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)

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)

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)

Unidentified Palestinians launch an incendiary balloon from Gaza into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Later, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters (1 Israeli soldier is reportedly injured when a Palestinian throws an explosive across the border fence). Israeli artillery then shell 2 Hamas observation posts in the area, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian shepherd and steal 2 of his sheep in the northern Jordan Valley. Settlers also assault a Palestinian vegetable vendor in Jenin, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. One raid in Tulkarm sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries or arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police seal al-Rahma Gate leading into Haram al-Sharif. The move reportedly comes in response to certain Palestinian officials praying at the gate last week. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/17; HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

Implementing legislation passed in 7/2018, Israel’s security cabinet approves a deduction to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA equal to that which the PA distributes in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in connection with serious crimes against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed in connection with such crimes. The cuts are expected to total NIS 502,697,000 (approximately $138 million) over a 12-month period. In response, a PA spokesperson calls the Israeli decision “arbitrary” and says that it will be “given a priority” in the Palestinian leadership’s discussions in the coming days. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/17)

Hamas security forces forcibly prevent PA security forces from staffing the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, according to the PA (Hamas claims that the PA troops left of their own free will). A senior Hamas official says that Hamas is carrying out “necessary security measures.” Sources in Gaza say that Hamas suspects the PA security forces are allowing Israel to transfer espionage equipment into Gaza. Hamas is reportedly demanding that PA staffers in Gaza submit to questioning and background checks. (HA, TOI 2/17)

In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during a raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. In the West Bank, Palestinian minors throw stones at an Israeli settler near Hebron, lightly injuring him. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to protest the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar and al-Mughayyir); 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Jenin and Tubas; and patrol near Nablus, Tulkarm, Salfit, Hebron, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers smash the windows and windshields of 3 Palestinian vehicles in Turmus ‘Ayya village near Ramallah late at night. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. (MNA 1/24; MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/31)

One day after Israel’s security cabinet agreed to allow the next tranche of $15 million from Qatar into Gaza, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya tells reporters in Gaza that Hamas will not accept the money. “Gaza will not be subject to extortion by Israeli election theater,” he adds. After the press conference, the IDF deploys additional troops to the Gaza border area in preparation for planned protests on 1/25. (HA, TOI, TOI, YA 1/24)

Three senior U.S. officials say that the Trump administration is currently planning to release its long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace as soon as possible after the Israeli election on 4/9. They reportedly believe that they have a limited window between the Israeli elections and the start of President Trump’s re-election campaign. “It is hard for us to imagine a set of circumstances where the plan is never released.” One official says. “We have every intention of releasing it.” (JP, JP 1/24)

The Egyptian authorities shut down the Rafah border crossing to passage in both directions, marking the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. They plan to resume operations at the crossing on 1/27. They have opened the crossing for passage only in one direction since 1/7, when the PA withdrew its staff from the Palestinian side of the crossing. (MNA 1/24)

Three days after violent raids sparked a hunger strike at Ofer Prison, lawyers representing Palestinians imprisoned at Ofer decide to stop appearing at the prison in protest of increasing restrictions imposed on their work by the Israeli authorities. (WAFA 1/24)

Unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device from Gaza into southern Israel attached to a cluster of balloons, where it lands in an open area in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. IDF troops detonate the device, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducts 3 air strikes on Hamas sites in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Bayt Hanun, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, following the shooting attack on an Israeli settler vehicle at the nearby Beit El checkpoint on 1/5, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, confiscating surveillance tapes and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area throughout the day; several Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers uproot 60 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/10)

Following a week of increasing tensions between Fatah and Hamas, the Fatah-dominated PA announces plans to remove its staff from the Rafah border crossing on 1/7. “This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs,” reads the PA statement. “Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there. We had to bear a lot in order to give the opportunity for the Egyptian effort to end the division.” The PA took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing in the context of the 10/12/17 Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement, which was never fully implemented. (JP, REU, WAFA 1/6)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan will likely not be released for at least several more months. “We want to release it a way that gives it the best chance of getting a good reception,” he says, adding that the upcoming Israeli elections on 4/9 are “a factor, but not the only factor.” Meanwhile, U.S. national security advisor John Bolton meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Following the meeting, Bolton says that the U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger than it is now under Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump. (HA, JP, JP, TOI 1/6)

In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says that Egypt’s military coordination with Israel is at its “closest ever.” He adds, “We have a wide range of cooperation with the Israelis.” (AJ, CBS, HA 1/6)

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 arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinian farmers and shepherds working near Rafah for a 5th day in a row, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Jenin refugee camp late at night, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area (1 Palestinian is injured). They arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin. (MNA 1/2; PCHR 1/3)

After Hamas security forces interrupted Fatah’s plans for an anniversary celebration in Gaza on 12/31, senior Fatah official Hussein al-Sheikh says that Hamas acted in an “anti-nationalist” manner. “After what happened yesterday in the Gaza Strip, we in Fatah will not meet the Hamas leadership at all,” he says. (JP, TOI 1/2)

The U.S. and Israel formally withdraw from UNESCO, as they pledged to do in 10/2017, in protest of the organization’s alleged anti-Israel bias. The withdrawal is not expected to affect UNESCO’s funding, since both the U.S. and Israel stopped paying their dues in 2011 after the organization admitted Palestine as a member. (AP, HA, TOI, YA 1/2)

In the West Bank, hundreds of armed Israeli settlers visit the Saint Saba Monastery outside Bethlehem overnight, sparking a tense confrontation between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no clashes or injuries reported. Separately, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Yasuf village near Salfit overnight; uproot approximately 100 trees on a Palestinian farm near Hebron; and damage a Palestinian vehicle’s windshield near Nablus. Israeli forces uproot approximately 200 cactus seedlings from a Palestinian farm near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. An IDF raid in Dahaysha refugee camp sparks minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli settler family driving near Hebron, lightly injuring a settler infant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians at a checkpoint at the entrance to Issawiyya and 15 more Palestinians during raids in the neighborhood. They also demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian bird-hinter approaching the border fence 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, MNA, MNA 12/18; MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reports to the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the Israeli authorities approved or advanced approximately 2,200 new housing units in West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements between 9/13 and 12/14, marking a record low since the UNSC established its current monitoring system with Resolution 2334 of 12/2016. (HA, TOI, YA 12/19)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the secret U.S.-backed effort to build a relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia has ground to a halt recently following the Saudi government’s removal of 2 top officials involved in the killing of a dissident journalist in Istanbul on 10/2. The killing and the ensuing international outcry have reportedly restricted Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “room to maneuver” and “dampened [his] appetite for risky foreign policy endeavors.” Israeli prime minister Netanyahu said as recently as last week that the killing of the journalist was “horrific,” but that it did not overshadow the value of a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia. (HA, TOI, WSJ 12/18)

Along Gaza’s northern border, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian fisherman working from the shore near Bayt Lahiya. The incident comes hours after the Israeli authorities informed their Palestinian counterparts in Gaza that fishermen were allowed to return to the sea today. As ordered by Israeli defense minister Lieberman on 10/31, the fishing zone is limited to 6 nautical miles from Gaza’s northern shore and 9 nautical miles from its southern shore. (EI, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/15)

Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp The IDF claims he was throwing grenades at Israeli posts. Dozens of right-wing Israeli activists stand in the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing for several hours, blocking the entry of goods and fuel into Gaza in protest of the recent rocket fire. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian outside a police station in Jabal Mukabir after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 4 Israeli police officers (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 11/20). The Israeli police deploy in force in the neighborhood after the incident, conducting arrest raids and blocking off several roads. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian-owned vehicle and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Urif village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and near Hebron; shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by further raids near Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. (HA, HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, MNA, PCHR 11/15; PCHR 11/22)

In response to the Israeli security cabinet’s 11/13 decision to agree to a cease-fire with the armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces his resignation and calls for snap elections. Lieberman takes specific issue with both the cease-fire and the decision to allow Qatari money into Gaza to pay the civil servants of the Hamas-run government. “There is no other definition, no other significance, but a capitulation to terror,” he says. “What we are doing now as a country is buying short-term quiet at the cost of our long-term security.” Without Lieberman’s Yisrael Beytenu in the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc still holds a majority of the seats in the Knesset (61–59). (BBC, HA, HA, IHY, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 11/14; HA 11/15)

Israel Television News Company publishes a poll showing that 74% of the Israeli public is dissatisfied with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s handling of the recent conflict with Hamas. The poll was reportedly taken in the hours after Defense Minister Lieberman resigned earlier today. The results also show that Netanyahu’s Likud party would only win 29 seats in the Knesset if elections were held today, marking the weakest Likud has polled since 3/2018. Meanwhile, dozens of right-wing Israelis gather in Sderot for a 2d day in a row to protest Netanyahu’s handling of the recent escalation of violence. (HA, JP, TOI 11/14)

Israeli drones bomb a group of Palestinians allegedly launching incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires allegedly sparked by such attacks. This marks the first instance of Palestinians launching such incendiary devices into Israel since 10/25. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Dayr al-Balah; 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 deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home and 3 makeshift residential structures under construction near Salfit. They also demolish 2 Palestinian residential structures in Yatta near Hebron and confiscate 2 tractors from Palestinian agricultural land near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure 2 Palestinians and smash the windows of a Palestinian store in central Hebron. Palestinian witnesses say that the settlers assaulted the first Palestinian after he objected to their loud music and use of foul language. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31; PCHR, WAFA 11/1)

The Palestinian and Israeli press reports that Israel has agreed to allow Qatar to transfer money to Hamas to pay the salaries of the civil servants working for its government, in Gaza. It’s unclear if Israel has agreed in principle or if an agreement has been signed. Separately, Palestinian sources say that significant progress has been made in the Egypt-mediated talks toward a long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. They don’t offer details, but they point to recent trust-building steps taken by both sides, including Israel’s decision to allow transfers of diesel fuel into Gaza for the area’s sole power plant and Hamas’s efforts to limit the violence at the ongoing Great March of Return protests. (HA, YA 10/31)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces that he has ordered Gaza’s fishing zone expanded to 6 nautical miles off the northern coast and 9 nautical miles off the southern coast. Lieberman reduced the fishing zone to 3 nautical miles on 10/17 after rocket fire from Gaza. Sources in the defense minister’s office say that the move comes in the context of the Israeli government’s efforts to maintain calm along Gaza’s border fence. (AS, YA 10/31)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus after he stabs and critically injures an Israeli soldier. An Israeli settler is reportedly injured when the soldiers open fire. The Palestinian assailant evades injury and arrest, and he flees the scene. The IDF then establishes numerous roadblocks and mobile checkpoint across the Nablus region, and conducts extensive raids and home searches in search for the assailant. Late at night, Israeli special forces arrest the alleged assailant during a raid in Jama’in village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a number of makeshift Palestinian housing and agriculture structures in Hadida village in the northern Jordan Valley; and raze 5 dunams (approximately 1.2 acres) of Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, 2 incendiary balloons flown from Gaza land in open areas in southern Israel. Israeli police deactivate the devices, and they cause no major damage or injuries. In the evening, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 4 Palestinians are injure. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/11; HA, MNA, MNA 10/12; PCHR 10/18)

The IDF announces that it recently demolished a tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into southern Israel. The tunnel was reportedly 1 kilometer long, with the final 200 meters extending into Israel. According to the IDF, it was connected to a network of other tunnels. “It has different construction methods to what we've seen. IT phone and power lines,” an IDF spokesperson says. This marks the 15th tunnel from Gaza the IDF has demolished since 10/2017. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/11)

Israeli aircraft conduct an air strike on Palestinians allegedly attempting to breach Gaza’s border fence near Rafah late at night, killing 2. The IDF reports that the Palestinians were placing a “suspicious object” near the fence. Earlier, IDF troops stationed along the border fence near Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 15 Palestinian boats sailing from Gaza in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along the coast near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis to cheer on the boats and continue the Great March or Return for a 4th day in a row; at least 30 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 8 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere, IDF troops conduct raids in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with Palestinian students on their way to school; there are no reported injuries. One Palestinian is injured and another is arrested in similar clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian building under construction in Kardala village near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and confiscate some property during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 9/17; MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/18; PCHR 9/20)

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick announces a $1 million transfer to prevent the “collapse of services and a potential outbreak of disease” in Gaza. “Unfortunately, it comes in the absence of action from the relevant authorities, who have responsibility for the well-being of Gaza's citizens, or predictable donor support.” McGoldrick says that $2 million more is still needed to pay for essential health, water, and sanitation services through the end of 2018. (WAFA 9/17)

An Israeli drone bombs a group of Palestinians near Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza, killing 2 and causing moderate damage. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine later claims the 2 men were members of its armed wing. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Tubas; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli forces also demolish a small agricultural structure near Hebron. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/29; PCHR 8/2)

Reuters reports that Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz recently informed U.S. officials that he won’t be able to support the Trump administration’s long-awaited peace plan unless it provides for a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem. Jordanian and Egyptian officials have also reportedly encouraged the U.S. team to only circulate a finished plan that is fair to both sides. (HA, TOI, YA 7/29)

Israeli naval forces confront the first ship of a planned flotilla sailing toward Gaza in a symbolic effort to break the Israeli blockade. They commandeer the ship, escort it to the port at Ashdod, and detain all 22 activists on board. Some activists are reportedly assaulted during the confrontation. The IDF will report that they used “reasonable force.” (DPA, HA, MEE, MNA, WAFA, YA 7/29; MNA 7/31)

The Israeli authorities release 17-year-old Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi from prison, marking the end of her eight-month sentence for kicking, slapping, and otherwise resisting an Israeli soldier during a raid in her hometown Nabi Salih. She was arrested on 12/19/17. (BBC, MNA, WAFA 7/29)

In Gaza, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1. They then cross the fence, arrest the injured Palestinian, and take him to a hospital in Israel. The IDF claims that the minors were attempting to damage the border fence and enter Israel. Later, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinians approaching the border fence near Rafah, injuring 2. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 130th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/27; PCHR 6/28; PCHR 7/5)

A coalition of armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, including Hamas and PIJ, jointly release a statement claiming credit for the rocket fire into Israel on 6/26. “All bombings will be responded to with bombing; we will not accept the continued IDF attacks.” (HA, JP 6/27)

Approximately 20 Grad and Fajr-5 rockets are fired from Syria toward northern Israel. Four of them are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the rest explode over Syrian territory, causing no major damage or injury. The IDF accuses Iran of being behind the attack and retaliates, bombing dozens of alleged Iranian weapons storage, logistics, and intelligence sites in Syria; 27 people are killed, including 19 Iranians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (JP 5/9; CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 5/10; HA 5/11; AP 5/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the border fence near Khan Yunis. Later, they open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp and Great March of Return protesters near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a makeshift Palestinian home near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jericho, Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces establish a checkpoint in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian minors; 1 Israeli border police officer and 7 Palestinians are injured (3 Palestinians are arrested as well). (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

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, Israeli forces block Palestinian farmers from working their lands near Qalqilya, and raze a swath of Palestinian farmland near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers park 3 mobile homes and a water tank on Palestinian land near Hebron; the Israeli authorities claim that the Israeli government owns the land. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/5; MNA, WAFA 3/6; PCHR 3/8)

U.S. president Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu meet at the White House and discuss Iran, Jerusalem, and the Palestinians. At a joint press conference, Trump says that he might visit Israel for the inauguration of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem in 5/2018. Netanyahu downplays Palestinians’ concerns to focus on Iran. “Iran, Iran, and Iran was the main topic of the meeting,” he says. “I told him what I thought: that the nuclear agreement with Iran must be either totally fixed or totally canceled, and there were detailed discussions on this issue.” (HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, YA 3/5; TOI 3/12)

For the 10th consecutive Friday, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, in al-Mazra‘a and al-Bireh near Ramallah, 3 villages near Nablus (Beita, Dayr al-Hatab, and Madama), the Huwwara checkpoint, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 41 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Meanwhile, Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian in central Hebron, claiming he is carrying a knife. The IDF temporarily shuts down the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus following clashes in the area earlier in the day. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Tubas, and patrol near Salfit and Hebron. In 4 separate incidents 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. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/9; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d and final day. (OCHA 2/15)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an IDF raid in al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Jenin refugee camp late at night, sparking minor clashes (2 Palestinians are injured and 2 more are arrested). They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and in Tubas; patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron; and deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian building under construction in Ya‘bad village near Jenin. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers near Nablus, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 15 commercial and agricultural structures in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/30; WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/1)

For a 9th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Attendance spikes today, as the protests coincide with weekly Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations across East Jerusalem, Halhul village near Hebron, 2 areas near Ramallah (outside the Beit El settlement and in Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tubas, Tulkarm, Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are killed and approximately 150 are injured. (A video showing a 16-year-old Palestinian girl, Ahed Tamimi, shoving and slapping an Israeli soldier amid clashes in Nabi Salih near Ramallah, will go viral over the weekend. She will be arrested on 12/19). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians and issue arrest summons to 2 during raids near Bethlehem and in East Jerusalem, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli vehicles near Jerusalem, injuring 1 settler. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/15; PCHR 12/21)

The Israeli authorities announce that the Erez border crossing has reopened for Palestinians to enter and exit, but that the Kerem Shalom crossing is to remain closed indefinitely. Both were closed on 12/13. (TOI 12/15)

For a 5th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 45 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. Meanwhile, the IDF uses cement blocks to seal the main road connecting Ramallah and Jalazun refugee camp; arrests 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tulkarm; and patrols near Tulkarm and Tubas. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land and other property near Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinian youths on the way home from school in Ras al-Amud and 4 during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/11; HA 12/12; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties launch a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas positions in southern Gaza. Later, unidentified parties fire another rocket from Gaza, into Israel near Ashqelon. It is intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Late at night the IDF shells Hamas sites in northern Gaza, causing minor damage. (HA, YA 12/11; HA, TOI 12/12; PCHR 12/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at a rally in Gaza City to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tractor belonging to Palestinian farmers near Tubas. IDF troops clash with Palestinians in central Hebron (1 Palestinian is seriously injured), arrest 6 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. An Israeli settler assaults and injures a Palestinian teenager in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and again near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/11; MNA, PNN, WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops evacuate a small Israeli settlement outpost near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with the residents; 1 settler is arrested after turning his dog loose on the soldiers. Israeli settlers then torch a number of Palestinian olive trees in the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces confiscate 3 Palestinian cars and 2 tractors from residents of Ras al-Ahmar near Tubas. IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem late at night, ordering a bookstore to close for 3 weeks and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during further raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Jericho, Jenin, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces level Palestinian land outside Hizma in preparation for the construction of a new road in the area. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/24; MNA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/28)

PA minister of education Sabri Saidam visits the Jubbet al-Dhib school that the IDF dismantled on 8/22 and 9/9 to celebrate its rebuilding and opening. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate machinery from a Palestinian farm near Tubas. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli forces on patrol in Tulkarm and nearby Nur Shams refugee camp, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 9/10; PCHR 9/14)

The PA releases Youth Against Settlement founder Issa Amro on $1,400 bail. He was arrested on 9/4 for Facebook posts criticizing the PA. (AJ, MNA 9/10)

In Cairo, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh chairs the first meeting of Hamas’s top officials since their election earlier this year (see JPS 46 [4] and 47 [1]). They discuss relations with Egypt, the possibility of reconciliation with Fatah, and their regional position. Several Hamas officials then meet with top Egyptian security officers to discuss the Rafah border crossing and other bilateral issues. (TOI 9/10; TOI 9/11)

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

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

Israeli forces arrest a mentally unstable Palestinian after he stabs and kills a UK woman on the Jerusalem Light Rail nr. the Old City. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 4 Muslim worshippers when they attempt to stop Jewish settlers from praying at Haram alSharif. They arrest 10 more as they are exiting the sanctuary, and also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Nabi Salih after he is found to be carrying a knife. Meanwhile, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and withholding of Palestinian corpses in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also establish a mobile checkpoint e. of Tubas, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Juhur al-Dik and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/20)

The Israeli authorities open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow fuel to enter Gaza. They closed the crossing for Passover on 4/9, and are set to shut it down again from 4/15 through 4/17. (MNA 4/14)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) temporarily cuts off power throughout the region in protest of “unfair measures” imposed on the people of Gaza, including the reduction of former PA employees’ salaries. (MNA 4/14)

An Israeli settler shoots and kills a Palestinian youth at a settlement outpost nr. Hebron after the Palestinian allegedly sneaks into the settler’s home, then stabs and lightly injures him. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a printing shop in Tulkarm, destroying much of its contents and confiscating the printer. They arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Ramallah, and close the entrances to Marda village nr. Salfit following reports of stone throwing in the area. The IDF also violently disperses Palestinian students marching to the Beit El checkpoint to protest the detention of 6 of their classmates; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces bulldoze 9 homes in the Ofra settlement, after having evacuated it on 2/28. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 2-level apartment building in Issawiyya, displacing 30 Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Hanun and nr. Dayr al-Balah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/1; MNA, PCHR 3/2; PCHR 3/9)

Unidentified persons fire a rocket into s. Israel from Gaza. It lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas then evacuates several military positions anticipating Israeli retaliation. (HA, JP 3/1)

Fatah vice-chair Mahmoud al-Aloul, in his first interview since his 2/15 appointment to the post, says that a 1-state solution “in which everyone lives equally” would be “acceptable,” but that he doubts Israel would accept such a res. to the conflict. He also comments on recent PA communications with the Trump admin. “It is still not clear to us what will be the U.S. policy in the coming period,” he says. (SA, TOI 3/1)

U.S. dep. asst. secy. of state Erin Barclay says that the Trump admin. is reviewing the U.S. relationship with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an eye toward ending the council’s “obsession with Israel.” She says that “in order for this council to have any credibility, let alone success, it must move away from its unbalanced and unproductive positions.” Israeli PM Netanyahu has reportedly raised the UNHRC issue with the Trump admin. (HA, JP, REU 3/1; HA, JP 3/2)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse in s. Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., injuring 1 fisherman. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Khan Yunis, injuring 1 youth. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot around 10 olive trees nr. Ramallah. Dozens of Palestinians confront 3 off-duty IDF soldiers and 1 armed Israeli settler in Qusra village nr. Nablus, preventing them from assaulting any residents. PASF troops intervene and escort the Israelis from the village. Meanwhile, 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 (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. Palestinians and solidarity activists also set up a protest tent village nr. the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, which some Israeli lawmakers want to annex now that Donald Trump is the U.S. pres. The IDF violently dismantles and evacuates the village hours later. Late at night, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron and Tubas, and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit. (MNA,TOI, YA 1/20; PCHR 1/26)

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th pres. of the U.S. Thousands gather outside the U.S. Capitol to protest or support Trump during his inaugural address, including a handful of Israeli settlers who flew to Washington for the occasion. (HA, JP, YA 1/20)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 6 are injured. Palestinian witnesses say that IDF soldiers dragged the injured Palestinian away from the clashes unnecessarily, exacerbating his injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces begin uprooting 2,000 olive trees nr. Qalqilya to clear space for a settler bypass road in the area. Dozens of Palestinians and Israeli activists protest the project, and IDF troops arrest 3 people. IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian, setting fire to a home, and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate 2 tractors nr. Tubas. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c.; 5 fishermen are arrested. (IMEMC, MNA, WAFA 1/16; PCHR 1/19)

The UK blocks the EU Foreign Affairs Council from adopting the 1/15 Paris peace conference’s joint declaration, according to European and Israeli diplomats. The UK also refused to sign the statement on 1/15. Hungary and Lithuania also reportedly have reservations about endorsing the statement. (HA 1/16)

Israeli naval forces confront Palestinian fishing boats off Gaza’s coast nr. Jabaliya r.c. in 2 separate incidents. One boat capsizes in the 2d incident and a fisherman goes missing. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes each in Shu‘fat and Bayt Hanina. Later, Israeli forces return to Shu‘fat to inspect a number of shops, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze a small swath of Palestinian land nr. Salfit and destroy a number of water wells nr. Bethlehem. They also deliver 19 stop-work orders to Palestinian houses and buildings under construction nr. Salfit. The IDF arrests 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and in Tubas, and patrols nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. (MNA, WAFA 1/4; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/5; PCHR 1/12)

An Israeli military court in Tel Aviv convicts IDF soldier Elor Azaria of manslaughter in connection with his killing of a prone and defenseless Palestinian in c. Hebron on 3/24/2016. He will be sentenced in late 2/2017. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/4)