The Palestine Chronology

For a 7th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (attendance continues to steadily decline). Israeli forces violently disperse protestors in Hebron and 3 nearby villages (Dura, Bayt Umar, and Halhul), outside the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 26 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist, and 5 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently detain 2 Palestinian youths inside an ambulance in Halhul; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian students outside a school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/13; MNA, PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel in the evening; 2 are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system and 1 falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on at least 5 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. The Israeli authorities announce that both the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings will be closed indefinitely as collective punishment for the week of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. (HA, TOI 12/13; HA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)

At an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, reps. of the 57 OIC members jointly declare East Jerusalem to be the capital of the State of Palestine and urge all countries to recognize Palestine. Addressing the attendees, PA pres. Abbas says that Israel’s violations and of international law free the Palestinians from prior commitments made in context of the peace process, threatens to abandon the PA’s security coordination with the IDF, and announces the Palestinians’ intention to go to the UNSC for full UN membership. (AFP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13)

For a 4th day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Salfit, Bethlehem, at Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 24 Palestinians are injured and 8 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate Palestinian agricultural equipment near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Palestinians throw rocks at Israeli settler cars near Jerusalem, lightly injuring 1 minor. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees in a cemetery outside the Old City and arrest a Palestinian attempting to stop them. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them at the Central Bus Station. They later uncover a message the alleged attacker posted on Facebook indicating that he was motivated, at least in part, by the 12/6 U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/14)

The IDF demolishes a tunnel leading from Gaza into Israel near Kibbutz Nirim. “The tunnel that was thwarted today was a very significant tunnel and [built] to higher standards than what we are used to seeing,” a spokesperson says. (HA, NYT, TOI 12/10)

Senior PA official Nabil Shaath says that the PA no longer intends to sever all ties with the U.S. over Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We are not cutting our relationship with America. We are protesting the move of Mr. Trump,” he says. Shaath says that some forms of communication have continued throughout the recent crisis, but that communication about the peace process has been “interrupted.” (TOI 12/10)

Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that there have been “obstacles” blocking the PA from taking full control of Gaza, which was supposed to proceed by today after being delayed from the 12/1 deadline initially enshrined in the 10/12 national reconciliation agreement. The 2 sides neglect to set a new deadline, and the future of the reconciliation process is therefore unclear. (AFP, TOI 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces order Palestinian farmers to leave their lands near Tubas for undisclosed reasons. They also evacuate and demolish a structure in the Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Jerusalem. The remaining 15 buildings in the outpost are to be demolished by 3/2018. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif and ban him from entering the Old City for 20 days. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/7)

Hours after employees of the Hamas-run government prevent former PA civil servants from entering government offices in Gaza City, Fatah and Hamas agree to temporarily delay the transfer of government ministries to 12/10. Under their 10/12 reconciliation agreement, administrative control over Gaza was supposed to be transferred to the PA by today (see JPS 47 [2]). The delay is meant to diffuse tensions that have arisen since, according to a joint statement. (AFP, HA 11/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Tubas; and patrol near Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at and physically assault Palestinian farmers working outside Yatta village near Hebron, sparking clashes between the Palestinians and IDF troops in the area; there are no serious injuries. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone and arrests 6 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. (PCHR 11/30; PCHR 12/7)

After a cabinet meeting in Ramallah, the PA calls on all of its former civil servants in Gaza (who stopped working when Hamas took power in 6/2007), to return to their posts, thereby jeopardizing the future of tens of thousands of employees of the Hamas-run government. The PA had agreed to pay the current employees of the Hamas-run government through 2/2018. In a statement, the cabinet stresses that “the empowerment of the government in the Gaza Strip [. . .] is a necessary first step and the cornerstone for moving to resolve the rest of the issues.” Hamas, which has called for the issue to be resolved in a way that preserves the rights of its government’s employees, criticizes the announcement as a “violation” of past agreements. (AFP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian and 1 German activist are injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a patrol near Jenin, and conducts further patrols near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/30)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson announces that the PLO office in Washington will be allowed to remain open for at least another 90 days, after which Pres. Trump will decide whether or not to allow it to stay open indefinitely (see Update). The Trump administration has “advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the spokesperson explains. (HA, MNA, TOI 11/25)

Approximately 25–30 gunmen launch an attack on a crowded mosque in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 300 Egyptian civilians. In response, the Egyptian army kills at least 30 of the militants in a series of strikes on known hideouts in the area. A Palestinian official says that the attack prompted the Egyptian authorities to cancel a planned 3-day opening of the Rafah border crossing on 11/25–27. (AFP, HA 11/24; AP, HA, REU, TOI 11/25)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and damage the doors of 4 shops during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jerusalem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 25 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Juhur al-Dik. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/26)

Wataniya Mobile launches telecommunications services in Gaza, making it the 2d provider operating in the region. An employee of the company says that both Israeli and Palestinian restrictions previously blocked Wataniya from operating in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 10/24)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Hebron protest at the Abu Rajab house that Israeli settlers seized on 7/25, and which has been subject to ongoing litigation ever since. Elsewhere in Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working in his fields south of Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City of East Jerusalem, allegedly for carrying a knife. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/20; WAFA 10/21; MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/26)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran for talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and other regional issues. A Hamas official says that the group wants to increase its cooperation with Iran and to “secure Iranian financial and logistical support.” (AFP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

After 3 days of talks in Cairo, Hamas and Fatah announce that they have reached a new national reconciliation agreement. They do not release the text of the agreement, but according to Palestinian and Egyptian officials close to the talks, the PA is set to lift the sanctions imposed on Gaza earlier this year and Hamas agreed to hand over control of Gaza to the PA by 12/1, inter alia. Egypt’s State Information Service releases a statement announcing that the 2 sides have “agreed on procedures” for reconciliation, acknowledging that “division between the 2 sides” remains. The statement says Cairo will host a follow-up meeting on 11/21. (AFP, HA, MDW, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/12)

Thousands of Palestinians gather in the streets of Gaza City to celebrate the Palestinian reconciliation deal. 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 violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at them outside a settlement near Hebron (there are no serious injuries), and patrol near Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Israeli settlers march through the Old City, chanting slogans, throwing rocks, and smashing car windows. They assault and moderately injure a Palestinian shop-owner. Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinian youths who attempt to stop the settlers’ attacks. Israeli forces also impose a curfew on Issawiyya and arrest 1 Palestinian driving in the neighborhood. They arrest another Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat. (REU 10/13; PCHR 10/19)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that the U.S. is withdrawing from UNESCO. “This decision was not taken lightly, and reflects [. . .] continuing anti-Israel bias at UNESCO.” The withdrawal goes into effect at the end of 2018. Shortly after the State Dept.’s announcement, Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office announces that Israel is following the “brave and moral” U.S. decision and leaving UNESCO as well. (EI, HA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/12; MNA 10/13)

In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, approximately 628 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif for a 3d day in a row, marking the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp, and violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinian youths gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp later in the day (1 Palestinian is injured). (MNA 10/10; MNA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/12)

Hamas and Fatah officials resume talks on a possible national reconciliation agreement under the oversight of Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo. They discuss ways that the PA can effectively administrate in Gaza, including the operation of the border crossings and issues related to the economy and security. In the evening, the 2 sides issue a joint statement: “We thank Egypt for its sponsorship in achieving reconciliation and ending division and we look forward to continuing talks [. . .] in the same high spirits.” Talks are expected to continue all week. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 10/10; MNA 10/11)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate NIS 13,500 (approximately $3,800) in cash and jewelry during late-night raids near Hebron, and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. They also return to Bayt Surik to threaten the punitive demolition of the home of the alleged perpetrator of the deadly attack in Har Hadar on 9/26. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Hizma, Silwan, and the Old City. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 119th time since 2010. (MNA, PNN, WAFA 10/3; PCHR 10/5)

For the first time since 2014, the PA cabinet convenes in Gaza. At the outset, PM Hamdallah says that the government is set to take full responsibility of the administration of Gaza “in full cooperation and partnership with all the Palestinian factions and forces,” including Hamas. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/3; AFP 10/4)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Qalqilya and Salfit, and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp, Issawiyya, and al-Tur. (PCHR 9/21)

Following another round of talks in Cairo, both internal and with Egyptian intelligence officials, Hamas releases a statement pledging to dismantle the administrative committee established earlier this year, to allow the PA to resume operations in Gaza, to resume reconciliation talks with Fatah, and to participate in general elections. Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad, who is also in Cairo, welcomes Hamas’s statement and says that Hamas and Fatah are set to take tangible steps toward reconciliation, including bringing PA control back to Gaza, in the coming days. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/17; NYT 9/19; AFP 9/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Rima nr. Ramallah, confiscating 1 car and sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid nr. Hebron. A Palestinian construction worker is injured when IDF troops open fire on him as he attempts to climb Israel’s separation wall nr. Bethlehem (he fractures both his feet falling off the wall). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 7/8; PCHR 7/13)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company announces that Egyptian power lines feeding s. Gaza were damaged during the 7/7 clashes in n. Sinai, exacerbating the ongoing electricity crisis across the region. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run energy authority in Gaza reports that the PA recently “stopped all the financial transaction through Palestinian banks to Egypt to buy fuel,” which halts fuel delivery from Egypt on 7/6. A PA spokesperson does not comment on the energy authority’s report of blocked payments except to say, “the main reason for the worsening situation in Gaza is Hamas as they rejected [PA pres. Abbas’s] initiative . . . to end the split [between Palestinian factions].” (AFP, MNA 7/8)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Beita nr. Nablus, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and al-Bureij r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian shops in c. Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 6/1)

In response to COGAT’s 5/25 announcement of a reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to Gaza, Hamas releases a statement threatening “consequences” if the reductions are implemented. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that the energy crisis in Gaza is affecting water supplies and health services, which could spark another war. (AFP, MNA 5/26)

Gaza’s sole power plant runs out of fuel for the 2d time this year, plunging the region into a renewed power cut crisis. As a result, GEDCO will only be able to distribute 133 MW of power per day, far less than the 450–500 needed. (AFP, TOI 4/16)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities ban 12 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for 80 days (they have now banned more than 50 Palestinians from the sanctuary in recent weeks). Meanwhile, 517 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; 3 are arrested for praying. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qutna. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/20)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian hitchhiker stabs and injures an Israeli settler driver who picked him up nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians outside the Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah protesting the 3/6 killing of Basel al-Araj and PA security coordination with Israel; 8 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also set up mobile checkpoints around the Bethlehem area in the evening, confiscate personal property, and arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces dismantle an explosive device nr. Jabaliya r.c. Around the same time, Israeli forces shell an Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) post nearby, injuring 1 Palestinian, according to PIJ. The IDF says it will look into a connection between the incidents. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, the Israeli authorities deliver demolition orders to several homes in the Bedouin village Rakhama nr. Beersheba. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 3/6)

During the U.S. State Dept.’s first press briefing under the Trump admin., a spokesperson says that the dept. is “working closely” with Trump on his new Middle East policy and that the admin. is working with Israel to figure out “what exactly it would look like” for Israel to restrict settlement growth. (USSD, JP, TOI 3/7; AFP, HA 3/8)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Bayt Lahiya; 4 Palestinians, including 1 journalist, are injured. IDF troops also disperse Palestinians clashing with Israeli settlers at a well nr. Nabi Salih. It’s unclear what caused the clashes; there are no serious injuries. They also patrol nr. Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths who reportedly got lost nr. Bayt Lahiya, arrest 3 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Israel nr. Ashqelon, and open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Khan Yunis. (AFP,MNA,WAFA 3/3; PCHR 3/9)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to complications related to a congenital heart defect after the Israeli authorities refuse to permit him passage from Gaza to Israel or the West Bank for medical treatment. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth collecting firewood nr. the border fence outside Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate a Palestinian vehicle during a raid in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian police officer nr. Nablus, causing minor injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and again nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (MNA, WAFA 1/14; MNA 1/15; PCHR 1/19; MNA 1/22)

PA pres. Abbas inaugurates the new Palestinian embassy at the Vatican after meeting with Pope Francis. The Vatican formally recognized Palestine as a state on 6/26/ 2015. (AFP, HA, LF, REU, WAFA 1/14)