The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Palestinians in several cities observed a general strike in solidarity with residents of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which have been closed by Israel since 10/8. Palestinians in Nablus also observed a general strike in protest against Israeli closures of all the entrances to the city. Israeli settlers attacked 1 vehicle transporting patients to an-Najah Hospital, damaging the vehicle. Israeli settlers with military escort also visited Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians resisting the incursion near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, attacking businesses and people and blocking a road, 1 Palestinian was injured. Israeli settlers also set fire to a poultry facility and truck in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other while violently dispersing Palestinian protesters at al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 1 with a baton round and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian man after forcing him out of his vehicle at a checkpoint near Bayt Lid. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Coinciding with the tour, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 3 at the compound, including 2 Waqf guards. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Isawiya, Silwan, al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Jabel Mukaber, Sur Baher, and Bayt Hanina, using tear gas and stun grenades. A general strike was also observed by Palestinians in East Jerusalem in solidarity with Shu‘fat and ‘Anata. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; ALM, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; UNOCHA 11/1)

The Israeli cabinet approved the maritime border agreement with Lebanon, sending it to the Knesset for final approval in 2 weeks. (AP, HA 10/12)

The U.S. White House released its National Security Strategy. The strategy included language referring to expanding normalization deals for Israel and a commitment to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic” state. The strategy paper also restated president Joe Biden’s position in support of a 2-state solution “along the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed swaps.” The paper did not mention any effort to restart negotiations. (White House 10/12; MEE 10/13)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed after allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli soldier near the Hebron settlement Kiryat Arba. Israeli settlers, led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, toured Nabi Samwil, leading to attacks on Palestinians. Israeli settlers also vandalized a greenhouse near Zawata. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up tents outside of al-‘Awja. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 7 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 5 with baton rounds and 23 others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in al-Yamun and 1 at the Za‘atra checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-Amud, displacing 11. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

Japan contributed $1.5 million to UNRWA for food security programs in Gaza. (WAFA 9/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Gush Etzion settlement bloc and Mukhmas. Israeli settlers also set fire to 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles in ‘Urif. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian shepherd near Umm al-Khair, causing fractures. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Turmus ‘Ayya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel’s civil administration announced in a statement that Israel will advance nearly 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank on 5/12. 1,452 of the settlement units are expected to be advanced while 2,536 are expected to be approved by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (AJ, AX, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA. WAFA 5/6; MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/7)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian shot by Israeli forces in al-Yamun on 4/18 succumbed to his injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also raided Nabi Salih, injuring 1 Palestinian with a baton round. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian attempting to enter Israel for work at the separation wall west of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring 57, including 15 who were taken to hospitals for treatment; 2 were in serious condition; 1 of them fell into a coma after being hit in the head with a baton round. 1 Israeli police officer was injured by a rock to his face. For the 1st time, Israel used drones to fire tear gas at Palestinians at the compound. Some 150,000 worshippers prayed at the compound for the 3d Friday of the month of Ramadan. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya, Jabel Mukaber, and Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, Israel said 2 rockets were launched at Israel but fell inside of Gaza. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Umm al-Fahm; tear-gas related injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEMO, NPR, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/22; HA, MEMO, WAFA 4/23; AJ 4/24; PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel closed all crossings from the West Bank and Gaza to East Jerusalem and Israel for the Jewish holiday of Passover. The closure will remain in effect until an unspecified time on 4/23. Exceptions were made for Palestinians from the West Bank who had been issued permits to pray at the Haram al-Sharif compound for the Friday prayers. (HA 4/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided al-Ibrahimi Mosque and prevented Muslim worshippers from entering the mosque. Israeli forces also sealed the entrance to Nabi Saleh. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 2 residential structures in al-Muarajat, displacing 12. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in Sa‘ir, Yatta, as-Samu, and Tell; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian stabbed and injured 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Israeli settler while being arrested in relation to a car-torching incident in Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the vicinity of the Gaza fence. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was attacked by 4 Israeli Jewish people, who yelled “death to Arabs,” used pepper spray through the window of his vehicle, and vandalized his vehicle in Beersheba. The man was placed in house arrest after receiving treatment at a hospital, despite a judge saying that the Palestinian man was clearly attacked 1st by the Israelis. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MEMO, WAFA 3/21; HA 3/23; PCHR 3/24; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel said it had arrested 2 Palestinian men in the Galilee region for allegedly working with Hezbollah. (HA 3/20)

A Jewish vigilante militia set up by a former Israeli police officer was formally launched in the Naqab desert. The militia, The Barel Rangers, says it will patrol the Naqab to protect Jewish residents against Palestinian attacks. (AJ 3/24; MEE 3/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp and 1 at a checkpoint near Zabbuba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers raided Ras al-Amud, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli police; 3 were arrested. 2 other Palestinians were assaulted and arrested near the Damascus Gate plaza. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/18; MEMO 3/19; PCHR 3/24; UNOCHA 3/25)

Middle East Eye reported that Israel has been spraying herbicides from crop dusters near the Gaza fence for 4 days this week, damaging crops. (MEE 3/18)

The Israeli state prosecutor’s office charged 4 Palestinians from Sur Baher with acts of terrorism and supporting Hamas. Israel claimed that they were tasked by Hamas to “establish and operate a military and organizational infrastructure in Jerusalem.” (HA, JP 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 110 olive saplings from 2 different groves in Burqin. Israeli settlers with military escort also toured Sabastia, closing parts of the town for Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 3 Palestinian vehicles in Kifl Haris. Israeli forces damaged agricultural lands planted with onions and garlic and a water pipeline during a military drill in Bardala. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Silwad, Kafr Ni’ma, Qaddura refugee camp, Nablus, ‘Anata, Burqa, Kafr Qud, and al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/10; PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society said in a statement that Palestinian prisoners held by Israel refuse to leave their cells in protest over the Israeli prison service’s decision to decrease the time prisoners have in the prison yards by more than half. (MEE, WAFA 2/10; AJ 2/13)

Israel indicted the mother of 1 Palestinian charged with killing an Israeli settler on 12/16/2021 for not having prevented the attack on the settler. (HA 2/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on Germany to recognize the state of Palestine and to pressure Israel to respect agreements made with the PA. (WAFA, WAFA 2/11)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a joint press conference that the 2 countries will cooperate to find ways for Germany to fund projects in the West Bank without allowing funds to go to the 6 Palestinian rights organizations deemed terror organizations by Israel. The 6 organizations outlawed by Israel’s defense ministry in October 2021 are al-Haq, Addameer, Defense for Children International-Palestine, Bisan Center for Research and Development, the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, and the Union of Agricultural Work Committees. (HA 2/11)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 3 Palestinians in Jenin, leading to gunmen opening fire at a PA office in the city; the 3 Palestinians were released shortly after by the PA. Armed Israeli settlers raided Susiya, chanting racist slogans and throwing stones, injuring 1 Palestinian man. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh, injuring 1 journalist with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 12 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Qalqilya, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. Separately, Israeli forces confiscated 1 excavator in Kuseis near Dura. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Beita and Aida refugee camp and 3 at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Ras al-Amud. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Damascus Gate plaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; HA, JP, TOI 1/8; PCHR 1/13)

The Directorate of the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem said Israel is preventing the implementation of a Waqf decision to increase the number of Waqf guards at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The Waqf said it needs to increase the number of guards due to the increase in Israeli settlers touring the compound. (MEMO 1/8; WAFA 1/10)

Norwegian representative to the UN Mona Juul said that she will use her time as president of the Security Council to prioritize the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by elevating a meeting on the issue on 1/19 to the ministerial level. (WAFA 1/7)