The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinian minors gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is killed and 14 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 158. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out approximately 7 fires in and around Israeli border communities that were reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown from Gaza. The Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on sites in central and northern Gaza reportedly used as staging areas for such attacks, injuring 2 Palestinian minors. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. (HA, TOI, WAFA 9/23; MNA, MNA 9/24; PCHR 9/27)

One day after an Egyptian delegation visited Gaza for meetings with Hamas officials, al-Hayat reports that the Egyptians proposed a new framework for Palestinian reconciliation and a long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. The plan would reportedly see the PA take control of Gaza and limits on Hamas’s military wing, inter alia. Hamas and Fatah officials both say that the proposal is unlikely to help Hamas and Fatah overcome their differences. Meanwhile, a Hamas official says that the Egypt-mediated backchannel talks with Israel over a long-term cease-fire are at an impasse, that it’s the PA’s fault for opposing the process, and that Hamas plans to escalate the ongoing protests along Gaza’s border fence in response. (AH, TOI, TOI 9/23)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinian minors gathering near Dayr al-Balah to continue the Great March of Return for a 7th day in a row; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. Meanwhile, an Israeli aircraft bombs a group of Palestinians who allegedly launched an incendiary balloon into Israel near Gaza City, injuring 1. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 9 fires in open areas that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Rantis village near Ramallah; and deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. IDF troops injure 1 Palestinian during clashes sparked by a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem; arrest 2 Palestinians during further raids near Salfit and Tulkarm; and patrol near Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Bayt Hanina in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 14 arrest summons during raids in the Old City. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/20; MNA 9/21; PCHR 9/27)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon across the border fence into southern Israel, where it lands in the courtyard of a home belonging to Israeli MK Haim Jelin, causing no damage. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer near Ramallah, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya for a 2d day in a row; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Anata refugee camp (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, PNN, YA 9/16; PCHR 9/20)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 8/3. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 153. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/16)

Approximately 12,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return protests. IDF troops violently disperse the protests near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 3 more are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 152. Amid the clashes, the IDF reports that one of its officers was injured by shrapnel from a pipe bomb thrown from across the border fence. Israeli forces subsequently shell 2 Hamas posts, causing damage to a school east of Khan Yunis. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Rafah. They also dismantle an IED that was placed along the border fence near Rafah for the 2d day in a row. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces set up roadblocks around Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Israeli troops later violently disperse hundreds of activists gathering to protest the roadblocks; 3 protesters are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Ras Karkar near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by IDF patrols in Bayt Umar near Hebron; arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/14; MNA 9/15; PCHR 9/20)

The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has decided to cut the last remaining $10 million in planned aid to the Palestinians this year. The money, which Congress authorized for expenditure in 2017, was set to support programs meant to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories. USAID has reportedly redirected the $10 million to support similar programs dealing with Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel. “Essentially, USAID was faced with the choice of shutting down the program and losing the funds, or keeping something going,” a congressional aide explains. (NYT, REU, TOI, TOI, YA 9/14; HA, MNA, TOI 9/15)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp. They then cross the border fence to arrest him and provide medical treatment. However, he succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians armed with knives attempting to cut through the border fence near Bayt Hanun; violently disperse Palestinian protesters along the border fence near the Erez border crossing (2 protesters are injured); repeatedly open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron. Israeli settlers cut the branches off 18 trees in Palestinian farmland near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 200 other right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians at the sanctuary. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/9; MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/13)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel, sparking 2 small fires. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze an area of Palestinian farmland near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Settlers also cut down 74 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Ramallah and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus (4 Palestinians are injured). IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/30)

            The Israeli authorities close down the Erez border crossing, with an exception for emergency medical cases, in response to the ongoing Great March of Return. A senior Israeli official says that the closure is meant as a warning to Hamas to quell the ongoing demonstrations. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 8/19)

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

After a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, an Egypt- and UN-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas goes into effect. It is reportedly based on the principles of the cease-fire deal that halted Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, and it provides for a cessation of all hostilities. The Israeli cabinet reportedly approved the agreement in principle on 8/12 and only met today to review the details one last time. Earlier, Israeli DM Lieberman announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing (effectively lifting the last of the restrictions the Israeli authorities imposed on 7/9) and the expansion of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to nine nautical miles, up from as few as three at the peak of the Israeli crackdown. “The opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, after four days of quiet, is intended to indicate to the population in Gaza that maintaining quiet is first and foremost an interest for Gaza’s residents,” he says. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/15; AHR, MNA, TOI 8/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer outside Salfit, preventing him from working his land. They also break into a Palestinian home in central Hebron and violently attack 2 Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. IDF troops conduct raids in central Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building under construction in Issawiyya. They also detain 9 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif for undisclosed reasons (8 are released later in the day and banned from the sanctuary for 15 days); and arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, Sur Bahir, and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/15; MNA, PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/30)

The Palestinian Central Council convenes in Ramallah for its 29th regular meeting. The PLO body discusses a variety of issues related to statehood, including the stalled national reconciliation process, and plans to meet again on 8/16. In a speech kicking off the meetings, PA president Abbas says that Hamas is not serious about reconciliation. “Hamas principally does not have intentions to achieve reconciliation,” he says. Abbas also criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts and reiterates that he wants to unify the West Bank and Gaza with “one government, one law, and one legitimate force without militias.” (TOI, WAFA 8/15)

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) publishes tenders for the construction of 602 new housing units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem. The 603 units are part of a larger development plan that dates back to 2010. The ILA separately reaches a $380 million agreement with the Jerusalem Municipality for a series of development projects across the city, including 20,000 new housing units. The Jerusalem City Council is expected to approve the plan next week. (HA, YA 8/15)

After four hours of calm, the IAF resumes its campaign of air strikes across Gaza in the morning. The strikes cause serious damage to Hamas military sites, but no reported injuries. Armed groups in Gaza retaliate, launching a number of rockets and other projectiles into Israel; they cause no serious damage or injuries. Around noon, a coalition of Palestinian factions in Gaza declares that they consider the latest escalation over. Two hours after the declaration, a rocket is fired from Gaza into Israel, where it lands in an open area near Beersheba, causing no damage or injuries. Armed groups in Gaza then fire 4 mortars into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF retaliates with a massive air strike on the Said al-Mishal Cultural Center in Gaza City. The five-story building is destroyed and 18 Palestinians are injured. After the strike, there are reports of an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire taking effect shortly before midnight. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/9; JP, MNA 8/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian shop near Jericho. IDF troops issue arrest summons to 2 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during raids in Ras al-Amud. (WAFA 8/9; PCHR 8/16)

Israeli forces shell a group of Palestinians near Jabaliya refugee camp who were reportedly launching incendiary kites and balloons into Israel; 2 Palestinians are injured. For a third day in a row, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 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, unidentified assailants launch an incendiary kite onto an Israeli settler vineyard outside Ariel, sparking a minor fire. It is reportedly the second time Palestinians in the West Bank have deployed incendiary kites. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest and assault 3 Palestinians during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Abu Dis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus early in the morning, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 1 Palestinian journalist is injured while covering the conflict. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers slash the tires of 10 Palestinian vehicles in ‘Ayn Yabrud village near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya and Hebron, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 13 small fires that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/2; PCHR 8/9)

Following an uptick in “friction” along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli DM Lieberman issues an order banning fuel and gas exports to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Lieberman previously re-allowed such exports on 7/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/2)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, causing minor damage on the grounds of an elementary school. The IAF then conducts retaliatory air strikes on a site near Jabaliya refugee camp allegedly used as a staging area for such attacks; 2 Palestinians are injured. 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 Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot more than 100 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Salfit. IDF troops arrest 24 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit; and patrol near Qalqilya and Salfit throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones and set small fires on Palestinian land near Nablus, destroying 8 olive trees and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area; there are no injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18; PCHR 7/19)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 133. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the fence into Israel, sparking at least 2 fires near Sderot. Israeli drones then bomb 3 sites near Bayt Hanun and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage and no injuries. In the evening, unidentified Palestinians launch a rocket into Israel; it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. One raid near Hebron sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian home in central Hebron, causing damage. An Israeli settler driver runs over Palestinian land planted with tomatoes and cucumbers outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/16; PCHR 7/19)

Israeli DM Lieberman announces a temporary suspension of fuel and gas exports to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and a further reduction of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast from six to three nautical miles. The punitive action comes a little over a week since Israeli PM Netanyahu announced a reduction in the fishing zone from nine nautical miles and a partial closure of the crossing, with an exception for key humanitarian imports, on 7/9. The suspension in fuel and gas exports is set to begin on 7/17 and continue through 7/22. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities close down the Rafah border crossing, citing a technical malfunction. (HA, JP, TOI 7/16; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/17)

After a weekend of violence along Gaza’s border fence, Netanyahu visits border communities and warns that Israel should be prepared for a “protracted campaign” against Hamas and the other armed groups in Gaza. (JP, TOI 7/16)

Breaking the hours-old cease-fire in Gaza, the IAF conducts air strikes on a number of sites across Gaza reportedly used as staging areas for incendiary kite and balloon attacks; 6 Palestinians are injured. The IDF says that it detected mortar fire from Gaza overnight, and that the renewed air strikes were a response to Palestinians breaking the cease-fire. Israeli drones strike 3 more sites in near Bayt Hanun and Rafah later in the day, injuring 3 Palestinians. Throughout the day, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence into Israel, sparking at least 17 fires. Meanwhile, an explosion in Gaza City kills 2 Palestinians and injures 3 others. One of the deceased was the commander of a rocket unit in al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an armed group affiliated with Fatah, sparking rumors that Israel was responsible for the explosion. The Palestinian press reports the explosion as a “work accident.” Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces place two new iron gates at the entrances to Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village near Jerusalem slated for evacuation and demolition. They also demolish 2 rooms in Palestinian-owned buildings near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during morning raids in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (4 Palestinians are injured). They also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Jenin, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma and clash with stone-throwing Palestinian minors during a raid in al-Ram. (AHR, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/15; MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/19)

Israeli sources say that the cease-fire reached on 7/14 includes a stipulation that Hamas and PIJ will gradually stop the incendiary kite and balloon attacks. “If in the past, 50 balloons were flown every time, for example, then now 20 balloons will be flown, tomorrow 10, and the next day less,” the source says. “That’s the agreement, and that is what has been decided between the sides.” Later, Netanyahu denies the report. “I heard it being said that Israel has agreed to a cease-fire that would allow the continuation of terrorism by incendiary kites and balloons; this is incorrect,” he says. “We are not prepared to accept any attacks against us, and we will respond appropriately.” Hamas officials say that the cease-fire covers rockets and mortars, but not incendiary kites and balloons. (JP, WAFA, YA 7/15)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is killed and more than 200 are injured. Today’s killing brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 131. Amid the protests, armed Gazans throw a small explosive at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 IDF officer is lightly injured. The IDF retaliates, bombing 2 Hamas tunnels and a training site. Hours after the Israeli attack, armed groups in Gaza launch approximately 31 rockets and other projectiles into Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 6, and the rest land in open areas, causing no major damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Qalqilya, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Nablus. They also violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 journalist is injured. Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles outside ‘Urif village near Nablus, causing major damage, and leave racist graffiti on walls nearby. (EI, WAFA 7/13; HA, MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/19)

The EU calls on the Israeli authorities to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing and expand the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast, warning that the recent restrictions risk “aggravating the already dire economic situation in Gaza.” (TOI, WAFA 7/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces use cement blocks to seal off the entrances to Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village near Jerusalem that the Israeli government plans to evacuate and demolish, preventing activists from joining a sit-in in the village. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in the village throughout the day. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Nablus; dismantle a number of makeshift structures being used as a school in a village near Hebron; and patrol near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Bayt Hanun and Rafah. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds near Gaza City and Palestinian minors attempting to cross the border fence near Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. Later, Israeli drones bomb a site in Bayt Hanun, reportedly targeting a group of Palestinians preparing to fly incendiary kites across the border fence; there are no reported injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 7/11; MNA, PCHR 7/12; PCHR 7/19)

The Hamas-run Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza announces a ban of fruit imports from Israel. A senior official with the ministry says that the ban is intended to put pressure on Israel to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Before today, Gaza imported approximately 200 tons of fruit from Israel daily. (MNA, TOI 7/11)

In East Jerusalem, 3 Israeli MKs—Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home), Yehuda Glick (Likud), and Amir Ohana (Likud)—tour Haram al-Sharif, marking the second such tour since Israeli PM Netanyahu lifted (7/3) his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate approximately 10 dunams (2.4 acres) of Palestinian land in central Hebron. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, causing minor damage. Israeli troops conduct raids in the area, but they do not apprehend any suspects. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/9; TOI 7/10; PCHR 7/12)

Netanyahu announces a major reduction in the amount of traffic allowed to pass into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, as well as a constriction of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast. Fuel, food, and medicine are now the only goods allowed through the crossing. The fishing zone is now six nautical miles after temporarily being expanded to nine nautical miles. The IDF and DM Lieberman frame the new restrictions as a direct response to the wave of incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza in recent weeks. (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 7/9; NYT 7/10)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and later near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Bani Na‘im near Hebron to protest recent Israeli takeovers of land in the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 2 Palestinians and 6 international activists at a similar demonstration in Hebron, arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Salfit and Hebron, and patrol near Qalqilya and Nablus. Israeli settlers cut down approximately 250 grapevines in Palestinian farmland outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in the Old City, and arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/12)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City. One Palestinian is killed and at least 141 are injured, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 130. On the other side of the border fence, approximately 4,000 Israelis gather to call for the return of the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive and almond trees outside ‘Urif village near Nablus while their IDF escort performs raids in Palestinian homes on the outskirts of the village, sparking clashes with residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Settlers also start fires in 3 locations outside nearby Burin village, causing moderate damage. The settlers later accuse Palestinians of starting the fires. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Islamic Waqf staff perform repair work on an area of Haram al-Sharif that Israeli police reportedly damaged recently. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/6; MNA, WAFA 7/7; PCHR 7/12)

After Israel’s High Court of Justice froze the demolition orders for Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, on 7/5, hundreds of Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the village in solidarity with the residents. (WAFA 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assault a number of activists and residents of Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem that is slated for evacuation and demolition; at least 11 people are arrested and 35 are lightly injured. Israeli troops and demolition crews surrounded the community early in the morning, blocking all entrances and exits ahead of its planned evacuation and demolition. Separately, Israeli forces evacuate and demolish several homes in the Abu Nawwar Bedouin village near Jerusalem and demolish a small water pool near Jericho. Meanwhile, IDF troops block Palestinian farmers from working their lands near Salfit. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/5; PCHR 7/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 129. (MNA, TOI 7/5)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. They wave flags, chant slogans, and fly incendiary kites across the border fence. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are killed and approximately 133 are injured. Their deaths bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 128. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 15 fires reportedly sparked by the kite attacks. In the West Bank, approximately 800 Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site outside Kifl Haris near Salfit, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; there are no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to a number of olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside Bayt Furik. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian activists at anti-occupation protests in Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/29; PCHR 7/5)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing closed today for the first time since 5/13. They plan to keep it closed through 7/1. (WAFA 6/29)

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)

Late at night, the IAF conducts 3 waves of air strikes targeting 25 Hamas sites across Gaza; the strikes cause massive damage and injure 3 Palestinians (2 near Rafah and 1 near Khan Yunis). The strikes reportedly come in response to the spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza in recent weeks. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze several dunams of Palestinian land near Hebron, with the intent to expand neighboring settlements. They also level approximately 40 dunams (approximately 10 acres) of Palestinian land near Jericho. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (WAFA 6/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 6/20; PCHR 6/21)

An ailing Palestinian dies at the Erez border crossing. The Israeli authorities summoned him for an interview that could have led to him being granted a permit to travel to Israel for medical attention. The deceased submitted two previous applications for an interview, but both were rejected, with the Israeli authorities citing security concerns. (PCHR 6/21)

Egyptian security sources say that Egyptian president al-Sisi has decided to keep the Rafah border crossing open for another two months, until after the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha in late 8/2018, for “humanitarian reasons.” The crossing has already been open for 1 month, far longer than any opening since 2014. (TOI 6/19; YA 6/20)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley announces that the U.S. has formally withdrawn from the UNHRC, reiterating the Trump administration’s complaints about the council’s chronic anti-Israel bias. She says the move is “not a retreat” and that the Trump administration would still like to help reform the UNHRC. Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomes the move, condemning the “biased” and “hostile” UNHRC. (HA, JP, TOI 6/19)

After Netanyahu decides again to postpone the planned evacuation and demolition of 7 buildings in the Palestinian village of Susiya near Hebron, Israeli settlers accuse him of succumbing to U.S. pressure. “The Israeli government’s folly is indescribable,” one settler leader says, pointing to the upcoming visit from U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law Kushner and U.S. special representative Greenblatt. (JP, TOI, YA 6/19)

In Amman, Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets with Kushner and Greenblatt, who are on a tour of the region to promote their Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. (HA, TOI 6/20)

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers gather at the illegal Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Bethlehem to protest the impending evacuation and demolition of 15 homes therein. The High Court of Justice initially ordered the outpost demolished by early 3/2018 in response to a petition from the Israeli NGO Peace Now in 2016. The court then allowed a three-month delay to give the government time to facilitate a smooth relocation process for the residents. Separately, settlers enter Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. The Israeli authorities issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and Nablus, and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, sparking a number of small fires in southern Israel. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on Palestinian farmland nearby, causing no damage or injuries. In north Israel, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli civilian in Afula. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/11; TOI 6/12; PCHR 6/14)

Israeli firefighters extinguish 17 small fires along Gaza’s border fence, reportedly sparked by incendiary kites flown across the fence. The Israeli police say they found one kite with a bomb attached to it in a residential area. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, more than 1,500 Palestinians gather in Ramallah to call on PA president Abbas to lift his punitive sanctions on Gaza. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Salfit, Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near the Old City and in Issawiyya. (TOI 6/10; HA 6/11; PCHR 6/14)

The IDF announces that it destroyed a Hamas-built tunnel last week. It was reportedly constructed several meters into the Mediterranean for the purpose of allowing Hamas fighters to enter Israel from the sea. “They tried to make it possible to covertly move from land to sea in order to perpetrate attacks inside Israel,” a senior IAF officer says. “We have known about this tunnel for a few months and decided that this was the right time for us to destroy it.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 6/10)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. The march’s organizing committee called for increased participation today to mark Naksa Day. Some protesters fly incendiary kites across the border fence into Israel, sparking small fires. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are killed and at least 100 are injured, including 2 paramedics. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 121. Earlier, IDF drones drop firebombs on protest tent camps and piles of tires along the border fence, sparking a number of minor fires and causing moderate damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (1 Palestinian is injured); arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Salfit and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian farmer’s supplies outside Burin near Nablus and leave racist graffiti on the walls nearby. In East Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the final Friday of Ramadan. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in al-Jadira village. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/8; PCHR 6/14)

Palestinians across Israel and the oPt observe a general strike in commemoration of the Nakba and in mourning for the 58 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 5/14. Thousands march in their funeral processions, and thousands more gather along the border fence for a 2d consecutive day of Great March of Return protests. Israeli forces violently disperse these demonstrations, as well as smaller protests in East Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and at the Qalandia checkpoint; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Unidentified assailants cut down 300 Palestinian-owned grapevines outside Bayt ‘Aynun village near Hebron and leave racist graffiti in the area. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/15; HA, MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

Two Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained during the deadly violence in Gaza on 5/14. The 4 deaths today bring the death toll stemming from Israel’s response to the protests on 5/14 to 60 and the overall death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 106. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 4th consecutive day. (AP 5/18; OCHA 5/24)

The Israeli authorities temporarily reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing, having kept it closed since 5/12, after Palestinians set fire to a nearby pipeline. There are reports of Palestinian activists turning back 4 truckloads of medical supplies provided by the IDF. The organizers of the Great March of Return later confirm that they rejected medical supplies from “the executors of Monday’s massacre against the innocent.” (AP, TOI 5/15; MNA, JP, TOI 5/16)

PA president Abbas recalls PLO envoy in Washington Husam Zomlot in protest at the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. decision to block the UNSC from making a statement condemning the Israeli violence on 5/14. (WAFA, YA 5/15; HA, WAFA 5/16)

The Turkish Foreign Ministry orders Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh to leave Turkey in protest of the killings in Gaza on 5/14. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry orders the Turkish consul in Jerusalem to return home. Turkey recalled its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in the wake of the killings on 5/14. (ANA, HA, JP, TOI 5/16)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on small groups of Palestinians approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya and alBureij refugee camp, injuring 2 minors. Separately, Palestinians fly incendiary kites across the border fence into Israel, where they land and set fire to Israeli farmlands, causing damage. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (They arrest 19 Palestinians in the neighborhood within this week.) They also demolish a commercial facility and a gas station in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. (WAFA, YA 5/8; HA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

U.S. president Trump announces his decision to pull the U.S. out of the 7/14/15 Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling it “disastrous.” Trump reportedly plans to reimpose all sanctions waived in the context of the deal, and to impose new ones. (ALM, BBC, HA, JP, NYT 5/8)

Hours after Trump’s announcement, the IAF conducts air strikes on a military base near Damascus used by Iranian forces, killing at least 15 people, including 8 Iranian soldiers, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The IDF also goes on high alert and instructs local authorities in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to prepare bomb shelters in case of an Iranian attack from Syria. (HA, JP, YA 5/9)

Israeli forces install 3 new road signs indicating the location of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, which is set to open officially on 5/14. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Abu Dis, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Salfit, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Nablus. A raid in Jenin refugee camp sparks minor clashes with stonethrowing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian property near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 4 Palestinian minors are arrested. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are injured. (HA 5/7; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and kill 3 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near Khan Yunis. The IDF accuses the men of attempting to damage “security infrastructure.” Later, IDF troops shoot and injure another Palestinian approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar near Hebron overnight, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 12 Palestinians during additional late-night raids near Salfit, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Bethlehem; arrest 1 Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint when she is found with a knife in her bag; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/6; MNA 5/7; PCHR 5/10)