeli border communities reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown from Gaza. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a number of Palestinians and damage a number of their vehicles in the Old City. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse of Palestinian minors congregating near the Damascus Gate to the Old City; 1 Palestinian is injured and 2 are arrested. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis and Hizma, sparking minor clashes in the latter. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 10/1; MNA, MNA, MNA, YA 10/2; PCHR 10/4)

Approximately 1,500 right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 20 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a Palestinian boys school near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Separately, PA security forces arrest dozens of Hamas affiliates during raids across the West Bank. The raids come one day after Hamas security forces summoned dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1135 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot, sparking minor confrontations between their Israeli security escort and Palestinian worshippers; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/27; PCHR 10/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the UN General Assembly in New York City, calling on the Trump administration to reverse its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reinstate aid to UNRWA, and oppose Israel’s settlement enterprise. “It is ironic that the [Trump] administration still talks about what they call the ‘Deal of the Century,’” he says. “But what is left for this administration to give to the Palestinian people?" He also calls on Hamas to implement their 12/7/17 reconciliation agreement and give up control of Gaza to the PA. In response, Hamas releases a statement calling Abbas’s speech a “declaration of failure” on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. (HA, TOI, YA 9/27; DPA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA, YA 9/28)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says that Germany, Sweden, the EU, Japan, and Turkey, as well as a number of other countries, collectively pledged $118 million to UNRWA at a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City this week. Meanwhile, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, meets in New York to discuss an proposed humanitarian aid package for Gaza. (HA, JP, MNA 9/28; TOI 9/29)

After meeting with Rwandan president Paul Kagame, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that Israel and Rwanda will soon open embassies in each other’s countries. Netanyahu also says Kagame wants to start a direct flight between Kigali and Tel Aviv. (TOI 9/29)

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

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

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

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to cheer on the boats and to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 90 are injured. The killing brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 159. Separately, Israeli firefighters put out 9 small fires in southern Israel that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and al-Tur. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/24; MNA 9/25; PCHR 9/27)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries (2 Palestinians are arrested and their boat is confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Gaza City, causing no damage or injury. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/26; HA, MNA, WAFA 8/27; PCHR 8/30)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. Some young protesters launch incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, causing minor damage. IDF troops open fire on the demonstrations near Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 270 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 147. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian minor in the Old City after he allegedly attempts to stab one of them. The Israeli authorities then shut down access to Haram al-Sharif indefinitely, sparking minor clashes in the Old City; there are no reported injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also patrol near Tulkarm, Nablus, and Salfit. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer and issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian construction site near Jericho. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; MNA 8/18; PCHR 8/30)

The IAF conducts an air strike on a site near Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza; 4 Palestinians affiliated with a small armed group are injured. The IDF claims that the men were launching incendiary kites and balloons into Israel. Later, IDF troops open fire on a small group of Palestinians congregating at a Great March of Return protest camp along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp; 3 Palestinian minors are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and injure 1 Palestinian and arrest 9 others during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and a cemetery outside the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/5; MNA 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli troops violently dispersed Great March of Return protests along Gaza’s border on 3/30. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 141. (WAFA 8/5; MNA, TOI 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

Along Gaza’s border fence, an Israeli drone bombs a vehicle and an observation post allegedly being used as a staging area for incendiary kite and balloon attacks near Jabalyaia refugee camp, causing damage. After the strikes, armed groups in Gaza fire at least 11 rockets into Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 3; the rest cause no major damage. The IAF then retaliates with air strikes across Gaza into the night; 1 vehicle reportedly belonging to a senior Hamas official is destroyed in Nuseirat refugee camp. Separately, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants damage 35 grapevines and 7 fig trees in Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate NIS 25,000 (approximately $6,836) during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and moderately injure a Palestinian in the Old City; issue an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during an arrest raid in Ras al-Amud; and demolish a home and a steel fence in Bayt Hanina. Two Palestinian families demolish their own homes in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/26; HA, JP, WAFA, YA 6/27; PCHR 6/28)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a Great March of Return tent camp near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/24)

One week after the U.S. and Guatemala formally opened their new embassies in Jerusalem, Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes attends a similar ceremony to inaugurate the new Paraguayan embassy in the city. Meanwhile, a senior PA official says that the Palestinians are urging Arab states to cut ties with Guatemala and Paraguay over their embassy relocations. “A similar request was made regarding America after it relocated its embassy, but it was clear that no Arab nation would cut its ties with the U.S.,” the official says. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/21)

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

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

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. IDF troops then arrest 4 Palestinian minors attempting to cross into Israel near the site of the incursion, and violently disperse Palestinian protesters throwing stones at the border fence near the main Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Jenin home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the 1/9/18 killing of an Israeli settler. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers damage 20 Palestinian vehicles and spray-paint “Death to Arabs” on a nearby wall in Bayt Iksa. Some of the same settlers vandalize more Palestinian property in Rammun village near Ramallah later in the day. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/23; PCHR 4/26)

A deaf Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained on 4/1 when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border. A Palestinian witness to the shooting says that the deceased was walking away from the border fence when an Israeli sniper shot him in the back of the head. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 36. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23; EI 4/24; PCHR 4/26; HQ 5/5)

A mortar fired from Syria lands in the Israelioccupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. IDF artillery then shell the area from which the mortar was fired, causing an unclear amount of damage or injuries. “The IDF sees the Syrian civil regime as responsible for all that happens on its territory, and will not tolerate any attempt to harm the sovereignty of the State of Israel or the security of its citizens,” the IDF states after the exchange. (HA, YA 4/23)

Palestinian diplomats file a formal complaint against Israel with the UN office in Geneva responsible for monitoring the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The complaint alleges that Israel has violated the convention in a variety of ways, including the parallel justice systems for Palestinians and settlers in the West Bank. “Not only is the purpose of the settlement regime discriminatory in itself, it is further maintained by a system of discriminatory measures, severely depriving Palestinians of their fundamental rights,” one diplomat says. (MNA 4/24)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/19)

The Israeli authorities shut down border crossings in and out of Gaza and the West Bank “in accordance with instructions from the government and a situations assessment by the IDF,” according to an IDF statement. The borders are set to remain closed until after Israel’s 70th anniversary celebrations are complete at midnight on 4/19. (TOI 4/16; HA, JP 4/17)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for the 3d consecutive Friday. A number of protesters throw explosives and Molotov cocktails toward the border fence. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 200 are injured. The protester killed today brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 30. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and late at night near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests near Ramallah, Nablus, al-Bireh, Qalqilya, and Hebron; at least 12 Palestinians are injured. They also issue an arrest summons during a raid near Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers break into a mosque near Nablus overnight and set fire to the interior, causing moderate damage. A separate group of settlers damages 7 Palestinian olive trees near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during a raid in the Old City. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, PNN, WAFA, YA 4/13; MNA 4/ 14; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 planned days. (OCHA 4/27)

Israeli DM Lieberman says that the decreasing attendance at the Friday protests along Gaza’s border over the past 2 weeks show that Israel’s “determination” has had an effect. “Each week there are fewer rioters on our border with Gaza. Our determination is well understood on the other side,” he says. (TOI 4/13)

U.S., UK, and French forces conduct air strikes on Syrian government research, storage, and military targets near Homs and in Damascus, fulfilling U.S. president Trump’s pledge to retaliate for an alleged chemical weapons attack in Damascus on 4/7. (AP, BBC, NYT 4/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian man at a checkpoint near Tulkarm. (The man will succumb to his injuries on 4/8.) They also clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Hebron and Nabi Salih near Ramallah; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 10 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, and in Tubas; and patrols in Hebron and near Nablus and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 unarmed Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel, and violently disperse dozens of Palestinians participating in the Great March of Return for a 4th day in a row near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City; 8 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (HA, TOI, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/5)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 16. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 4/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya as Palestinian students are returning home from school. The raids spark clashes, and 2 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 7 Palestinians during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers working near Ramallah, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in the Old City on the pretext that they failed to prevent the stabbing attack on 3/18. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in al-‘Izzariya and al-Ram. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/19; PCHR 3/22)

At the start of a PA cabinet meeting in Ramallah, PA president Abbas accuses Hamas of perpetrating the 3/13 assassination attempt on PA PM Hamdallah and threatens further punitive restrictions on Gaza. Hamas later responds in a statement: “[Abbas] is paving the way for chaos which will facilitate the approval of President Trump’s plan and Israel’s plans. We condemn these irresponsible statements by the PA chairman, who has already been trying for a while to subdue our people in Gaza in this difficult and dangerous moment in history.” In the same speech, Abbas criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts, specifically calling out U.S. ambassador to Israel Friedman. “Son of a dog,” he says of Freidman. “You are a settler and your family are settlers.” Friedman later responds, “Is that anti-Semitism or political discourse? I leave that up to you.” (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/19; HA 3/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to destroy Palestinian farmers’ trucks outside Huwwara near Nablus, but the owners intervene and there is no resulting damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus and Hebron, and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinian students at Birzeit University protesting the IDF’s operations on the campus on 3/7; 8 students are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces destroy a number of tombstones in a Palestinian cemetery outside the Old City; and arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Abu Dis, Anata, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In 5 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Ten fishermen are arrested and 3 boats are confiscated. (MNA, WAFA 3/12; PCHR 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces evacuate and demolish a new illegal Israeli settlement outpost, Evyatar, near Nablus. Settlers established the outpost 2 weeks ago. Several are arrested when they resist the demolitions. After the evacuation, some of the settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nearby, cracking 1 windshield. Separately, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian child during clashes sparked by an arrest raid near Ramallah. They arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a structure in a Bedouin encampment in al-‘Izzariya. They also shoot and injure a Palestinian during minor clashes in Issawiyya; and arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in the Old City, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/22)

Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York City, proposing a new peace plan based on past agreements and calling for an international peace conference to be held in mid-2018. He says that the outcomes of the conference must include international acceptance of Palestinian statehood, consensus on a 2-state solution based on the pre-1967 armistice lines, the establishment of a multilateral mechanism to facilitate negotiations on all final status issues, and a timeline for implementation. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu calls the speech “nothing new.” (AP, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/20)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel stabs and kills an Israeli settler outside the entrance to the settlement Ariel near Nablus. An Israeli soldier then chases down the alleged assailant in his car and rams him. After the alleged assailant eludes capture, the IDF conducts widespread raids in nearby Kafr Haris. In an apparent act of revenge, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Salfit, moderately injuring 1 Palestinian. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian journalist and his brother during a raid in Ramallah. They also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. A raid in Burqin village near Jenin sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline used for agricultural purposes in the northern Jordan Valley and confiscate a number of tents being used to shelter sheep near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/5; TOI 2/6; PCHR 2/8)