The Palestine Chronology

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. They set fire to tires, throw improvised explosive devices, and chant slogans. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 126 are injured (3 critically). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 170. Meanwhile, Israeli artillery also shell a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an IDF patrol in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus; arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Jenin; and violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus (7 Palestinians are injured). Israeli settlers harass Palestinians picking olives near Nablus, sparking minor confrontations between the harvesters and their own IDF escort; there are no reported arrests or injuries. Israeli settlers also assault and attempt to block Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands in 2 separate incidents near Salfit and 1 near Qalqilya. IDF troops intervene in each ensuing confrontation; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma village, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MNA 10/6; PCHR 10/11)

In a statement, UNRWA expresses “concern” about Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat’s 10/4 announcement that he plans to remove the agency from East Jerusalem. “UNRWA has continuously maintained its operations in East Jerusalem since 1967 with the cooperation and on the basis of a formal agreement with the State of Israel, which remains in force,” UNRWA’s statement reads. It’s still unclear when or how Barkat intends to implement his plan. (REU, YA 10/5)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out 6 fires reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown into southern Israel from Gaza. An Israeli aircraft carries out an air strike on a site allegedly used as a staging area for such attacks near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no reported injuries. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw an IED at the Beit El settlement overnight, causing no reported damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA 9/22; MNA 9/23; PCHR 9/27)

Hamas officials meet with an Egyptian delegation in Gaza to discuss the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. According to a Hamas statement, they share a “deep conversation about ways to end the siege on the Gaza Strip and alleviate the suffering of our people.” (TOI 9/23)

Approximately 12,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return protests. IDF troops violently disperse the protests near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 3 more are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 152. Amid the clashes, the IDF reports that one of its officers was injured by shrapnel from a pipe bomb thrown from across the border fence. Israeli forces subsequently shell 2 Hamas posts, causing damage to a school east of Khan Yunis. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Rafah. They also dismantle an IED that was placed along the border fence near Rafah for the 2d day in a row. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces set up roadblocks around Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Israeli troops later violently disperse hundreds of activists gathering to protest the roadblocks; 3 protesters are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Ras Karkar near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by IDF patrols in Bayt Umar near Hebron; arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/14; MNA 9/15; PCHR 9/20)

The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has decided to cut the last remaining $10 million in planned aid to the Palestinians this year. The money, which Congress authorized for expenditure in 2017, was set to support programs meant to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories. USAID has reportedly redirected the $10 million to support similar programs dealing with Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel. “Essentially, USAID was faced with the choice of shutting down the program and losing the funds, or keeping something going,” a congressional aide explains. (NYT, REU, TOI, TOI, YA 9/14; HA, MNA, TOI 9/15)

In retaliation for the cross-border attack in Gaza on 5/26, the IDF fires artillery shells at Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) sites east of Dayr al-Balah and Rafah, killing 3 Palestinians, including 2 PIJ fighters, and completely destroying 1 of the sites. The IDF says that PIJ fighters planted an improvised explosive device along the border fence earlier in the day. Later, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on 3 Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring all of them. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy 700 grapevines in a Palestinian vineyard near Hebron. Later, an Israeli settler reports extensive vandalism in his vineyard near Ramallah, apparently in retaliation for the earlier attack. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, searching for the Palestinian who dropped a marble slab on an Israeli soldier amid clashes on 5/24. They arrest 5 Palestinians, sparking minor clashes; 13 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also arrests 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrols near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver when she allegedly ignores their calls to stop driving toward them. The Israeli police say that they suspected her of carrying an explosive device under her clothes. Separately, Israeli security forces arrest 6 Palestinians for waving Hamas flags at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/27; HA, MNA 5/28; PCHR 5/31)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians detonate an IED targeting an Israeli bulldozer, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli tanks then shell a number of “resistance sites” in Gaza City, according to the Gaza-based Ministry of Health; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. Later, unidentified Palestinians open fire on an Israeli home along the border, causing minor damage. The IAF then conducts retaliatory air strikes in northern Gaza late at night, killing 1 member of Hamas and injuring another. Separately, IDF snipers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians along the border in unclear circumstances, and fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Gaza City and Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Hebron, and Bethlehem. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/11; HA, MNA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 4/12; PCHR 4/19)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces that Guatemala plans to open its new embassy in the city on 5/16, 2 days after the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem is set to open. (TOI 4/11)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces bomb Hamas military sites in Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya overnight, causing an unclear amount of damage. The IDF later says the attack was in retaliation for a previously unreported Hamas attempt to plant an IED along the border fence on 4/8. Later, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near al-Maghazi refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting along the border fence near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 8 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray-paint racist graffiti on road signs near Hebron. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid minor clashes in Nablus, arrest 4 Palestinians, and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during latenight raids in Sur Bahir, Hizma, and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/9; MNA 4/10; PCHR 4/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 29. (TOI, WAFA 4/9)

The Palestinian who was stabbed by an Israeli settler near Jerusalem on 4/8 succumbs to his injuries. (PCHR 4/12)

The IAF conducts air strikes on the Syrian T-4 base near Homs, targeting drone deployment and air-defense systems, and killing 14 people, including at least 7 Iranian citizens. (HA, JP 4/9)

Unidentified persons detonate an IED along Gaza’s northern border, targeting an IDF patrol in the area. The attack causes no serious damage or injuries. This is the 4th time in recent weeks that Palestinians in Gaza have targeted IDF border patrols with explosives. Following the attack, Israeli forces shell a Hamas post near Gaza City, injuring 1 Palestinian. Late at night, the IAF conducts air strikes on 2 locations in Gaza City and several more in southern Gaza, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Barta‘a near Jenin, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly rammed and killed 2 Israeli soldiers on 3/16. They search several homes, damage a number of vehicles, and assault a Palestinian youth. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian shepherd working near Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in the Old City in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/17; HA, WAFA 3/18; PCHR 3/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he plans to order the punitive demolition of the Barta‘a home of the Palestinian who allegedly rammed and killed 2 Israeli soldiers on 3/16. “I’m sending condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of the IDF officer and of the soldier who were murdered yesterday by a terrorist, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded,” he tweets. (HA 3/17; TOI 3/18)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified persons detonate 2 IEDs targeting an IDF patrol near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Soon thereafter, the IAF bombs Hamas sites near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing moderate damage. An IDF spokesperson later alleges that the 2 devices were planted amid a recent border protest. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 3/15; PCHR 3/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in al-‘Izzariya; 9 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/22)

At a fundraising conference in Rome, officials from 90 different countries collectively pledge $100 m. for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the budget shortfall caused by U.S. president Trump’s decision to cut U.S. aid to the agency in 1/2018 (see JPS 47 [3]). (JP, TOI, WAFA 3/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Raids in Salfit, Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, and Jayyus village near Qalqilya spark clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in al-Ram and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/22)

The IDF announces that “starting today, the IDF will adopt harsher means against rioters on the Gaza Strip border,” pointing to reports alleging that armed Palestinians planted an IED along the border fence during protests on 2/16. “You’d better stop with that now,” says the IDF’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Yoav Mordechai. “Go and demonstrate against Hamas in Gaza.” (TOI 2/19; HA 2/20)

Along Gaza’s southern border, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the Palestinian side of the border fence detonates near an IDF jeep, injuring 4 Israeli soldiers (2 seriously). The IED was reportedly installed during demonstrations along the border on 2/16. Israeli forces in the area attack and destroy a local armed group’s observation post in southern Gaza and shell 5 other Hamas targets. After the initial wave of strikes, unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel, causing minor damage to an Israeli home. Late at night, Israeli jets conduct air strikes on 12 Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) sites near Gaza City and Rafah, injuring 2 Palestinians and causing an unknown amount of damage. Amid the exchange, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Rafah, killing 2 and seriously injuring the other 2. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian mourners in Halhul near Hebron after a funeral procession for 1 of the Palestinians whose body the IDF returned to his family on 2/16; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Nablus and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/17; HA, WAFA 2/18; HA 2/19; EI 2/20; PCHR 2/22)