The Palestine Chronology

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm and Bethlehem. In Bayt Umar, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian firing live ammunition at his abdomen. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained 4 Palestinian journalists from Palestine TV. They were all released later in the same day. The Israeli police spokesperson said that the 4 were arrested because of network ties to the PA which Israel does not allow to operate in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, 46 Palestinians were injured during the 83d weekly Great March of Return protest, including 4 by live ammunition. Separately, 1 Palestinian truck driver was hit by Israeli live ammunition when Israeli forces opened fire on his truck east of Jabaliya. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; PCHR 12/12)

Israel launched a rocket to test a rocket propulsion system. The Israeli defense ministry did not provide any further details. (HA 12/6)

The U.S. house of representatives passed a resolution H.R. 326 opposing Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The resolution passed 226-188 with 4 Democrats voting against and 5 Republicans voting in favor. 1 of the Democrats voting against the resolution, Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who was a cosponsor of the original resolution, explained on Twitter that she opposed the resolution because the word “occupation” was removed and it was amended to include an “ironclad” commitment to Israeli military aid. (HA, JVP, Twitter 12/6)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in the streets of Hebron using pepper spray and stones; 5 Palestinians were injured, including a 1-year-old. Israeli forces also closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque. 1 Palestinian 13-year-old was arrested in Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; HA 11/25; PCHR 11/28)

The Jerusalem District Electricity Company, a Palestinian-owned company supplying Palestinians in the West Bank, said in a statement that the Israeli Electricity Company (IEC) will increase the daily power cuts from 2 hours to 3 hours in December. The IEC started cutting electricity for Palestinians in the West Bank because the PA owes the company money that it has not been able to pay due to Israel withholding PA tax revenue. (WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Bayt Dajan, Qabalan, Majdal Bani Fadl near Nablus, and Kafr al-Dik near Salfit, and vandalized more than 50 Palestinian-owned vehicles, setting several on fire; settlers also wrote racist graffiti on several buildings. In Hebron, an Israeli settler assaulted 12 Palestinians. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries he sustained during Israeli airstrikes on 11/14. This brings the comprehensive death toll in the Israeli attack on Gaza starting on 11/12 to 34. Despite the Great March of Return protest being canceled, several Palestinians protested by the Gaza fence; 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces using live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces separately opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Jabalia; no injures were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/22; HA 11/23; PCHR 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers damaged a total of 120 olive trees and stole olive-picking equipment during 3 separate incidents in al-Sawiya and Yasuf village. Israeli settlers attacked Israeli forces as they entered the Yitzhar settlement to arrest 1 settler; 3 Israeli officers were injured. Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives in Sabastiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured 16 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Issawiyya using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Jabalia and Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; HA 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

Jordan reclaimed 2 stretches of land which the country has leased to Israel for the past 25 years as part of the 2 countries’ peace treaty from 1994. Jordan reclaiming the land does not violate the peace treaty. (AJ, HA, WAFA 11/10; AJ, HA 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man using rubber-coated bullets as he was trying to enter Israel at a checkpoint southwest of Jenin. Elsewhere in Hebron, a video showed Israeli soldiers assaulting 1 Palestinian man and his 5-year-old boy. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for a house near Ya‘bad. Israeli settlers stole olive harvests from Palestinian farmers in Luban al-Sharqiyya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Umar, and Silwad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the shore from Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; HA, PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli supreme court upheld the Israeli government’s decision to expel U.S. citizen and Israel and Palestine Director at the Human Rights Watch Omar Shakir. The Israeli government accused Shakir of supporting boycotts of Israel, an accusation that the Human Rights Watch and Shakir have denied. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WP 11/5)

The European Union donated $17.84 million to the PA to help make payments for PA civil servants and pensioners as the PA faces economic hardship due to Israel withholding part of its tax revenue. (WAFA 11/5)

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 forces arrested 2 Palestinians, including a minor during a late-night raid in Bayt Liqya, and a former prisoner during a raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-Fawar refugee camp; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, 144 Palestinians were injured during the 81st weekly Great March of Return protest, including 73 by live ammunition and at least 31 by rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Later, some 10 rockets were fired at Israel; Israel bombed several places in Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian and wounding 3 others. Damage was reported in Gaza and Israel, where rocket shrapnel hit a house. Separately, a bullet fired from the Israeli side of the Gaza fence hit a window of a Palestinian house in Khuza‘a. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 miles off the coast of Jabalia. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/1; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA 11/2; HA 11/3; PCHR 11/7)

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, Israeli forces forced Palestinians harvesting olives to leave their fields in Qaryut. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian cars traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya, causing damage to several vehicles. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family in Jabal Mukabir demolished their own home to avoid exorbitant Israeli-imposed fees. Israeli forces raided Issawiyya, leading to clashes with local Palestinians. 1 Palestinian was injured by a Molotov cocktail thrown at the Israeli forces; 8 Palestinians were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions 3 nautical miles from Jabalia. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 14 Israeli soldiers were arrested for attacking bedouins in southern Israel on 10/16. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; HA 10/23; PCHR 10/24)

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted a Palestinian man trying to prevent them from stealing his olive harvest in al-Jaba‘; the man was taken to a hospital in Bayt Jala. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti on buildings in Marda. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian workers at a landfill east of Jabalia on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported but damage to equipment was. In Israel, hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel demonstrated against Israeli police’s failure to address violence and illegal gun possession in their communities. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; PCHR 10/17)

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

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

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

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

IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; at least 20 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, Israeli artillery shell a Hamas post near Juhur al-Dik, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settler vehicles near Ramallah, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no serious injuries are reported. They also clash with Palestinian minors in Beitunia near Ramallah; there are no serious injuries reported. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Hizma to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/29; MNA, MNA, MNA 3/30)

Palestinian sources say that the main factions in Gaza, including Hamas, have reached agreements with the Israeli authorities ahead of the planned protests in Gaza on 3/30. In the context of the reported agreements, one source says that Israel intends to re-open the border crossings into Gaza and ease restrictions on the entry of certain goods, among other concessions. The factions, for their part, reportedly plan to limit the size of tomorrow’s protests. (HA, TOI 3/29)

The Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike on a group of Palestinians allegedly launching incendiary balloons into southern Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are lightly injured. Late at night, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 11 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. (MNA, MNA 3/28; MNA 3/29)

The Egyptian delegation that arrived in Gaza yesterday to discuss the terms of a possible cease-fire departs for Israel to deliver Hamas’s proposed terms to the Israeli authorities. (MNA 3/28)

The UK announces a $2.6 million pledge to provide medical and surgical supplies to hospitals in Gaza. (MNA 3/29)

Unidentified persons launch a rocket from Gaza into central Israel. It strikes an Israeli home north of Tel Aviv, injuring 7 Jewish Israelis and causing damage. The Israeli Air Force then retaliates with dozens of air strikes on Hamas sites all across Gaza, causing extensive damage and injuring at least 3 Palestinians. Palestinians in Gaza respond, firing at least 50 projectiles into southern Israel and setting of hours of cross-border attacks. An hour after an Egyptian- and UN-backed cease-fire is supposed to go into effect, 30 projectiles are fired into Israel from Gaza. Most are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then continues its air strikes across Gaza, bombing at least 15 targets in and around Jabaliya refugee camp and causing extensive damage. (EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 3/25; HA, MNA, YA 3/26; PCHR 3/28)

After a rocket from Gaza strikes an Israeli home near Tel Aviv (see above), Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he is cutting his trip to the U.S. short. He still meets with President Donald Trump at the White House, but he skips his planned address at the annual AIPAC conference. At their meeting, Trump signs a formal declaration conveying U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, codifying his 3/21 pledge. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities decide to indefinitely shut down the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings, blocking all traffic of persons and good in and out of Gaza. (EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 3/25; HA, MNA, YA 3/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray-paint racist anti-Palestinian graffiti on Palestinian vehicles and buildings near Jerusalem. They also puncture the tires of 28 Palestinian vehicles. Separately, settlers chop down a number of olive and almond trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction near Hebron and a water well under construction near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Salfit and Qalqilya. An unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates near Bethlehem, injuring 3 Palestinian minors. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Jabal Mukabir, Hizma, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/28)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 48 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 207. Late at night, after a projectile is fired from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites across Gaza, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians armed with knives and attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (4 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bayt Sira near Ramallah; 8 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, after the Israeli authorities decided to re-seal al-Rahma Gate at Haram al-Sharif, approximately 40,000 Palestinians gather to pray and protest at the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA, MNA, MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/14)

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)

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

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

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

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

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