The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian working on rehabilitating a road east of Yatta and damaged the excavator he was using. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 20 residential structures in Rujeib, a house under construction, and an agricultural shack in Battir. Israeli forces also seized a mobile home in Khallet al-Nahleh, south of Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian who tried to enter Israel through a hole in the separation wall near ‘Anin before arresting him. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Jenin refugee camp, Rummana, Tulkarm, and Qarawat Bani Hassan. In East Jerusalem, 44 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli settlers led by Israeli MKs from HaTzionut HaDatit (The Religious Zionist) party Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strock harassed Palestinian residents under eviction threat in Shaykh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Issawiyya. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya and al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/22; MEMO 6/23; PCHR 6/24)

After meeting in a Hamas office, various political and military factions in Gaza issued a warning to Israel to ease the blockade. The factions said that if Israel does not comply, they would allow the launching of incendiary balloons and protests by the Gaza fence. (AJ, MEMO 6/23)

Iran said it had foiled a drone attack on a building belonging to the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization in Karaj City, 25 miles west of Tehran. According to the New York Times, the building was on a list of potential targets Israel had presented to the U.S. and which the Trump administration had approved for targeting by Israel. Iran later said that Israel had attacked the building to undermine the nuclear deal negotiations. (AJ, NYT 6/23; HA 6/24; AJ, AP, REU 7/6)

The U.S. seized the domain name for the news site Palestine Today and more than 30 Iranian and Iranian-linked websites, including state-run news agencies. (HA, MEE, REU 6/22; AJ 6/23)

The EU provided the PA and Palestinian banks with a loan of $425 million to help keep the Palestinian economy going as it is facing an economic crisis due to the Israeli occupation and the COVID-19 pandemic. (HA 6/22)

In the West Bank, the Palestinian Water Authority said that Israeli settlers had vandalized a reservoir in Asira, soiling the water supply for 6,000 Palestinians. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Tulkarm and Jericho, and 1 at a checkpoint east of Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrested 6 Israeli settlers suspected of attacking Palestinians; the 6 had been part of a larger group asking people on the street questions and attacking those who responded in Arabic or with an Arabic accent. Israeli forces also attacked Palestinian protesters with stun grenades and water cannons at the Damascus Gate plaza, for the 7th night in a row. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City, Issawiyya, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 4/19; HA, WAFA 4/20; HA 4/21; PCHR 4/22)

The Palestinian central elections committee said it provided polling stations for about 150,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who live in neighborhoods on the West Bank side of the separation barrier. There are still some 150,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who do not know if Israel will allow them to participate in the upcoming Palestinian elections, as Israel has not responded to the PA’s request to let them participate. According to Haaretz, the PA leadership discussed postponing the elections if Israel doesn’t allow all Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate. (WAFA 4/19; ALM, HA, WAFA 4/20; WAFA 4/21)

The PA said that the Israeli president Reuven Rivlin had called PA president Mahmoud Abbas to offer him best wishes on Ramadan. (WAFA 4/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler killed 1 Palestinian after ramming him with his vehicle near Kafr Haris. Israeli forces punitively demolished 1 house by explosion in Tura belonging to the family of 1 Palestinian accused of killing 1 Israeli settler on 12/21/2020, displacing a family of 6, including 4 children; clashes erupted during the demolition, leading to the hospitalization of 1 elderly Palestinian who suffered tear gas inhalation and damage from the explosion was reported at 4 other houses in the vicinity. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 11 houses and 1 playground in Yasuf. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier near Barta‘a. Israeli forces also seized 1 residential tent in Khirbet al-Rakiz, 1 tent near Susiya, and 1 tent used as a health care unit east of Yatta. The Palestinian mayor of Hebron said he had received death threats from several people including 1 Israeli settler mayor and Israeli MK Moshe Abutbul. 29 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around ‘Ayn Yabrud, Ramallah, Baytin, al-Izzariya, al-Khadir, Sa‘ir, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Qabatiya, Jenin, Nablus, and Balata refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and leveled land east of al-Fukhari. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/10; PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with UN special coordinator on Middle East peace Tor Wennesland in Ramallah. (WAFA 2/10)

The Israeli health ministry said that Palestinians from the West Bank who work in Israel legally or illegally will not receive the COVID-19 vaccine from Israel. (HA 2/18)

Axios reported that diplomats from Egypt, Jordan, Germany, and France met with Israeli and PA officials separately, proposing a plan to restart peace negotiations including confidence measures such as Israel freezing settlement expansion and releasing bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and the PA reforming payments made to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. (AX 2/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive trees in Kafr al-Dik and uprooted 30 olive tree saplings and stole farm equipment in Burqin. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian worker trying to enter Israel by the separation barrier near Jenin. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during clashes that unfolded as Israeli forces raided Jenin; 1 other Palestinian was hit by an Israeli forces’ vehicle and tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 7 houses near Nablus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided 2 houses near Haris and Dayr Istya in Area B and took measurements. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in ‘Azun and 1 at a checkpoint near Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Jabal Mukabir and 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis and west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; PCHR 2/11)

The PA announced it will begin using its own postcodes for international mail. PA minister of communications Ishaq Sidr said, “[f]rom April, postal items that do not bear a Palestinian postal code will not be processed . . . It is a question of asserting Palestinian rights.” (AJ 2/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 100 olive saplings in Yatta. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near the separation barrier north of Qalqilya. Israeli forces also destroyed Palestinian-owned crops while conducting drills in the Jordan Valley. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp, Salim, and Kafr Rai. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces sprayed water from water cannons at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled al-Maghazi, al-Bureij, and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 Palestinian and damaging 1 house in al-Maghazi, after claiming 1 rocket fired from Gaza landed on an empty field in Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/19; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; PCHR 1/21)

The PA received 5,000 doses the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V after Israel cleared the shipment. (AJ 1/19)

An Israeli court reversed its decision to freeze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem. The bidding process was halted on 1/15 after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim, which complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. (HA 1/15; HA 1/20)

At an Israeli cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to legalize 3 Israeli settler outposts and establish 3 new settlements, but was stopped by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, who called the proposal “politically irresponsible . . . especially at such a sensitive time,” referring to either the upcoming Israeli elections of the transition of power in the U.S. (HA 1/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump pardoned the Israeli spy recruiter, Aviem Sella, who recruited Jonathan Pollard to spy on the U.S. for Israel in the 1980s. President Trump cited support for the clemency by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, and Sheldon Adelson’s widow Miriam Adelson. Israel never extradited Sella to the U.S. after he was indicted in 1987. (AP, HA, JP 1/20)

At the confirmation hearing for Antony Blinken, U.S. president-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of state, Blinken said he supported the normalization deals made between the U.S., Israel, and Morocco, and Sudan, Bahrain, and the UAE. Blinken also said that it is “vitally important” that the U.S. involve Israel in reentering the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, that he does not see an immediate way forward on finding a solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and that he and President-Elect Biden both oppose the BDS movement. He furthermore stated that he considers Jerusalem the capital of Israel and that the U.S. embassy to Israel would remain in Jerusalem. Blinken did not mention East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. (HA, MEE 1/19; HA, MEMO, REU 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 60 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling on the Nablus-Qalqilya road, leading to 1 injury and damage. Israeli forces shot and injured 7 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Israeli forces also seized heavy machinery used to rehabilitate a road in Kardala. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Sabastiyya, Qabatiya, Jalazun refugee camp, and Nahalin. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli defense ministry and the civil administration’s higher planning committee will approve 800 new settlement units in the Itamar, Beit El, Shavei Shomron, Oranit, Givat Ze’ev, Tal Menashe, and Nofei Nehemia settlements and settlement outposts. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said on Facebook that “[w]e’re here [in the West Bank] to stay. We’re continuing to build the Land of Israel.” Leader of the Israeli opposition Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party called the announcement of the new settlement units “irresponsible,” citing the U.S. presidential transition on 1/20. France’s foreign ministry, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the PA denounced the settlement expansion. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz also approved a small number Palestinian construction projects in al-Walaja, Hizma, Bethlehem, and Bayt Jala. All the projects need secondary approval. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/11; REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and a member of the PLO executive committee condemned the UAE for allowing Israeli settler products to be imported to its market after the 1st shipment of Israeli settler goods arrived in the UAE. (WAFA 1/11; REU 1/14)

The PA health ministry said it had approved the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V for emergency use. (WAFA 1/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued 3 presidential decrees, 2 of which critiques say serves to bolster the power of the PA presidency ahead of potential elections later this year. 1 decree allows the PA president to select judges instead of approving judges, who would be selected based on seniority. The decree also allows the president to force Palestinian judges to retire 5 years before the set retirement age of 70. A 2d decree establishes administrative courts, which can hear petitions against officials and institutions, previously a duty of the High Court of Justice. The president of the administrative court is appointed by the PA president. (HA 1/28)

An Israeli court in Lod ruled that screening or distributing the movie Jenin Jenin from 2002 by Mohammad Bakri should be banned and copies of the movie destroyed. Bakri was also ruled to pay $55,000 to an Israeli soldier who appears in archival footage used for the movie and $16,000 for the cost of the trial. The Israeli judge said that Bakri did not do enough research to label the movie a documentary. The PA ministry of culture condemned the ruling. (HA 1/11; AJ, TOI, WAFA 1/12; WAFA 1/13)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that he regretted forming a coalition with Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying that Netanyahu “cheated me and cheated you [the Israeli public].” He then called on all opposition leaders, including the Joint Arab List’s Ayman Odeh, to join him in sending “Bibi [Netanyahu] home” in the upcoming election. (HA 1/11)

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Jordan, and Egypt met in Cairo to discuss reviving peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The quartet expressed willingness to work closely with the U.S. to map steps toward peace. In a statement, the 4 called for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to the Jerusalem Post, the 4 countries had tried to invite the Israeli and PA foreign ministers to the meeting, but both were unable or unwilling to travel for the meeting. (HA, WAFA 1/11; JP 1/12)

U.S. billionaire and mega-donor to Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and Israeli settlements Sheldon Adelson died. Adelson had recently flown the convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard to Israel from the U.S. so he could immigrate after being released from parole, and he bought the U.S. ambassador’s house in Tel Aviv from the U.S. state department earlier in 2020. Adelson was known to have had a large influence on U.S. president Donald Trump’s aggressively pro-Israel policies during his presidency. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles at several places in the Nablus area. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian near Bethlehem, claiming that he threw a knife at an Israeli soldier; Israeli forces later raided his hometown Bayt Umar, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Khadir, delivered a stop-work notice for an agricultural road east of Tubas, demolished and uprooted 3,400 olive and grape trees in Dayr Balut, and delivered demolition notices for 13 commercial structures near Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently removed Palestinian and international activists planting olive tree saplings east of Halhul. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in Nabi Saleh, Tulkarm, and Nablus; 1 was arrested by the separation barrier west of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles in the Old City. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; PCHR 1/7)

At a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia reconciled with Qatar after a 3.5-year dispute where the quartet of countries claimed that Qatar is sponsoring terrorism, an allegation Qatar has denied. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; REU 1/6; AJ, AJ, REU 1/7; REU 1/8)

Iran put out a “red notice” request through Interpol for the arrest of U.S. president Donald Trump and 47 other U.S. officials in connection with the assassination of Iranian general Qassim Soleimani, who was killed on 1/3/2020 at the Baghdad airport by U.S. forces. (AJ 1/5)

A newly elected republican congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL) said that she would fly an Israeli flag outside her office because Palestinian American Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has an office next to hers. A spokesperson for Rep. Tlaib called it a publicity stunt said that Tlaib hopes Rep. Cammack would focus on solving issues for her constituents. (FOX, FWD, MEMO, TOI 1/7; JP 1/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers cut down 42 olive trees and demolished 1 Palestinian-owned wall in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also set up caravans on Palestinian-owned land in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during raids in Beita; injuries from rubber-coated bullets and tear gas were reported. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinians from working their land in Atuf and seized 2 bulldozers. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Tulkarm, Yatta, Nablus, and Dheisheh refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Issawiyya; 1 Palestinian child was shot in his face with a rubber-coated bullet. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; PCHR 12/10)

Saudi prince and former ambassador to the U.S. and the UK Turki al-Faisal al-Saud criticized Israel harshly during his remarks at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain. He called Israel a “Western colonizing” power and said Palestinians were “incarcerated in concentration camps under the flimsiest of security accusations.” Prince Turki al-Faisal’s remarks came right before the Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who joined the conference via video link. Foreign Minister Ashkenazi expressed regret toward Prince Turki al-Faisal’s remarks and said that he did not “believe that they reflect the spirit and change taking place in the Middle East.” While Prince Turki al-Faisal does not hold an official position in Saudi Arabia, his comments were perceived as surprisingly harsh given Israel’s normalization deals with Bahrain and the UAE, which is suspected of having the tacit approval of Saudi Arabia and given the all-but-confirmed rumors about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu flying to Saudi Arabia to meet with Saudi crown prince Muhammed bin Salman on 11/23. (AJ, BB, FT, HA, Twitter 12/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started construction of a settler-only road southwest of Nablus, connecting 2 settlements. Israeli settlers also vandalized electric poles in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 300 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Jaba‘. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian passing through a hole in the separation wall near Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qaddura refugee camp, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, and Balata refugee camp; during the raid in Balata refugee camp, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed; 2 Israeli soldiers were reported lightly and moderately injured. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; clashes ensued during the raids and 1 military SUV was burned. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; PCHR 10/15)

Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 1,877 new settler units in 11 different settlements throughout the West Bank. Jordan, the Arab League, and the PA condemned the Israeli settlement expansion. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15)

The Israeli approved the Israeli-UAE normalization agreement in an 80-13 vote. (HA 10/14)

In Lebanon, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon began at a UN base. The 2 sides negotiated, with the U.S. as mediator, where their maritime borders should be drawn. Hezbollah and Amal criticized the Lebanese government for sending civilians and politicians to the negotiations. (AJ, HA, REU 10/14)

India donated $1 million for UNRWA general programming. (WAFA 10/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized several Palestinian-owned vehicles in Huwwara. Israeli forces wounded 2 Palestinians during a house arrest in Jenin refugee camp; the Israeli army said the 2 were injured by explosives used by Israeli forces to open their door, but Palestinian eyewitnesses said the 2 were shot by live ammunition and were in critical condition; after the 2 injuries, clashes between soldiers and Palestinians erupted in the camp. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian workers trying to enter Israel near the separation wall south of Qalqilya, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli authorities announced that Israel had seized the ancient Roman ruins of Dayr Samaan near Kafr al-Dik along with land totaling 6 dunams (1.5 acres). 1 Palestinian was arrested at a military checkpoint south of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians, including 4 Waqf guards who were later released on condition of not returning to the Haram al-Sharif compound for 7 days, and 1 during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; WAFA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/10)

For the 11th week in a row, thousands of Israelis gathered in front of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence to demand his resignation over his corruption cases, Israel’s financial issues, and his government’s COVID-19 response. (AJ 9/5; HA, WAFA 9/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tractor and wrote racist graffiti in ‘Urif and slashed tires on several vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on buildings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also threw stones and paint at an Israeli border police vehicle near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Asira; subsequently, local Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed in the area, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also razed land east of Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets as they were seeking to enter Israel via the separation wall near Far‘un. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hizma, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house built to accommodate their disabled son in Sur Bahir. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel, sparking fires. 1 unexploded Israeli shell was found at an UNRWA school west of Gaza City. Israel announced that it would stop all imports of fuel into Gaza as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; HA, HA 8/14; PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Russia announced that it would open trade representation offices in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus. (WAFA 8/13)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Israel and the UAE had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties and that Israel, as part of the agreement, had decided to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank. In a joint statement from the 3 parties, it said that “Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.” Later, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that annexation is “still on the table” and a promise he is committed to. Subsequently, President Trump said, “Israel agreed not to annex parts of the West Bank. It is more than taking it off the table—they agreed not to do it. This is a very smart concession by Israel. It is off the table now.” U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman later said that annexation is “off the table now but it’s not off the table permanently. You can’t have peace and annexation at the same time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the deal a “betrayal of Jerusalem, al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.” The PA also recalled its ambassador to the UAE. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said of the deal: “[t]his announcement is a reward for the Israeli occupation’s crimes . . . The normalization is a stabbing in the back of our people.” U.S. officials also said that Bahrain and Oman are likely to soon normalize relations with Israel. (HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AJ, AJ, REU, REU, REU 8/14; HA 8/15; REU 8/16; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned olive and almond trees near Huwwara. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians in Qalqilya during a raid; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians trying to enter Israel through the separation wall near Dayr Balut; no injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was shot dead in Kafr ‘Aqab and 2 apartments were set on fire; it is believed that the fire was set in the apartment of the alleged perpetrators. Israeli police did not investigate the incident as it happened on the West Bank side of the separation wall but still within the Israeli-drawn borders of the East Jerusalem municipality. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Issawiyya; 4 were arrested during raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. 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 Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 7/25; HA 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

In Israel, the protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued outside his official residence. (AJ, WAFA 7/26)

According to Hezbollah, Israel told the party that it did not intend to kill 1 of its members during an attack in Damascus on 7/20. The message from Israel to Hezbollah was made via the UN. (HA 7/25; HA 7/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed 70 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Sa‘ir. Israeli forces delivered an order to seize 1.5 dunams (0.4 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Yasuf and demolition notices for 3 Palestinian-owned houses and 5 animal barns east of Hebron. Israeli forces also demolished 1 shack and 1 wall surrounding a parking lot in Tulkarm and razed some 10 dunams (2.5 acres) of land near Kisan. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered eviction notices for 7 families in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/13; PCHR 7/16)

The governor of Missouri Mike Parson signed the Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act, requiring state contractors with contracts worth more than $100,000 to pledge not to engage in boycotts of Israel and Israeli products. (EI 7/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian at a cemetery in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp during clashes after a raid; Palestinians had allegedly thrown Molotov cocktails and stones at the Israeli forces. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian using rubber-coated bullets near the separation wall in Far‘un. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 2 houses near Salfit. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Azun. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-Tur, leading to tear-gas related injuries. (WAFA, WAFA 5/3; WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett approved changes to the structure of the al-Ibrahimi Mosque/ Tomb of the Patriarchs without approval from the Hebron municipality, which violates the Oslo Accords. (HA, WAFA 5/4)

The PA and Israel agreed to reopen some crossings between Israel and the West Bank to allow Palestinian workers to go to Israel. The crossings are scheduled to be open 5/3 and 5/4. (AJ 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land near the villages of Jalud and Qaryut. Israeli forces closed an agricultural road, forced Palestinian farmers to leave their land, and demolished a house under construction south of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for a barn south of Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided several areas of Ramallah, arresting 4 Palestinians and seizing a car. During 1 of the raids, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries In East Jerusalem. PA security forces entered Kafr ‘Aqab within the Israeli municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, but on the West Bank side of the separation barrier to address friction over a roadblock between residents and members of Fatah to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 1 Palestinian was hit by a bullet from an unknown perpetrator. The PA said it had informed Israeli authorities about the intervention. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Issawiyya; it was reported that several Palestinians were beaten and 1 Palestinian was arrested. Later, 6 other Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/31; PCHR 4/2)

Syrian media reported that Israeli jets fired missiles at targets in western Syria from Lebanese air space, but that the missiles were intercepted. (AJ, HA 3/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinians near the separation barrier north of Tulkarm, causing injuries. Israeli forces injured a Palestinian in Bayt Jala who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli military vehicle; the man was hospitalized for his injuries. Israeli settlers vandalized road construction equipment in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished the 2d floor of a Palestinian-owned building in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian, who was allegedly approaching the Gaza fence, in an airstrike. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the coast of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; PCHR 12/19)

For the 2d day in a row, a Palestinian woman was placed on administrative detention. Like the woman placed on administrative detention on 12/16, the woman was arrested last week. (AJ, WAFA 12/17)

Germany contributed with $85.75 million to the PA for various projects in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian near the West Bank separation barrier southwest of Jenin. In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians near a checkpoint by the West Bank separation barrier north by Nazlat Issa, causing 5 Palestinians to be hospitalized with gun wounds and others to suffer tear-gas related injuries. A raid by Israeli forces near Ramallah led to clashes with Palestinians; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli settlers began fencing off a piece of Palestinian-owned land in Burin. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians: 1 during a late-night raid in Issawiyya and 1 employee of the Islamic Waqf at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA , WAFA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/12)

The PA sent a request to Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to be able to partake in the planned Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections. Israeli officials said that the Israeli security cabinet would decide on the request. (HA 12/10)

The Netherlands informed the UNRWA that it will resume funding of the agency after suspending its funding on 31 July due to allegations of misconduct in UNRWA leadership. (WAFA 12/10)

Japan signed a contract to fund construction of hearing and speech units at the Maghazi Community Rehabilitation Society in Gaza amounting to $84,191. The EU contributed with $11 million to support PA payments of social allowances to vulnerable families in Gaza and the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvests from Palestinian farmers near Awarta. Elsewhere, in Rujib, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives. Israeli settlers also flooded Palestinian-owned farmland with sewage discharge in Dayr al-Hatab. Israeli forces detained 12 Palestinians on their way to work in Israel at the Barta‘a crossing. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinian farmers access to their land on the other side of the separation wall near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 10/31)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman attended the opening of the Ariel settlement’s new medical school partly financed by American casino magnate Sheldon Adelson. Ambassador Friedman said at the opening, “A new medical school has opened in Samaria [the West Bank] . . . How many people had ever thought that those words would ever be spoken? We at the State Department are very proud to work so closely with Ariel University, along with other universities in Israel.” (JP, TOI 10/27; HA 10/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that U.S. troops had killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the Idlib province of Syria. (HA 10/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces detained 14 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement ignited a fire, destroying hundreds of Palestinian-owned olive trees in Burin. Separately, Israeli settlers cut down 160 olive trees near Susiya. Israeli forces demolished a cement wall in Hizma, a caravan in Idhna near Hebron, and seized a garbage truck in Bayt Furik. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces forcefully evicted a Palestinian family from their home in Silwan to make way for Israeli settlers; at least 1 member of the family was arrested. Israeli forces also arrested 4 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in Qatanna and Silwan. In Issawiyya, Israeli forces destroyed a monument erected for a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces on 6/27. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/10; HA, WAFA 7/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to set a Palestinian vehicle on fire and throw rocks at Palestinian homes in Urif village near Nablus, causing minor damage. After some Palestinian residents confront the settlers, IDF troops enter the village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 8 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint when she is found with a knife on her person; arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian mobile home in Qalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem. The Palestinian owner was living in the mobile home since Israeli forces demolished his previous home on 6/20. Israeli forces raze a plot of Palestinian land and confiscate a vehicle, demolish 2 car washes, a food shop, several storage buildings and offices in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir; and arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the protests; 10 Palestinians are injured. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near the site of the planned protest. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/19; MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/22)

Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, both of the Jewish Home Party, announce that they intend to remain in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and that they are dropping their demand for Bennett to take over the Defense Ministry. “There’s no apocalypse on the way. There are enemies, but not an enemy that worries me,” Bennett says. (HA, JP, YA 11/19)

Haaretz reports that Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority last week increased by 1,500 the number of permits awarded to West Bank Palestinians hoping to work as dishwashers and cleaners in Israeli restaurants, bars, and cafes. The increase is reportedly designed to ease the strain on restaurant owners who are struggling to find enough low-cost labor. Before this increase, approximately 30,000 West Bank Palestinians were permitted to come into Israel to work such jobs. (HA 11/19)

UNRWA commissioner general Pierre Krähenbühl tells reporters that the agency’s budget shortfall, which was created by U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to UNRWA earlier this year, has been cut to $21 million, following another round of pledges from the EU and several Gulf countries. The deficit was reportedly $64 million as recently as last week. “This is a very encouraging result at the end of a lot of work,” Krähenbühl says. (AFP, TOI 11/19)

Airbnb, a U.S.-based home-share company with listings all over the world, announces that it is removing all 200-some of its listings in Israel’s West Bank settlements. “We concluded that we should remove listings in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that are at the core of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians,” a statement from the company reads. In response, Israel’s Tourism Minister Yariv Levin instructs his deputies to restrict the company’s operations across Israel. Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan calls on the settler-hosts who used Airbnb to sue the company using Israel’s anti-boycott law. “National conflicts exist throughout the world,” he argues. “Airbnb will need to explain why they chose a racist political stance against some Israeli citizens.” (EI, HA, JP, YA, YA 11/19; AJ, BBC, CNN 11/20)

Marking the second major BDS victory of the day, the Canadian Federation of Students, Canada’s largest and oldest students’ association, endorses the BDS movement and condemns the “ongoing occupation of Palestine.” Marking the third, the Quakers in Britain Church, a group 17,000 strong, announces that it is divesting from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation. “This includes companies—whichever country they are based in—involved for example in the illegal exploitation of natural resources in occupied Palestine, and the construction and servicing of the separation barrier and Israeli settlements,” a senior church official explains. (TOI, TOI 11/19; JP, JP, JTA, TOI 11/20; EI 11/21)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents 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. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

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 demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements, and in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem; at least 9 Palestinians and 1 Israeli activist are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid in Beit Sahour, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli settlers assault a group of international solidarity activists accompanying Palestinian shepherds nr. Ramallah, causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Juhur al-Dik, causing no injuries, and on Palestinian agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR 4/27)

The Israeli authorities re-open the Taba border crossing, allowing Israeli citizens to cross into Egypt by land for the first time since 4/10. However, Israel’s counterterrorism bureau warns, “the threat to Israelis in Sinai remains serious, concrete, and imminent.” (HA, JP, TOI 4/21)

Three projectiles fired from inside Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no serious damage or injuries. The IDF “target[s]” the source of the attacks, but a spokesperson does not say how and it is not reported in the media. (JP, MNA 4/21; HA 4/22)

Three Palestinians are killed and 5 are injured while repairing a smuggling tunnel in s. Gaza. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City, injuring 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, c. Hebron, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Two Palestinian youths are injured when a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance detonates in c. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in Issawiyya while many residents are attending a funeral, sparking minor clashes with a number of mourners; there are no serious injuries. (MNA, 2/24; MNA, TOI 2/25; PCHR 3/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City and al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts a car-ramming and stabbing attack nr. Ramallah. Palestinian witnesses say that the soldiers fired on the man in his car unprovoked, injuring him. They fired on him again when he exited the vehicle, allegedly holding a knife. The IDF raids his Ramallah-area home late at night and interrogates his family. Meanwhile, IDF troops expel a number of Palestinian farmers from their land nr. Nablus, arresting 1. They conduct raids nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seal off a main street in Jabal Mukabir with cement barriers in an act of collective punishment after unidentified persons in the area fired fireworks at a nearby Israeli settlement, according to the Israeli authorities. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 10/28; HA, TOI, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/3)

A Palestinian prisoner in Israel’s Ramon Prison dies of a stroke. He was severely beaten by Israeli guards in 2003, and his health has deteriorated ever since. Hours after his death, a group of Palestinian prisoners declares a 3-day hunger strike in solidarity with their deceased comrade. Israeli prison guards raid their cells, assaulting several of their leaders. (MNA, WAFA 9/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli border guards assault a Palestinian worker attempting to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. They cause moderate injuries and leave him with the broken leg he sustained after falling from the separation wall. Israeli forces demolish around 35 saplings in a nature reserve nr. Hebron. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering nr. Salfit to protest recent settlement expansion in the area; 1 Palestinian is arrested when he stands in front of a bulldozer. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Jenin, and nr. Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus, causing moderate damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and Abu Dis. (MNA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/29)

In a meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu in New York, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says that, if elected, he will “accept the long-standing Congressional mandate to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel,” according to a Trump campaign press release. Netanyahu later meets with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, and she pledges to oppose “any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict . . . including the UN,” according to a press release from her campaign. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 9/25; HA 9/26)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian photojournalist is injured. They also conduct raids and patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a patrol in Issawiyya, and arrest and assault a Palestinian in al-Tur. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats overnight nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/2; PCHR 9/8)

Senior Israeli officials say that PM Netanyahu is thinking about permitting International Criminal Court (ICC) officials to visit Israel and the oPt soon in the context of ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s preliminary examination into alleged war crimes during Israel’s summer 2014 assault on Gaza, as well as its settlement enterprise. According to ICC officials, the purpose of the visit would be “outreach and education,” rather than research and fact-finding. Israel decided to engage with Bensouda’s examination in 7/2015, after criticizing and boycotting it since its inception in 1/2015. (AFP, HA, JP 9/2)

Israeli police close several roads and deploy massively across East Jerusalem on the 2d Friday of Ramadan; sealing off Issawiyya with cement barricades after reports of a firebomb attack in the neighborhood. Around 200,000 Palestinians from Israel, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza pray at Haram al-Sharif throughout the day. However, only men above the age of 45 or those with special permits are allowed to enter the sanctuary. Palestinians entering Jerusalem from the West Bank comprise those accounted for in the standard weekly quota, according to a COGAT spokesperson; “Larger numbers were supposed to enter for Ramadan,” she says; “that has been canceled.” Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Yatta; and patrol nr. Jericho, Ramallah, Hebron, and Salfit. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/17; PHCR 6/23)

An Israeli is stabbed and injured in the Old City. Israeli police later arrest a Palestinian youth who allegedly admits to carrying out the attack (they will arrest another Palestinian in connection to the attack later that night), and temporarily close all entrances to the Old City. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities announce that they will be reopening a gate along the separation wall for the 1st time in 7 years, allowing Palestinian residents of al-Ram village access to the city. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids and patrols in the Old City and Issawiyya. A Palestinian family demolishes their own 3 stores in Silwan, to avoid paying for the Jerusalem Municipality’s demolition crew. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Gaza City; open fire on Palestinian farmers working in the area. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural structure nr. Qalqilya. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Tulkarm, nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrol nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 5/2; JP, TOI 5/3; PCHR 5/5)

Alleged stabbing attacks continue across the oPt. Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron when a knife is found on her person, and arrest another Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli police officers in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths nr. the Old City of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 3d of 3 planned days and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers in c. Hebron verbally assault the human rights worker who captured video of the unprovoked killing nearby on 3/24. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Jenin, Tubas, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 5; patrol in Tulkarm and nr. Hebron. Israeli forces shut down a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, TOI 3/25; MNA 3/26; PCHR 3/31)

At the Jaffa Military Court, IDF prosecutors formally charge with murder the Israeli soldier who shot and killed an incapacitated Palestinian in c. Hebron on 3/24. (TOI 3/27)