The Palestine Chronology

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing neither damage nor injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF issues an arrest summons to a Palestinian on a late-night raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking light clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, al-Fawar r.c., and Bethlehem, arresting 8 Palestinians; patrols during the day in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive trees outside Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian clothing store in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 of them will lose an eye after being struck by a sponge-tipped bullet). Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians on late-night raids in the Old City, Qalandia r.c., and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 7/12; HA, MNA, TOI 7/13; MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

A senior Hamas official tells a Russian media outlet that former Quartet envoy Blair is mediating talks between Israel and Hamas over the 2 Israeli civilians who are allegedly being held in Gaza. Blair reportedly met with Hamas leader Mishal in Doha 3 times, both before and after Blair resigned as Middle East Quartet envoy on 5/27, to discuss the issue. On 7/16, a senior Palestinian source will confirm that these talks took place. (TOI, YA 7/12)

PA pres. Abbas forms a national comm. to investigate alleged Israeli war crimes committed in Gaza during OPE. He appoints Farid al-Jallad to head the comm., which will begin its work after ‘Id al-Fitr concludes on 7/20. (JP 7/12; MNA 7/13)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat, then they arrest the 2 fishermen on board and confiscate the boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus and 1 nr. Bethlehem, and in and around Hebron, arresting 8 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2 others; patrol during the day in 2 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces demolish fruit and vegetable stands alongside a road nr. Hebron, confiscate some of the produce, then arrest 1 Palestinian merchant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault 3 Palestinians in the Old City, injuring 1; assault a Palestinian youth nearby. Israeli forces continue punitive measures against the families of the 2 Palestinian men who attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18/2014. Forces dismantle and confiscate a residential tent in Jabal Mukabir that 1 of the families has been living in since their home was sealed on 7/1; raid the Jabal Mukabir home of the other attacker’s family overnight. (MNA, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/9)

Israeli police announce that Haram al-Sharif will be closed to all non-Muslim visitors for the last 10 days of Ramadan (today through 7/17). Spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld says that “this is a standard procedure for safety reasons” and that the same measure was taken last year. (JP, TOI 7/7)

EU foreign policy chief Mogherini says that Iran and the P5+1 will continue negotiating for the next few days, hours ahead of today’s extended deadline for a final agreement. Later, the U.S. State Dept. announces that the interim agreement governing the negotiations will be extended, setting midnight on 7/9 as the new deadline. (HA, JP 7/7; HA 7/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya and outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 1 with live ammunition in the former. Unknown assailants open fire on an Israeli ambulance on a road nr. the Beit El settlement outside Ramallah, causing damage but no injuries. IDF troops then conduct raids in a nearby village. The IDF patrols in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron; conducts a late-night raid in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian man nr. Hebron, moderately injuring him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man in Bayt Hanina, moderately injuring him. Israeli forces conduct raids in the Old City, arresting 3 Palestinian youths. (HA, MNA 6/27; MNA, YA 6/28; PCHR 7/2)

The PLO Exec. Comm. appoints senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad to lead a comm. to consult with the various Palestinian factions and determine a more representative structure for a new consensus govt. The comm. begins talks with both Hamas and Islamic Jihad. A senior Palestinian official says that Hamas has placed impossible conditions on its participation in the govt. (YA 6/27; MNA 6/28)

In Gaza, the IDF bars a Palestinian journalist from passing through the Erez border crossing, despite the fact that he was issued a permit on 6/20. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian structures nr. Salfit. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, confiscating property and arresting 3 Palestinians. Israeli settlers spray price-tag graffiti on walls in Tiberius; assault Palestinians in c. Hebron; cut down 70 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs and seriously injures an Israeli border policeman nr. Damascus Gate of the Old City. The policeman then shoots the Palestinian man multiple times, leaving him in critical condition. Israeli forces consequently raid the Palestinian man’s home nr. Hebron. Israeli forces later clash with Palestinians gathering nr. Damascus Gate and separately with Palestinians leaving Haram al-Sharif; 4 Palestinians are injured. They conduct late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya, arresting 3 Palestinians. In n. Israel, thousands of Christians attend a protest rally to condemn the 6/17 arson attack on a nearby church. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/21; MNA 6/22)

In response to the 6/19 shooting nr. Ramallah and today’s stabbing in East Jerusalem, Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon annul the 6/16 announcement permitting 500 Palestinians to fly abroad via Ben Gurion Airport during Ramadan. Additionally, they instruct the Defense Ministry to revoke the work permits of all Palestinian residents of the village nr. Hebron where today’s perpetrator is from, and say they will consider further punitive restrictions. (HA, TOI 6/22)

In Ramallah, French FM Fabius meets with PA pres. Abbas to discuss the French initiative to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including a French-drafted UNSC res. Fabius then meets with Netanyahu in Israel to discuss the same issues. Ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu opposes the French initiative, saying “we will forcibly reject any attempt to force upon us international dictates”. (JP 6/17; HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/21)

The Egyptian govt. announces the appointment of a new amb. to Israel, Hazem Khairat, who will travel to Tel Aviv in the coming mos. Egypt has not had an amb. to Israel since 2012, when Atef Salem was recalled in the midst of Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense. (HA, YA 6/21)

Israeli mbr. of Knesset (MK) Basel Ghattas (Joint List) announces his plans to join the Freedom Flotilla III, an international activist effort to deliver aid to Gaza and call attention to the Israeli blockade (the flotilla will set sail on 6/25). He calls on Netanyahu and the IDF to allow the flotilla to reach Gaza without their interference. (HA 6/21; MEE, MNA, WAFA 6/22)

Iranian parliamentarians approve amendments to the bill introduced on 6/17 to increase oversight on implementation of any agreement made with the P5+1. The amendments shift oversight responsibilities, and the power to end the deal, from parliamentarians to the Supreme National Security Council, which is chaired by Pres. Hassan Rouhani and controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The bill must still be approved by the parliament and ratified by the Khamenei-controlled Guardian Council to become law. (AFP, REU 6/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah, arresting 4 Palestinians, assaulting 2, and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, as well as 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Jericho during the day. An Israeli settler shoots and injures a Palestinian youth nr. Ramallah. Unknown assailants throw stones at a Palestinian nr. the same West Bank settlement where 2 Israeli settlers were shot on 6/19; she is lightly injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli-owned vehicles nr. the Old City, lightly injuring 1 driver. Israeli forces conduct a late-night raid in Issawiyya, arresting 2 Palestinians. (HA, MNA 6/21; PCHR 6/25)

Fatah spokesperson Ahmad Assaf responds to reports of Hamas conducting long-term cease-fire negotiations with Israel, saying “Hamas aims, through these talks, to dedicate its rule to the Gaza Strip, protect its leaders and stick to the instructions of its regional donors, even if at the expense of the Palestinian cause, national unity and suffering of Gazans.” PA pres. Abbas says, “I can confidently say that there are direct negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at establishing a state in [the] Gaza region.” Hamas dep. chief Abu Marzuq responds to the comments, saying that Hamas wants “a state not just in Gaza, but in all of Palestine” and that Hamas is not coordinating with Israel on the formation of a state in Gaza. (HA, MNA 6/20)

In Egypt, French FM Fabius calls for a return to Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations after conducting a series of meetings with Egyptian officials. Fabius says he will be advocating for a return to peace negotiations in meetings with Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu on 6/21. (MNA 6/20)

Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in and out of Gaza, as the PA announced they would on 6/10. They will keep the crossing open through 6/19. IDF troops stationed nr. the inactive Sufa border crossing nr. Rafah shoot and injure a mentally handicapped Palestinian man approaching the border fence. In the West Bank, Palestinians shoot and damage Israeli cars nr. Nablus, according to the IDF. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in c. Hebron, 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. near the city, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2 others; patrol in 1 village nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Silwan and the Old City; no Palestinians are seriously injured. (MNA 6/10; MNA 6/13; WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/18)

Dep. chief of Hamas’s political bureau Musa Abu Marzuq flies from Gaza to Doha, Qatar, to put “final touches” on a long-term cease-fire proposal with Hamas leader Khalid Mishal, according to Egyptian officials. (MNA 6/15; JP, YA 6/16)

In Gaza, Sarayat al-Shaykh Umar Hadid fire a Katyusha 130 rocket into Israel and it lands nr. Ashqelon, causing no serious damage or injuries. The group says that the recent rocket attacks (today and 6/3) are meant to remind Hamas that Israel is the enemy. In response, IAF jets launch air strikes on a vacant Hamas military base in n. Gaza, causing severe damage. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces fire warning shots at Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian and international activists nonviolently commemorating the 48th anniversary of al-Naksa nr. Jerusalem; there are no serious injuries. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya, arresting 4 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3 others; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm, and 1 each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians on raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 6/6; HA, MNA, REU 6/7; PCHR 6/11)

An Egyptian appeals court overturns a lower court’s 2/28 designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization, following an appeal from the State Litigation Authority. A court official says the previous ruling is thrown out because the lower court did not have the proper jurisdiction. Hamas welcomes the new decision. (AHR, MNA, YA 6/6)

On the 2d day of billionaire Sheldon Adelson’s summit for pro-Israel U.S. megadonors in Las Vegas, a letter is read aloud from Israeli PM Netanyahu announcing that the Israeli govt. will begin expanding its efforts to counter the growing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The same day, Netanyahu announces that Strategic Affairs Min. Gilad Erdan’s office will receive NIS 100 m. (around $25.4 m.) to escalate its anti-BDS efforts, including hiring 10 new employees to deal solely with “delegitimization” activities worldwide. (FWD 6/4; TOI, YA 6/7; HA [Beinart Analysis], JTA 6/10)

Off the coast of Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 2 Palestinian fishermen. Later, Israeli naval forces arrest 5 fishermen in the same area. IDF troops stationed on the border e. of Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural lands. In the West Bank, Israeli forces order residents of a village nr. Nablus to remove their tent homes. IDF troops arrest a leader of Islamic Jihad and 2 other Palestinians in late-night raids in Jenin, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF also conducts raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 nr. Ramallah, and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols in Tulkarm, 3 villages nr. Jericho, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Silwan and the Old City, arresting 3 Palestinians; demolish 2 homes in Silwan, assaulting 4 of the residents. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/1; HA 6/2; PCHR 6/4)

German FM Steinmeier arrives in Gaza with a 60-mbr. German delegation and calls for Israel to lift the blockade. Both Israel and Hamas deny rumors that Steinmeier is in Gaza to mediate negotiations on a prisoner swap. (HA, MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 6/1)

On 3 occasions, Israeli and Egyptian naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Gaza: Israeli forces open fire twice nr. Jabaliya, injuring 2 fishermen; and, Egyptian forces open fire nr. Rafah, injuring 1 fisherman. In the West Bank, 2 PA security troops stab and kill a Palestinian teenager during a confrontation in Nablus. Outside Ramallah, Israeli authorities say they are opening a major road e. of the city, having kept it closed since 2001 (residents were informed of the plans to reopen the road on 3/16, and the authorities will actually open it on 9/9 after more than 3 mos. of unspecified maintenance). The IDF patrols in Tulkarm, 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya; arrest 1 Palestinian and issue an arrest summons to another in late-night raids and house searches in Nablus and a village nr. Ramallah, where troops also assault a Palestinian man and sic a dog on his mother. Separately, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces stop a Palestinian car nr. the Old City, then detain and assault the 4 Palestinians riding in it. They also arrest 4 Palestinians as they exit Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/25; MNA 5/26; PCHR 5/28; MNA 9/9)

Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the Gaza coast on 3 occasions, causing no damage. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers on 3 occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night patrols in Hebron and a nearby village, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 2 nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver a stop-work notice to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 50 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces arrest 1 Jewish activist and 6 Palestinians. Israeli forces also conduct house searches and raids in Issawiyya, Silwan, and the Old City, arresting 13 Palestinians. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/28)

PA PM Rami Hamdallah pledges $50,000 to the bedouin community of Abu Nawwar nr. East Jerusalem, which is 1 of 46 bedouin communities in the E1 area that the Israelis plan to relocate to 3 planned townships nr. Jericho to expand Israeli settlements. (MNA 5/24)

Off the coast of c. Gaza and later nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Hanun repeatedly fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Hamas forces begin constructing a road less than 300 m from the Israeli border fence. (Hamas leaders will later verify, on 5/26, construction of the road, which they call Jakar Street, saying it will stretch 25 mi. long and 35 ft. wide when complete.) In the West Bank, Israeli settlers break down the doors of several Palestinian-owned shops in c. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Bethlehem, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrols nr. Ramallah, and in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian youth stabs 2 Israeli teenagers nr. the Old City, moderately injuring them. (MNA, WAFA 5/23; HA, MNA, TOI 5/24; PCHR 5/28; ALM 6/8)

In Gaza, Hamas police assault a Palestinian journalist, lightly injuring him. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya open fire on Palestinian farmers on 2 occasions, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Tulkarm, Jenin, and Bethlehem, arresting 6 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers uproot around 800 olive trees in a village nr. Hebron. An Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian in c. Hebron, causing severe bleeding. In East Jerusalem, over 160 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif as a part of Jerusalem Day celebrations. Dozens of Palestinian youths throw stones and bottles at thousands of Israelis parading through the Old City; 2 policemen and 19 Palestinians are injured, and at least 5 Palestinians are arrested. Separately, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct house searches and raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, and Sur al-Bahir, arresting 7 Palestinians. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA,YA5/17;MNA 5/18; JP5/19; PCHR 5/21)

At a Jerusalem Day ceremony, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that his govt. will keep building in East Jerusalem and pledges to never let the city be divided. (YA 5/17)

In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers gather nr. Nablus to protest recent attacks by Palestinians, including on 5/4. Late at night, Israeli settlers attempt to assault a Palestinian truck driver nr. Nablus, but he escapes. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault a PA security officer during a raid in a village nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols nr. Ramallah and in a village nr. Hebron. They also clash with stone-throwing Palestinians on raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police detain and assault 3 Palestinian women in Haram al-Sharif as a group of right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Later, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man nr. the Old City. (MNA 5/5; AFP, MNA 5/6; PCHR 5/7)

Israel’s Supreme Court rejects a petition to abort the state’s plans to demolish a bedouin village in the Negev and replace it with a new Jewish town. The bedouin residents of Umm al-Hiran filed the petition in 11/2013. Around 1,000 bedouins will be relocated when the evictions begin; they plan to appeal the decision. (HA 5/6; NYT 5/16)

A PLO delegation meets with Syrian dep. FM Mekdad and other Syrian officials to discuss humanitarian efforts in Yarmouk r.c. It is the 2d PLO delegation to travel to Syria for such talks since ISIS fighters entered the camp on 4/1. (AFP 5/5)

Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan launches a hunger strike to demand an end to his administrative detention by Israel. He was arrested on 7/8/2014 and administratively detained for the 10th time in his life. In 2012, he led a high-profile hunger strike in protest of administrative detentions. (MNA 5/14)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Hanun shoot and injure a Palestinian man nr. the border fence. Meanwhile, IDF troops e. of al-Maghazi r.c. fire smoke bombs into agricultural lands nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Jenin, a village nr. Hebron, and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 2; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and in al-Fawar r.c. Israeli troops also arrest a Palestinian driving in Aida r.c. and clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in a village nr. Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron, causing damage but no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and the Old City, arresting 7 Palestinians. (MNA, WAFA 4/26; PCHR 4/29)

An IAF jet attacks 4 unknown assailants attempting to cross the border from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to plant explosives; 3 of the assailants are killed. Hours later, several Arab media outlets release unconfirmed reports that the IAF responded to the attempted explosive attack with air strikes on Hizballah and Syrian army missile batteries nr. the border. (AFP, JP, YA 4/26; HA, JP, YA 4/27)

In the Gaza Strip, an unknown armed group launches a single rocket into Israel, causing minor damage nr. Sderot. In response, IDF tanks fire 3 shells at a vacant Hamas military site nr. Bayt Hanun. Separately, IDF troops stationed e. of Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural lands nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops on a raid in a village nr. Qalqilya clash with several stone-throwing Palestinian youth, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in a village nr. Jenin, delivering summons to 1 Palestinian; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police assault 2 Palestinians in the Old City who are walking to pray in Haram al-Sharif and arrest 5 others in the area. Meanwhile, light clashes break out in the sanctuary when a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour the area. Israeli forces conduct raids and patrols in the Old City, Hizma, Silwan, and Shaykh Jarrah, arresting 7 Palestinians and disrupting demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. They also assault a Palestinian youth in al-Tur. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian youth in the Old City, causing minor injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/23; HA, TOI, YA 4/24; PCHR 4/29)

Israeli authorities deny South African education minister Blade Nzimande an entry visa for his planned 6-day visit to Palestinian universities. Nzimande says that the denial comes in response to recent positions taken by the South African govt. (MNA 4/23; HA 4/24)

At an Israeli Independence Day event in Washington, U.S. VP Joseph R. Biden announces that 2 of the 14 F-35 fighter jets that the Defense Dept. sold to Israel in mid-2/2015 (announced 2/22) will be delivered in 2016. The rest of the jets will be delivered by 2021. (HA, REU 4/24)

In Gaza, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion e. of Khan Yunis to level land. Later, troops on the border e. of Khuza‘a open fire on agricultural land, causing no damage. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a demolition notice and a stop-work order to 2 Palestinian homes in a village nr. Hebron. Late at night, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in al-Bireh, Hebron, and a village nr. Jenin, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians and seizing NIS 2,500 ($646), as well as various personal effects. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver rams a car into 2 Israelis nr. the Old City, killing 1. (The Palestinian man will be arrested on 4/16.) In c. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 5 Palestinian apartments overnight in villages nr. Tel Aviv. (MNA, WAFA 4/15; AFP, HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, YA 4/16; PCHR 4/23)

In response to the recent demolitions of Palestinian property in Israel on 4/13, 4/14, and today, Israeli PM Netanyahu attempts to set up a meeting with Joint List chair Odeh. The Arab High Follow-Up Comm. calls for Palestinian citizens of Israel to conduct a general strike on 4/28. Meanwhile, Israel’s Supreme Court upholds the 7/2011 Anti-Boycott Law, which allows for sanctions to be placed against individuals or organizations that call for boycotts against Israel. (Adalah, JP 4/15; HA, TOI, YA 4/16; HA 4/17)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya and Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas authorities arrest a shaykh in al-Bureij r.c. for alleged support of ISIS. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Qalqilya, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jericho, and 1 each nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. An Israeli soldier assaults a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. Israeli authorities close al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to all Muslim worshippers, allowing Jewish Israelis to enter in celebration of Passover through 4/6. In Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, Palestinian women gather to protest the PASF crackdown in the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate a number of solar energy cells in a bedouin village. Also, a group of Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian youth at a gate to the Old City. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 4/5; AFP 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

PA Pres. Abbas announces that the Israeli govt. transferred NIS 1.37 b. (around $350 m.) of the NIS 1.8 b. ($460 m.) in previously frozen tax revenues, but that the Palestinians rejected the money in protest of unilateral deductions Israel made to pay the Palestinians’ debts to Israeli utility providers. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 4/5)

The PLO announces that it will send a delegation to Syria to meet with govt. and rebel leaders to find a resolution for the residents of Yarmouk r.c. (AFP, AJ, WAFA, YA 4/5; AFP, AJ, JP 4/6)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring 3. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians and 1 international are moderately injured and dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Jericho, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians in the Old City. After Israeli forces bar a group of rightwing Jewish activists from entering a school in Haram al-Sharif, a leader of the activists writes a letter to the Israeli authorities calling for the school to be officially recognized as a synagogue under the Protection of Holy Places Law and for Jews to be allowed to worship there. (MNA 4/3, 4/4; WAFA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to discuss the 4/2 agreement between the P5+1 and Iran, and the cabinet unanimously opposes the deal. Netanyahu says, “This is a bad deal not just for Israel, this is a bad deal for the region and for the world,” and calls for any final deal to require Iran to recognize Israel’s right to exist. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 4/3; REU, TOI 4/4)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer in e. Nablus that Palestinians were using to open a road in the area. Elsewhere, IDF troops injure a Palestinian child and confiscate several solar panels in a raid in a bedouin village nr. Abu Dis. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah, ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, and al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, arresting 8 Palestinians and sparking clashes in which 2 more are injured; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in the Old City, arresting 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA 4/1; MNA, PCHR 4/2; PCHR 4/9)

In The Hague, Palestinian FM Riyad al-Maliki attends an induction ceremony at the ICC, marking the Palestine’s official membership at the court. Meanwhile, a German delegation is in Gaza to meet with reps. of Hamas and to discuss the possibility of a long-term cease-fire with Israel. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA 4/1; ALM 4/14)

PA Finance Min. Shukri Bishara announces that PA employees earning more than NIS 2,000 ($515) per mo. will only receive 60% of their salaries for 3/2015 on 4/2, despite the Israeli govt.’s 3/27 pledge to unfreeze the transfers of tax revenues collected on behalf of the PA. This will be the 4th mo. in a row that PA employees have received reduced salaries. (REU, WAFA 4/1)

In Syria, fighters affiliated with ISIS conduct an assault on Yarmouk r.c. outside Damascus. During a day of intense fighting, they take control of large areas of the camp, casting further uncertainty over the fate of the approximately 18,000 Palestinian refugees and other civilian residents. (AFP, MNA 4/1; WAFA 4/2)

Egypt’s cabinet approves a new res. designed to crack down on smuggling tunnels from Gaza into Egypt, which would make tunnel digging, or knowledge of tunnel digging, punishable by life imprisonment and home confiscation. The res. will be passed by presidential decree on 4/12. (HA, MNA 4/3; EN 4/12; TOI 4/13)

In a letter to U.S. Pres. Obama, 79 Democratic mbrs. of Congress encourage the continued pursuit of a 2-state solution despite Israeli PM Netanyahu’s controversial campaign rhetoric. (AFP, JTA, TOI 4/1; POL 4/2)

After a 1-day extension to their 3/31 political framework agreement deadline, reps. of the P5 +1 and Iran agree to another extension until 4/2. (HA, REU, TOI, YA 4/1; HA, REU 4/2)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinians nr. the border fence gathering to commemorate Land Day, injuring 2. In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians gather in several villages and cities for Land Day; IDF troops violently disperse protests in villages nr. Nablus and Ramallah, causing a number of Palestinians to suffer tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 nr. Jenin, and Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrols in 5 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 nr. Jericho, and al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver demolition notices to 7 Palestinian-owned agricultural structures and water wells in a village nr. Nablus and to 7 residential structures in a village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians marching through the Old City to commemorate Land Day, injuring 1 and arresting 2. They also arrest 3 Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif, 3 in the Old City, and 1 during a house search in Silwan. Meanwhile, Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Jerusalem, Dayr Hanna in the Galilee, and Rahat in the Negev to commemorate Land Day, but the Arab High Follow-Up Comm. does not call for a general strike as it did in 2014. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/30; YA 3/31; PCHR 4/2)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces that it has approved tenders to build 142 new residences in the Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem. Also, the Interior Ministry’s District Planning and Building Comm. approves a plan to construct over 2,200 new residences for Palestinians in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, and to retroactively approve hundreds that have already been built in the neighborhood. (WAFA 3/30; TOI 3/31; HA 4/1)

The PA Ministry of Civil Affairs announces that it will be providing 1 year of financial support to the approximately 15,000 Palestinian families in Gaza whose homes were destroyed during OPE. The project will be funded by international donors, primarily Arab League mbrs., and will grant families between NIS 1,000 and 1,500 per mo. ($250 to $378). (MNA, WAFA 3/30)

A bipartisan group of 4 U.S. senators sends a letter to Pres. Obama stating their opposition to the admin.’s reported reassessment of its policies regarding Israel and the possible end of U.S. support of Israel in international institutions, such as the UN. (TOI 3/31)

On 2 occasions off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Jala village nr. Bethlehem, disrupting Palm Sunday celebrations. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches in 3 villages nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah, and Jenin, arresting 18 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Jericho. Israeli forces deliver a demolition notice to a warehouse nr. Jenin. An Israeli settler rams a herd of Palestinian-owned sheep with his car nr. Qalqilya, injuring 29 of them. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a group of Muslim worshippers at Haram alSharif, then they detain 3. Israeli forces also demolish part of a Palestinian’s home in the Old City; conduct house searches and raids in Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat, and the Old City, arresting 9 Palestinians. (MNA, WAFA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

On the 2d day of the Arab League’s 26th annual summit, the collected ministers agree to form a special comm. to organize the creation of a detailed timetable for the end of Israel’s occupation. (AFP, YA 3/29; JP 4/7)

Reps. of the Joint List and Palestinian activists conclude their 4-day march from unrecognized villages in the Negev to Pres. Rivlin’s residence in Jerusalem. Although he had earlier agreed to greet them, he is in Singapore for a state funeral. The coalition’s chair, Ayman Odeh, delivers a report on Palestinian bedouin communities in the Negev to Rivlin’s wife instead. (HA, WAFA 3/29; AFP, HA, WAFA 3/30)

EU amb. to Israel Lars Faaborg-Andersen says that the EU is not currently reassessing its policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the recent reports that it is considering new sanctions on Israel’s settlements as an incentive for a new round of peace negotiations. He adds that the EU supports in principle a UNSC res. calling for a timetable on the Israeli occupation. (TOI 3/30)

Chinese FM Wang Yi, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, and UK Foreign Secy. Hammond join the 4th consecutive day of negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland. (AFP, ALM, AP, REU 3/29; HA 3/30; NYT 3/31)

Israeli forces conduct a series of military exercises along the Gaza border fence. IDF troops e. of Jabaliya and Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural lands nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nr. Nablus, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Ramallah, as well as in Bethlehem, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 3 each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and 2 nr. Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at 2 Palestinian girls nr. Hebron, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, around 130 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians in the sanctuary. An unknown Palestinian assailant assaults a Jewish Israeli in the Old City, lightly injuring him. Israeli forces deliver demolition notices to several homes in Silwan; raid homes in Jabal Mukabir and Issawiyya, arresting 2 Palestinians. Separately, dozens of Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists gather in the Old City to protest Israeli evictions of Palestinians in the area. (MNA 3/20; AFP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/22; AFP, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/26)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire on land nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Silwad, Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), Kisan nr. Bethlehem, and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; a total of 25 protesters are moderately injured. The IDF also raids the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with Palestinian and international activists; 2 activists are arrested. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and in and around Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 6; patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian outside Hebron, lightly injuring him; throw stones at Palestinian cars on a road between Jenin and Nablus, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian nr. the Old City. (MNA, YA 3/13; MNA, PNN, WAFA 3/14; PCHR 3/19)

On the sidelines of economic talks in Egypt, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah and PA Pres. Abbas to discuss the PA’s economic crisis. At the conference, Abbas says, “There is no alternative but to reevaluate the security and economic relations with Israel, so that the PA would restore its role in building and ending the occupation.” Kerry reportedly tells Abbas that he will pressure Israel into transferring the tax revenues that it has withheld for 3 mos. (AFP, JP, TOI 3/13; AFP, JP, WAFA 3/14)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli unexploded ordnance nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse over 1,000 Palestinians, mostly women, demonstrating nr. Qalandia to mark International Women’s Day, moderately injuring 4. They also violently disperse Palestinian activists as they are removing a metal gate installed at the entrance to a village nr. Bethlehem and a group protesting land expropriation in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli soldiers accompanied by Israeli settlers violently disperse Palestinians nonviolently protesting s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts patrols and house searches in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. The PASF raids Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinian; 2 bystanders are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids nr. the Old City, arresting 8 Palestinians; disperse a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at the Jerusalem Light Rail in Shu‘fat, arresting 2. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man in Silwan, moderately injuring him. (AP, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/12)

In Cairo, Islamic Jihad’s delegation departs after 6 days of negotiations with the Egyptian authorities on opening the Rafah border crossing. According to sources close to the talks, the Egyptians have agreed in principle to completely open the crossing once the violence in the Sinai Peninsula subsides, the PA unity govt. has staffed the crossing, and Hamas commits to not to interfere in Egyptian affairs. Also, Egyptian officials announce that the Rafah crossing will open on 3/9–10. (AFP, MNA 3/7)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, UK Foreign Secy. Philip Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini meet to review recent progress in their negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. (TOI 3/6, 3/7; DPA 3/8)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF floods an olive grove outside Bethlehem during a drill. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Tubas, Nablus, and Jenin, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes nr. Jenin; arrests 5 Palestinians in a village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 5 nr. Ramallah, and 2 each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya. A group of Palestinian youth affiliated with Fatah steal a Tnuva milk truck and dump its contents in the middle of al-Manara Square in Ramallah. Tnuva is 1 of the 6 Israeli companies targeted by the boycott initiated by the National Comm. against Israeli Punitive Measures on 2/9. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in the Old City and al-‘Izzariya, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing summons to 3. In n. Israel, Israeli police arrest 68 Palestinian workers who have been sleeping and laboring in Israel without permits. (MNA, WAFA 3/2; MNA 3/3; PCHR 3/5; HA 3/9)

Israeli state prosecutors tell the High Court of Justice that they are no longer pursuing the punitive demolition of the Silwan home of the Palestinian alleged to have shot and injured right-wing activist Yehuda Glick, leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement, on 10/29/ 2014. The prosecutors argue, instead, for the man’s room to be blocked off. (TOI 3/2)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry meets with Hamas officials in Gaza and proposes a 3–5-year hudna, or truce. (AFP, HA 3/2; HA 3/9)

In Washington, Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses the AIPAC conference, saying he has a “moral obligation” to warn the U.S. Congress on 3/3 of the dangers of a potential deal with Iran. Hours later, U.S. Pres. Obama tells Reuters that Netanyahu’s trip to the U.S., and the way it was organized, is a distraction, but not “permanently destructive” to the U.S.-Israel relationship. (NYT, YA 3/2; HA 3/3)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif and Iran’s atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi in Montreux, Switzerland, for 3-day negotiations over Iran’s nuclear weapons program. (TOI 3/1; REU 3/2)

While in Switzerland, Kerry speaks in front of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva and urges its mbrs. to end their “unbalanced focus” on Israel. (AP, JP, NYT, TOI 3/2)

In Gaza, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries or damage. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians attend the funeral of the Palestinian who was killed in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem on 2/23. Nr. Hebron, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian’s home under construction; bar Palestinian shepherds from grazing their livestock outside another village. Also nr. Hebron, the IDF conducts house searches in 1 village, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages. Nearby, an Israeli settler hits a Palestinian with his car, moderately injuring him. Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque nr. Bethlehem late at night, leaving racist “pricetag” graffiti. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 4 homes belonging to a bedouin Palestinian family. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, arresting 4 Palestinians; they detain 5 Palestinian women as they exit Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 2/24; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/25; PCHR 2/26)

PA Dep. PM and National Economy Min. Mustafa Mohammed Mustafa announces that PA ministers have agreed to nullify the preliminary agreement signed by the private firm Palestine Power Generation Company (PPGC) on 1/5/2014 to import $1.2 b. worth of natural gas from Israel over 20 years. A PPGC source tells news site al-Araby al-Jadeed that the deal was suspended last summer due to disagreements over certain terms with the consortium formed by Noble Energy and the Delek Group. Mustafa adds that the PA will instead focus efforts on developing natural gas fields off the coast of the Gaza Strip. (AJD 2/25; MEE 2/27; EI 3/8)

The boycott of 6 Israeli consumer products companies in the West Bank goes into effect, with enforcement teams visiting shops in Ramallah. Senior Fatah official and chair of the National Comm. against Israeli Punitive Measures Mahmoud al-Aloul says that any seized products will be destroyed on 2/25. Al-Aloul announced the boycott on 2/9. It is not sanctioned by the PA. (WAFA 2/25; HA 3/9)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Rafah fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers working nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Hebron, 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jenin, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm, arresting 3 Palestinians, and issuing summons to another; patrols in and around Hebron and Jenin, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, and in 1 nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians nr. Jenin and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches in Qalandia r.c., the Old City, Silwan, and Issawiyya, arresting 8 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. They also arrest a Palestinian lawyer alleged to have passed sensitive information from prisoners to Hamas officials. A Palestinian teenager stabs an Orthodox Jewish man nr. the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 2/22, 2/23; PCHR 2/26; JP 3/12)

Israel’s Defense Ministry announces that it has signed a deal with the U.S. to buy 14 F-35 fighter jets, with the option of buying another 17 in the future. Each jet reportedly costs around $110 m. Israel’s cabinet approved the purchase on 12/1/2014. (AP, TOI 2/22)

Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif and U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meet in Geneva for the 1st of 2 days of negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. (AFP, YA 2/19; REU 2/20)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Gaza City fire on agricultural land and residences nr. the border fence, causing extensive damage. Later, troops e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers and shepherds nr. the border fence, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot dozens of olive trees n. of Tubas; bar Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Salfit and Tulkarm, 2 nr. Nablus, 3 nr. Hebron, Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Jericho, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing a summons to 1; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm, and 2 nr. Ramallah. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man nr. Nablus, moderately injuring him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches in al-Tur, issuing summons to 2 Palestinian children; arrest another Palestinian child in the Old City. (MNA, PNN, WAFA, YA 2/17; PCHR 2/19)

Palestinian Authority (PA) PM Rami Hamdallah calls on the U.S. to pressure Israel into unfreezing its monthly tax revenue transfers to the PA, which have been punitively withheld since the beginning of 1/2015. The transfers amount to over $100 m. per mo. and comprise 60–70% of the PA’s revenues. Senior PA official Nabil Shaath meets with 22 European Union (EU) reps. and ambs., calling on the EU to play a bigger role in future negotiations with Israel and warning that the PA’s financial and political problems could lead to violence. (MNA, WAFA 2/17)

Israeli authorities announce that they will begin increasing the number of permits issued to merchants from Gaza to allow them to enter Israel and the West Bank. (AP 2/18)

Senior EU officials say that the U.S. has begun limiting information passed to Israel regarding the details of the negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the UK, U.S., and Germany) because Israeli politicians have been presenting a distorted view of the talks. (NYT 2/17; TOI 2/18)

In the Gaza Strip, unknown assailants set fire to the cars of senior Hamas and Fatah officials in Jabaliya r.c. and Nussayrat r.c., respectively. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; patrols nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Jericho, Ramallah, and Jenin. Israeli forces accelerate their efforts at leveling land outside Dayr Istya nr. Salfit, clearing the area for a major settlement expansion. They also begin expanding a settlement nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian woman nr. the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 2/15; PCHR 2/19)

In Gaza, Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair calls for international donors to fulfil their pledges and deliver the funds necessary for the reconstruction of the Strip. He also calls on Israel to make a “radical change of approach” and to lift restrictions on Gaza. While in Gaza, Blair meets with PA unity govt. ministers and UN officials. (AP, REU, TOI 2/15; MNA 2/18; HA 2/19)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops nr. the border fence e. of Gaza City open fire on dozens of Palestinians protesting the delay in reconstruction efforts following OPE, causing no injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Bayt Hanun. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, the IAF conducts mock air raids over the Strip. In the West Bank, IDF troops disperse a group of Palestinians ceremonially planting olive trees in Silwad nr. Ramallah, arresting a senior PA official. During the ensuing clashes, an Israeli settler attacks 2 Palestinian journalists covering the ceremony. The IDF also declares a swath of desert land e. of Jerusalem a closed military zone. IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers chop down 70 olive trees nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler and his lawyer attempt to evict a Palestinian family from their home in the Old City, which is the last Palestinian-owned home in this area. Meanwhile, 5 Palestinians from al-Tur are indicted on charges relating to a series of attacks on Israeli forces in the last 6 mos. of 2014, which the Shin Bet believes to be a neighborhood-wide conspiracy. Separately, Israeli forces fire tear gas canisters at Palestinian youth in Ras al-Amud; conduct house searches and raids in Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/9; PCHR 2/12)

The Palestinian National Comm. against Israeli Punitive Measures announces a boycott of products manufactured by 6 major Israeli companies—Tnuva, Jafora-Tabori, Osem, Prigat, Strauss, and Elite. Comm. chair and Fatah Central Comm. mbr. Mahmoud al-Aloul says that merchants will have 2 weeks to remove the products from their shelves, then they will be subject to random checks from special inspectors. However, the boycott is not legally binding. (HA, JP, WAFA 2/9; MNA, YA 2/10; HA 3/9)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli govt. has marked around 3,740 dunams of the West Bank as state land, with the goal of expanding 4 existing settlements—Keddumim, Vered Yericho, Neve Tzuf, and Emmanuel. (HA, WAFA 2/9; YA 2/10)