The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and injure 3 Palestinians outside Urif near Nablus, sparking clashes between IDF troops in the area and stone-throwing residents of the village; there are no more serious injuries. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth, allegedly for carrying a knife in his sock, during a security check at the entrance to al-Ibrahimi Mosque in central Hebron. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and in Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in al-Suwana and Hizma. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, lightly injuring 1 fisherman. (TOI, WAFA 11/8; MNA, PCHR 11/9; PCHR 11/16)

Chief of the Palestinian Civil Police Hazim Attallah announces that the PA resumed security coordination with Israel 2 weeks ago, approximately 3 months after Pres. Abbas suspended it on 7/21 in response to new Israeli security measures at Haram al-Sharif (see JPS 47 [1]). (REU, TOI 11/8)

Israeli forces stage a multi-stage “controlled detonation” of an underground tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into Israel, killing 12 Hamas and PIJ fighters, and injuring at least 18 more. An IDF spokesperson says that the detonation was a preemptive move because the tunnel did not yet pose a threat to Israel, claims that the Palestinians were only killed because they rushed into the tunnel after the detonation and suffered smoke inhalation, and calls the tunnel a “gross violation of Israeli sovereignty.” A PIJ spokesperson says the group is “weighing its options” in response to the attack (PIJ reportedly built the tunnel). (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; MNA 11/3; HA 11/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during early morning raids in Jenin refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Amid the clashes, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian garbage truck driver. IDF troops also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin, and patrol in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian farmers harvesting olives south of Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire on 2 Palestinians at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, injuring 1 before arresting both. Three Palestinians are injured in the ensuing clashes. Israeli forces also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Hizma, and violently disperse a sit-in and dismantle a protest tent Palestinians set up in al-Bustan in 2009. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; PCHR 11/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops block Palestinian farmers from working their fields outside Ni‘lin. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot about 40 olive trees outside Jit village near Qalqilya and throw stones at a Palestinian home in Hebron, causing no serious damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/2)

Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones a Ministerial Committee for Legislation vote planned for today on the so-called Greater Jerusalem Bill, which would strengthen the relationship between the Jerusalem Municipality and the nearby Israeli settlements in the West Bank. “The current version of the [. . .] bill invites international pressure and involves difficult legal issues,” explains a senior official in the governing coalition. “[Netanyahu] cannot allow himself to advance this version at this time.” (HA, TOI 10/29; ALM 10/30)

In Ramallah, Israel’s finance minister Moshe Kahlon meets with PA PM Hamdallah for the 2d time in 6 months. The meeting stems from reported U.S. pressure on Israel to continue to work on agreements with the PA that would strengthen the Palestinian economy. (HA, TOI 10/30)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 5 Palestinians are seriously injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers harvesting olives near Hebron; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khuza‘a. (MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 11/2)

Senior Hamas military leader Tawfiq Abu Naim is moderately injured when his jeep explodes as he is leaving the Abu al-Hassan Mosque in central Gaza. Hamas officials initially blame Israel for the alleged attack, then say they suspect local Islamist groups. (MNA, TOI, YA 10/27; TOI 10/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces erect an iron gate at the entrance to a Palestinian cemetery near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm, and patrol in and around Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers harvesting olives outside Dayr Nizam village near Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 120th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/26; PCHR 11/2)

The Jerusalem Municipality and Jerusalem District Council issue building permits for 176 new housing units in Nof Zion, an Israeli settlement inside Jabal Mukabir. If this construction goes forward, Nof Zion would be the largest Israeli settlement inside a Palestinian neighborhood in Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 10/25)

During a meeting with settler leaders, Israeli PM Netanyahu promises to invest NIS 800 million (approximately $230 million) in roads and other infrastructure development in the West Bank, starting in 2018. The settler leaders’ reaction is mixed. While some welcome the pledge, others are dubious, including Samaria Regional Council chair Yossi Dagan, who says, “We are fed up with promises and spin.” (TOI, YA 10/25; HA 10/26)

In Texas, U.S. VP Mike Pence announces that he will visit Israel and the oPt soon in an effort to promote Pres. Trump’s peace initiative. (HA, YA 10/26)

Israeli police and border guards conduct a series of raids in Issawiyya late at night, arresting at least 50 Palestinians, including 23 children. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal olives harvested from 260 trees in Palestinian orchards near Nablus. IDF troops and Israeli settlers assault Palestinian students in central Hebron, claiming they were throwing stones. When Palestinian teachers intervene, the Israeli soldiers arrest 1 of them. Outside Hebron, Palestinian students throw stones at IDF troops stationed near Bayt Umar, causing no injuries; 1 Palestinian is arrested. IDF troops violently disperse the Palestinians, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at several Palestinian homes in Umm al-Khayr, sparking a minor altercation with the residents of the village. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Tulkarm, and patrols near Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Lydda. It was reportedly built without the proper permits. (WAFA 10/22; HA, YA 10/23; MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/26)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at the Gush Etzion junction near Hebron, allegedly after he attempts to carry out a stabbing attack. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar near Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 6 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during further raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian building in Bayt Hanina. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/19)

The Israeli authorities expand the fishing zone off Gaza’s southern coast from 6 to 9 naut. mi. The expansion is set to last 6 weeks, and it is intended to “improve the economy in the Gaza Strip,” according to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories on 10/15. (HA 10/18; AJ 10/20)

The Higher Planning Commission of Israel’s Civil Administration meets for a 2d day and advances plans for approximately 1,300 housing units in Israel’s West Bank settlements, including 459 in Ma’ale Adumim. Today’s approvals bring the week’s total to approximately 2,600 new units. (MNA, TOI 10/18)

In the West Bank, Palestinian farmers discover that Israeli settlers have stolen the pickings from at least 450 of their olive trees in orchards east of Qalqilya. Israeli forces bulldoze 200 m of walls around a Palestinian’s agricultural land near Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Late at night, IDF troops raid 8 branch offices of 3 Palestinian media companies— PalMedia, Ram Sat, and Trans Media—in Nablus, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron. They confiscate what they claim are inciting materials and arrest at least 2 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in Silwan, displacing 9 Palestinians. Off Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/17; EI, HA, YA 10/18; PCHR 10/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office announces that the security cabinet has decided to set a series of conditions concerning the 10/12 Palestinian national reconciliation agreement for the Palestinians to meet before the Israeli government would consent to any “political” talks with a new Palestinian consensus government. They include Hamas recognizing Israel, ceasing all so-called terrorist activity, disarming fighters, dismantling its military infrastructure and bureaucracy in the West Bank, severing ties with Iran, returning to Israel the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and the Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza, and relinquishing security control of Gaza to the PA. A senior Israeli official says that the cabinet also authorized PM Netanyahu to impose punitive sanctions on the PA, including deductions from the monthly transfers of tax revenues Israel collects on the Palestinians’ behalf. Shortly after the statement is released, PA pres. Abbas’s spokesperson says that the Israeli government will not be allowed to stand in the way of Palestinian reconciliation. (HA, YA 10/17)

The Higher Planning Commission of Israel’s Civil Administration advances plans for 1,292 new housing units in West Bank settlements, including the approval of 296 homes for sale in Beit El (PM Netanyahu has promised to make these homes available to the residents of the illegal Ulpana outpost, which was evacuated in 2012). The committee is expected to advance more plans on 10/18. (TOI 19/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during a patrol in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF patrol outside a settlement near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Qalandia refugee camp and Issawiyya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian during a late-night raid in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

After days of positivity from both Hamas and the PA in the wake of the 10/12 reconciliation deal, a Hamas spokesperson criticizes the PA for not prioritizing the rollback of sanctions on Gaza. “It is not justified to continue the sanctions on Gaza, while the [PA] government is content with talking about getting control of border crossings and exploration for [natural] gas in Gaza,” he writes, on Twitter. His comments come after the Fatah Central Committee neglected to discuss the sanctions at a meeting on 10/15. Meanwhile, the PA’s director of border crossings, Nazmi Muhanna, arrives in Gaza. He says he is there to “to carry out the first article of the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo [on 10/12] regarding taking over the crossings.” (TOI 10/16; MNA, TOI 10/17)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Licensing Subcommittee of Israel’s Civil Administration has approved 31 building permits for new housing units in central Hebron, marking the first approval of new settlement construction in Hebron in 15 years. (AP, PCN, REU, TOI, YA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

A Syrian antiaircraft battery positioned east of Damascus fires on Israeli fighter jets allegedly flying in Lebanese air space, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IAF launches an air strike on the battery. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/16)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters fire 2 rockets from the north Sinai Peninsula into Israel, where they land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Sources on the ground in Sinai report seeing Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a number of targets in response to the rockets. The attacks come after a day of heavy violence in Sinai and weeks of tension between Hamas and local Islamist groups in Gaza. Hours before the attack, SPIS fighters assaulted Egyptian soldiers at a vacant church in al-Arish with rocket-propelled grenades and car bombs, and also rob a bank nearby, sparking a firefight with Egyptian security personnel (at least 3 civilians and 4 soldiers are killed and at least 20 people are injured). The Egyptian army then launches a counterassault on insurgent hideouts near Rafah, al-Arish, and Shaykh Zuwayd, killing at least 24 fighters affiliated with SPIS and other armed groups. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities announce that they will not be opening the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for 4 days as planned. (AA, AP, HA, JP, REU, TOI, WAFA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian children on their way to school in Hebron. They also throw stones and bottles at a mosque in al-Tuwani village near Hebron, causing minor damage and sparking clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area (there are no serious injuries). Settlers steal olives harvested from more than 65 trees in orchards near Nablus and Ramallah (IDF troops arrest a number of them later in the day). Other settlers attempt to assault Palestinians picking olives outside the Eli settlement near Hebron, but the Palestinians drive them off. IDF troops conduct a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian family gathering in Issawiyya to welcome a relative home from prison, moderately injuring 3 of them. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest 4 fishermen and confiscate 2 boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 10/15; MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

At the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu says U.S. pres. Trump’s 10/13 decision not to certify the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal presents an opportunity to “fix” the deal. “I believe that any responsible government, and whoever seeks to promote peace and security in the world, needs to take advantage of the opportunity that Pres. Trump’s decision has created to improve the agreement or abrogate it and, of course, stop Iran’s aggression,” he says. (TOI 10/15; JTA 10/16)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza toward Israel. It lands in an open area short of the border, causing no damage or injuries. An IDF tank shells and destroys a Hamas observation post east of al-Maghazi refugee camp. Israeli artillery also target a site east of Gaza City, causing a fire to break out; there is no major damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops stationed along the border fence arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross from Gaza into Israel near Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian lands near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, approximately 524 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, commemorating the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Some of the settlers reportedly pray at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities shut down al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to Muslim worshippers to make way for Sukkot-related activities at the site. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jerusalem, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Salfit, and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In Israel, approximately 30,000 Palestinians and Israelis gather in Jerusalem to call for a resumption of IsraeliPalestinian peace talks. The Israeli NGO Women Wage Peace organized the demonstration. Hamas denounces the PLO for supporting the rally, accusing it of “normalizing” relations with Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/12)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 13 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 3 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving near Hebron, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle and lightly injuring a Palestinian child. Later in the day, the IDF closes a number of roads between Ramallah and Nablus, clearing the area for a foot race organized by Israeli settlers. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/6; MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/12)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shut down the main road in Biddu, a village near Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured (Biddu is 1 of the 9 Jerusalem-area villages still under lock-down following the deadly shooting at Har Hadar on 9/26). In the northern Jordan Valley, Israeli forces demolish water pipes and raze a road in a rural area outside Atuf. IDF troops then violently disperse Palestinian farmers, human rights activists, and religious leaders marching through Atuf in protest; 1 Palestinian is arrested and 1 is injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. Approximately 1,500 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus late at night, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, police arrest a Palestinian laborer at a construction site in Tel Aviv claiming that he was planning a stabbing attack. (MNA, WAFA 9/27; MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 9/28; PCHR 10/5)

In a meeting with top settler leaders, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel must honor its commitment to the Trump administration to limit settlement construction and not be “piggish.” He also boasts that he had convinced the Trump administration to ignore any distinction between the settlement blocs and isolated settlements. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu reviews with U.S. special representative Greenblatt and U.S. ambassador David Friedman the Israeli government’s pending plans for settlement growth. (HA 9/27; HA 9/28)

Interpol announces that its general assembly has approved Palestine’s petition for full membership, with 75 countries voting in favor, 24 against and 34 abstaining. “The State of Palestine considers this membership and the responsibilities that it entails as an integral part of its responsibility toward the Palestinian people and a moral commitment to the citizens of the world,” the PA says in a statement. (HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/27; AP 9/28)

Israeli border police shoot and kill a Palestinian worker at the back entrance of the Har Hadar settlement near Jerusalem after he opens fire on them, killing 3 officers and seriously injuring a 4th. The IDF then raids and imposes a lockdown on Bayt Surik, the alleged attacker’s hometown, and 8 other Jerusalemarea villages. Israeli soldiers threaten his family with punitive home demolition and arrest at least 15 residents, including his father and brother. Elsewhere, IDF troops assault 3 Palestinians during a raid in Hebron, arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside Hebron, damaging several. They also bulldoze Palestinian agricultural land outside the Bethlehem village al-Khadir, clearing the area for a new sewage system to serve the nearby settlements. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 9/26; MNA 9/27; PCHR 9/28)

Following the deadly attack at Har Hadar this morning, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel will demolish the alleged attacker’s home and revoke his extended family’s work permits. He also calls on PA pres. Abbas to denounce the attack “and not try to justify it.” (TOI 9/26)

PA PM Hamdallah says that new committees will be formed to administer the transfer of power from the various ministries in Gaza, as well as border crossings and security services, to the PA. “Today, we are moving toward unification and toward enhancing the steadfastness of our people,” he says. The PA is set to hold its weekly cabinet meeting in Gaza on 10/3. (WAFA 9/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car wash near Salfit and a workshop near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, and patrol during the day near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/28)

In a meeting with the Palestinian leadership, PA pres. Abbas says that he has begun drafting a resolution to submit to the UNSC that would elevate Palestine to full UN membership. “As you know, we submitted this request in 2011, but it was rejected for various reasons. God willing, these reasons are now removed because we are very much interested in becoming a full member of the United Nations.” It was previously reported, on 9/20, that Abbas agreed to delay efforts to join international fora to give time for U.S. pres. Trump’s peace initiative to develop. Meanwhile, Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi says that the PLO has decided to submit an official request to the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (MNA 9/25; WAFA 9/26)

In his 3d report to the UNSC since the passage of Resolution 2334 denouncing Israel’s settlements in 12/2016, UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that Israel is not adhering to the resolution, noting that Israeli officials continue to use “provocative rhetoric” about the settlements, and that settlement growth has actually accelerated since the resolution passed. (TOI 9/25; AP 9/26)

The Gaza-based Ministry of Health announces that a Hamas fighter died this morning during a “training accident” in southern Gaza. (MNA, TOI 9/19)

The Israeli authorities shut down the border crossings into the West Bank and Gaza at midnight ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year (they are set to reopen at midnight on 9/23, “depending on a situational assessment,” according to the IDF). Israeli forces level 2 dunams (approximately 0.5 acres) of Palestinian land near Tulkarm, destroying about 50 fig and lemon trees. They also arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Jenin and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car wash in Bayt Hanina and arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Sur Bahir. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/19; MNA 9/20; PCHR 9/21; PCHR 9/28)

Addressing the UNGA in New York, U.S. pres. Trump threatens North Korea and criticizes the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He does not mention the Palestinians or the peace process. Later, Israeli PM Netanyahu takes the podium and echoes Trump’s comments on Iran, criticizing the “sunset” clause in the JCPOA, and calling on the international community to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In his speech to the UNGA, Egyptian pres. al-Sisi calls on the people of Israel to “stand behind your political leadership and support [the peace process]” and on the Palestinian people to “unite behind” the common goal of peace. (HA, TOI 9/19; MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 9/20)

IDF troops shoot down an allegedly Iranianmade, Hezbollah-operated drone as it flies into the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights. The drone falls inside Syrian-controlled territory. (HA, TOI, YA 9/19)

Hamas announces that 2 members of its armed wing died this morning in tunnel collapses near Gaza City and Khan Yunis. The group offers no further details. (MNA, TOI 9/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Hebron, north of Bethlehem, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Bayt Umar near Hebron overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate several surveillance cameras during raids near Ramallah and Salfit, and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers cut down 12 olive trees in a Palestinian orchard near Nablus overnight. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/15; MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit. Israeli settlers cut down 40 olive trees in a Palestinian orchard near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Palestinian Bedouin village of Umm Qabu. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/14; PCHR 9/21)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing for a 4th and final day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a bus stop outside the Kiryat Arba settlement near Hebron, allegedly after he attempts to stab a settler. They leave the injured youth lying on the ground without receiving treatment before arresting him and taking him to a hospital in Israel. In a video released later, the youth can be heard pleading for water and explaining that he was attempting to commit suicide. Israeli forces demolish 8 homes and 6 retaining walls in Steih Dyouk village near Jericho. They also arrest a Palestinian living outside Yatta near Hebron before demolishing his home. The IDF arrests 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit, and patrols near Jenin and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 27 olive trees on Palestinian land outside Burin village near Nablus. Meanwhile, PASF troops conduct a raid in Yatta overnight, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinians and their affiliates; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is seriously injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a building in Silwan and a 2-story apartment building in Ras al-Amud, and arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalandia refugee camp. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/13; PCHR 9/14; PCHR 9/21; EI 9/22)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing for a 3d day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

The UN’s World Tourism Organization announces that the Palestinian bid for membership has been postponed until the body’s next meeting in 2019. The PA reportedly decided to suspend its bid following heavy U.S. pressure, according to a senior Israeli official. (HA, TOI 9/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF arrests a Palestinian in central Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife, arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Tulkarm, and patrols near Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently disperse Palestinians protesting outside the Sheikh Jarrah home where a Palestinian family was evicted on 9/5; 3 Palestinians are arrested. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/14)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing, allowing Muslims to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (MEMO 9/8; OCHA 9/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct earlymorning raids in Ramallah, order a print shop to shut down, and spark minor clashes with stone-throwing youths. They arrest 6 Palestinians, assault 2, and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Salfit, Jenin, and Nablus. An Israeli settler driver strikes a Palestinian youth near Bethlehem, causing critical injuries. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities evict a Palestinian family from their Sheikh Jarrah home of 53 years, allowing Israeli settlers to move into the property. When the family protests, Israeli police assault and arrest 2 of the men, moderately injuring 1 (they will be released on 9/6). The settlers claim to be descendants of the home’s pre-1948 owners. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/5; EI, MNA 9/6; PCHR 9/14; EI 9/15)

Several international human rights groups, including Amnesty International, condemn PA pres. Abbas for arresting Youth Against Settlements founder Amro on 9/4. Meanwhile, Amro goes on hunger strike to protest his “arbitrary arrest,” according to his brother Ahmad. Amro is also facing charges in Israel related to his alleged incitement to violence against the IDF. (EI, GDN 9/5; AP, TOI 9/6)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; at least 1 Palestinian is injured. They also patrol near Jenin and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, thousands of Muslims gather at Haram al-Sharif to pray on the first day of Eid al-Adha. In Israel, Lydda mayor Yair Revivo, accompanied by a police escort, enters a mosque in the city and asks the worshippers to turn down the volume of their call to prayer, citing noise violations. A confrontation ensues, and the police summon the imam for questioning. (MNA 9/1; HA 9/2; PCHR 9/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus and Jenin, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/31; HA 9/1; PCHR 9/14)

On a tour of the Israel-Gaza border, U.S. special representative Jason Greenblatt says it is necessary for the PA to resume control of Gaza: “It is clear that the PA needs to resume its role in the administration of Gaza, as Hamas has substantially harmed the people of Gaza and has failed to meet their most basic needs.” (HA, MNA 8/31; HA 9/1)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) renews the UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission, and, addressing U.S. and Israeli complaints, approves new language authorizing more joint border patrols with Lebanese armed forces, and requiring “prompt and detailed” reports whenever UNIFIL troops encounter Hezbollah roadblocks. Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon welcomes the decision as a “victory for Israel.” (NYT 8/30; TOI 8/31; HA, TOI 9/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces impose a curfew on Kafr Haris near Salfit, arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the village, then escort approximately 1,000 Israeli settlers to perform religious rites at a site nearby. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Nablus, Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, al-‘Izzariya, and Ras al-Amud. (MNA 8/21; PCHR 8/24)

Mohammed Tahsin al-Bazam, a Palestinian man, is killed in the Swedish town of Limmared. The Swedish police (8/21) will report that “several people wearing masks entered the apartment through a balcony and shot the man inside. They disappeared after the shooting as quickly as they arrived.” Palestinians in Gaza, including the local Fatah branch, accuse Israel’s spy agency, the Mossad, of assassinating the man. (HA 8/22; HA 8/23)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Nablus, allegedly after he draws a knife and prepares to stab 1 of them. An Israeli soldier is injured by friendly fire. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an overnight raid in Jenin refugee camp, arrest 2 Palestinians, and issue 3 arrest summons during further raids near Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/19; MNA 8/20; PCHR 8/24)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, sparking clashes with Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also confiscate a car and arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a 3d day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to pass through on their pilgrimage to Mecca. (TOI 8/16; MNA 8/17; OCHA 9/14)

Late at night, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Kobar home of the Palestinian who killed 3 settlers at the nearby Halamish settlement on 7/21. The demolition sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 12 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 2-story building in Issawiyya, a makeshift home in Silwan, a car wash in Bayt Hanina, and a commercial structure in Jabal Mukabir. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur and Abu Dis. In Israel, the police arrest Shaykh Raed Salah, the head of the Islamic Movement’s outlawed Northern Branch, on charges related to incitement. (MNA, WAFA, YA 8/15; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a 2d day in a row, allowing only Gazans embarking on the pilgrimage to Mecca to pass. (TOI, WAFA 8/15; OCHA 8/17)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian as he attempts to cross the separation wall into Israel nr. Bethlehem. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF arrests 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and patrols nr. Hebron. Israeli soldiers also assault and arrest a Palestinian attempting to stop them from arresting his mentally handicapped daughter. Israeli forces demolish 3 homes and a livestock barn in a small Bedouin village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Silwan and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. (MNA, WAFA 8/14; PCHR 8/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a limited period, allowing 800 Palestinians from Gaza to embark on the pilgrimage to Mecca. (WAFA 8/14; OCHA 8/17)

Unidentified fighters fire a projectile from Gaza into s. Israel, which lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, Israeli forces carry out air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites in n. Gaza, injuring 4 Palestinians. (HA, MNA 8/8; TOI, WAFA, YA 8/9; PCHR 8/10)

A Palestinian woman dies of cancer in Rafah. On 8/10, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights will state that Israeli authorities are responsible for her death because they delayed granting her a permit to travel from Gaza to Jerusalem for treatment. (MEZ, WAFA 8/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate a Palestinian’s car during a raid nr. Hebron; arrest 21 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a large swathe of Palestinian land nr. Nablus, damaging hundreds of citrus trees. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabal Mukabir, displacing a Palestinian family of 4. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City, and shut down a main road leading to villages n. of the city, which will remain closed until 8/10. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Dayr al-Balah and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/8; MNA 8/9; PCHR 8/10; MNA 8/11)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 9 Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Sharif; arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in the Old City, Wadi al-Juz, and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jabaliya r.c. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/6; MNA 8/7; PCHR 8/10)