479 / 15150 Results
  • August 29, 2017

    Leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement and ultranationalist MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) and MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home) visit Haram al-Sharif under heavy police protection. Their...

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  • August 5, 2017

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in c. Hebron for the 2d night in a row, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, hundreds of Jewish settlers visit Joseph’...

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  • June 3, 2017

    Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) troops conduct a late-night raid in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with armed residents of the camp; 2 residents are injured. Elsewhere in...

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  • April 27, 2017

    Israeli forces shell a Hamas military post along Gaza’s border nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries, in response to shots fired at an IDF patrol in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank...

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  • March 19, 2017

    In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under renovation e. of Hebron and a demolition order for another home under construction in nearby Bayt Umar. They also...

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  • February 23, 2017

    Around 1,200 Jewish settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus in the morning, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stonethrowing Palestinians from nearby Balata r.c.; 2 Palestinians and...

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  • December 27, 2016

    IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids in and around Jenin, and...

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  • December 22, 2016

    Israeli forces punitively demolish a Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab, n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and several are injured....

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  • October 31, 2016

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian policeman outside the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah after he opens fire on Israeli soldiers at the Beit El checkpoint, injuring 3. The IDF raids the...

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  • October 29, 2016

    Late at night, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driving outside the Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah. They claim he had weapons and intended to attack them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF...

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  • October 25, 2016

    An Israeli settler driver crashes his vehicle into a Palestinian couple and their horse-drawn cart nr. Qalqilya, moderately injuring both of them (the man will succumb to his injuries on 10/26)....

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  • October 21, 2016

    IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah...

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  • September 4, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinian fighters open fire on IDF troops stationed nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In response, the IDF launches air strikes on at least 2...

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  • September 1, 2016

    Israeli forces return the body of an East Jerusalem Palestinian to his family in Jabal Mukabir almost a year after he was killed on 10/13/2015 after his family provides NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,300...

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  • August 26, 2016

    IDF troops shoot and kill an unarmed Palestinian at a military post outside Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah. The man does not open fire on the soldiers, despite initial reports to the contrary. A...

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  • March 23, 2016

    In the West Bank, hundreds of Jewish Israelis visit religious sites across the West Bank in the morning, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, ahead of Purim on 3/24. When around 500 Israelis...

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  • February 22, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces return the bodies of 3 Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the last...

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  • February 3, 2016

    In Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill 3 Palestinians outside the Old City after they attack a group of Israeli border security officers with knives and an automatic weapon, critically...

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  • January 24, 2016

    For a 2d day in a row, unknown Gazans fire a rocket toward Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. IAF jets then launch air strikes on Hamas military sites nr. Dayr al-...

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  • January 21, 2016

    For a 3d day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Tubas, arresting...

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  • January 2, 2016

    On Gaza’s border, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians attend...

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  • December 31, 2015

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver nr. Nablus after he allegedly rams his car into Israeli soldiers, lightly injuring 1 soldier. Palestinian youths throw stones at...

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  • November 23, 2015

    For the 2d day in a row, IDF troops shoot and kill a 16-year-old Palestinian at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus. The IDF claims that the youth attempted to stab 2 settlers at a bus stop, but a PCHR...

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  • May 31, 2015

    In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah and arrest 1 Palestinian, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF also conducts late-night raids and house...

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  • May 12, 2015

    In Gaza, Hamas-hired civil servants in all ministries except schools go on strike, protesting unpaid wages and particularly the PA unity govt.’s recent “recklessness” on the issue, according to a...

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  • April 14, 2015

    In the Gaza Strip, a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, IQB, dies of injuries sustained in Gaza City on 7/29/2014, during OPE. Also, a 3-story building in Dayr al-Balah collapses after being damaged...

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  • April 13, 2015

    In Gaza, unknown assailants open fire on trucks at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing light damage to 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Qalqilya, 1 village...

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  • April 8, 2015

    Off the n. coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 1 fisherman with rubber-coated metal bullets. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in a...

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  • April 5, 2015

    Off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya and Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas authorities arrest a shaykh in al-Bureij r.c. for...

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  • March 20, 2015

    IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence, moderately injuring each of them; e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian...

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Leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement and ultranationalist MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) and MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home) visit Haram al-Sharif under heavy police protection. Their visit follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s decision to temporarily lift his ban on MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary for 1 day only (Netanyahu initially imposed the ban in 10/2015 amid escalating violence across the oPt; see JPS 45 [2, 3]). Israeli forces plan to assess today’s visit and to make a recommendation about the ban’s future. A spokesperson for the Islamic Waqf says the decision to lift the ban is “unacceptable” and shows that “extremist right-wing entities are in control of the Israeli occupation’s government.” Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian in the Old City and another during a raid in Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops escort hundreds of Israeli settlers to visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths from nearby Balata refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian Bedouin homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/29; TOI 8/30; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/14)

Israeli ambassador to Egypt Govrin flies to Cairo to resume his post. Along with 8 staffers, he will work out of his home rather than in the Israeli embassy, which was evacuated due to security concerns in 12/2016. (AP, TOI 8/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in c. Hebron for the 2d night in a row, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, hundreds of Jewish settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata r.c.; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops conduct a raid in Yabad village nr. Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron. The IDF violently disperses Palestinians demonstrating against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/5; MNA 8/6; PCHR 8/10)

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

Israeli forces shell a Hamas military post along Gaza’s border nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries, in response to shots fired at an IDF patrol in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youths from nearby Balata r.c.; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin and damage his car. Israeli forces demolish water pipelines serving Bardala village in the n. Jordan Valley as well as 3 structures in illegal settlement outposts nr. Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; PCHR 5/4)

Public and private Palestinian institutions across the West Bank and Gaza observe a general strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/17. Approximately 500 mbrs. of PIJ declare a 1-day hunger strike in solidarity as well. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian protesters marching through al-Bireh in solidarity with the prisoners; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians at a sit-in in Issawiyya and a solidarity march in Shu‘fat r.c.; there are no serious injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; MNA 4/28)

The PA informs the Israeli govt. that it will no longer be paying for the electricity that Israel supplies to the Gaza Strip, marking a major change in the PA’s policy toward Hamas’s control over Gaza. The move comes amid an escalating electricity shortage in Gaza, and also follows reports that PA pres. Abbas has been planning to increase pressure on Hamas to give up control of the Gaza Strip. The PA generally pays Israel about NIS 40 m. (approx. $11 m.) per mo. to provide Gaza with around 30% of the electricity it requires. Israel takes the electricity fees out of the taxes it collects on behalf of the PA. Meanwhile, UN coordinator for humanitarian aid and development activities Robert Piper approves the release of $500,000 to buy emergency power for hospitals in the Gaza Strip. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/27)

Five missiles strike ammunition depots nr. the Damascus International Airport overnight, causing damage but no reported injuries. Syria’s official news agency blames Israel for the strike. The IDF does not comment. Later in the day, Israeli forces shoot down an unmanned aircraft that flew into Israeli airspace from Syria. (HA, JP, NYT 4/27)

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

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

Around 1,200 Jewish settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus in the morning, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stonethrowing Palestinians from nearby Balata r.c.; 2 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are injured. Another IDF soldier is injured when unidentified assailants throw an explosive device at his patrol nr. Joseph’s Tomb. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and again nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct 2 limited incursions to level land nr. Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli education ministry officials shut down the 1-year-old al-Nukhba School in Sur al-Bahir due to its alleged ties with Hamas. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/23; PCHR 3/2)

In a press conference following his meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu, U.S. pres. Trump says “I like the 2-state solution,” marking the first time he has explicitly supported the traditional U.S. approach to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. “But I am satisfied with whatever both parties agree with,” he adds. (HA, REU, TOI 2/24)

IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids in and around Jenin, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish a number of agricultural structures and a water tanker nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. (MNA, WAFA 12/27; PCHR 12/29)

PA pres. Abbas says he hopes the Paris peace conference set for 1/15 enables the international community to stop Israeli settlement construction. Meanwhile, the State Dept. announces that U.S. secy. of state Kerry intends to give a major speech on 12/28 outlining principles for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as he had announced on 12/23. In the evening, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov reportedly rejects Kerry’s request, made via telephone, for the Middle East Quartet to adopt the principles he plans to present. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/27)

Israeli forces punitively demolish a Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab, n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and several are injured. The owner of the home was killed on 10/9 after participating in the drive-by shooting of a crowd of Israelis. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Palestinian are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Salfit, assault and seriously injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Salfit. An Israeli settler driver attempts to ram 2 Palestinian youths nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 107th time since 2010. (IMEMC, MNA 12/22; PCHR 12/29)

Following high-level contacts between the Israeli and Egyptian govts. and massive Israeli pressure against the draft UNSC res. Egypt circulated on 12/21, 2 Western diplomats say that the vote set for today has been postponed indefinitely. Later, 4 mbrs. of the UNSC—New Zealand, Venezuela, Malaysia, and Senegal—give Egypt an ultimatum. They tell Cairo that, if it does not call a vote by 12/23, they reserved the right to table the draft themselves. (EI, HA, JP, NBC, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/22; HA, JP, MNA 12/23)

France’s FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces that the peace conference initially set for 12/21 is now scheduled for 1/15/2017, adding that the summit will present conclusions to Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA pres. Abbas in a mediated meeting in the hopes of relaunching peace negotiations. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

After the residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost formally pledge to evacuate their homes peacefully, Israel’s High Court of Justice agrees to the govt.’s request for a 45-day postponement of its order for the outpost to be evacuated and demolished by 12/25. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/22; MNA 12/24)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian policeman outside the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah after he opens fire on Israeli soldiers at the Beit El checkpoint, injuring 3. The IDF raids the assailant’s Jenin-area home after the attack, arresting his brother and confiscating the family’s work permits. They also shut down the Beit El checkpoint (it will remain closed through 11/14). Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces close down the entrance to Marah Rabah village nr. Bethlehem, as well as 2 side roads, after reports of stone-throwing in the area. They also demolish 10 residential structures and animal sheds in the n. Jordan Valley, confiscate 4 tractors from families living nr. Tubas, and deliver stop-work orders to several homes under construction nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron, as well as in Tubas; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. Early in the morning, PASF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking 6 hours of clashes and minor firefights with the alleged criminals they came to arrest. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a middle school in Silwan and attempt to arrest a number of students accused of stone-throwing before 2 administrators intervene. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands nr. Khuza‘a. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/31; HA 11/1; MNA 11/2; PCHR, REU 11/3; MNA 11/14)

Late at night, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driving outside the Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah. They claim he had weapons and intended to attack them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers cut down 18 olive trees on Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. Meanwhile, PASF troops conduct a raid in Balata r.c., sparking clashes with armed gunmen in the camp; 2 residents of the camp and 1 Palestinian security officer are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. (JP, MNA, TOI 10/29; PCHR 11/3)

An Israeli settler driver crashes his vehicle into a Palestinian couple and their horse-drawn cart nr. Qalqilya, moderately injuring both of them (the man will succumb to his injuries on 10/26). It’s unclear if the crash was an intentional ramming attack or not. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF shuts down the entrances to Husan village nr. Bethlehem after unidentified assailants open fire on Israeli settlers’ vehicles in the area. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during patrols nr. Tulkarm, Nablus, and Bethlehem, as well as in and around Ramallah and Hebron; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. The raids in Ramallah spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths, but there are no serious injuries. In the evening, PASF troops violently suppress a demonstration in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah in protest of PA pres. Abbas’s recent decision to expel a Fatah official from the party. Further PASF clashes break out in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus and in Jenin; 2 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and the Old City. Along Israel’s border with Egypt, an Israeli youth is wounded by gunfire from Egypt while performing maintenance work on the border fence. An Egyptian police officer is later found responsible, having mistaken the youth for a smuggler. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/25; MNA, TOI 10/26; HA, PCHR 10/27)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus early in the morning, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian residents; at least 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 5 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. (MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/20)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinian fighters open fire on IDF troops stationed nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In response, the IDF launches air strikes on at least 2 Hamas military sites in n. Gaza, injuring 3 Hamas fighters. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian homes nr. al-Maghazi r.c., causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and then nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops attempt to remove a Palestinian flag from a public space in a village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents throughout the day; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinian youths allegedly planning to carry out stabbing attacks in c. Hebron. Both boys were found to be carrying knives. Israeli forces destroy personal property and threaten to arrest a Palestinian infant during a raid on the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian who was killed on 11/1/2015 after attempting to stab an Israeli soldier. They also impose strict closures on 3 villages nr. Nablus after reports of stone-throwing in the area (the closures will be enforced through 9/10). The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. (1 Palestinian is injured); and patrols nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya during the day. Meanwhile, unknown assailants throw Molotov cocktails at the Nablus-area home of a Palestinian woman running for office in the 10/8 municipal elections, causing minor damage. She is affiliated with Fatah. In East Jerusalem, around 60 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/4; MNA 9/5; PCHR 9/8; MNA 9/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. (OCHA 9/8)

The PA and Israel sign an agreement to improve postal service in the oPt. The deal gives Palestinians more control over the transfer of mail in and out of the West Bank. (JP, MNA, TOI 9/4)

An errant mortar round fired from Syria lands in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF returns artillery fire on Syrian govt. positions along the border, causing an unknown amount of damage. (HA, MNA, TOI 9/4)

Israeli forces return the body of an East Jerusalem Palestinian to his family in Jabal Mukabir almost a year after he was killed on 10/13/2015 after his family provides NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,300) in collateral to secure the release of his body. He is buried at a cemetery nr. the Old City in a funeral service limited to 25 attendees. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly threw a knife at them. Dozens of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 1 Israeli soldier is moderately injured. IDF troops also raid several homes in the nearby Balata r.c., sparking further clashes; there are no injuries. The IDF arrests 6 Palestinians during raids, house searches, and patrols nr. Jenin and Hebron. Israeli soldiers escort Jewish settlers on a visit at al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron, barring Muslims from the site for the time being. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 3d of 3 planned days. (PCHR 9/1; OCHA 9/8)

IDF troops shoot and kill an unarmed Palestinian at a military post outside Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah. The man does not open fire on the soldiers, despite initial reports to the contrary. A Palestinian official later says that the slain Palestinian suffered from mental disabilities and that he had entered the military area by accident. In an uncharacteristic response, the IDF does not label the man a terrorist. Israeli forces return the man’s body to his family in the evening. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian driver in Silwan, East Jerusalem, because they think he is attempting to ram them. The police later report that the man was drunk and not attempting a ramming attack. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF violently disperses Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Hebron and in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries); and patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli troops also deploy crowd-control measures on Palestinians attending a soccer match in al-Ram nr. Jerusalem. Around 1,200 Palestinians suffer tear gas inhalation. (HA, MNA, TOI 8/26; PCHR 9/1)

In the West Bank, hundreds of Jewish Israelis visit religious sites across the West Bank in the morning, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, ahead of Purim on 3/24. When around 500 Israelis arrive at Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus under an IDF escort, clashes break out with stone-throwing Palestinians from nearby Balata r.c.; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities shut down all checkpoints leading out of the West Bank as well as the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings along Gaza’s border overnight, barring all Palestinians from crossing, except for humanitarian cases. A COGAT spokesperson confirms that the closure of the West Bank is set to extend through 3/26; the Erez border crossing is set to stay closed through 3/25. Israeli forces also erect a number of flying checkpoints around Hebron and close the w. entrance to the city. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in Nablus and nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron, arresting 8 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 3, and confiscating some electronics. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Palestinian men under the age of 50 continue to be barred from the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s n. border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land. The Israeli authorities, meanwhile, return the engines of 59 previously confiscated fishing boats and release an injured Palestinian fisherman who has been detained for 4 mos. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/24, 3/31)

The Israeli National Council for Planning and Building approves a plan proposed by the settler organization Elad to build a 16,000 m2 archaeological center in the City of David National Park adjacent to the Old City. This approval reverses an earlier ruling restricting the size of the proposed center to 10,000 m2 . (MNA 3/23; HA 3/25, 3/26)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces return the bodies of 3 Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the last week. Late at night, they carry out the punitive demolition of 2 Hebron-area homes belonging to Palestinians who were arrested by IDF troops after allegedly carrying out serious crimes against Israelis on 11/19/2015. IDF troops carry out a large-scale search operation in Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians, damaging 6 shops in nearby Balata r.c., and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They conduct further raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Ramallah, arresting 13 Palestinians and confiscating 1 car; patrol in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains, for a 2d day in a row, the closure of the Jeninarea village where the Palestinian who allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli soldier on 2/21 was from. (MNA 2/22; HA, MNA, YA 2/23; PCHR 2/25)

In Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill 3 Palestinians outside the Old City after they attack a group of Israeli border security officers with knives and an automatic weapon, critically injuring 2 (1 Israeli officer will succumb to her injuries later in the day). Late at night, IDF troops conduct raids in Qabatiya nr. Jenin where the suspected attackers were from, arresting at least 10 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwers wherein 4 Palestinians and 3 Israeli soldiers are injured. They declare Qabatiya a “closed military zone.” Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces bar a number of Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif; escort around 130 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of the sanctuary. They also demolish a car repair workshop in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Jericho, ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nearby and Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions e. of Khan Yunis and late at night nr. Rafah to level land. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces detain 4 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their 2 boats. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/3; EI, HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/11)

For a 2d day in a row, unknown Gazans fire a rocket toward Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. IAF jets then launch air strikes on Hamas military sites nr. Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis late at night, causing substantial damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on agricultural fields nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians fire at an Israeli settler’s car nr. Ramallah, causing damage. Israeli forces assault and detain 4 Palestinians as they are being released from an IDF detention center nr. Jenin. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Nablus, Jenin r.c., and Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians and confiscating personal property; patrol in al-‘Arub r.c., al-Fawar r.c. and 6 villages nr. Hebron, as well as 2 areas nr. Salfit. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in a Palestinian village nr. Jerusalem, sparking clashes between dozens of Palestinian residents and the Israeli police; 5 Palestinian citizens of Israel are arrested. The Israeli authorities say that the house was 1 of 7 in the area built on land zoned for agriculture. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 1/24; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/28)

Israeli PM Netanyahu confirms that his govt. will allow the settlers who were forcibly evicted from 2 homes in c. Hebron on 1/22 to return once their proper paperwork is in order. He also says he will form a ministerial comm. to deal with related issues, acquiescing to a request from Education Minister Naftali Bennett (his proposal will be approved on 1/25). (HA, JP, TOI, YA 1/24)

For a 3d day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Tubas, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. In c. Hebron, around 80 Israeli settlers break into 2 empty homes, claiming that they were legally purchased from Palestinians (the Israeli govt. is caught unaware of their actions). The break-in sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in the area, which the IDF violently disperses; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, Jenin, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrols in 7 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Ramallah. Israeli forces raze a small swath of land nr. Tulkarm, a greenhouse and water well in a village nr. Hebron, and 2 EU-funded structures in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 housing structures in al-‘Izzariya; arrest 3 Palestinians on late-night raids in the Old City. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/21; JP 1/22; PCHR 1/28)

On Gaza’s border, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians attend funerals in and around Hebron for the 17 Palestinians whose bodies were returned to the area by the Israeli authorities on 1/1. After 1 funeral, hundreds of Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers, sparking clashes wherein 12 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts latenight raids and house searches in Hebron and 2 villages nearby, Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, arresting 9 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, as well as 3 villages nr. Ramallah. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian home nr. Nablus, causing no serious damage, before residents of the village chase them away. The Israeli authorities return the bodies of the 3 Palestinians killed by the IDF on 11/17 and 12/16 to their families nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian car in al-Thawri late at night, and the ensuing fire damages 7 other cars. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on late-night raids in Issawiyya. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/2; MNA, WAFA 1/3; PCHR 1/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver nr. Nablus after he allegedly rams his car into Israeli soldiers, lightly injuring 1 soldier. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol in a village nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes; 3 Palestinians are arrested and none are injured. Israeli forces raze a plot of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Hebron to prepare for the construction of a military post. The IDF conducts a late-night raid in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 5 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces return the bodies of 8 Palestinians killed in recent confrontations with the IDF to the PA (the Israeli authorities initially said 11 bodies would be returned, then they withhold 3 for so-called security reasons). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/31; HA, MNA 1/1; PCHR 1/7)

For the 2d day in a row, IDF troops shoot and kill a 16-year-old Palestinian at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus. The IDF claims that the youth attempted to stab 2 settlers at a bus stop, but a PCHR investigation refutes the allegation; a Palestinian bystander is critically injured by a stray Israeli bullet during the incident (she succumbs to her injuries on 12/16). Shortly afterward, Israeli forces shoot and kill another Palestinian after he attacks a group of Israelis with a knife at a gas station w. of Ramallah, killing an IDF soldier and injuring an Israeli settler (a 2d settler is lightly injured by errant fire). In West Jerusalem, Israeli police open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and injuring the other, after they stab an elderly Palestinian man with scissors nr. a central market (they reportedly mistook him for an Israeli); 1 Israeli bystander is lightly injured. After the incident, Palestinian gunmen affiliated with Fatah’s military wing open fire on Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah, reportedly targeting the area because the Palestinian youth killed in West Jersualem was from Qalandia r.c.; there are no injuries. Meanwhile, a Palestinian driver allegedly rams an Israeli settler with his car nr. Nablus, causing mild injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/23; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere in the oPt, a small armed group in Gaza fires a rocket into Israel and it lands nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, IAF jets launch air strikes at a Hamas military site in c. Gaza, causing damage. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya r.c., Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops violently clash with Palestinian protesters and stone-throwers in 2 incidents: along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and at a university in Tulkarm, w. of Qalqilya; 7 Palestinians are injured (1 seriously). The IDF conducts raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem and in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking small clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths in both; 2 Palestinians are moderately injured. IDF troops conduct further raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem; in 1 village nr. Jericho; 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c., and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron; 1 village nr. Qalqilya; Nablus and nearby Balata r.c.; and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 22 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/23; JP, MNA, YA 11/24; PCHR 11/26)

In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah and arrest 1 Palestinian, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF also conducts late-night raids and house searches in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, Jenin, and 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, arresting 9 Palestinians, including 1 journalist; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones and set fire to a Palestinian home in c. Hebron, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Ras al-Amud and al-Tur, arresting 5 Palestinians. (WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/4)

In a Washington Post interview, PA PM Hamdallah says the Palestinians have “received assurances” from the U.S. that it will “resume negotiations” between Israel and the Palestinians once the P5+1 and Iran reach a final nuclear agreement. He adds that the Palestinians are interested in a “new framework” for negotiations, including talks sponsored by the U.S., EU, and UN. (WP 5/31; JP, TOI 6/1)

The Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation unanimously approves an amendment to the penal code allowing convicted stone-throwers to be sentenced to 10–20 years in prison and reducing the govt.’s burden of proof for obtaining such convictions (the Knesset will pass it into law on 7/20). (HA 5/31; MNA 6/1)

German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu, Pres. Reuven Rivlin, and other officials in Israel. Israeli Dep. FM Tzipi Hotovely tells Steinmeier that Israel expects Germany to lead the fight against labeling of settlement produce in the EU. (TOI 5/29; JP 5/31)

In Gaza, Hamas-hired civil servants in all ministries except schools go on strike, protesting unpaid wages and particularly the PA unity govt.’s recent “recklessness” on the issue, according to a statement issued by a comm. representing the workers. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on PA presidential guards nr. Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian on a late-night raid in a village nr. Ramallah and another Palestinian in c. Hebron accused of an attempted stabbing; patrol in another village nr. Ramallah. Israeli forces demolish 2 buildings in an Israeli settlement nr. Jerusalem after Israeli authorities determine they were built illegally; deliver 2 demolition notices for residential tents under construction nr. Hebron; demolish a wall in a village nr. Ramallah. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a mosque under construction in a bedouin village nr. Beersheba. (MNA, TOI 5/12; MNA 5/13; PCHR 5/14)

EU envoy to the Palestinian territories John Gatt-Rutter says that the EU is working to restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. (MNA 5/12)

P5+1 and Iranian negotiators meet in Vienna for 4-day negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. They will be joined by U.S. reps. on 5/13 to continue drafting the main text of a comprehensive, final deal ahead of the 6/30 deadline. (REU 5/5; AFP 5/11; HA 5/12)

Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says that at least 80% of the tunnels between Gaza and Sinai have been destroyed and that the buffer zone being constructed along the border with Gaza has been expanded to 3 km in some places since construction began in 10/2014. (MNA 5/12; TOI 5/13)

In the Gaza Strip, a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, IQB, dies of injuries sustained in Gaza City on 7/29/2014, during OPE. Also, a 3-story building in Dayr al-Balah collapses after being damaged during OPE last year. Meanwhile, Egyptian security forces shoot and injure a Palestinian exiting a tunnel on the Egyptian side of the border nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a synagogue in a settlement outpost nr. Hebron early in the morning. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Nablus, a nearby village, and Balata r.c., arresting 31 Palestinians, most affiliated with Hamas. They also arrest a Palestinian on a raid in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Jenin and patrol in 3 villages each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jenin. Nr. East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a mobile home in Bayt Hanina. In Israel, an Israeli man assaults a Palestinian worker from Jenin in a shop in Umm al-Fahm. Israeli forces demolish 3 structures in an unrecognized bedouin village in the Negev. (JP, MNA, WAFA 4/14; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/15; HA, PCHR 4/16)

Israel’s COGAT Mordechai announces that starting today, Palestinian vehicles from the West Bank will be allowed to enter Jerusalem. In the 1st of 2 planned stages, over 100 Palestinian doctors are allowed to enter. Unrestricted travel for Palestinian businessmen and women will follow in the next phase. Palestinian cars have been banned from Jerusalem since the onset of the 2d intifada in 2000. (JP, MNA 4/14; HA 4/15)

In Syria, Palestinian residents of Yarmouk r.c. report that ISIS has begun retreating from previously held positions in the camp. Meanwhile, UNRWA sets up a distribution mission in a village nr. the camp to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees fleeing Yarmouk. (AFP, WAFA 4/14)

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Comm. unanimously approves, 19–0, an amended version of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which would give Congress an opportunity to approve or disapprove of any agreement made between the P5+1 and Iran and increase congressional oversight on verification of the deal. The bill is now available for a vote on the Senate floor. (AP, HA, NYT, POL, REU 4/14; AP, HA, MDW, TOI 4/15)

In Gaza, unknown assailants open fire on trucks at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing light damage to 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm r.c. and 1 village nr. Tulkarm, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, arresting 18 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Hebron, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho. Meanwhile, a group of armed men from the Balata r.c. shut down a main road in Nablus in protest of the PASF crackdown on the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate the contents of a store in Hizma and demolish a residential building under construction in Wadi al-Juz. They also conduct raids in Silwan, assaulting 2 Palestinians and arresting 3. Meanwhile, the Jordan-funded Islamic Waqf begins renovations at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli minister Uri Ariel calls for the project to be halted. In the Galilee, Palestinians in Kafr Kanna conduct a general strike in protest of the demolition in the village on 4/12. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/13; MNA 4/14; PCHR, WAFA 4/16)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with Russian pres. Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Russian-Palestinian relations, the Middle East peace negotiations, and other issues. (AFP 4/9; AFP, HA, TOI 4/13; REU 4/14)

U.S. Pres. Obama meets with several U.S. Jewish groups to discuss the “key parameters” announced on 4/2 by the P5+1 and Iran, and their concerns about Israel’s security. The groups include the AJC, ADL, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Jewish Federations of N. America, AIPAC, and J Street. (HA 4/13; HA, TOI 4/14; JP 4/23)

Off the n. coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 1 fisherman with rubber-coated metal bullets. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in a village nr. Hebron and another in c. Hebron. Meanwhile, hundreds of Israeli settlers perform religious rites at Joseph’s Tomb outside Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between IDF troops and Palestinians in the camp. Israeli forces seize around 1,000 dunams of land nr. Hebron for the expansion of a nearby settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault 2 guards in Haram al-Sharif after they try to intervene in the arrest of a Palestinian woman in the sanctuary. (MNA, WAFA 4/8; PCHR 4/9)

PA PM Hamdallah confirms PA Pres. Abbas’s earlier announcement that the PA refused reduced tax revenues from Israel after PM Netanyahu’s office announced on 3/27 that it would be unfreezing the transfers. He also says that the Palestinians will lodge an official complaint about the freeze at the ICC. (WAFA 4/8)

As part of a reported deal with Israel’s COGAT, the PASF expands deployments in towns and villages nr. Jerusalem, in Area B. The PASF will begin by opening up police stations in the villages. (REU 4/8; AFP, MNA 4/9)

U.S. Pres. Obama calls Sens. Corker (R-TN) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), the 2 ranking mbrs. of the Senate Foreign Relations Comm., denouncing Corker’s proposed bill that would empower Congress to approve or disapprove of any final agreement made by Iran and the P5+1. The bill, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, is set for a comm. deliberation on 4/14. Meanwhile, Secy. of State Kerry and Under Secy. Wendy Sherman meet with reps. of AIPAC, the American Jewish Comm. (AJC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and other pro-Israel U.S. Jewish groups to argue in favor of the agreement with Iran and further diplomacy. (AP 4/8; TOI 4/9; JTA 4/12)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya and Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas authorities arrest a shaykh in al-Bureij r.c. for alleged support of ISIS. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Qalqilya, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jericho, and 1 each nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. An Israeli soldier assaults a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. Israeli authorities close al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to all Muslim worshippers, allowing Jewish Israelis to enter in celebration of Passover through 4/6. In Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, Palestinian women gather to protest the PASF crackdown in the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate a number of solar energy cells in a bedouin village. Also, a group of Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian youth at a gate to the Old City. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 4/5; AFP 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

PA Pres. Abbas announces that the Israeli govt. transferred NIS 1.37 b. (around $350 m.) of the NIS 1.8 b. ($460 m.) in previously frozen tax revenues, but that the Palestinians rejected the money in protest of unilateral deductions Israel made to pay the Palestinians’ debts to Israeli utility providers. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 4/5)

The PLO announces that it will send a delegation to Syria to meet with govt. and rebel leaders to find a resolution for the residents of Yarmouk r.c. (AFP, AJ, WAFA, YA 4/5; AFP, AJ, JP 4/6)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence, moderately injuring each of them; e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Egyptian naval forces detain 9 Palestinian fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 7 are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing summons to another; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, in and around Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jenin. The PASF clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus; 2 young boys are injured in the crossfire. (MNA 3/20, 3/21; PCHR 3/26; MEE 5/6)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon calls Israeli PM Netanyahu and urges him to renew his commitment to the 2-state solution. Meanwhile, the UN Commission on the Status of Women approves a res. condemning Israel for the grave situation of Palestinian women under occupation. (MNA, YA 3/20; AP, MNA, TOI 3/21)

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) submits a formal res. to FIFA, the body governing international soccer, calling for the Israel Football Association (IFA) to be suspended until Palestinian players and coaches are allowed to move freely, facilities can be developed without obstruction, Israeli settler soccer clubs are banned from playing in IFA competitions, and the IFA takes “firm action” to eliminate racism in its leagues. The res. is scheduled for a vote at the annual FIFA conference on 5/29. (REU 3/31)

On the 5th day of bilateral nuclear negotiations between reps. of the U.S. and Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland, Iran’s delegation is forced to return to Tehran 2 days early after Pres. Hassan Rouhani’s mother dies. The negotiations will resume on 3/26. Meanwhile, an IAEA report on Iran’s compliance with the JPOA is leaked to the press. It concludes that Iran is upholding its commitments, including capping uranium enrichment at 5% and holding any “further advances” at its enrichment facilities and the Arak heavy water reactor. Separately, 367 mbrs. of the U.S. House of Representatives send a letter to Pres. Obama calling for congressional oversight on any agreement between the P5+1 and Iran to review the proposed sanctions relief. The letter will be released on 3/23. (AP, GDN, REU, TOI 3/20; YA 3/23)