The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a field planted with wheat crops near al-Mughayyir, causing extensive damage. Israel deployed more forces to the West Bank, increasing the number of military forces by 50%. Israeli forces seized 1 excavator east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters by the Damascus Gate plaza, injuring 3. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Hebrew University near Issawiyya, injuring 2 and arresting 3; 3 Israeli police officers were reportedly lightly injured. Earlier, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian in the area, leading to several other Palestinians coming to his defense. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed off Shaykh Jarrah to prevent Palestinians from entering the neighborhood and violently dispersed Palestinians in the area, leading to 19 injuries, including 5 that required treatment at a hospital. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around the Haram al-Sharif compound, Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, Israel said incendiary balloons from Gaza started several fires in Israel. 2 rockets were also reportedly fired from Gaza toward Israel; no damage was reported. Israeli forces subsequently attacked Dayr al-Balah, causing damage. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protests against Israeli aggression in East Jerusalem near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis, injuring 1 protester with live ammunition and 2 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israel’s aggression against Palestinians in East Jerusalem in Haifa and Nazareth. (HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/9; AP, HA, HA 5/10; PCHR 5/11)

The Israeli high court of justice postponed the eviction hearing for the Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah under the most immediate threat of eviction. The hearing, which has already been postponed a number of times, was scheduled for 5/10. The postponement was made after a request by the Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit, whom the attorneys representing the Palestinian families have requested be part of the proceedings. (GDN, HA, NYT 5/9; HA, REU 5/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “[w]e firmly reject pressure not to build in Jerusalem. And sadly, these pressures have been increasing recently. I say to our closest friends: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Just as every nation builds its capital and builds in its capital, we also reserve the right to build Jerusalem and build in Jerusalem. This is what we have done, and this is what we will continue to do.” His comments came after days of international condemnation of Israeli efforts to evict Palestinians in East Jerusalem, replacing them with Israeli settlers. (AJ, BBC, HA 5/9)

Jordan summoned the Israeli envoy to the country to express its condemnation over Israeli behavior in East Jerusalem in recent days. Jordan’s king Abdullah II also called PA president Mahmoud Abbas to express his support. Jordan called the Israeli violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem “barbaric.” Protests outside the Israeli embassy in Amman called for Jordan to end its peace treaty with Israel. President Abbas also discussed the situation with Tunisian president Kais Saied. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/9)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Israeli national security advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, expressing concern over the recent violence in East Jerusalem and the Israeli eviction threat over the Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah. According to Axios, Security Advisor Ben-Shabbat told U.S. security advisor Sullivan that the U.S. and the international community should stay out of Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem. The spokesperson for UN secretary-general António Guterres urged Israel to “exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly” and to stop demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem. Pope Francis also called on the parties to stop the violence. Pakistan and Switzerland were also among the countries to criticize Israel’s aggression. (AX, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/9; AX, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA 5/10)

Tunisia led a group of 9 nations requesting an emergency meeting at the UN security council for the violence in Jerusalem. (WAFA 5/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive seedlings, stealing 22 of them in Tell. Israeli forces sealed off 8 villages near Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians in 1 of the villages, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Beita, injuring 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Anata, and 1 at a checkpoint in Halhul. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli police physically assaulted and arrested 3 Palestinians in Silwan after stopping their car. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, rockets launched from Gaza landed in an open area near Beersheba, where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting during his election day campaign; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently attacked Gaza with fighter jets and helicopters, firing 5 missiles at sites near Gaza City and at 1 site in Dayr al-Balah, causing severe damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/25)

Israel closed all crossings for the Israeli elections. (WAFA 3/21)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that a single Fatah list would get 43% of the votes for the parliamentary elections while Hamas would win 30%; 18% were undecided. However, within the population of Fatah supports, some 10% would vote for a party headed by Mohammad Dahlan and 7% for a party head by Nasser al-Kidwa. (AP, HA, PCPSR 3/23)

Israelis voted in the general elections for the 4th time in 2 years. This time, there was not an obvious coalition to formed either, as many right-wing parties had promised not to support a government with Benjamin Netanyahu as its prime minister. Netanyahu, who had convinced the Palestinian-Israeli party Ra’am (United Arab List) to break with the Joint Arab List, also relied on religious Zionist parties, to the right of his Likud party, to be able to form a government. Those parties, including a significant majority of Likud, were vocally opposed to being in a governing coalition with Palestinian-Israelis. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas said after the election that he was not wedded to either the right wing or left wing at that point. Meretz (Vigor) and Labor both had a better election than anticipated and went over the electoral threshold. So did the terrorist-supporting Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), made up by followers of Meir Kahane. The Joint Arab List ended up with 6 mandates, down from 15, partially a result of lower Palestinian-Israeli voter turnout and because Ra’am received 4 mandates that previously would have gone to the Joint Arab List. (REU 3/22; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA 3/24; ALM, HA, HA, REU 3/25; AJ 3/26)

The Middle East Quartet members met for the 1st time since 2018 to discuss “meaningful negotiations” between Israelis and Palestinians. PA president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the statement made by the Quartet. (AP, REU 3/23; HA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/26)

The Dutch foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country for clarification as to why PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki had his VIP travel card confiscated after meeting with ICC personnel in the Hague. The Dutch foreign ministry said that “the ICC must be able to carry out its work without interference.” (HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA 3/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Israeli settlers, toured Susiya, closing off the town and surrounding area to Palestinians. Israeli authorities approved seizure of a tract of Palestinian-owned land in Husan and Nahalin for settlement expansion. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian in Kafr Haris; Israeli forces said they thought the man intended to stab someone in a nearby settlement but did not arrest him after talking to his employer who confirmed he was waiting to get picked up. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Qaryut, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 1 Palestinian Red Crescent vehicle was vandalized by Israeli forces. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during raids in and around Yatta, Bayt Umar, Tuqu‘, Marda, and Hizma; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint south of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur, Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Qarara and north of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/14; PCHR 3/18)

Jamila al-Shanti became the 1st woman to gain a seat on the 15-member Hamas politburo. (ALM 3/14)

Palestinian refugees in ‘Ayn al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon protested outside UNRWA offices against unaffordable food prices. (MEMO 3/15)

Kosovo opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. Kosovo promised to open an embassy in Jerusalem as part of a normalization agreement between the U.S., Israel, and Kosovo on 9/4/2020, where the latter received financial incentives and recognition of the country. The PA and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation denounced Kosovo’s decision. (AJ, AP, HA, HILL, REU 3/14; ALM, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; WAFA 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned agricultural structure in Kafr al-Dik. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 7 Palestinian-owned homes in Ma‘in. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Husan, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, ‘Azun, Beita, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Sabastiyya, and Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized, for a 2d time, tents sheltering a family whose house was demolished in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and al-Tur; confrontations erupted during the raids in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and damage to property. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/11)

Israeli authorities allowed changes to the structure of al-Ibrahimi Mosque, allowing the construction of an elevator to the designated Jewish area of the mosque. (WAFA 3/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. (WAFA 3/4)

According to Haaretz reporting, the Shin Bet has been threatening some Palestinian activists with administrative detention if they run in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Haaretz confirmed that at least 1 Palestinian activist was arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months after announcing that he would run in the elections. (HA 3/4)

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a joint COVID-19 plan. Prime Minister Frederiksen had, prior to the trip, praised Israel’s vaccination campaign and said that Denmark is considering opening a vaccine factory with and/or in Israel, leading her own left-wing coalition to denounce her trip. The EU expressed dismay at the 2 European leaders’ trip, saying that cooperation on COVID-19 response was an EU issue 1st and foremost. (POL, POL 3/1; GDN, HA, REU 3/2; GDN, POL 3/3; AP, DR.DK, HA, POL, REU, TOI 3/4)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the ICC investigation into Israel. Vice President Harris expressed support for the normalization deals between Israel, the U.S., and several Arab and African countries during the Trump administration. (REU 3/4; AJ, HA, TOI 3/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz told FOX News that Israel is constantly updating preparations to strike Iran. Defense Minister Gantz also said that Hezbollah has hundreds of thousands of missiles. (AP, AJ, FOX, HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 1 Palestinian-owned truck in Kafr Malik. Palestinians protested Israeli-inflicted electricity blackouts in Jiftlik. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 Palestinian who was arrested after being summoned for interrogation, and 4 teens were arrested in Hebron for throwing snow at Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Issawiyya; 3 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries, and 2 were arrested. 10 other Palestinians were arrested, including 9 who allegedly threw snow at Israeli police in Shu‘fat, Jabal Mukabir, and the Old City, and 1 was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and reportedly beaten by Israeli police. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/18; WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/25)

The PA said the UAE is sending a shipment of 20,000 Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine doses to Gaza via the Rafah crossing. Israel allowed on 2/17 2,000 doses of the same vaccine to enter Gaza from the West Bank after refusing to let them enter Gaza. (AP, HA 2/18)

Israel announced that Palestinians from the West Bank working in Israel will be allowed to return to the West Bank from 2/21 after having to stay in Israel from the beginning of the 3d Israeli lockdown on 12/27/2020. The Palestinian workers have not and will not be offered a COVID-19 vaccine by Israel, according to a statement by the Israeli health ministry on 2/10. (HA 2/18; WAFA 2/20)

Nasser al-Kidwa, a member of the Fatah central committee, said he is involved in forming an alternative slate to Fatah and called on Marwan Barghouti, who is imprisoned in an Israeli jail, to join him. Al-Kidwa said the new slate is meant to change the PA, not to reform it. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission also warned that its website could have been hacked and asked Palestinians to verify their data and report anything unusual. (PCHR 2/18; HA 2/21)

Israel extended its ban of inbound and outbound flights until 3/6 to avoid the spread of COVID-19 mutations from other countries. (HA, JP 2/18)

Russia mediated in a prisoner swap between Israel and Syria where 1 Israeli woman who had entered Syria a couple of weeks prior was released to Israel in exchange for 2 Syrian nationals, nullifying a sentence given to a Druze woman in the Israeli-occupied Golan heights. According to Axios, Israel had meant to exchange 1 Syrian prisoner who had 14 years left of a sentence, but he opted to finish his sentence in Israeli jail rather than going to Syria. Israeli forces then arrested 2 Syrian shepherds in the buffer zone who were then released in the prisoner swap. Haaretz reported that the prisoner exchange deal included an undisclosed clause which could potentially anger the Israeli public. Later reports suggested that Israel has promised to provide hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines to the Syrian government as the undisclosed clause. 2 days later, the Israeli military removed a gag order revealing that the secret clause was that Israel would pay for millions of the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V on behalf of the Syrian government. (AJ, AP 2/17; AP, AX, HA, HA 2/18; AJ, HA, HA, TOI 2/19; AJ, HA, HA, NYT 2/20; AP 2/21)

Israel announced that it and the U.S. have started developing a 4th missile shield called Arrow 4 to counter potential threats of ballistic missiles from Iran. The International Panel on Fissile Material (IPFM) said that Israel is expanding the Dimona nuclear facility, believed to be used for manufacturing material for nuclear weapons. IPFM made the discovery using satellite images. (GDN, HA, JP 2/18; JP 2/21; AP, HA 2/25)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said the U.S. would return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement if Iran came back to full compliance with the deal. Iran has gradually stopped complying with the agreement after the Trump administration left the deal in 2018. Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded that Iran would “immediately reverse all remedial measures” if the Biden Administration lifted all sanctions. Iran has told the U.S. and the other JCOPA partners that if the U.S. doesn’t start reversing sanctions by 2/23, Iran will ban short-notice inspections by UN officials. The U.S. announcement came after Secretary Blinken had a meeting with JCPOA partners the UK, France, and Germany. (AJ, REU 2/16; AJ, AJ, AP, REU 2/17; AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, VOA 2/18; AJ, AP, HA, REU 2/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up caravans on Palestinian-owned land in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces handed stop-work orders for 7 houses south of Hebron. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and 1 truck near Tubas. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Shu‘fat, firing tear gas at Palestinians. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; during the raids, clashes ensued between Palestinians and Israeli forces; tear-gas related injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 3,071 new settler units in 19 different settlements throughout the West Bank. On 10/14, the same planning council approved 1,877 settler units, making the total of 4,948 settler units for the 2 days combined. According to Peace Now, 2020 has surpassed all other years in approved settler units since Peace Now began counting in 2012. The total amount of settler units approved in 2020 is 12,159. The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov condemned Israel’s settlement expansion, as did the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy in a joint statement. (AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; WAFA 10/17)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said during an event with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that “the only thing that can deliver lasting peace and lasting stability is an agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis,” suggesting that Saudi Arabia is not close to normalizing relations with Israel. He also said that Saudi Arabia does not have an opinion about other countries that normalize relations with Israel as the UAE and Bahrain have done. U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said 1 day earlier during a press conference with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan that “[w]e hope that Saudi Arabia will consider normalizing its relationships as well. We want to thank them for the assistance they’ve had in the success of the Abraham Accords [the normalization deals made with Bahrain and UAE] so far.” (AJ, HA, REU 10/14; REU 10/15)

The PA received 2 grants from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and Al Aqsa Fund of the Islamic Development Bank, amounting to $11 million for hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 10/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 2 construction vehicles at a quarry north of Nablus. Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 3 houses in al-Walaja. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, and Jalazun refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian-owned stores in Silwan. Israeli undercover forces arrested 1 12-year-old on a street in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland north of Bayt Hanun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed Israeli protesters outside the official residence of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrating against the Israeli government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy; 55 were arrested. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/23; HA 7/24; PCHR 7/29)

The French Development Agency and the PA signed a $11.6 million agreement to support PA health, water, energy, and civil society sectors. (WAFA 7/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands east of Tulkarm, damaging olive and almond trees. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 residential caravan in Bayt Dajan. 26 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Dura, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Ramallah, 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet; 1 other Palestinian was injured by gunfire in Qalqilya, and clashes erupted during a raid in Ya‘bad; no injuries were reported there. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were injured in 2 separate attacks by unidentified perpetrators; 1 4-year-old girl was hit in the head by a bullet in Issawiyya and 1 man and his child were shot while working in a store in Shu‘fat. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

The PA formally informed Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the CIA that it was no longer participating in security coordination and intelligence sharing. PA forces also left Area B which, like Area C, is under Israeli military control. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA would not accept COVID-19-related aid sent from UAE on a direct plane to Israel landing on 5/20, noting that the PA had not been informed about the shipment before it took off. All the COVID-19 material will instead go to Gaza, which witnessed 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/21)

18 Democratic senators signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, warning that annexation of parts of the West Bank “would betray our shared democratic values by denying Palestinians’ right to self-determination in a viable, sovereign, independent and contiguous state.” It further stated that annexation would likely erode the American people’s support for the U.S.-Israeli special relationship. (HA 5/21; WAFA 5/22)

In the West Bank, some 190 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces as they were protesting Israeli settler incursions in Beita, including at least 1 by live ammunition, 53 by rubber-coated bullets, and other by tear gas inhalation; 2 Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded by stone throwers. Israeli forces also injured 6 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, leading to confrontations with local Palestinians; some 20 vehicles were damaged and several stores had their windows broken. Israeli forces broke up the confrontation; however Israeli settlers returned to the village until the Israeli forces again removed them. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalandia, and Hebron; and 2 during a raid near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family began demolishing their own home in Shu‘fat to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces and Palestinians also clashed in Shu‘fat refugee camp during a raid. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint and 1 during a house raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting near Khuza‘a, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; WAFA 2/29; PCHR 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issued a stop-work order for a road near al-Mughayyir and seized nearby machinery. Israeli forces also distributed 8 demolition notices for Palestinian-owned homes south of Hebron. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Umar, Abu Dis, Ramallah, Nablus, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Madama, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Israeli Channel 13 released a video showing half a dozen Israeli policemen attacking a Palestinian near Shu‘fat refugee camp for failing to show his ID. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 5 international activists, including a member of the Finish parliament, were arrested by Israeli forces after trying to cut through the fence to Gaza in an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; TOI 1/14; HA, PCHR 1/16)

Israel relocated 33 Palestinian minors held at Ofer Prison in the West Bank to Damoun Prison in Israel. Israel also extended the administrative detention of a women scheduled to be released on 1/15 for another 6 months. The woman has been in administrative detention since 6/15/2019. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a shack and razed 6 dunams (1.4 acres) of agricultural land in Bayt Umar. Palestinians in Hebron observed a general strike protesting Israel’s plans to make a new settlement and closed fruit and vegetable market in the city, announced on 12/1. During a protest march against the settlement, clashes broke out between protesters and Israeli forces, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 11 Palestinians were arrested during 9 late-night raids in and around Hebron, Dura, Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and 2 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers damaged 160 Palestinian-owned cars by slashing tires and houses were defaced by racist graffiti like “Arabs = enemies” in Shu‘fat. A Palestinian family demolished a room in their house in Jabal Mukabir after receiving a demolition order on 12/6. 2 Palestinians were arrested during evening raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/12)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan issued an order banning PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from conducting any PA-related activity in East Jerusalem, including holding meetings, gatherings, and conferences. Governor Ghaith has been arrested by Israel 7 times since becoming governor in 2018. (HA 12/10)

Austria signed a $2.2 million agreement to fund UNRWA programming in Syria. (WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Asira. Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders to seize 100 dunams (24.7 acres) of land in Qaryut and Jalud south of Nablus. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Umar, leading to clashes with Palestinians; several suffered tear gas inhalation and 1 vehicle was seized. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested on separate occasions, including 1 after he and his mother were pepper-sprayed by Israeli police near Shu‘fat refugee camp; and 1 at his workplace in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands near the Gaza fence on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/12)

According to the Israeli military, 1 missile was fired from Gaza toward Israel but landed inside of Gaza. A delegation of Egyptian security officials also met with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine members after days of rocket fire between Gaza and Israel. (HA 9/8)

Hezbollah forces downed an Israeli drone in the Lebanese town of Ramyah. It was also reported that missiles were fired from Syria toward Israel, but they failed to penetrate Israeli territory. (AJ, HA, HA 9/9)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during 3 late-night raids in Jenin and 1 at a checkpoint east of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also demolished a house under construction in Wadi Rahal south of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians near Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Shu’fat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. By the Gaza fence, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 8/4; PCHR 8/8)

Israel’s Higher Planning Committee approved plans for 2,304 Israeli settlement housing units in the West Bank. (PeaceNow 8/4; AJ, MDW 8/6)

The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh announced that since Israel demolished Palestinian-owned buildings in Area A and B on 6/22, the PA would no longer consider the West Bank divided into separate areas, but all under PA control. (WAFA 8/4)

The PA also announced that it would pay out 60% of civil servants’ salaries for July. The PA has been paying only 60% of salaries since February this year due to its financial crisis. (WAFA 8/4)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes near al-Maghazi; 1 elderly Palestinian is shot in the back and killed. Some reports say that the man was killed by fragments of an Israeli tank shell instead. An IDF spokesperson says he is unaware of any soldiers or tanks opening fire in the area around the time of the incident. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering at the Beit El checkpoint near Ramallah to protest Israel’s new Nation-State Law for a 2d day in a row; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also shoot and injure 1 Palestinian during clashes sparked by a raid near Jericho; arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli forces dismantle a makeshift Palestinian residential structure outside Hebron. Israeli settlers raze more than 200 dunams (approximately 49.4 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Nablus. Settlers also flood with wastewater parts of Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for imminent evacuation and demolition. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 10/2; MNA, TOI 10/3; PCHR 10/4)

The Israeli authorities deny a U.S. citizen entry into Israel at Ben Gurion Airport late at night, citing alleged “boycott activity.” The woman, Lara Alqasem, arrived in Israel with a student visa to work towards a master’s degree at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (HA, JP, YA 10/6)

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, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, and open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no injuries. After the IDF mistakes a Hamas military drill for an attack. Israeli artillery shell 2 Hamas sites north of Bayt Lahiya, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers working near Hebron and Qalqilya, lightly injuring 2. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure 3 Palestinian farmers working near Hebron and Qalqilya. During a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp, IDF troops shoot, injure, and then arrest a Palestinian. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Anata refugee camp, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/25; PCHR 3/29)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d and final day in a row. (OCHA 3/29) 

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chop down approximately 30 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Bethlehem, and assault a number of Palestinian students on their way home from school in Yatta near Hebron. Undercover Israeli soldiers conduct a raid in Burqin near Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 6 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians and confiscate 1 vehicle during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. One of the raids near Ramallah sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and 2 during raids in Issawiyya. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA 3/20, 3/21; PCHR 3/22)

The PA releases a statement calling on Hamas to transfer control of Gaza “all at once.” The statement comes 1 day after PA president Abbas accused Hamas of perpetrating the 3/13 assassination attempt on PM Hamdallah and threatened further restrictions on Gaza. (JP, TOI 3/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to destroy Palestinian farmers’ trucks outside Huwwara near Nablus, but the owners intervene and there is no resulting damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus and Hebron, and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinian students at Birzeit University protesting the IDF’s operations on the campus on 3/7; 8 students are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces destroy a number of tombstones in a Palestinian cemetery outside the Old City; and arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Abu Dis, Anata, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In 5 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Ten fishermen are arrested and 3 boats are confiscated. (MNA, WAFA 3/12; PCHR 3/15)

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)

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)

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif, as Palestinians hold a “day of rage” across the oPt. Muslim worshippers clash with Israeli forces after midday prayers at the Lion’s Gate to the Old City; 2 Palestinians are injured and arrested. Elsewhere, Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters clash with Israeli forces at Qalandia checkpoint, Shu‘fat, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Protests in Nablus and Tubas are without incident. Meanwhile, after a number of Jewish settlers perform religious rituals at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli police temporarily suspended Jewish visitation rights to the sanctuary. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate water pumps and tanks from Bedouin villages in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20; PCHR 7/27)

After consulting with top security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We want to solve this crisis in the quietest way possible and to bring back the calm.” Israel’s security agencies reportedly support removing the new metal detectors. Separately, a White House spokesperson says that the U.S. is “very concerned” about the situation and calls on “the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.” (TOI 7/19; SA, TOI 7/20)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 7/16. (KNE, MNA, TOI 7/19; HA 7/20)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler shoots and injures a Palestinian after Palestinian youths throw rocks at passing vehicles outside Ramallah. The IDF then arrests the injured Palestinian and closes the entrance to nearby Silwad village. Palestinian businesses in Tulkarm hold a 1-day strike and Palestinian protesters shut down the United Nations (UN) office in Ramallah in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike and to protest the organization’s alleged inaction on their behalf. Israeli forces demolish the inner walls of a home nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating in Qalandia and Sheikh Jarrah in solidarity with the Dignity Strikers; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. They also arrest 27 Palestinians during latenight raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, Abu Dis, Issawiyya, and Hizma. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village of al-‘Araqib for the 113th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/17; MNA, PCHR 5/18; PCHR 5/25)

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

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

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

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

IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian youth at the Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Meanwhile, a Palestinian vehicle is found burned and vandalized outside nearby Huwwara village. It was presumably the target of an overnight price-tag attack. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops set up mobile checkpoints and fire stun grenades in Kifl Haris village nr. Salfit to clear the way for Israeli settlers to visit a Jewish holy site in the area. They also arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in c. Hebron when she is allegedly found to be carrying a knife, arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Tubas, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. The Israeli authorities shut down an event entitled “Palestine under the Israeli Culture of Incitement,” because to the planned participation of some low-level PA officials. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In Gaza, 2 PIJ fighters are injured in an accident at a “resistance post,” according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry (1 critically). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/26; MNA, PCHR 4/27; PCHR 5/4)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. late at night, demolishing several small structures and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and an agricultural structure outside Aqraba in the n. Jordan Valley, and raze 2 animal barns and another agricultural structure nr. Nablus. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian child in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces demolish a structure in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. They also confiscate a number of boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no serious damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/17; WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/19)

Concluding 3 days of talks in Moscow, Hamas and Fatah officials agree to form a new Palestinian unity govt. Under their agreement, the various Palestinian factions, including PIJ, will join the PLO and form a new Palestine National Council over the next 2 mos., which will choose a new PLO Exec. Comm. (HA, JP, TOI 1/17; AJ 1/18)

The Israeli authorities release Shaykh Raed Salah from Ramon Prison, where he had served 9 mos. on charges of incitement. Salah was head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel before it was outlawed in 11/2014. (HA, YA 1/17)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel accident nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. They also arrest 2 of the fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Sur al-Bahir, Shu‘fat r. c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman permit the transfer of 5 armored vehicles from Jordan to the PA because of the deteriorating security situation in the oPt, particularly in Nablus, according to an Israeli spokesperson. The PA has been requesting approval for such transfers for at least 4 years. (MNA, TOI 12/7)

After mos. of negotiations and intracoalition struggle, Netanyahu resolves several conflicts over the illegal Amona settlement outpost. First, he secures Atty. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit’s approval for the govt.’s plan to relocate the 40-odd families from Amona to a nearby plot of “abandoned” land. Second, he announces plans to petition the High Court of Justice for a 30-day delay of its evacuation and demolition order to give his govt. time to prepare temporary alternate housing for Amona’s residents. Third, he brokers a deal with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett on the so-called regulations bill, which Bennett is backing in order to retroactively authorize the illegal West Bank settlement outposts, including Amona. Netanyahu and Kahlon agree to reverse their positions and support the bill as long as Clause 7, the provision that specifically addresses Amona, is removed. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/4; HA, JP, YA 12/5)

Following clashes in the area, including on 11/3, the IDF shuts down a number of checkpoints across the Ramallah district, causing major traffic delays. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate electrical equipment and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid nr. Jenin. They return to the Jenin area at night for further raids, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. The IDF also arrests 6 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. Israeli forces demolish several Palestinian residential tents in the n. Jordan Valley and confiscate a residential trailer and a water tank from al-Samu‘ village nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, around 30 Palestinian families reenter their olive groves nr. Nablus, having been barred from them since 11/4 by the IDF. They find 400 trees picked bare and accuse Israeli settlers of stealing the harvest. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shut down a wedding hall in al-‘Izzariya, claiming that Palestinians fired guns into the air during a celebration there. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 11/7; MNA, WAFA 11/8; PCHR 11/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish part of a classroom in a bedouin community nr. Jerusalem, and 6 residences and 9 sheep barns in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians, including 1 Palestinian Legislative Council mbr., during raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, and in and around Hebron; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler’s vehicle late at night nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 residential buildings in al-Tur and Bayt Safafa. Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., raiding the camp for the 5th day this week and arresting 6 residents. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis, Qalandia r.c., Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 9/27; MNA 9/28; PCHR 9/29)

The Israeli police deploy heavily across East Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, issuing a temporary security alert and installing road blocks. (MNA 9/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops and settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler. An IDF soldier is killed in the crossfire. Late at night, Israeli forces take measurements and photographs of the alleged Palestinian attacker’s home nr. Hebron, preparing for possible punitive demolition. Meanwhile, IDF troops raid a village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. The IDF conducts further late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Tubas, and Ramallah, arresting 21 Palestinians. Israeli settlers assault several Palestinians in c. Hebron, causing no serious injuries. Also, the IDF maintains, for a 4th day in a row, the closure of the Jenin-area village where the Palestinian who allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli soldier on 2/21 was from. Israeli forces deliver 3 punitive demolition notices to Palestinians in the village. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinian merchants outside the Old City when explosives are found in their food stand and arrest 6 Palestinians on late-night raids in Shu‘fat, Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/24; PCHR, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/3)

In the West Bank IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Jerusalem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier (no one is injured). Israeli settlers chase down and detain a Palestinian youth at a gas station outside the Givat Ze’ev settlement nr. Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and seriously injures a settler. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and Tulkarm, arresting 9 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1. Also, the IDF maintains its lockdown on Bayt ‘Ur al-Tahta village where 1 of the Palestinians allegedly responsible for the 1/25 stabbing attack was from. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on and arrest 4 fishermen and confiscate their boat (there are no injuries). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home under construction in Jabal Mukabir and another one in Shu‘fat. They also arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City, Shu‘fat, and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 1/27; HA, MNA, PCHR 1/28; PCHR 2/4)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rejects a Palestinian Prisoners’ Society petition calling for the immediate release of administrative detainee al-Qiq, who has been on hunger strike for more than 60 days. (SAM 1/28; ADM 2/23)