217 / 15150 Results
  • December 30, 2016

    IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah after she allegedly attempts to stab them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis...

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  • December 29, 2016

    IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus. (PCHR 1/5)

    U.S. dep. national security advisor Ben Rhodes says that...

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  • December 27, 2016

    IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids in and around Jenin, and...

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  • December 26, 2016

    Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the...

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  • December 25, 2016

    Unidentified assailants open fire on the Israeli settlement of Beit El nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries or damage. Following the shooting, Israeli forces close a main road nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere...

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  • December 23, 2016

    A Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli settler inside his home in the Efrat settlement nr. Bethlehem. After the attack, Israeli forces crack down on Palestinian villages nr. Bethlehem, setting...

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  • December 22, 2016

    Israeli forces punitively demolish a Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab, n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and several are injured....

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  • December 21, 2016

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a room in a Silwan-area home and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur and Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and...

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  • December 20, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis. Neither...

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  • December 19, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops and tanks open fire on a Hamas military site nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no reported damage or injuries. The IDF says that the attack was ordered in response to...

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  • December 18, 2016

    An Israeli sniper shoots and kills a Palestinian youth during major clashes sparked by an IDF raid overnight in Bayt Rima village nr. Ramallah. The IDF temporarily shuts down entrances to the...

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  • December 17, 2016

    Hundreds of Palestinians attend a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for a Palestinian whose corpse was returned by the Israeli authorities on 12/16. After the funeral, Palestinian youths throw...

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  • December 15, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF blocks off roads leading to Bayt Rima and Dayr Abu Mash‘al villages nr. Ramallah, which...

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  • December 14, 2016

    Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli police officer and an Israeli civilian. A Palestinian youth is struck...

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  • December 13, 2016

    IDF troops arrest a Palestinian driver at the Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly attempts to ram them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate 6 computers during a raid on a...

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  • December 12, 2016

    Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian activist during a raid in Issawiyya. They open fire when he refuses their order to stop photographing them. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, 82 right-wing...

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  • December 11, 2016

    IDF troops attempt to enter Jenin without coordinating with the PASF. Upon their arrival at a roadblock at an entrance to the city, PASF prevent their entrance with guns drawn (under the Oslo...

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  • December 10, 2016

    Several hundred right-wing Israelis gather at the illegal Amona settlement outpost nr. Ramallah, anticipating the outpost’s evacuation, which was ordered to take place by 12/25. They stay in camps...

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  • December 9, 2016

    IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah...

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  • December 8, 2016

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. No Israelis are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a...

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  • December 7, 2016

    Two Palestinians die in a tunnel accident late at night nr. Gaza City. Hamas claims the 2 men were mbrs. of its group. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian car washes n. of...

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  • December 6, 2016

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces level 40 dunams (10 acres) of Palestinian land in Jalud village nr. Nablus and demolish 3 homes in Fasayil village nr. Jericho. IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr...

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  • December 5, 2016

    Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent mourning Palestinians from burying...

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  • December 4, 2016

    A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel accident nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. They also arrest 2 of...

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  • December 3, 2016

    The bodies of 4 Palestinian workers from Gaza are discovered in a tunnel leading from Egypt. The Palestinian authorities say that the 4 men died as a result of Egypt’s intentional flooding of the...

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  • December 2, 2016

    Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations...

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  • November 28, 2016

    In the West Bank, IDF troops mistakenly enter Tulkarm and are escorted out by PASF. Some Palestinian youths throw stones at them as they are leaving, causing 1 minor injury. Meanwhile,...

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  • November 26, 2016

    Massive fires continue to rage across Israel and the oPt for the 5th consecutive day. New fires break out in some West Bank Palestinian communities, including Qusin village nr. Nablus. Twelve...

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  • November 23, 2016

    Massive fires rage nr. Jerusalem and in Haifa for a 2d day, causing over 200 incidents of serious damage. Elsewhere in Israel, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned buildings in Lydda. In...

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  • November 22, 2016

    Joint List members of the Knesset (MKs) Basel Ghattas and Ayman Odeh join hundreds of Palestinians in the bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran nr. Beersheba, protesting the Israeli authorities’ order...

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IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah after she allegedly attempts to stab them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they 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; 1 Israeli activist is injured and 2 Palestinians are arrested. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers take over a Palestinian-owned residential building in Silwan in the morning. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis; there are no reported injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/30; PCHR 1/5)

Israeli forces return corpses of 2 West Bank Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the past 2 mos. to their families. (MNA 12/30)

IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus. (PCHR 1/5)

U.S. dep. national security advisor Ben Rhodes says that the Obama admin. will not allow the UN to pass any res. formalizing the policies U.S. secy. of state Kerry presented on 12/28. Meanwhile, an Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson says that the position Kerry laid out on 12/28 matches the Egyptian govt.’s. Saudi and Qatari officials make similar laudatory comments. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/29; NYT, YA 12/30)

IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids in and around Jenin, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish a number of agricultural structures and a water tanker nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. (MNA, WAFA 12/27; PCHR 12/29)

PA pres. Abbas says he hopes the Paris peace conference set for 1/15 enables the international community to stop Israeli settlement construction. Meanwhile, the State Dept. announces that U.S. secy. of state Kerry intends to give a major speech on 12/28 outlining principles for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as he had announced on 12/23. In the evening, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov reportedly rejects Kerry’s request, made via telephone, for the Middle East Quartet to adopt the principles he plans to present. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/27)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF expands its crackdown on the Ramallah region in the wake of the 12/25 shooting; they set up mobile checkpoints and impose closures around at least 9 villages. IDF troops also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 12/26; PCHR 12/29)

PLO secy.-gen. Erakat announces that the Palestinian leadership plans to follow up on the 12/23 UNSC res. condemning Israeli settlements with other measures, including lawsuits against Israel at the ICC and new efforts in other UN agencies. (WAFA 12/27)

Unidentified assailants open fire on the Israeli settlement of Beit El nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries or damage. Following the shooting, Israeli forces close a main road nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during violent late-night raids nr. Hebron and Tubas, and patrol nr. Salfit and Nablus during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters nr. Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Qatanna, and al-Suwana. (MNA 12/25; PCHR 12/29)

In response to UNSC Res. 2334 passed on 12/23, Israeli DM Lieberman orders the reduction of civil and diplomatic ties with the Palestinians. Israel’s defense establishment will, however, continue to coordinate with the Palestinian security apparatus as usual. (HA, JP 12/25; MNA, YA 12/26)

A Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli settler inside his home in the Efrat settlement nr. Bethlehem. After the attack, Israeli forces crack down on Palestinian villages nr. Bethlehem, setting up mobile checkpoints and clashing with stone-throwing Palestinians in multiple locations; there are no serious injuries. They also violently suppress the annual “Santa Claus March” in Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. Elsewhere, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF nr. Ramallah on 12/15. 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), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/23; MNA 12/24; PCHR 12/29)

The UNSC passes Res. 2334, the anti-Israeli settlement measure that Egyptian diplomats circulated on 12/21, with 14 votes in favor and the U.S. abstaining. The res. contains no enforcement protocols, but it could facilitate lawsuits against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), sanctions on Israel’s settlement building, and more boycotts of settlement products. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 12/23; HA, JP, YA 12/24)

After the UNSC vote, U.S. secy. of state Kerry says that he plans to “speak further to the vote . . . and share more detailed thoughts, drawn from the experience of the last several years, on the way ahead.” Some of Kerry’s aides say that he intends to lay out a “comprehensive vision for peace.” (YA 12/23; HA 21/24)

The Israeli authorities return 9 corpses of Palestinians killed during confrontations with the IDF in the past 6 mos., marking the 2d return of bodies in a week. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

Israeli forces punitively demolish a Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab, n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and several are injured. The owner of the home was killed on 10/9 after participating in the drive-by shooting of a crowd of Israelis. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Palestinian are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Salfit, assault and seriously injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Salfit. An Israeli settler driver attempts to ram 2 Palestinian youths nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 107th time since 2010. (IMEMC, MNA 12/22; PCHR 12/29)

Following high-level contacts between the Israeli and Egyptian govts. and massive Israeli pressure against the draft UNSC res. Egypt circulated on 12/21, 2 Western diplomats say that the vote set for today has been postponed indefinitely. Later, 4 mbrs. of the UNSC—New Zealand, Venezuela, Malaysia, and Senegal—give Egypt an ultimatum. They tell Cairo that, if it does not call a vote by 12/23, they reserved the right to table the draft themselves. (EI, HA, JP, NBC, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/22; HA, JP, MNA 12/23)

France’s FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces that the peace conference initially set for 12/21 is now scheduled for 1/15/2017, adding that the summit will present conclusions to Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA pres. Abbas in a mediated meeting in the hopes of relaunching peace negotiations. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

After the residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost formally pledge to evacuate their homes peacefully, Israel’s High Court of Justice agrees to the govt.’s request for a 45-day postponement of its order for the outpost to be evacuated and demolished by 12/25. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/22; MNA 12/24)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a room in a Silwan-area home and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur and Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and confiscate equipment from a printing house during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds and bird hunters nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Egyptian forces deployed along the border fence shoot and injure a Palestinian fisherman working off the coast nr. Rafah. (MNA 12/21; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/22; PCHR 12/29)

Egyptian diplomats formally present a draft res. condemning Israel’s settlements (see Doc. A) to the UNSC. It is reportedly a milder version of a draft that the Palestinians circulated in early 12/2016. The UNSC sets a vote for 12/22. (AP, BBC, HA 12/22)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis. Neither attack causes damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a mosque under construction nr. Bethlehem and close the iron gate leading to Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah (the punitive village closures nr. Ramallah on this day and on 12/18 stem from the IDF’s killing of a Palestinian in Bayt Rima village on 12/18).

IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 5 Palestinians are arrested and there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/22)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops and tanks open fire on a Hamas military site nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no reported damage or injuries. The IDF says that the attack was ordered in response to shots fired at IDF patrols in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab them nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. Armed gunmen shoot and injure an Israeli settler nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car dealership in Sheikh Jarrah and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/19; MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/22)

The Israeli NGO Yesh Din files a motion with the Custodian of Absentee Property stating that the current relocation plan for the Amona settlement outpost, which the outpost’s residents approved on 12/18, is illegal because a section of the proposed relocation site, dubbed Plot 38, is privately owned by Palestinians. (MNA 12/19; HA, JP, MNA 12/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 3d of 3 planned days. (MNA 12/19)

An Israeli sniper shoots and kills a Palestinian youth during major clashes sparked by an IDF raid overnight in Bayt Rima village nr. Ramallah. The IDF temporarily shuts down entrances to the village after the clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces begin building a road leading to a settlement outpost nr. Nablus. Late at night, armed Palestinians allegedly shoot and injure an Israeli settler driver nr. Rantis village nr. Ramallah. Israeli forces then close the entrances to Rantis and 3 other villages in the area (Rantis and Shuqba village will be reopened on 1/13). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids nr. the Old City and in Shu‘fat r.c., arresting 4 Palestinian youths and shutting down several shops. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/18; MNA, WAFA 12/19; EI 12/20; PCHR 12/22; MNA 1/13)

Residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which had been ordered evacuated and demolished by 12/25, vote to accept a new version of a compromise relocation plan proposed by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Edu. Min. Bennett on 12/12, days after they had rejected a previous version. The proposal will allow 24 of the 40-odd families to relocate to nearby plots of land on the same hilltop. The new deal is contingent on Israel’s High Court permitting a 1-mo. stay of its evacuation order for Amona. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/18; JP 12/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 3 planned days. (JP, MNA 12/18; MNA 12/19)

Hundreds of Palestinians attend a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for a Palestinian whose corpse was returned by the Israeli authorities on 12/16. After the funeral, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at the village’s entrance, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, an argument between Israeli settlers and Palestinian youths escalates into a fistfight in Silwan. Israeli forces in the area violently disperse the fight, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids in the neighborhood after the incident. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage or injuries. (MNA 12/17; PCHR 12/22)

French amb. to the UN François Delattre confirms that Paris is postponing the peace conference originally planned for 12/21 to sometime in 1/2017. “After nearly a year of efforts, France will hold during [1/2017] an international conference bringing together all the states [seeking] peace,” he says (YA 12/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 12/17)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF blocks off roads leading to Bayt Rima and Dayr Abu Mash‘al villages nr. Ramallah, which are nr. the site of the alleged settler-involved shooting on 12/14. IDF troops arrest Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Hebron and Salfit, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; several Palestinians are injured. Later in the day, Israeli forces block Hizma’s main entrance (it will remain blocked through at least 12/18). (MNA, WAFA 12/15; MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/22)

The UNRWA employees’ union in Gaza announces that it will escalate its protests against the agency in response to its failure to fill teaching job vacancies this year. UNRWA claims that negotiations are still ongoing, but the union says that they failed to reach an agreement and that the agency decided to end negotiations. (MNA 12/16)

In Tunisia, a Hamas-affiliated flight engineer specializing in drone technology is shot and killed in his car in the city of Sfax. The Tunisian press will report that Israel’s Mossad is responsible. (YA 12/16)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli police officer and an Israeli civilian. A Palestinian youth is struck and injured by an Israeli bullet during the incident. Elsewhere in the city, Israeli forces demolish a building under construction in Bayt Hanina, arrest 3 Palestinian children on their way home from school nr. the Old City, and arrest 15 more Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Silwan. In the West Bank, an IDF convoy of more than 20 vehicles raids Birzeit University’s campus nr. Ramallah, leaving “a great deal of havoc” in their wake, according to a university statement. Several buildings are damaged and many of their contents are destroyed. Separately, after reports of shots fired on an Israeli settler nr. Ramallah, IDF troops conduct raids in Nabi Salih, shut down the village’s entrance, and assault a group of Palestinian youths at a nearby gas station, causing no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/14; EI, MNA, PCHR 12/15; PCHR 12/22)

With U.S. attendance in doubt and Israel pledging not to participate, Palestinian amb. to France Salman al-Herfi says that the French govt. has postponed its planned 12/21 peace conference meant to launch a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks until at least 1/2017. The French say that the postponement will allow them to “make better preparations,” and that, if Israel continues to refuse to attend, the conference will still go forward as planned, according to al-Herfi. (HA, JP, MNA, VOP, YA 12/14)

The residents of the Amona settlement outpost vote to reject the deal reached by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Edu. Min. Bennett on 12/12, fearing that it will get bogged down in the courts because of Palestinian ownership claims on most of the proposed relocation land: “We were willing to accept the destruction of our private homes, and a move from place to place, if only a Jewish community would remain on the hill. But the proposed arrangement does not provide any guarantee or commitment that we will indeed receive an alternative home.” (AS, HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/15)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian driver at the Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly attempts to ram them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate 6 computers during a raid on a printing shop in Hebron. Also in the Hebron area, Israeli forces confiscate a caravan being used as a medical clinic in the bedouin village al-Markaz, demolish a quarry in al-Samu‘ village, and deliver stop-work orders to 2 homes under construction nr. the city. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 23 Palestinians during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 70 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces demolish 2 steel structures and a store in Sur al-Bahir and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands nr. Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13; YA 12/14; PCHR 12/15)

Senior Palestinian officials meet with U.S. secy. of state Kerry in Washington. After the meeting, a State Dept. spokesperson says that “nothing’s changed about our view” on a UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements. (USSD 12/12; TOI 12/14)

Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian activist during a raid in Issawiyya. They open fire when he refuses their order to stop photographing them. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, 82 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also confiscate personal property and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah and in Qalqilya and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces confiscate an irrigation network nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City; there are no injuries or damage. (MNA, WAFA 12/12; MNA 12/13; PCHR 12/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 3 days. (MNA, WAFA 12/12; MNA 12/13; OCHA 12/15)

Palestinian officials and their counterparts at the U.S. State Dept. meet in Washington and reaffirm their shared commitment to a negotiated 2-state solution, “which is the only way to achieve an enduring peace that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, end the occupation that began in 1967, and resolve all permanent status issues,” according to a joint statement. There is no official mention of the Palestinians’ push for a UNSC res. censuring Israeli settlements, but it is widely suspected that such a res. was the main topic of conversation. (JP, MNA, WAFA 12/13)

Israel’s Edu. Min. Bennett says that he has reached a new deal with PM Netanyahu and Atty. Gen. Mandelblit that will allow residents of the Amona settlement outpost to “remain on their hilltop,” although they will still be relocated to a nearby plot of land. They will only be given temporary permits to live on the new land, however, with options to renew every 2 years, and the govt. will ask for a 1-mo. postponement of Amona’s evacuation to make time for the relocation. (HA, JP, YA 12/12)

IDF troops attempt to enter Jenin without coordinating with the PASF. Upon their arrival at a roadblock at an entrance to the city, PASF prevent their entrance with guns drawn (under the Oslo Accords, the IDF is barred from entering Area A of the West Bank without the PA’s approval). The IDF arrests 10 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. IDF troops also arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron, alleging that he was planning a stabbing attack. Israeli forces confiscate a shipping container being used as a restaurant nr. Nablus. The owner had set it up after his nearby restaurant was demolished on 11/3. Israeli settlers cut down dozens of olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis causing no damage or injuries. (JP, WAFA, YA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

The Jerusalem Post reports that New Zealand is circulating a draft UNSC res. calling for a “firm timetable” for the Israelis and Palestinians to return to negotiations and asking that neither side set “preconditions” for the talks. The draft res. also calls for an end to the Israeli settlement enterprise and for the Palestinian leadership to end its “incitement to violence against Israeli civilians.” (JP 12/11)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 days. (MNA, WAFA 12/11; OCHA 12/15)

Several hundred right-wing Israelis gather at the illegal Amona settlement outpost nr. Ramallah, anticipating the outpost’s evacuation, which was ordered to take place by 12/25. They stay in camps at the outpost through the night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus overnight. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Jenin and nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian in Bayt Hanina after finding weapons in his car. Israeli forces also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Hizma, and Silwan. (MNA 12/10; HA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

Palestinian and Western officials say that the PA is planning a senior-level delegation to the U.S. next week, led by Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat, to discuss bilateral relations and push for U.S. support for a Palestinian-backed UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements. (HA, JP, MNA 12/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 3 days, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA, WAFA 12/10; OCHA 12/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid several areas nr. Tubas, confiscating a garbage truck and tractors, and delivering several stop-work orders to Palestinians constructing a power line. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a children’s center in Silwan following reports of stone throwing in the area; they make no arrests. Late at night, they arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian man as he attempts to cross into Israel. (IMEMC, MNA, TOI 12/9; PCHR 12/15)

The Israeli govt. informs the High Court of Justice that it has decided to return 7 corpses of Palestinians killed in violent attacks against Israelis in recent mos., but only if the families agree to certain conditions. The decision comes in response to the families’ petitions. The Israeli authorities say that the cases of 3 other corpses must be studied further because of their relation with Hamas and the security cabinet’s 12/8 ruling on the matter. (HA, MNA, YA 12/9)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. No Israelis are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian while he is leaving Birzeit village nr. Ramallah, arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Israeli forces raze Palestinian land in Umm al-Khayr to make room for a new sewage line serving a nearby settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces block the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) from hosting a cultural event. Two Palestinian families demolish their own homes in Silwan to avoid paying for Israeli demolition fees. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/8; EI 12/9; PCHR 12/15)

Israel’s Edu. Min. Bennett says that the so-called regulations bill, which passed its first reading on 12/7, will not get its final reading until after U.S. pres.-elect Trump is inaugurated on 1/20/2017. (JP 12/9)

In response to pressure from the High Court of Justice, Israel’s security cabinet decides to stop returning the corpses of Hamas-affiliated Palestinians who carry out serious attacks against Israelis to their families. They condone the return of other Palestinian assailants’ corpses, however. The IDF still supports returning the corpses in general, while DM Lieberman supports withholding them as a deterrent. (HA 12/9)

Two Palestinians die in a tunnel accident late at night nr. Gaza City. Hamas claims the 2 men were mbrs. of its group. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian car washes n. of Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In and around East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Hizma village and Qalandia r.c. Late at night, they conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in a bedouin village nr. Beersheba. An Israeli driver rams a Palestinian worker from Tulkarm while he is walking along a street in Tel Aviv, causing moderate injuries. (MNA, WAFA, YA 12/7; MNA, PCHR 12/8; PCHR 12/15)

A Jerusalem Municipality planning comm. approves the construction of 770 settler residences in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. City officials say that the plans, initially approved in 2013, were “undergoing routine processes of allocation regarding roads and public spaces.” (MNA 12/9)

Israel’s Knesset passes a 1st reading of the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which passed a preliminary reading on 12/5 and would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/7; MNA 12/8)

A senior Israeli official says that Israeli PM Netanyahu has rejected French pres. François Hollande’s invitation to a mediated meeting with PA pres. Abbas after the next French-organized peace summit, which is set for 12/21. Later, Netanyahu calls Hollande personally to discuss the invitation. He tells the French pres. that he would be happy to meet with Abbas, but only if the conference is canceled. (HA, JP, YA 12/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces level 40 dunams (10 acres) of Palestinian land in Jalud village nr. Nablus and demolish 3 homes in Fasayil village nr. Jericho. IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Nizam, the Ramallaharea village that has been closed since 11/25, sparking minor clashes; 2 Israeli soldiers are lightly injured. They also arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya, and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 structures in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c.; 4 fishermen are arrested and 1 boat is confiscated. (MNA, WAFA 12/6; MNA 12/7; PCHR 12/8; HA 12/11)

The Israeli authorities cancel weekly permits for elderly Palestinians from Gaza to visit Haram al-Sharif, following reports that some worshippers do not return directly to Gaza after these visits, according to an official at the Palestinian liaison office. (MNA 12/6)

In the 2d such incident this week, the IDF launches missiles at a military airport used by Syrian govt. troops nr. Damascus, according to the Arab press. Loud explosions rock the facility, but there are no reports of injuries. (HA, JP, YA 12/7)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent mourning Palestinians from burying a recently deceased woman in the Bab al-Rahma cemetery nr. the Old City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya during the day. (MNA 12/5; MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/8)

The Israeli police decide to extend, by 1 hour, the time allotted every day for non-Muslims to visit Haram al-Sharif. They are now allowed to access the site from 7:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. (MNA 12/5)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of a new draft of the so-called regulations bill that would retroactively authorize many Israeli settlement outposts, except Amona, which is still scheduled to be evacuated and demolished by 12/25. The bill is expected to receive a 1st reading on 12/7. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/5)

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

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

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

The bodies of 4 Palestinian workers from Gaza are discovered in a tunnel leading from Egypt. The Palestinian authorities say that the 4 men died as a result of Egypt’s intentional flooding of the tunnel with seawater. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian man as he crosses the border fence from Gaza into Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya to protest Israel’s separation wall and settlements; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians demolish their own homes in Silwan to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/3; JP, MNA, TOI 12/4; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, 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), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid nr. Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/8)

At the Saban Forum at the Brookings Institute in Washington, Israeli defense minister (DM) Avigdor Lieberman says that the Knesset should postpone work on the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize all of Israel’s illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank, including Amona, until U.S. pres.-elect Donald Trump takes office. “The key to the future of the settlements is reaching understandings with the U.S. on this issue,” he says. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops mistakenly enter Tulkarm and are escorted out by PASF. Some Palestinian youths throw stones at them as they are leaving, causing 1 minor injury. Meanwhile, unidentified assailants open fire on an IDF position nr. Ramallah. The IDF returns fire, but the assailants escape; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Salfit, Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol during the day nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 6 Palestinian homes under construction s. of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast early in the morning, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI 11/28; PCHR 12/1)

PA foreign minister (FM) Riyad al-Maliki states that Palestinians continue to work on a draft UN Security Council (UNSC) res. condemning Israeli settlements that they intend to submit within days. Israeli prime minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu says he expects U.S. pres. Barack Obama to oppose any new Palestinian effort at the UNSC. (JP, WAFA 11/28)

Massive fires continue to rage across Israel and the oPt for the 5th consecutive day. New fires break out in some West Bank Palestinian communities, including Qusin village nr. Nablus. Twelve Israeli settlers are moderately injured by fire in Ma’ale Adumim settlement nr. Jerusalem. There are reports that many of the fires in Israel are under control. After new raids and arrests, the Israeli police are detaining 23 suspects in connection with alleged arson; they have questioned 30 so far. Most are West Bank Palestinians and some are Palestinian citizens of Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/26; MNA, WAFA, YA 11/27)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces close off the environs of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron, clearing space for thousands of Israeli settlers to celebrate a religious holiday at the site. The IDF announces that the area will be closed to Palestinians for 1 week. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and brutally assault 1, causing serious injuries, during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians nr. Eshkol who had crossed the border illegally. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/26; MNA, WAFA 11/27; PCHR 12/1)

Massive fires rage nr. Jerusalem and in Haifa for a 2d day, causing over 200 incidents of serious damage. Elsewhere in Israel, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned buildings in Lydda. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron, and arrest 3 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, and in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities release the corpse of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 9/30 to his family. Only 15 people are allowed to attend his funeral in the Old City. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (MNA 11/23; MNA, PCHR 11/24; PCHR 12/1)

Joint List members of the Knesset (MKs) Basel Ghattas and Ayman Odeh join hundreds of Palestinians in the bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran nr. Beersheba, protesting the Israeli authorities’ order to evacuate and demolish the village. The Israeli police ultimately delay the day’s demolitions, but do not offer a new date (demolitions will take place on 1/18). (HA 11/22; EI 11/23)

Following 2 mos. of drought, a series of large fires breaks out nr. Jerusalem, burning 30 homes and causing massive damage. (HA, MNA 11/24)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint after he allegedly attempts to stab them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw Molotov cocktails at a Palestinian home s. of Hebron, causing moderate damage. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and nr. Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces complete the demolition of a Palestinian home under construction in al-Tur. They had begun the demolition on 11/10, but stopped when their bulldozer broke down. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/22; EI 11/23; PCHR 11/24)