The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers a with military escort shot and injured a Palestinian during a raid in Sarra. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Tuqu’, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 200 olive, grape, and almond trees, water pumps, irrigation pipes, and a water tank in Ein al-Beida. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians during a raid in Susiya. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during raids in Jenin and Qalqilya; during the raid in Jenin, Israeli forces vandalized the memorial of Shireen Abu Akleh and used bulldozers to destroy infrastructure. Israeli forces also shot and injured 19 Palestinians, including at least 1 child, during raids in Jenin, Hebron, Deir Abu Masha’al, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, al-Bireh, and Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian Red Crescent medics in Tubas. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in as-Samu, Dahariya, Dura, Beit Umar, Ni’lin, Kafr Ni’ma, Hizma, Jericho, Aida refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces blocked entrance to the Haram al-Sharif compound and assaulted worshippers. In Gaza, Israeli attacks killed 298 Palestinians, including 125 children. Israeli forces made incursions and fired tank shells at Palestinian infrastructure near Gaza City. At night, all telecommunications were cut off in Gaza; several humanitarian organizations and media outlets said they were unable to reach their people on the ground. The communications blackout started prior to Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza. Hamas said its military wing had repelled Israeli attacks on Beit Hanun and al-Bureij and from a beach in Rafah. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Madhat Mubashe. Rockets were fired at Israel; no injuries were reported. In Egypt, explosives hit a medical facility in Taba and an electric plant near Nuweiba, lightly injuring 6 people; it was later reported that the explosives came from the south of the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, REU 10/28)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 7,326 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 18,967 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,700 people, including 940 children, were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 108 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 30 children. More than 1,967 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 14 of its staff members have been killed in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of UNRWA staff killed in Israeli attacks to 53. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the monitoring regime for the aid trucks that pass into Gaza via the Rafah crossing was too slow. At least 10 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27)

Israel indicted 5 Israeli citizens on charges of inciting terrorism or identifying with Hamas. A total of 24 have been indicated on similar charges since 10/7. (HA 10/27)

The Israeli military released a video illustration claiming al-Shifa Hospital has a vast network of underground facilities. The head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Salama Marouf, called the illustration “false fabricated allegations.” (AJ, AJ, REU 10/27)

Reuters reported that Israel had told the news agency and Agence France-Presse that as Israel ramps up its attacks on Gaza, it cannot guarantee the safety of the 2 agencies’ journalists. 29 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 25 Palestinians and 1 Lebanese. (AJ, REU 10/27)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini defended the data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, saying it has been reliable in the past “5, 6 cycles of conflict in the Gaza Strip.” U.S. president Joe Biden said on 10/25 that he did not have confidence in the data. (AJ, AJ, REU, WAFA 10/27)

Israeli soldiers were filmed singing “Ahmad Tibi is dead,” referring to the Palestinian member of Knesset for the Ta’al party. (HA 10/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, discussing the situation in Gaza. (WAFA 10/27)

The UN General Assembly voted to adopt a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas and demanding humanitarian aid access in Gaza. 120 countries voted in favor, 45 abstained, and 14 voted against. Tunisia and Iraq explained their abstentions, saying the resolution did not support Palestine strongly enough. Israel’s UN ambassador said the passage of the resolution was “a dark day for the UN and for mankind.” An amendment introduced by Canada and co-sponsored by the U.S., condemning Hamas for “the taking of hostages,” failed as it did not get the 2/3s majority support needed to pass.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AP, WAFA 10/28)

The Council of the European Union accepted a Spanish proposal for the country to host a peace conference on Middle East peace within 6 months. (AJ, AP 10/27)

French president Emmanuel Macron said France and several other European countries will make a “humanitarian coalition” for Gaza. (AJ 10/27)

The Washington Post reported that the Biden administration was pushing Israel not to undertake a full ground invasion of Gaza. ABC News reported that the U.S. State Department was not aware that Israel would “expand its ground invasion.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. supports humanitarian pauses if captives held by Hamas were released. A U.S. official told Reuters that Qatar is open to reconsidering allowing Hamas to have a presence in the country. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/27; AJ 10/28)

New York City police arrested more than 200 people at a mass sit-in at Grand Central Station arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace, which temporarily closed the station. The protesters called for an immediate ceasefire. (HA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, NYT 10/28)

The U.S. told its citizens in Lebanon that they should leave the country due to the “unpredictable security situation.”  (AJ 10/27; AJ, HA 10/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked the main entrance to al-Naqura. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man, alleging that he had tried to stab a soldier at the Gush Etzion Junction between Bethlehem and Hebron. The PA called it an extrajudicial execution. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Kafr Ni‘ma, Ni‘lin, Beita, Izbat al-Tabib, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces evicted the 18-member Salhiya family from their home in Sheikh Jarrah, leading to a standoff where members of the family threatened to blow up a gas container on top of the house if the Israeli forces proceeded to demolish their home. A large crowd protested in support of the family. Several European representatives to Palestine and Israel, with some present at the scene, also condemned the eviction and called on Israel to stop it immediately. 1 Palestinian demolished his own commercial structure in Sheikh Jarrah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land north of Beit Lahiya. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (+972, AJ, AJ, F24, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, Twitter, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 1/17; EI, MEMO, MEMO 1/18; MEMO 1/19; PCHR 1/20)

Palestinian news outlet Safa and Israeli Channel 12 reported that the PA had frozen its work on preparing material for the ICC as a result of agreements made between PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (MEMO 1/18)

Israeli media reported that Libyan warlord and presidential contender Khalifa Haftar’s plane landed at Ben Gurion airport for a couple of hours before taking off again. In November it was reported that Haftar’s son and advisor Saddam Haftar had visited Israel for meetings with Israeli officials. (MEMO 1/17)

A possible drone attack in the UAE killed 3 Indian and Pakistani nationals and wounded 6 others at an oil facility and started a fire at the airport in Abu Dhabi. The Yemeni Houthi group said it was behind the attack. In a letter by Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Israel offered the UAE “security and intelligence support” after the attack, saying “Israel stands with the UAE.” The UAE has been conducting air strikes with its coalition partner Saudi Arabia for years in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, causing many civilian deaths. (AJ, HA, MEMO 1/17; AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, MEMO, REU, REU 1/18; AJ, AP, MEMO 1/19; HA 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and critically wounded 1 Palestinian man at the Gush Etzion junction near Bethlehem, claiming that the man had tried to stab an Israeli soldier with a screwdriver; a video showed how Israeli soldiers prevented a medic from treating the Palestinian man. Israeli forces also demolished 1 parking lot near the separation barrier west of Deir al-Ghusun. 10 Palestinians were arrested during house raids, including 3 close relatives of 1 of the Palestinian prisoners who escaped the Gilboa prison on 9/6 in and around Abu Njeim, Aida refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, al-Yamun, Kafr Dan, Qalqilya, Ni‘lin, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land near Beit Lahiya. In West Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and severely injured 1 Palestinian man from the West Bank after he stabbed 2 Jewish people near the Jerusalem central bus station; both stabbing victims were said to be in stable condition. (HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/13; PCHR 9/16)

The Palestinian prisoner leadership said that 1,380 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails would go on hunger strike on 9/17 to protest the collective punitive measures introduced by Israel after 6 Palestinians escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6 (see 9/8). (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/13; AJ, JP, PCHR 9/14)

After rumors that tips from Palestinians in Israel had led to the capture of 4 of the 6 Palestinians who escaped from Gilboa prison on 9/6, PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called for national unity. Prime Minister Shtayyeh said that “[t]he occupation authorities are trying to divide us from our brothers, and we need to strengthen the connection.” Shtayyeh also called on the UN to ensure that the prisoners are not tortured as rumors were circulating that at least 1 of the prisoners had been subjected to severe torture, leading to hospitalization. (HA 9/13)

The PA instructed the Central Elections Committee to prepare for local council elections on 12/11. Political fractions in Gaza later rejected the elections after a meeting on the subject, saying that national election must precede local elections. (WAFA 9/14; MEMO 9/17; MEMO 9/21)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett and Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in Sharm al-Shaykh. The 2 discussed a long-term Hamas-Israel ceasefire, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt’s crisis with Ethiopia. (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU 9/13; AJ, AP, AX, MEMO, MEMO 9/14 HA 9/15)

The New York Times detailed that a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency suggests that Iran is within 1 month of having enough material to build 1 nuclear warhead. It was also reported that manufacturing the warhead would take much longer. The reporting suggested that Iran was enriching the nuclear material to weapons grade to pressure the U.S. in the renewed Iran deal negotiations. (NYT 9/13; HA 9/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer working his land near Qalqilya. Israeli forces uprooted some 100 olive trees while razing some 30 dunams (7.4 acres) of land in Jayyus. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 10 houses in Ni‘lin and Dayr Qaddis in Area B. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 2 residential tents and 2 agricultural tents, displacing 15 Palestinians in al-Buwayb in the Masafer Yatta area. Palestinians protested Israeli attacks on Palestinian and international journalists at the office of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate in Ramallah. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, Hebron, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, Idhna, al-‘Amari refugee camp, Dayr Balut, and Surayf, and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint in Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur, Silwan, and the Old City. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was found dead in rubble resulting from Israeli air strikes in Gaza City, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 260 to 261, including 67 children and 3 pregnant women. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/3)

In Gaza, electricity remained limited to 6 hours followed by blackouts for 12 hours despite repairs made to power lines that were damaged during the most recent escalation between Israel and Hamas. It was reported that the power shortages were due to Israel continuing to withhold fuel transfers to Gaza’s power plant. It was also reported that Israel continues to prevent Palestinians in need of cancer treatment from traveling to East Jerusalem for chemotherapy. (HA, HA 5/31; MEMO 6/1)

Palestinian prisoners started an open-ended hunger strike for the Israel Prison Service allow family visits, which has been prohibited since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (WAFA 5/31)

2 Palestinians were charged with terrorism for allegedly throwing stones at 1 Jewish family traveling by car in East Jerusalem on 5/9, a day where more than 330 Palestinians were injured by Israeli settlers and police. (HA 5/31)

Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar said Hamas was ready to negotiate the terms of releasing Israeli captives and the bodies of 2 Israeli soldiers held by the organization. The deputy head of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, had earlier that day warned Israel not to tie the issue of Israeli captives to aid to Gaza or to Israeli policy on Jerusalem. Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi made the opposite demand during a meeting with Egypt’s foreign minister Sameh Shoukry on 5/30. Head of Egyptian general intelligence Abbas Kamel also met with Sinwar in Gaza to discuss a long-term ceasefire with Israel. (HA 5/29; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 5/31; MEMO, MEMO 6/1)

Israeli public security minister Amir Ohana backed a call by Lydda councilman Amichai Langfeld to have armed Jewish-Israeli civilians patrol the streets of the city to “protect the Jewish community” there. Jewish-Israeli member of Knesset from the Joint Arab List Ofer Cassif said such calls were incitement. (HA 6/1)

Israel and the UAE signed a tax treaty. (HA, MEMO, REU 5/31)

Israel summoned the ambassador of Mexico to Israel because of the country’s vote at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 5/27 to investigate potential Israeli war crimes. On 5/30, Israel also summoned the ambassador the Philippines over his country’s vote at the UNHRC. (JP 6/1)

More than 50 former prime ministers, foreign ministers, and senior international officials wrote an open letter calling for protecting the independence of the ICC and condemning attacks on the court. The letter mentioned Israel-Palestine as a place where, without the ICC, there “is no accountability for grave human rights violations, it is the victims seeking justice and people longing for lasting peace who are paying the price.” The letter also called allegation of anti-Semitism waged against the ICC “unfounded.” (GDN, GDN 5/31; MEMO, WAFA 6/1)

The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report that Iran has failed to explain why traces of uranium were found at undeclared sites. (REU 5/31)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other when the 2 confronted a group of settlers attempting to set fire to their crops near al-Rihiya, south of Hebron; +972 reported that the settlers mutilated the body of the Palestinian man they had shot dead. 10 Palestinians were killed and 209 wounded by Israeli forces throughout the West Bank. The casualties included: 1, and 39 injured during a protest in Shwaika near Tulkarm; several others were reported injured; 1 protester, and 2 injured in Salem; 1 protester in Asira; 1 protester, and 4 injured in Beita; 1 protester, and 18 others injured by live ammunition in Ya‘bad; 1 protester in Marda; 1 protester in Iskaka; 1 protester, and 4 injured in ‘Urif; 1 protester in Jericho; 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint, who allegedly tried to ram Israeli soldiers near Silwad; 148 protesters injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during protests in and around Dayr Nidham, Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik, al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Khadir, Salfit, Tayassir, Huwwara, Aqraba, Ni‘lin, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Qusra. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Bayt Umar, and Sa‘ir; 7 were arrested during protests at the al-Jalama checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 19 Palestinians using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and sound bomb canisters during protests in and around Shaykh Jarrah, Bayt Hanina, Silwan, and the Old City. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 114 to 136, including 33 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 9, including 3 children, and 73 injured, including 20 children, in air strikes on buildings in Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; 4 in an air strike on Gaza City, including 1 child; 3, including 1 child, in air strikes on Jabaliya; 1, and 16 injured, including 2 children, in air strikes on al-Bureij refugee camp; 1, and 1 wounded in an air strike on Abasan; 1 in an air strike while riding a motorbike in Rafah; 1 Palestinian was found dead in rubble from an air strike in Dayr al-Balah on 5/13; 1 Palestinian child succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on Gaza City on 5/12; 1 Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on 5/12 in Bayt Lahiya. Israel also said it had assassinated 3 Hamas operatives, Shadi Abed Al-Hadi, Osama Shehadeh, and Zakaria Zarendah. Israeli air strikes also destroyed an interior ministry building west of Gaza City and 3 poultry farms near Rafah, killing more than 10,000 chickens. Israeli forces also struck the fishing ports in Gaza city and Khan Yunis. Damage to power lines in Gaza was reported, significantly reducing the amount of available electricity. In Israel, Israeli forces killed 2 people after several people crossed from Lebanon into Israel by Metula. Israel also said that 3 rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with 2 landing in open land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and 1 in Syria. 2 rockets from Gaza hit 2 houses in Sderot, causing damage and 1 injury. 1 rocket from Gaza lightly injured 1 Israeli driving near Beersheba. Israel barred people from outside of Lydda from entering the city from 4 p.m. and barred all its residents from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor was seriously injured, and another minor lightly injured, after a firebomb was thrown at their house in Jaffa; Israeli police claimed without evidence that it was 2 Palestinian-Israeli men that had thrown the firebomb. Israeli forces were filmed kicking Palestinian-Israeli vehicles traveling in Umm al-Fahm and firing stun grenades at them for no apparent reason. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor in Lydda, claiming he tried to throw a firebomb at them. 5 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Umm al-Fahm after a fire was ignited at the town’s city hall. 9 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in ‘Akka. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Kafr Kana, injuring 28. Israel also told international news outlets that it would conduct a ground invasion of Gaza shortly and then later apologized to the news outlets for providing false information; analysts suspected that Israel used the media outlets to lure Hamas militants into tunnels before heavily bombarding said tunnels; Israel said that dozens were killed in the attack on the tunnels. Israel also shot down 1 drone sent from Gaza. 1 Israeli woman succumbed to injuries sustained after falling while running to a shelter in Neta’im on 5/11, raising the Israeli death toll to 9. In Jordan, some 500 protesters tried to enter the West Bank through the Allenby bridge, but were dispersed by Jordanian forces 3 miles from the border. In Amman, thousands of protesters called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and ending the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, PCHR 5/15; TOI 5/16; HA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26; +972 6/8; INT 7/15)

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said that 42% of the 119 people who have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza, at the time of reporting, were women and children. It also said 830 people had been injured. The UN estimated that 10,000 Palestinians have been internally displaced during the current escalation so far. (AJ, HA 5/14)

Spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the silence of the U.S. administration was encouraging Israeli war crimes in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. (WAFA 5/14)

Morocco sent 40 tons of emergency aid to Palestine and denounced Israel’s aggression toward Palestinians. (HA 5/15)

The U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr landed in Tel Aviv in an attempt by the U.S. administration to deescalate the situation. (AX, HA 5/14; HA 5/15)

A letter co-signed by 11 Jewish Democrats in the house of representatives, led by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), urged the Biden administration to be more active in ending the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas and to do more to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 11 members of Congress also expressed concern about the violence in East Jerusalem and urged Israel to halt the “unjust eviction” of Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah, and said that the U.S. must address the deepening occupation. (HA 5/15)

Democrats in the House also debated the attack on Gaza on the floor, with 1 group of 11 speaking in defense of Palestinians and 1 group of 10 defending Israel’s actions. (AJ, HA 5/14)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she will continue with her inquiry into potential war crimes committed by Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories despite Israel’s refusal to cooperate. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda also said that the investigation will include the current escalation of the conflict. (HA, REU 5/14)

The Italian trade union of port workers said that its members in Livorno had refused to load a shipment of weapons and explosives to be shipped to Israel, citing Israel’s attack on Gaza. (AA 5/15; WAFA 5/16; IN 5/17)

A Palestinian driver allegedly rams his car into a small group of IDF troops standing along a road near Nablus, killing 2, critically injuring a 3d, and moderately injuring a 4th. The Palestinian driver is arrested. Later, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attacker’s hometown, Barta‘a, near Jenin, arresting his brother and ransacking several homes. The Israeli authorities also revoke the work permits of approximately 100 of the alleged attacker’s relatives. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Bethlehem, al-Bireh, 4 villages near Ramallah (Budrus, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians, issue 2 arrest summons, and demolish the walls of an apartment during raids near Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Abu Dis, injuring 19. It’s unclear what sparked the clashes. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI, WAFA 3/16; HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/17; PCHR 3/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Hebron, and along Gaza’s border in various locations; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 13 are injured. Reportedly for the first time, the IDF uses a drone to drop tear gas on Palestinian protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and arrest 2 Palestinians at a mobile checkpoint near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 3 Palestinians during raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers clash with Palestinians in Madama village near Nablus; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. Settlers erect tents in the yards of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and homes outside nearby Yatta village. Palestinians set fire to an Israeli settler’s home near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with IDF troops; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police block Palestinian activists from organizing a running race to coincide with the Israeli government–organized Jerusalem Marathon, an annual race through the city that requires the closure of a number of main streets; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Approximately 5,000 runners participate in the Jerusalem Marathon. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 3/9; MNA, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, in 4 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin, Bil‘in), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij refugee camp. At least 22 Palestinians are injured and 1 German national is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops issue arrest summons to 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between the residents and IDF troops in the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/2; TOI 3/4 PCHR 3/8)

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

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

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel for a 2d day in a row. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF again conducts air strikes on Hamas military sites in Rafah, causing major damage to 2. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/3)

For the 9th consecutive Friday, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in East Jerusalem (Issawiyya and Abu Dis), Nablus, 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, Bayt Lahiya, and Khan Yunis. 30 Palestinians are injured. Later, when an Israeli drives into Abu Dis, approximately 200 Palestinian minors torch his car and throw stones at him, causing minor injuries. Israeli forces escort the man from the village and clash with the stone-throwers; 9 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Biddu. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray racist graffiti on walls in Nabi Salih village near Ramallah, the hometown of imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/2; PCHR 2/8)

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; no Palestinians are seriously injured. They also arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian outside Kochav Ya’acov, allegedly for planning a stabbing attack. (MNA 11/10; PCHR 11/16)

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) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Hebron protest at the Abu Rajab house that Israeli settlers seized on 7/25, and which has been subject to ongoing litigation ever since. Elsewhere in Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working in his fields south of Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City of East Jerusalem, allegedly for carrying a knife. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/20; WAFA 10/21; MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/26)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran for talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and other regional issues. A Hamas official says that the group wants to increase its cooperation with Iran and to “secure Iranian financial and logistical support.” (AFP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

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 shoot, injure, and arrest an elderly Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Ni‘lin, allegedly on suspicion that she is planning a stabbing attack. No knife is found on her person. Separately, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman at a checkpoint near Qalqilya claiming she neglected to obey an order to stop approaching them, and patrol near Qalqilya and Nablus during the day. Armed Palestinians open fire on an Israeli vehicle driving near Ramallah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers in Silwan, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 9/2; PCHR 9/14)

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)

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, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 11 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in the Burham and Jibiya villages near Ramallah overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during a raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (MNA 8/25; MNA 8/26; PCHR 9/1)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; at least 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops conducting a late-night operation in Jenin, causing no injuries. (The Israeli soldiers were removing a memorial for Khaled Nazzal, a Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP] leader assassinated by Israeli Mossad agents in 1986.) Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, a former resident of Gaza who moved to Israel 5 years ago under family unification law crosses back into Gaza. Hamas security forces take him into custody. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, a deceased Palestinian from East Jerusalem washes ashore at Lake Tiberias. The cause of his death is not known. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/30; PCHR 7/6)

For the 5th time this week, errant mortar fire from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage. The IDF returns fire at the source of the mortar. (MNA, TOI 6/30)

Israeli police shoot and kill 3 Palestinian youths outside the Old City of East Jerusalem after they attack Israeli guards at Damascus Gate with knives and guns: 1 Israeli police officer is lightly injured and 1 is fatally wounded, succumbing to her injuries later in the day. After the attack, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attackers’ village of Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah, imposing a lockdown on the village and sparking clashes with residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli PM Netanyahu then rescinds all 250,000 permits issued to Palestinians for Ramadan. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16)

While the Israeli authorities ramp up their crackdown, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif on the 3d Friday of Ramadan, and Israeli police deploy additional battalions throughout East Jerusalem. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Jerusalem from Bethlehem to pray at the sanctuary. Separately, IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli 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. Jabaliya r.c., al-Bureij r.c., Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 7 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence; there are no serious injuries. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16; MNA 6/17; WAFA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli 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. Jabaliya r.c., Rafah, and al-Bureij r.c.; 1 is killed in Gaza and at least 18 other Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif, marking the 2d Friday of Ramadan. A group of Jewish settlers disguised in religious Muslim garb visit the sanctuary in a reported attempt to pray at the holy site. Islamic Waqf guards escort them out when they respond to questions in Hebrew. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, unidentified assailants slash the tires of 9 Palestinian cars and leave anti-Arab graffiti in Bayt Safafa overnight. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/16)

Turkish and Palestinian officials reveal that Ankara has sent a cargo ship full of humanitarian aid, which will arrive in Gaza by the end of Ramadan. It will be the 3d shipment of Turkish aid since the IsraeliTurkish rapprochement of 6/2016 (see JPS 46 [1]). (MNA 6/9)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; at least 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at Qalandia checkpoint, claiming that she was planning to carry out an attack against Israelis; and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 10,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the first Friday of Ramadan. Among them are 100 elderly Gazans who were permitted to travel to East Jerusalem for the first time in 6 mos. (see JPS 46 [4]). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 6/2; PCHR 6/8)

The Palestinian critically injured in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jenin on 6/1 succumbs to her injuries. (MNA 6/2)

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

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

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

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and killing of a Palestinian youth in Jalazun r.c. on 3/23 in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, Kafr Malik, al-Mughayyir, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in c. Hebron; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and Nablus and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians conduct a sit-in outside the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque to protest Israel’s withholding of corpses of Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF. Israeli forces then impose heightened security restrictions at Haram al-Sharif, searching youths in the area and denying many Palestinians access to the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In Israel, 4 Jewish Israelis stab and seriously injure a Palestinian citizen of Israel nr. his home in Nahariya. (MNA 3/24; MNA 3/25; PCHR 3/30)

Unidentified assailants shoot and kill senior Hamas military official and former Israeli prisoner Mazen Fuqaha in s. Gaza City. In a statement released later in the day, Hamas implies that Israel was likely behind the killing. (HA, JP, TOI 3/24; MNA 3/25)

UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov tells the UN Security Council that Israel has not complied with UNSC Res. 2334, which passed on 12/23/2016. Israeli settlement construction has increased in the past 3 mos., despite the resolution’s call for a halt in such activity, according to Mladenov. Meanwhile, the UNHRC adopts 4 res. on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the first calls on mbr.-states to avoid ties with Israel’s settlements in the oPt, the 2d reaffirms the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, the 3d concerns human rights in the oPt, and the 4th condemns Israel for violating the human rights of Syrian Druze of the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/24; WAFA 3/25)

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

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in c. Hebron; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, damage property at a library during raids nr. Salfit and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian family’s flock of sheep, killing 1 animal, in the n. Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA 2/17; HA 2/18; PCHR 2/23)

Upon his return to Israel from Washington, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his 2/15 meeting with U.S. pres. Trump was “excellent” and that “it will have a large impact on our security.” Meanwhile, Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman calls on other Israeli officials to “cool down” talk of annexing the West Bank and building settlements, saying “we cannot progress without understandings with the U.S.” (JP, TOI 2/17)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site nr. Nablus overnight. Their IDF escort conducts raids in nearby Awarta village, closing its entrances. Later, 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. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also assault and arrest an elderly Palestinian and her grandson during a raid in c. Hebron, and establish a mobile checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians. 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault 2 Muslim worshippers as they are leaving Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 2/3; MNA 2/4; PCHR 2/9)

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 Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Hizma village, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured. In Israel, thousands of Palestinians and solidarity activists gather in Qalanswa to protest the Israeli govt.’s demolition of 11 buildings in the town on 1/10. (HA, MNA, YA 1/13; PCHR 1/19)

The Syrian army accuses Israel of launching an airstrike on a military airport nr. Damascus overnight. “Syrian army command and armed forces warn Israel of the repercussions of the flagrant attack and stresses its continued fight against (this) terrorism and [will] amputate the arms of the perpetrators,” the army says in a statement. Video footage of massive damage at the airport circulates on social media. It’s unclear if the attack resulted in any casualties. (HA, JP, YA 1/13)

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)

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)

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)