The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolished part of a Palestinian-owned house in Hebron. Israeli settlers also stole 40 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli forces razed 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of land, including 20 olive trees, in Ras Karkar. Israeli forces also seized an agricultural structure east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was severely injuried after stepping on an unexploded ordinance left behind by Israeli forces east of Jericho. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Tuqu‘, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/18)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli Jerusalem municipality had asked the court for local affairs to reactivate demolition orders against 70 structures in al-Bustan, which would displace 1,500 Palestinians. The Israeli municipality wants to place a tourism park named The King’s Garden where the 70 structures are located, but plans for the structure demolitions have been suspended during the negotiations between residents and the municipality. Now, the municipality wants to push forward with its plans without a settlement. (HA 3/17; HA, WAFA 3/18)

60,000 COVID-19 vaccines provided by the WHO COVAX program to the PA arrived in Israel. 40,000 will be shipped to the West Bank and 20,000 to Gaza. PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said the PA will wait to use the AstraZeneca vaccines until the WHO confirms that they are safe to use. Many EU countries have suspended using the AstraZeneca vaccines after 1 otherwise healthy Danish woman died and 3 Norwegian health workers were in severe condition from blood clots after receiving the vaccine. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, WAFA 3/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli police officers in a Palestinian-Israeli area of Israel that they should bring criminals to their “breaking point” and that they will catch them and “put them behind bars, maybe kill some of them.” (HA 3/17)

During a televised speech, Lebanese president Michel Aoun told prime minister-designate Saad Hariri to form a government or resign so that someone capable can take the position. (AJ, AP 3/17)

UAE newspaper The National reported that it had obtained a 4-page internal memo from the U.S. Biden administration dubbed The US-Palestinian Reset and Path Forward. The memo suggests that the Biden administration will roll back Trump administration policies on Palestine, including reestablishing diplomatic contacts with the PA and restarting U.S. financial assistance to Palestinians, including a $15 million COVID-19 aid package. (NAT 3/17; AJ, HA 3/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities announced that it would seize 193 dunams (47.7 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Dayr Dibwan for settlement expansion. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Rujeib, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Rummana, Sawahara al-Sharqiyya, Aida refugee camp, Nablus, and Qusra. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian was arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/4)

Israel imposed a general closure for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, closing all checkpoints for the Jewish Purim holiday. The closure was scheduled to be in effect from midnight on 2/25 to the night of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

The board of the Jewish National Fund voted to allocate $11.6 million to purchase land in the West Bank. (HA 2/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bahrain’s prime minister Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa spoke on the phone about the U.S. plan to reengage diplomatically with Iran about its nuclear program. (AP, HA 2/25)

Israel said that an Israeli-owned ship was attacked by 1 or 2 missiles in the Gulf of Oman. Other reports said that the damage done to the ship was caused by a blast, to which the cause had not been determined. Israeli defense officials claimed that the missiles were fired by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. No injuries were reported, and the ship was able to continue to the UAE to repair the damage. Iran denied attacking the ship. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 2/26; REU 2/27; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 2/28; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 3/1)

Haaretz reported that 2 U.S. senators, Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-OH) were circulating a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken calling on him to take a more forceful stance on the ICC’s investigation of Israel and Hamas, in order to shield Israel. The pro-Israel group J Street said it was circulating their own letter, calling Cardin and Portman’s letter an “unnecessary act of political posturing,” saying the U.S. state department already rejected the ICC’s decision. J Street also criticized the Cardin and Portman letter for using “distributed territories” instead of “occupied territories” to describe the West Bank. (HA 2/25)

The U.S. attacked what the Pentagon said were Iranian-backed militia groups in eastern Syria, killing 17 people. The Pentagon said the strikes were in retaliation for 1 missile fired at a U.S. facility in Irbil, Iraq, which killed 1 U.S. national and injured 6 others on 2/15. (REU 2/25; AP, BBC, CNN, HA, REU 2/26)

Japan donated $39.7 million to UNRWA, $30.2 million for UNRWA core programming, and $9.5 million for expanding school services in Gaza. (WAFA 2/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 100 olive saplings in Yatta. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near the separation barrier north of Qalqilya. Israeli forces also destroyed Palestinian-owned crops while conducting drills in the Jordan Valley. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp, Salim, and Kafr Rai. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces sprayed water from water cannons at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled al-Maghazi, al-Bureij, and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 Palestinian and damaging 1 house in al-Maghazi, after claiming 1 rocket fired from Gaza landed on an empty field in Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/19; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; PCHR 1/21)

The PA received 5,000 doses the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V after Israel cleared the shipment. (AJ 1/19)

An Israeli court reversed its decision to freeze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem. The bidding process was halted on 1/15 after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim, which complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. (HA 1/15; HA 1/20)

At an Israeli cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to legalize 3 Israeli settler outposts and establish 3 new settlements, but was stopped by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, who called the proposal “politically irresponsible . . . especially at such a sensitive time,” referring to either the upcoming Israeli elections of the transition of power in the U.S. (HA 1/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump pardoned the Israeli spy recruiter, Aviem Sella, who recruited Jonathan Pollard to spy on the U.S. for Israel in the 1980s. President Trump cited support for the clemency by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, and Sheldon Adelson’s widow Miriam Adelson. Israel never extradited Sella to the U.S. after he was indicted in 1987. (AP, HA, JP 1/20)

At the confirmation hearing for Antony Blinken, U.S. president-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of state, Blinken said he supported the normalization deals made between the U.S., Israel, and Morocco, and Sudan, Bahrain, and the UAE. Blinken also said that it is “vitally important” that the U.S. involve Israel in reentering the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, that he does not see an immediate way forward on finding a solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and that he and President-Elect Biden both oppose the BDS movement. He furthermore stated that he considers Jerusalem the capital of Israel and that the U.S. embassy to Israel would remain in Jerusalem. Blinken did not mention East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. (HA, MEE 1/19; HA, MEMO, REU 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 60 olive saplings in Jalud. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling on the Nablus-Qalqilya road, leading to 1 injury and damage. Israeli forces shot and injured 7 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Israeli forces also seized heavy machinery used to rehabilitate a road in Kardala. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Sabastiyya, Qabatiya, Jalazun refugee camp, and Nahalin. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli defense ministry and the civil administration’s higher planning committee will approve 800 new settlement units in the Itamar, Beit El, Shavei Shomron, Oranit, Givat Ze’ev, Tal Menashe, and Nofei Nehemia settlements and settlement outposts. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said on Facebook that “[w]e’re here [in the West Bank] to stay. We’re continuing to build the Land of Israel.” Leader of the Israeli opposition Yair Lapid of the Yesh Atid party called the announcement of the new settlement units “irresponsible,” citing the U.S. presidential transition on 1/20. France’s foreign ministry, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the PA denounced the settlement expansion. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz also approved a small number Palestinian construction projects in al-Walaja, Hizma, Bethlehem, and Bayt Jala. All the projects need secondary approval. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/11; REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and a member of the PLO executive committee condemned the UAE for allowing Israeli settler products to be imported to its market after the 1st shipment of Israeli settler goods arrived in the UAE. (WAFA 1/11; REU 1/14)

The PA health ministry said it had approved the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V for emergency use. (WAFA 1/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued 3 presidential decrees, 2 of which critiques say serves to bolster the power of the PA presidency ahead of potential elections later this year. 1 decree allows the PA president to select judges instead of approving judges, who would be selected based on seniority. The decree also allows the president to force Palestinian judges to retire 5 years before the set retirement age of 70. A 2d decree establishes administrative courts, which can hear petitions against officials and institutions, previously a duty of the High Court of Justice. The president of the administrative court is appointed by the PA president. (HA 1/28)

An Israeli court in Lod ruled that screening or distributing the movie Jenin Jenin from 2002 by Mohammad Bakri should be banned and copies of the movie destroyed. Bakri was also ruled to pay $55,000 to an Israeli soldier who appears in archival footage used for the movie and $16,000 for the cost of the trial. The Israeli judge said that Bakri did not do enough research to label the movie a documentary. The PA ministry of culture condemned the ruling. (HA 1/11; AJ, TOI, WAFA 1/12; WAFA 1/13)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that he regretted forming a coalition with Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying that Netanyahu “cheated me and cheated you [the Israeli public].” He then called on all opposition leaders, including the Joint Arab List’s Ayman Odeh, to join him in sending “Bibi [Netanyahu] home” in the upcoming election. (HA 1/11)

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Jordan, and Egypt met in Cairo to discuss reviving peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The quartet expressed willingness to work closely with the U.S. to map steps toward peace. In a statement, the 4 called for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to the Jerusalem Post, the 4 countries had tried to invite the Israeli and PA foreign ministers to the meeting, but both were unable or unwilling to travel for the meeting. (HA, WAFA 1/11; JP 1/12)

U.S. billionaire and mega-donor to Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, and Israeli settlements Sheldon Adelson died. Adelson had recently flown the convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard to Israel from the U.S. so he could immigrate after being released from parole, and he bought the U.S. ambassador’s house in Tel Aviv from the U.S. state department earlier in 2020. Adelson was known to have had a large influence on U.S. president Donald Trump’s aggressively pro-Israel policies during his presidency. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli forces, raided al-Twana and injured 1 Palestinian. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in and around Tulkarm, Yatta, Kafr Qaddum, Jenin, and Qalqilya; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Nablus and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during raids in Issawiyya, and 1 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel, hitting 1 building; no injuries were reported. Israel subsequently shelled a number of buildings in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, causing damage; no injuries were reported. (GDN, WAFA 11/21; AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/26)

The mayor of Bethlehem Anton Salman said that the yearly Christmas celebration will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (WAFA 11/21)

In Israel, some 2,500 people protested outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence demanding his resignation over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, and his corruption cases. This was the 22d Saturday in a row that Israelis protested Prime Minister Netanyahu. (HA, WAFA 11/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers toured an archaeological site in Sabastiyya; during the settler tour, the site was closed to Palestinians by Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds near ‘Ayn al-Hilwa. Israeli forces delivered an eviction order to 1 Palestinian near Bethlehem as Israel is seizing his property. 15 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; PCHR 11/12)

At the UN General Assembly, member states passed 6 resolutions related to Palestine with large majorities, including support for the UNRWA, Palestinian refugee property rights, and support against Israeli settlements. (TOI, WAFA 11/5; WAFA 11/8)

The UK pledged $20.7 million to the UNRWA. (WAFA 11/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures and seized 1 Palestine TV broadcasting van near Tubas. Israeli forces also seized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Tubas and demolished 1 shack in Beita. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp, Qalqilya, ‘Anata, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and Dayr Balut. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; clashes ensued during the raid, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya within the allocated fishing zone; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 9/29; PCHR 9/30; PCHR 10/1)

At a speech to the UN General Assembly, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hezbollah is storing missiles in a neighborhood in Beirut and that Iran is a few months away from enriching enough uranium for 2 nuclear bombs. The secretary-general of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that Netanyahu’s speech was made to incite the people of Lebanon against Hezbollah and that he was lying about his claims. (HA, REU 9/29)

The emir of Kuwait Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabar al-Sabah died at the age of 91, leaving the throne to his 83-year-old brother Shaykh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, who was appointed crown prince in 2006 when Emir Shaykh Sabah took office. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 9/29; AJ 9/30)

The student body at Columbia University passed a referendum to recommend that the university divest from “stocks, funds and endowment from companies that profit from or engage in the State of Israel’s acts towards Palestinians.” (AJD 9/29; JP, MDW, TOI 9/30; WAFA 10/2)

The PA and India signed a memorandum of understanding for Indian contributions of $36.1 million for 1 hospital in Bayt Sahour and contributions for the national printing press and 2 schools. (WAFA 9/29)

In the West Bank, Israel issued demolition orders for 4 residential structures south of Hebron and 5 homes in the Ramallah area as punitive demolitions against alleged Palestinian attackers. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in Qalqilya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Ramallah, Salfit, and Anata. Israeli settlers severely beat 1 Palestinian doctor visiting patients near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian lands near Bayt Hanun and east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will expand 2 settlements, Har Homa and Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem with 2,200 and 3,000 housing units respectively. Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that Israel would apply sovereignty to al-Ibrahimi Mosque. The PA called Netanyahu’s announcement part of “a systematic destruction of the two-state solution.” (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/20; JP 2/23)

Israel and the PA ended its trade dispute, allowing Palestinian goods to exit the West Bank and Israeli agricultural products to enter the West Bank market. Israel started banning Palestinian goods to the Israeli market on 2/2 and later expanded the ban of export from the West Bank altogether. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp and Dura, and 4 at checkpoints near Jenin and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot a Palestinian 9-year-old boy in the head with a rubber-coated bullet in Issawiyya, causing serious injuries. According to the Israeli officer who fired the bullet, he shot at a wall to calibrate his weapon. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians during house raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries, and 2 rockets were fired toward Israel; there were no reports of damage or injuries. Israeli authorities decreased the Gazan fishing zone to 10 nautical miles in the south and 6 nautical miles in the north. (WAFA 2/15; HA, WAFA 2/16; PCHR 2/17; PCHR 2/20; HA 2/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented some 200 Israeli activists from helping Palestinians plant trees in Yasuf village. 2 Israeli organizations, Rabbis for Human Rights and Zazim, had planned to help the Palestinians who had many trees vandalized during the harvesting season. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Qalqilya, Kafr Qaddum, Qiffin, ‘Azun, and Ramallah; 2 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition, 1 was hit by a tear gas canister to the head and other suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Dura and Bayt Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints near Nablus and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian in Issawiyya during a raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural land east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA 2/14; PCHR 2/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in Hebron, causing light injuries. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the entrance to al-Bireh, where Palestinians threw stones and burned tires; Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested at different flying checkpoints near Qalqilya and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel hit several targets in Gaza on 2 separate occasions causing damage; no injuries were reported. A rocket was also fired from Gaza toward Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel also announced collective punishment measures against Palestinians in Gaza, including banning imports of cement and suspending 500 merchant entry permits. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmers west of Jabalia; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition. (HA, WAFA 2/1; HA, WAFA 2/2; PCHR 2/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas said during an emergency meeting at the Arab League in Cairo that he had informed Israel that the PA had cut all ties, including security coordination, with Israel and the U.S., in response to the U.S. administration’s peace plan. At the meeting, the members of the Arab League issued a statement rejecting the U.S. peace plan as “it does not meet the minimum rights and aspirations of Palestinian people.” (AJ, HA, REU 2/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 6 houses near Ramallah. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in al-Suwana; and demolished a shed and razed Palestinian-owned land in Issawiyya. PA Jerusalem Governor Adnan Gheith was summoned for interrogation. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot down a drone flying over Gaza. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 10/31)

Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest over Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention; 1 has been held since 8/20 and the other since 9/2. Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi also demanded that Israel release the 2 Jordanians, calling administrative detention illegal. (AJ, HA 10/30)

Lebanon’s prime minister Sa’d Hariri resigned after days of protest against his government. (AJ, HA 10/29)

In the West Bank, al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed to Muslim worshipers due to Israeli restriction during the Jewish Sukkot holidays. Israeli settlers vandalized 6 Palestinian-owned cars in Dayr ‘Ammar. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burin and al-Jaba‘. During the attack in Burin, 1 pro-Palestinian Israeli activist suffered broken bones and a settler set fire to some trees. 15 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Abu Dis, Ramallah, Hebron, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Tulkarm, Israeli forces seized 10,000 NIS ($2,800) in cash. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel southwest of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, for the 2d day in a row, a natural spring was opened for Jewish visitors only; Israeli forces guarded the spring and closed a road leading to nearby Palestinian towns. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during raids in Issawiyya; 1 preacher of the al-Aqsa Mosque was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land northeast of Jabalia. In Israel, Israeli forces attacked bedouins in southern Israel. (WAFA 10/15; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, +972, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/17; HA 10/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 33 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus. Israeli forces also stopped work on a water tank in Kardala in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces demolished a house in Bayt Umar In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained 2 Palestinian children and separately arrested 5 in Issawiyya. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers took over a Palestinian-owned building with 4 separate apartments in al-Suwana. The settlers were escorted by Israeli police. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/8; WAFA 7/9)

The Israeli military claimed to have found a tunnel from Gaza to Israel during construction of a barrier that is said to prevent more tunnels from being dug. The Israeli military also claimed to have shot down a drone near the Gaza fence; it did not report whether the drone was privately-owned, Israeli, or Palestinian, nor the type of drone. (HA, HA 7/8)

A court in Jerusalem found that the PA was liable for damages for 17 incidents where Palestinians killed Israelis during the 2d Intifada in the early 2000s. Several incidents were not committed by PA personnel, nor did the PA have knowledge that they would be carried out. The judge ruled that the PA was retroactively responsible for the incidents because they explicitly or implicitly endorsed them after they happened. The judge ordered the PLO, PA, and Yasir Arafat’s estate to pay $1.6 million for the cost of the trial. A different judge will determine how much the 3 entities must pay in damages. (HA 7/9)

After a day of violence and intense IDF activity across the Ramallah region on 12/13, tensions remain high in the West Bank. The Israeli authorities maintain the closure of all major roads in the area while they search for the perpetrator of the attack that left 2 Israeli soldiers dead. One Palestinian is killed during clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Six Palestinians are injured during clashes sparked by a similar raid in nearby al-Bireh. Two more Palestinians are injured when IDF troops violently disperse a protest outside nearby al-Mughayyir. Separately, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier at an IDF post outside the Beit El settlement; the soldier moderately injures the Palestinian in the ensuing confrontation (the Palestinian will turn himself in to the IDF on 12/15). Unidentified assailants throw rocks at Israeli troops outside al-Bireh, moderately injuring 1 soldier. The IDF then seals off the main Ramallah-Nablus road and conducts raids in the area searching for the assailants. IDF troops shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a raid in al-Laban near Nablus; violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in central Hebron, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and Bil‘in near Ramallah (4 Palestinians are injured); arrest 1 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during additional raids near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Qalqilya, and open fire on a Palestinian passersby in Jalazun refugee camp (1 Palestinian is injured and several vehicles are damaged). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 60 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/14; TOI 12/15; PCHR 12/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah overnight, sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. The Israeli authorities confiscate 24 dunams (approximately 6 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Nablus, with the intention of building a new road for Israeli settlers in the area. In East Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher reopens, following Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 2/27 decision to freeze the tax programs that motivated church leaders’ protests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/28; PCHR 3/8)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Bayt Lahiya. An Israeli drone crash lands in s. Gaza, causing no major damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man demolishes 2 homes he owns in Sur al-Bahir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Qalandia, and al-Suwana. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians, confiscate 1 car, and injure 2 Palestinian youths in brief clashes during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, and Tubas; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. They also raid the Dayr Abu Mash‘al homes of the 3 Palestinians who were killed in East Jerusalem on 6/16, threatening punitive demolition. (MNA 7/3; MNA 7/4; PCHR 7/6)

Israeli forces demolish 12 Palestinian homes in Qalandia r.c., sparking clashes with Palestinian protesters; there are no serious injuries. Israeli raids in Abu Dis and al-Am‘ari r.c. spark further clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (3 Palestinians are injured). Late at night, they demolish 4 more Palestinian structures in Issawiyya and 1 under construction in Silwan, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Zabbuba village nr. Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents (there are no serious injuries). They arrest 4 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. The IDF reopens a road nr. Bethlehem, having closed it in the wake of a shooting attack in the area on 7/21. Israeli forces begin constructing permanent cement rooms at the entrance to al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron; the press reports that the rooms will be used as a security inspection area. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains the general closure of Hebron and its surrounding district that it put in place on 7/1. (MNA 7/25; JP, MNA, WAFA 7/26; HA 7/27; PCHR 7/28)

UNRWA releases a statement expressing concern for the humanitarian effects of the IDF’s weeks-long crackdown on Hebron and the surrounding area. (MNA 7/25)

In response to a petition from Palestinian residents of Jerusalem, Israel’s High Court of Justice orders the police to explain why they are withholding the bodies of Palestinians killed while allegedly carrying out attacks on Israelis. The police are given 3 weeks to respond. (TOI 7/26)

After 4 days of closure, the IDF eases restrictions on Palestinian movement in Yatta. Palestinians between the ages of 15 and 25 are forbidden to enter and leave the village. All others can enter and exit only after passing security inspections. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers clash with Israeli forces demolishing an illegal structure in the Kiryat Arba settlement. Settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, causing damage and injuring a Palestinian police officer. IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Qalqilya, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing an arrest summons to a 2d; they patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Anata r.c. (TOI 6/13; MNA 6/14; PCHR 6/16)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the Arab League must alter the Arab Peace Initiative if it is going to serve as a basis for renewed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. “If they bring the proposal from 2002 and define it as ‘take it or leave it,’” he says, “we’ll choose to leave it.” (HA, TOI 6/13)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces on 3/8 and 10/17/2015. They also arrest 6 other Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Kafr ‘Aqab; detain a Palestinian youth nr. the Old City after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures an Orthodox Jew. Outside the city, Israeli forces disassemble 12 EUdonated mobile homes nr. al-‘Izzariya, displacing approximately 90 bedouin Palestinians. In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct latenight house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians (including 1 mbr. of the Palestinian Legislative Council); and patrol during the day nr. Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones nr. Ramallah, injuring 1. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 5/16; HA, MNA 5/17; PCHR 5/19)

The IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of Araqa where 2 Palestinians were killed on 2/14; declares it a closed military zone. They conduct raids in the village, arresting 2 Palestinians. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stonethrowing and armed youths; 42 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier are injured. Late at night, they escort 17 busloads of Israelis to Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus to perform religious rites, sparking more clashes with stone-throwers; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces demolish 20 residential structures in a village nr. Nablus; deliver stop-work orders to 2 homes under construction in Qalqilya. Throughout the day, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Salfit and 1 nr. Bethlehem, as well as in Qalqilya and Hebron, arresting 11 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Tulkarm. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for a 3d and final day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian youth outside the Old City after they search and find a knife on her person. They also arrest 1 Palestinian on a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/15; TOI 2/16; OCHA, PCHR 2/18)

Palestinian hunger striker al-Qiq refuses an Israeli court offer to transfer him from Emek Medical Center in Afula to a hospital in East Jerusalem, demanding to be treated at a Palestinian hospital in the West Bank. Al-Qiq has been on hunger strike since 11/24, days after he was captured from his Ramallah home and held under administrative detention. (MNA 2/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate 4 water pumps and 7 residential tents in the Jordan Valley; deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Hebron and 1 village nearby, 1 village each nr. Salfit and Tulkarm, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, Jenin, Jenin r.c. and 2 villages nearby, arresting 17 Palestinians; patrols in 7 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Silwan and Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 11/30; PCHR 12/3)

Nr. Beersheba, Israeli forces demolish bedouin homes in al-‘Araqib for the 91st time since 7/27/2010. The Israeli authorities continue demolishing al-‘Araqib as part of their ongoing effort to make room for Jewish Israeli settlement of the Negev. Around 400 residents remain in the village, using generators and solar panels to subsist without any Israeli infrastructural support. (MNA 11/26)

As Israel continues its crackdown in the oPt, IDF troops kill a total of 3 Palestinians throughout the day. IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth during clashes sparked by an overnight raid in Qatanna n. of Jerusalem. After the funeral for the Palestinian victim, IDF troops violently disperse stone-throwers and protesters, injuring 5 Palestinians. IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian at Tapuach Junction s. of Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab Israeli settlers. The Palestinian succumbs to his injuries while the IDF is delaying a crew of Palestinian medical technicians access to him, according to witnesses. A 3d Palestinian is killed when stone-throwers clash with Israeli soldiers at an entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Nr. Ramallah, IDF vehicles ram a Palestinian car suspected of avoiding a checkpoint, sparking clashes with stone-throwers; a number of Palestinians are injured and the 3 Palestinians in the car are assaulted and arrested. IDF troops violently clash with Palestinian protesters s. of Hebron, w. of Qalqilya, and at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm; at least 13 Palestinians are injured. Nr. Hebron, residents of al-Fawar r.c. obstruct Israeli forces attempting to raid the camp, sparking clashes in which 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts further raids and house searches s. of Hebron and in Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Tulkarm. Israeli forces demolish a number of residential structures and confiscate 7 residential tents in the Jordan Valley; bulldoze an agricultural structure nr. Hebron; seize 8 buses from a transportation company overnight in Nablus on the grounds that they were used to transport Palestinian youths to nearby demonstrations. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids and searches in Issawiyya, arresting 2 Palestinians; arrest 1 Palestinian outside Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/26; PCHR 12/3)

In the West Bank, unidentified assailants shoot and injure an Israeli settler outside a settlement outpost nr. Nablus. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Bethlehem to protest Israeli settlement activities in the area; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops patrol in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. They also patrol nr. Salfit, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jericho, and in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c.; conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin, Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho, arresting 7 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian bulldozer nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians in raids in Issawiyya and patrol in al-Tur, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is arrested. (HA, MNA, WAFA 8/30; PCHR 9/3)

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

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

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

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Dayr al-Balah, Israeli naval forces fire warning shots at 1 Palestinian fishing boat, then confiscate 8 nets. In the West Bank, Israeli forces destroy hundreds of trees in a nature reserve nr. Tubas; demolish the remaining grocery stands set up along bypass road Route 60 (several stands were confiscated on 6/15). IDF troops conduct 3 raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 1 Palestinian on each and destroying their property. They also conduct raids in Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Nablus, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol in 4 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 5 Palestinians as they exit Haram al-Sharif, and more than 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Israeli forces conduct a late-night raid in Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone- and firework-throwing residents; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a night raid in al-‘Izzariya. In n. Israel, the IDF declares a section of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights a closed military zone to nonresidents in response to recent fighting on the Syrian side of the border. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Hamas sources say that Israel and Hamas have been holding an indirect exchange through various Arab, Turkish, and European channels about the prospect of agreeing to a 5–10-year cease-fire, and that elements under discussion relate to easing the blockade, including the possible construction of a seaport, and the entry of materials into Gaza in exchange for quiet. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI 6/16; MNA 6/17)

At a meeting of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah, PA pres. Abbas says that he intends to dissolve the PA consensus govt. and form an entirely new cabinet within the next few days. Hamas official Basem Naim speculates that Abbas was caught “off guard” by today’s reports of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, and they prompted him to make this decision. However, other reports say that conversations about dissolution have been going on for mos. (HA, MNA, NYT 6/16)

Israel’s Defense Ministry announces a series of loosened restrictions on Palestinians’ movement during Ramadan this year (the holy mo. begins the evening of 6/17). The Israeli High Court of Justice rules to seal the East Jerusalem room of the man accused of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29/2014. The State’s prosecutors argued for the court to approve the punitive demolition of the whole home, as was initially ordered in the wake of the shooting. (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/16; HA 6/17)

In Gaza, an IQB fighter dies in a tunnel collapse and 2 others are injured. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of Shuja‘iya, searching the area for undisclosed reasons; level land e. of Jabaliya nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations commemorating the 48th anniversary of the 1967 war in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 6 are seriously injured with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. and 1 village nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinian and international activists gather at Haram al-Sharif and in Shaykh Jarrah to commemorate the anniversary of the 1967 war and support Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan’s hunger strike (since 5/5) and other hunger-striking prisoners; 1 Palestinian and 2 internationals are arrested. Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Abu Dis, Issawiyya, and al-‘Izzariya, injuring 10 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, MNA 6/5; MNA 6/6; PCHR 6/11)

For the 1st time since 2007, Israeli authorities grant 90 Palestinian businessmen in Gaza “BMG” permits to enter Israel and stay for up to 6 mos. Israel had previously only granted “BMC” permits, which allow Gazans to stay in Israel for a few days. (MNA, YA 6/5; HA 6/7)

Reps. of the Middle East Quartet meet at the Russian Mission to the UN in Geneva and discuss reviving negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, according to a statement released after the meeting. (SI 6/6)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation, and in favor of the PFA’s bid to suspend Israel from FIFA, in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in 1 village nr. Hebron and al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing 1 arrest summons; patrols during the day in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 3 Palestinians at an entrance to Issawiyya, sparking clashes with residents and injuring 5 Palestinians. (MNA, TOI 5/29; PCHR 6/4)

PFA chair Rajoub amends the PFA’s res. to suspend Israel from international soccer in the hours before a scheduled vote on the measure at the annual FIFA congress in Zurich. Instead, the delegates approve, 165–18, a modified measure establishing a comm. to monitor movement restrictions on Palestinian soccer players, Israeli racism, and the status of teams based in Israeli settlements. (HA 5/13; NYT 5/28; EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI 5/29)

According to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, Iran continues to withhold key information about the alleged military dimensions of its past nuclear activity. Sanctions relief for Iran in its ongoing negotiations with the P5+1 depends on the IAEA’s ability to complete the investigation. (AP, JP 5/29)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinian and international activists marching through a village nr. Nablus to commemorate Nakba Day, injuring 2 international journalists and 1 Palestinian. The IDF also conducts latenight raids and house searches in Hebron, Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Jenin, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in 2 villages and al-Fawar refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Hebron, 3 nr. Ramallah, and 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a home in Issawiyya late at night, arresting 2 Palestinians. Earlier in the day, 2 synagogues in Pisgat Ze’ev are damaged in suspected arson attacks by Palestinians. A Palestinian throws a molotov cocktail at Israeli settlers in Ras al-Amud, causing no injuries. Israeli settler youths then throw stones at Palestinians in the area. (MNA, WAFA 5/16; TOI 5/17; PCHR 5/21)