The Palestine Chronology

An explosion in Dayr al-Balah kills 6 members of Hamas and injures 3 others. The circumstances of the blast are unclear. Hamas accuses Israel of assassinating the men. The Israeli authorities deny any involvement. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure 6 Palestinians approaching the border fence and allegedly throwing stones near al-Maghazi refugee camp. They also open fire on Palestinian paramedics working near Dayr al-Balah, injuring 1. Hours later, the IAF conducts an air strike on a Hamas site near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing an unclear amount of damage and injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during late-night raids near Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Issawiyya. (WAFA 5/5; HA, JP, YA 5/6)

Thousands of Palestinian protesters gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for a 6th consecutive Friday. This week’s actions, commencing 3 days after International Workers Day, are dedicated to Palestinian workers. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations along the border fence near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; at least 70 Palestinians are injured (3 critically). The IDF later states that its soldiers blocked 2 separate attempts to cut through the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests in Hebron and al-Bireh; there are no serious injuries. They also assault and injure 1 Palestinian during an arrest raid in Hebron, deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Bethlehem, arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli settlers set fire to a swathe of Palestinian farmland near Hebron, causing major damage. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA 5/4; HA 5/5; WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man attempting to cross into Israel. According to the IDF, he is armed with a knife and a box cutter. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural supplies building near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Salfit, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, HA, TOI, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/27, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 42. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/3)

On their 4th and final day of meetings in Ramallah, the PNC discusses possible reforms to the PLO and chooses new members of the PLO Executive Committee. They also elect PA president Abbas to another term as head of the State of Palestine and president of the PLO Executive Committee. (WAFA 5/3; REU, WAFA 5/4)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians who allegedly crossed the border fence and threw “explosive devices” at an IDF patrol, according to an Israeli spokesperson. Separately, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure 2 more Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah; 1 of the Palestinians dies soon after the incident. Later, they arrest another Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers slash the tires of a number of Palestinian cars and spray-paint racist graffiti on walls in Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah. They also raze a swathe of Palestinian farmland near Salfit and assault a reporter attempting to document the incident. IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during raids near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians building a road near Hebron. Raids in Nablus and Jenin spark minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/30; EI 5/1; PCHR 5/3)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 days. (OCHA 5/10)

The IAF conducts air strikes on Syrian army facilities near Hama and north of the Aleppo International Airport late at night, killing 26 people and causing major damage. There are reports that the majority of the deceased are Iranian troops. (DPA, HA, JP, NYT, REU 4/30; MEMO 4/30; NBC, HA 5/2)

Along Gaza’s border, a Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse near Dayr al-Balah, according to local Gaza media. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse groups of Palestinians approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya; 3 Palestinians are 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, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during minor clashes in Hebron, and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. They also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish part of a Palestinian shop in Bayt ‘Aynun and confiscate some of its merchandise, and arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Shu‘fat refugee camp They also establish a closed military zone near Al-Quds University, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing students; 4 Palestinians are injured. (TOI, WAFA 4/22; PCHR 4/26)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/20, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 35. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23; EI 4/24)

Along Gaza’s border, a number of Palestinians tie firebombs to kites and fly them into Israeli territory, causing several small fires. IDF troops then violently disperse Palestinians protesting near the border fence outside Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops seal off the main entrance to Bayt Umar near Hebron while they conduct raids in the village. The raids spark minor clashes; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in Yatta village near Hebron and bar Palestinian laborers from working on water infrastructure outside Bethlehem. IDF troops confiscate some surveillance footage and arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp, Abu Dis, and al-Tur. (WAFA 4/15; HA 4/16; PCHR 4/19)

The IDF announces it destroyed a tunnel leading into Israel from the Jabaliya refugee camp area on 4/14, bringing the number of Gazan tunnels demolished since the beginning of 2017 to 8. DM Lieberman says that this was the “longest and deepest [tunnel] exposed so far” and calls on the Palestinians in Gaza to stop Hamas from “burning your money on tunnels going nowhere.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 4/15)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli artillery shell a Palestinian rickshaw transporting PIJ fighters near Rafah, killing 4 and injuring several others. Israel’s Army Radio reports that the men were transporting explosives. PIJ says that the 4 died during unspecified “preparations.” Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, and a small number of Palestinians at a Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians are 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, IDF troops evacuate and dismantle an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus (settlers erected it on 4/13). When some of the settlers throw stones and otherwise resist the IDF, the soldiers arrest 3 of them. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 4/27)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians throwing stones at the border fence near Khan Yunis, killing 1 and injuring a number of others. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities allow Palestinian shop owners to reopen 15 shops in central Hebron. The shops were closed in 2000. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a patrol in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/12; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 3 planned days. (AFP, TOI 4/12)

An Israeli settler shoots and fatally injures a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab another settler with a screwdriver at a gas station outside the Mishor Adumim settlement near Jerusalem (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 4/9). Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces block Palestinian farmers from working their lands near Tulkarm, without offering any justification. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol near Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces evict 3 Palestinian families from their homes in Silwan, implementing a recent court ruling that an Israeli settler group owns the buildings. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Anata refugee camp, and Abu Dis. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians amid clashes near Khan Yunis and open fire on agricultural lands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Later, Israeli tanks fire shells at 3 Palestinians who snuck through the border fence near Gaza City. The 3 turn back, unhurt. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/8; HA 4/9)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in a violent confrontation with IDF troops at a checkpoint near Tulkarm on 4/2. (WAFA 4/8)

At a meeting of the Fatah Central Committee, PA president Abbas lays out conditions for Palestinian engagement with the U.S. peace initiative. “We will not listen to anything that comes [from the Trump administration], regardless of what it is, unless the 2-state solution [is endorsed] and East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine is recognized,” he says. (JP, TOI 4/8)

Following the burning of hundreds of tires along Gaza’s border on 4/6, a PA official says that the Israeli authorities have suspended all tire imports into Gaza. (JP 4/8)

Israeli DM Lieberman condemns the calls for an independent, transparent investigation into the killings along Gaza’s border over the past 2 weeks. “The demand to investigate the shooting [. . .] is hypocrisy,” he says. Separately, Israeli officials say that the IDF will react with force, including air strikes on Hamas military targets, if Palestinians continue attempting to damage the border fence during the ongoing Great March of Return. (HA, JP 4/8)

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

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

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

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

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he stabs and kills an Israeli civilian. IDF troops then raid the alleged attacker’s home in the Nablus-area village of Aqraba, interrogate his relatives, and take measurements ahead of a possible punitive demolition. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during latenight raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian vehicles and spray price-tag graffiti on nearby walls in Hizma as well. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol near Salfit and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, WAFA 3/18; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/19; PCHR 3/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the IDF demolished 2 underground tunnels in Gaza overnight. One of the tunnels was old and being refurbished; the other had not yet entered Israel. “Our policy is to act with determination against every attempt to harm us, and to systematically destroy the terror tunnel infrastructure, and so shall we continue,” he says, adding that “it is time for the international community to recognize that the financial aid going to Gaza is buried underground.” Hamas responds by dismissing 1 of the tunnels as “old” and “unused.” (HA, JP, TOI 3/18)

A Palestinian driver allegedly rams his car into a small group of IDF troops standing along a road near Nablus, killing 2, critically injuring a 3d, and moderately injuring a 4th. The Palestinian driver is arrested. Later, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attacker’s hometown, Barta‘a, near Jenin, arresting his brother and ransacking several homes. The Israeli authorities also revoke the work permits of approximately 100 of the alleged attacker’s relatives. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Bethlehem, al-Bireh, 4 villages near Ramallah (Budrus, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians, issue 2 arrest summons, and demolish the walls of an apartment during raids near Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Abu Dis, injuring 19. It’s unclear what sparked the clashes. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI, WAFA 3/16; HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/17; PCHR 3/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Hebron, and along Gaza’s border in various locations; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 13 are injured. Reportedly for the first time, the IDF uses a drone to drop tear gas on Palestinian protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and arrest 2 Palestinians at a mobile checkpoint near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 3 Palestinians during raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Madama village near Nablus; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. Settlers erect tents in the yards of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and homes outside nearby Yatta village. Palestinians set fire to an Israeli settler’s home near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with IDF troops; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police block Palestinian activists from organizing a running race to coincide with the Israeli government–organized Jerusalem Marathon, an annual race through the city that requires the closure of a number of main streets; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Approximately 5,000 runners participate in the Jerusalem Marathon. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 3/9; MNA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/15)

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

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

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian farmer working near Khan Yunis (he dies later in the day). The IDF later claims that soldiers feared the man was preparing to cross the border fence. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Fahma village near Jenin, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Salfit, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/3; PCHR 3/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah overnight, sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. The Israeli authorities confiscate 24 dunams (approximately 6 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Nablus, with the intention of building a new road for Israeli settlers in the area. In East Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher reopens, following Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 2/27 decision to freeze the tax programs that motivated church leaders’ protests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/28; PCHR 3/8)

IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during an overnight raid in Jericho; he succumbs to injuries sustained in the confrontation later in the day. The IDF contends that he suffered fatal seizures after being exposed to large amounts of tear gas during the raid. (An autopsy performed on 2/23 will find that he suffered a fatal gunshot to his abdomen.) Meanwhile, Israeli settlers build a fence around a plot of land near Nablus, reportedly with the intention of building a new illegal settlement outpost. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Salfit, and patrol near Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Khan Yunis and on a group of Palestinian minors protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital near al-Bureij refugee camp, injuring 1. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/22; HA 2/25; PCHR 3/1)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) announces that it will be forced to shut down Gaza’s sole power plant soon due to a lack of diesel fuel. A GEDCO spokesperson says that “the premature closure of the Rafah border crossing on 5/21 restricted essential fuel shipments.” (HA, TOI 2/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer Prison near Ramallah in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners; there are no serious injuries (4 Palestinians are arrested). They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in al-Bireh; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 12 Palestinians during raids near Salfit, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; violently assaults and injures a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint near Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces raze almost 50 dunams (approximately 12 acres) of Palestinian land planted with olive trees, clearing space for the extension of the separation wall near Jenin. Israeli settlers slaughter 20 sheep and steal approximately 70 more from a Palestinian shepherd working near Nablus. They also visit religious sites outside a village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents in the area; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a small Palestinian shop in Bayt Hanina and an agricultural structure and a house in Shu‘fat. They also arrest 5 Palestinian children as they are leaving school in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters congregating near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/21; MNA, PCHR 2/22; PCHR 3/1)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in border clashes with the IDF in Gaza on 2/16. (TOI, WAFA 2/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions. Although they initially stated that the crossing would remain open through 2/23, they close it after only a few hours. (JP, WAFA 2/21)

In a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, IDF Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot says it was a “mistake” to return 2 Palestinian corpses to their families last week. He says that the protocol for returning such corpses has since been changed, but does not offer any details. (TOI 2/21)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces the construction of 3,000 new housing units for Israeli settlers between Gilo and the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. (WAFA 2/22; MEMO 2/23)

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

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

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Raids in Salfit, Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, and Jayyus village near Qalqilya spark clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in al-Ram and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/22)

The IDF announces that “starting today, the IDF will adopt harsher means against rioters on the Gaza Strip border,” pointing to reports alleging that armed Palestinians planted an IED along the border fence during protests on 2/16. “You’d better stop with that now,” says the IDF’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Yoav Mordechai. “Go and demonstrate against Hamas in Gaza.” (TOI 2/19; HA 2/20)

Unidentified individuals fire a rocket from Gaza toward Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts air strikes on 10 Hamas sites across Gaza, including a tunnel leading into Israeli territory. Earlier in the day, senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar says that Hamas does not want “to expend its energy on this escalation,” and that efforts are underway to “avert a new war.” (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/19; PCHR 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers traveling to the Kiryat Arba settlement outside Hebron assault and injure their Palestinian bus driver when he attempts to explain to them that inclement weather is preventing him from driving any faster. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and al-Ram. (WAFA 2/18; YA 2/19; PCHR 2/22)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against U.S. president Donald Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Jericho, Salfit, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 villages near Nablus (Beita and Huwwara), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 41 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also assault and lightly injure 5 Palestinian minors in central Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/16; WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/22)

Israeli forces return the corpses of Palestinians killed in deadly confrontations with the IDF on 9/26/2017 and 2/7 to their families in Bayt Surik near Jerusalem and Halhul near Hebron, respectively. (JP, MNA, TOI 2/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an arrest raid near Nablus, arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 5 Palestinian vehicles near Qalqilya and leave price-tag graffiti on the walls nearby. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian shop and cut down a number of trees in Issawiyya. They also arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Abu Dis, and al-Ram. Construction begins on a new center for Jewish religious studies in Jerusalem’s Old City, just a short distance from Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 2/13; EI, PCHR 2/15)

The Israeli police recommend charging PM Netanyahu in 2 cases where there is sufficient evidence he accepted bribes “against the public interest.” Atty.-gen. Avichai Mandelblit is now tasked with deciding whether or not to formally charge the PM. Netanyahu says that the recommendations are “biased” and have “more holes than Swiss cheese.” (HA, NYT 2/13; NYT, YA 2/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a car repair shop near Hebron and an old structure near Salfit, and deny Palestinian farmers access to their lands near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Palestinians throw stones at 2 IDF soldiers who drove into Jenin, causing minor injuries. PA Security Forces assist the IDF in extracting the soldiers from the city. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers slash the tires of several Palestinian cars in Silwan and leave price-tag graffiti nearby. Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Issawiyya, Silwan, and Abu Dis. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/12; PCHR 2/15)

In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring and then arresting 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid an air-conditioning factory in Tulkarm, damaging some materials and causing a work stoppage. They also arrest 14 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. A raid near Nablus sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, following several reports of Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli forces and settlers, the Israeli authorities close the roads between Hizma and Issawiyya. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Abu Dis. (WAFA 2/11; WAFA 2/12; PCHR 2/15)

In an interview with Israel Hayom, U.S. pres. Trump says that he is not sure Israel and the Palestinians are interested in reaching a peace agreement. Specifically, he responded to a question about the U.S. promise to release a peace plan: “We are going to see what goes on. Right now, I would say the Palestinians are not looking to make peace, they are not looking to make peace. And I am not necessarily sure that Israel is looking to make peace. So we are just going to have to see what happens.” (HA, IHY, TOI 2/11)

For the 10th consecutive Friday, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, in al-Mazra‘a and al-Bireh near Ramallah, 3 villages near Nablus (Beita, Dayr al-Hatab, and Madama), the Huwwara checkpoint, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 41 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Meanwhile, Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian in central Hebron, claiming he is carrying a knife. The IDF temporarily shuts down the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus following clashes in the area earlier in the day. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Tubas, and patrol near Salfit and Hebron. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/9; PCHR 2/15)

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

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in Hebron closes for the day after IDF troops shoot tear gas canisters onto school grounds amid minor clashes nearby. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Ramallah and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue an arrest summons to an Islamic Waqf guard during a raid at Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA 2/8; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 days. (JP 2/8; OCHA 2/15)

Unidentified persons in Syria open fire on an Israeli drone flying over the Israelicontrolled Golan Heights. Errant bullets hit a home in Majdal Shams, causing minor damage. (HA, YA 2/8)

An Israeli security guard shoots and kills a Palestinian minor after he stabs and lightly injures another guard at the entrance to Karme Tzur settlement near Hebron. After the incident, IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home in Halhul village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Jericho; 21 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Salfit, lightly injuring 1 driver and damaging 1 car. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian minors throw stones at a fence surrounding an Israeli settlement near Kafr ‘Aqab, sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/7; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 2/8; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 3 days. (WAFA 2/7; OCHA 2/15)

The IAF conducts air strikes on a military “research center” near Damascus, according to the Syrian army. Israeli forces have reportedly targeted the site 3 times in the past 3 months. (DPA, HA, REU 2/7)

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