The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border, an Israeli aircraft fires a “warning shot” at 3 Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly incendiary kites across the border fence, according to the IDF. Later, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland along the border near Gaza City, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently confront Palestinian medics as they attempt to tend to persons injured in a traffic accident near Bethlehem. They also assault and injure 2 Palestinians and arrest 6 more during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur. (TOI, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/14)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Later, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence nearby and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis (2 Palestinians are injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on two separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and moderately injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by a raid in Bayt Rima near Ramallah. They arrest 13 Palestinians on further raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (WAFA 6/3; MNA 6/4; PCHR 6/7)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders his deputies to establish a mechanism to withhold from the monthly Israeli transfers of tax revenues to the PA an amount equal to that which is necessary to compensate the farmers living in southern Israel whose crops have been destroyed by incendiary kites sent from Gaza. Israel’s Tax Authority has said that approximately $1.4 million in damages have been caused by kite attacks since 3/2018. (TOI 6/3)

Armed fighters in Gaza launch 28 rockets and other projectiles into Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts several of the projectiles; 1 lands in the yard of a kindergarten in the Eshkol Regional Council, causing minor damage and no injuries. The attack reportedly comes in response to the deadly Israeli air strikes in Gaza on 5/26 and 5/28. The IAF then conducts air strikes on a number of Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, causing major damage. Hours later, armed Palestinians in Gaza launch another round of projectiles into Israel; 1 Israeli civilian is injured. Parts of 1 rocket fall near a school in Sderot, causing no major damage. Meanwhile, senior Israeli defense officials meet in Tel Aviv and decide on a limited retaliation. The IAF conducts another wave of air strikes, hitting at least 30 Hamas and PIJ sites across Gaza and destroying a tunnel reaching approximately 900 meters into Israeli territory. The strikes cause extensive damage and an unclear number of casualties. Intermittent rocket fire and retaliatory air strikes continue into the night. Shrapnel injures 3 IDF soldiers. One Israeli home in the Eshkol Regional Council is heavily damaged. Late at night, Egyptian diplomats broker a limited cease-fire. (AP, BBC, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/29; MNA, WAFA 5/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting to enter a home in the Har Brakha settlement near Nablus; 1 is injured and arrested while the other flees. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/29; PCHR 5/31)

A boat carrying 25 injured or ill Gazans, as well as a number of activists, sets sail from Gaza for Turkey in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Approximately 30 more boats set sail alongside it, forming a protest flotilla. Organizers describe the flotilla as part of the ongoing Great March of Return. After the lead boat exits the nine nautical mile fishing zone off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces surround it and arrest everyone on board. (AJ, HA, JP 5/29)

Along Gaza’s border, 4 Palestinians cross the border fence and roll a flaming tire toward an IDF post. After Israeli troops fire warning shots at them, they return to Gaza. Late at night, the IAF bombs Hamas sites in Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis on two separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/26; WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/31)

An Israeli soldier succumbs to injuries he sustained amid clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah on 5/24. (HA, MNA 5/26)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. He was reportedly selling ice cream from a kiosk when he was shot and critically injured. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 112. (WAFA 5/26; PCHR 5/31)

In the West Bank, unidentified assailants set fire to a cherry orchard in the Israeli settlement Kfar Etzion overnight, causing moderate damage. Israeli settlers then set fire to a Palestinian wheat field near Hebron and spray racist graffiti on the walls of a home nearby. Israeli settlers also cut down approximately 1,000 grape vines in a Palestinian agricultural area outside Halhul village near Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata refugee camp near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, Hebron, and Ramallah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/23; HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/31)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained during a violent clash with IDF troops in Ramallah on 5/15. (HA, WAFA 5/23; PCHR 5/24)

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announces that the State of Palestine deposited an instrument of accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention on 5/17/17 (the State of Palestine is set to formally adopt the convention on 6/16/18). Meanwhile, U.S. officials say that the Trump administration is considering punitive measures against international organizations that accept Palestine as a member, including the OPCW. In a similar vein, the Times of Israel reports that the Trump administration is considering action against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington in response to the Palestinians’ 5/22 referral to the ICC. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/23)

The Arab League cancels a cooperation understanding with the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry in protest of the recent move of the Guatemalan embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. (WAFA 5/23)

Along Gaza’s border, 10 Palestinians cut through the border fence near Rafah and set fire to an IDF post. They then return to Gaza. Israeli tanks shell a Hamas observation post in the area, causing no major damage or injuries. Late at night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts air strikes on Gaza City’s port and an allegedly Hamas-built tunnel east of the city; 2 boats are damaged and there are no major injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops open fire on the Great March of Return tent camp near Khan Yunis, injuring 1 Palestinian. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified armed assailants open fire on an Israeli vehicle near Ramallah, causing no major damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and near Hebron and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. The raid in Nablus sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/22; PCHR 5/24)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki submits a formal request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which he calls “grave crime[s].” In response, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says that her office’s preliminary examination of alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), which began on 1/16/15, has seen “important progress.” (JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/22)

A Palestinian prisoner named Aziz Awaisat dies following a drastic deterioration in his health. Awaisat was arrested on 3/8/14 and suffered a severe hemorrhage and heart attack after he was assaulted by Israeli prison guards on 5/2/18. (WAFA 5/20; EI 5/21; WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/24)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Hanun, causing no major damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Nabi Salih near Ramallah and Jenin, arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians gather outside the Old City to protest the Israeli treatment of Awaisat, the Palestinian prisoner who died earlier today. Israeli forces violently disperse them; there are no serious injuries. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. (WAFA 5/20; PCHR 5/24)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during the deadly violence along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 108. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/19; MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/24)

A Palestinian sets himself on fire in Gaza in protest of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA’s) withholding of part of his salary for months (he will succumb to his injuries on 5/23). Elsewhere in Gaza, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of protesters gathering along the border fence near Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is injured. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Dozens of Palestinians march through Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya to protest the moving of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and the Israeli occupation. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring a Palestinian infant. (HA, MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/24)

Approximately 20 Grad and Fajr-5 rockets are fired from Syria toward northern Israel. Four of them are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the rest explode over Syrian territory, causing no major damage or injury. The IDF accuses Iran of being behind the attack and retaliates, bombing dozens of alleged Iranian weapons storage, logistics, and intelligence sites in Syria; 27 people are killed, including 19 Iranians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (JP 5/9; CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 5/10; HA 5/11; AP 5/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the border fence near Khan Yunis. Later, they open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp and Great March of Return protesters near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a makeshift Palestinian home near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jericho, Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces establish a checkpoint in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian minors; 1 Israeli border police officer and 7 Palestinians are injured (3 Palestinians are arrested as well). (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man attempting to cross into Israel. According to the IDF, he is armed with a knife and a box cutter. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural supplies building near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Salfit, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, HA, TOI, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/27, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 42. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/3)

On their 4th and final day of meetings in Ramallah, the PNC discusses possible reforms to the PLO and chooses new members of the PLO Executive Committee. They also elect PA president Abbas to another term as head of the State of Palestine and president of the PLO Executive Committee. (WAFA 5/3; REU, WAFA 5/4)

Along Gaza’s border, Palestinians send a flaming kite across the border fence, sparking a fire that burns dozens of acres of Israeli grassland and agricultural land. IDF troops open fire on a Great March of Return tent camp near Rafah, injuring a crane operator moving supplies. They also violently disperse small groups of protesters approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis; 5 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In and around Hebron in the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a number of water tanks and solar batteries and demolish a Palestinian shop, several residential rooms, and a shed. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and Biddu. In central Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction and a shop in Taybeh. (TOI, WAFA 5/2; PCHR 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

For a 3d consecutive day, the PNC meets in Ramallah to discuss issues facing the Palestinian people. (WAFA 5/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during a raid near Jenin. They arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis and later near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. (WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/3)

The Palestinian National Council (PNC), the legislative wing of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), convenes in Ramallah for its first regular session since 1996. Some factions boycotted the meetings. Over the next 4 days, they are set to elect new members to the PLO Executive Committee and other top PLO positions. In the evening, PA president Abbas gives a speech calling for the PNC to adopt the initiative he presented at the UNSC in 2/2018, and reiterates his commitment to ending the division with Hamas. (JP, WAFA 4/30; YA 5/1)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. IDF troops then arrest 4 Palestinian minors attempting to cross into Israel near the site of the incursion, and violently disperse Palestinian protesters throwing stones at the border fence near the main Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Jenin home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the 1/9/18 killing of an Israeli settler. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers damage 20 Palestinian vehicles and spray-paint “Death to Arabs” on a nearby wall in Bayt Iksa. Some of the same settlers vandalize more Palestinian property in Rammun village near Ramallah later in the day. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/23; PCHR 4/26)

A deaf Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained on 4/1 when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border. A Palestinian witness to the shooting says that the deceased was walking away from the border fence when an Israeli sniper shot him in the back of the head. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 36. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23; EI 4/24; PCHR 4/26; HQ 5/5)

A mortar fired from Syria lands in the Israelioccupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. IDF artillery then shell the area from which the mortar was fired, causing an unclear amount of damage or injuries. “The IDF sees the Syrian civil regime as responsible for all that happens on its territory, and will not tolerate any attempt to harm the sovereignty of the State of Israel or the security of its citizens,” the IDF states after the exchange. (HA, YA 4/23)

Palestinian diplomats file a formal complaint against Israel with the UN office in Geneva responsible for monitoring the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The complaint alleges that Israel has violated the convention in a variety of ways, including the parallel justice systems for Palestinians and settlers in the West Bank. “Not only is the purpose of the settlement regime discriminatory in itself, it is further maintained by a system of discriminatory measures, severely depriving Palestinians of their fundamental rights,” one diplomat says. (MNA 4/24)

Along Gaza’s border, a number of Palestinians tie firebombs to kites and fly them into Israeli territory, causing several small fires. IDF troops then violently disperse Palestinians protesting near the border fence outside Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops seal off the main entrance to Bayt Umar near Hebron while they conduct raids in the village. The raids spark minor clashes; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in Yatta village near Hebron and bar Palestinian laborers from working on water infrastructure outside Bethlehem. IDF troops confiscate some surveillance footage and arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp, Abu Dis, and al-Tur. (WAFA 4/15; HA 4/16; PCHR 4/19)

The IDF announces it destroyed a tunnel leading into Israel from the Jabaliya refugee camp area on 4/14, bringing the number of Gazan tunnels demolished since the beginning of 2017 to 8. DM Lieberman says that this was the “longest and deepest [tunnel] exposed so far” and calls on the Palestinians in Gaza to stop Hamas from “burning your money on tunnels going nowhere.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 4/15)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli artillery shell a Palestinian rickshaw transporting PIJ fighters near Rafah, killing 4 and injuring several others. Israel’s Army Radio reports that the men were transporting explosives. PIJ says that the 4 died during unspecified “preparations.” Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, and a small number of Palestinians at a Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops evacuate and dismantle an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus (settlers erected it on 4/13). When some of the settlers throw stones and otherwise resist the IDF, the soldiers arrest 3 of them. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 4/27)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for the 3d consecutive Friday. A number of protesters throw explosives and Molotov cocktails toward the border fence. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 200 are injured. The protester killed today brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 30. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and late at night near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests near Ramallah, Nablus, al-Bireh, Qalqilya, and Hebron; at least 12 Palestinians are injured. They also issue an arrest summons during a raid near Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers break into a mosque near Nablus overnight and set fire to the interior, causing moderate damage. A separate group of settlers damages 7 Palestinian olive trees near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during a raid in the Old City. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, PNN, WAFA, YA 4/13; MNA 4/ 14; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 planned days. (OCHA 4/27)

Israeli DM Lieberman says that the decreasing attendance at the Friday protests along Gaza’s border over the past 2 weeks show that Israel’s “determination” has had an effect. “Each week there are fewer rioters on our border with Gaza. Our determination is well understood on the other side,” he says. (TOI 4/13)

U.S., UK, and French forces conduct air strikes on Syrian government research, storage, and military targets near Homs and in Damascus, fulfilling U.S. president Trump’s pledge to retaliate for an alleged chemical weapons attack in Damascus on 4/7. (AP, BBC, NYT 4/13)

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

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

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

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

At least 20,000 Palestinian protesters gather along Gaza’s border, marking the 2d consecutive Friday of the Great March of Return. They set fire to hundreds of tires and roll them toward the border fence (some Palestinians say that the burning tires are meant to create a smokescreen to defend protesters from Israeli snipers). IDF troops violently disperse the protesters near Gaza City, killing 7 and injuring at least 250. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in Beita near Nablus, al-Bireh, 3 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Hebron, and Abu Dis near Jerusalem; 8 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also arrests 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and patrols near Hebron and Tulkarm. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/6; HA, YA 4/7; PCHR 4/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently disperse peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 26 by the end of the day. (WAFA 4/6)

For the 2d week in a row, the U.S. blocks a Kuwait-backed effort to get the UNSC to call for an independent and transparent investigation into the IDF’s violent crackdown on the Great March of Return. According to Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, 14 of the 15 members of the UNSC support the effort. U.S. diplomats blocked a similar Kuwaiti initiative on 3/31 after the beginning of protests on 3/30. (TOI 4/6; JP, TOI 4/7)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters participating in the Great March of Return near Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah for a 3d day in a row; 8 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian minor along the border fence near Gaza City and arrest 4 unarmed Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers flood a Palestinian orchard near Hebron with sewage, damaging some crops. Palestinians throw rocks at an Israeli settler bus near Ramallah, lightly injuring the driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian students; 6 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (TOI, WAFA 4/1; MNA 4/2; PCHR 4/5)

IDF Maj. Gen. Mordechai confirms international press reports that the Israeli authorities are withholding the corpses of 2 Palestinians killed along Gaza’s border fence on 3/30. He says that they have no intention of returning the corpses until Hamas returns the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and the 2 Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza. (JP, TOI, YA 4/1)

Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman rejects calls from the UN and EU for an independent and transparent investigation into in the Israeli killings of peaceful protesters in Gaza on 3/30. Instead, he says that “our troops deserve a commendation.” (JP, MNA 4/1; HA 4/2)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians armed with knives and grenades after they cross into Israel near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, and Ramallah; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians on further raids in Issawiyya and Qalandia refugee camp. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 3/27; PCHR 3/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian students; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. They arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids near Nablus, and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct widespread late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp for the 2d day in a row, arresting 19 Palestinians. They also arrest 1 Palestinian patient during a raid at a hospital in al-Tur. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct 3 limited incursions to level land near al-Maghazi refugee camp and Khan Yunis. (MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR, WAFA 3/22; PCHR 3/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya as Palestinian students are returning home from school. The raids spark clashes, and 2 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 7 Palestinians during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers working near Ramallah, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in the Old City on the pretext that they failed to prevent the stabbing attack on 3/18. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in al-‘Izzariya and al-Ram. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/19; PCHR 3/22)

At the start of a PA cabinet meeting in Ramallah, PA president Abbas accuses Hamas of perpetrating the 3/13 assassination attempt on PA PM Hamdallah and threatens further punitive restrictions on Gaza. Hamas later responds in a statement: “[Abbas] is paving the way for chaos which will facilitate the approval of President Trump’s plan and Israel’s plans. We condemn these irresponsible statements by the PA chairman, who has already been trying for a while to subdue our people in Gaza in this difficult and dangerous moment in history.” In the same speech, Abbas criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts, specifically calling out U.S. ambassador to Israel Friedman. “Son of a dog,” he says of Freidman. “You are a settler and your family are settlers.” Friedman later responds, “Is that anti-Semitism or political discourse? I leave that up to you.” (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/19; HA 3/20)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he stabs and kills an Israeli civilian. IDF troops then raid the alleged attacker’s home in the Nablus-area village of Aqraba, interrogate his relatives, and take measurements ahead of a possible punitive demolition. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during latenight raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian vehicles and spray price-tag graffiti on nearby walls in Hizma as well. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol near Salfit and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, WAFA 3/18; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/19; PCHR 3/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the IDF demolished 2 underground tunnels in Gaza overnight. One of the tunnels was old and being refurbished; the other had not yet entered Israel. “Our policy is to act with determination against every attempt to harm us, and to systematically destroy the terror tunnel infrastructure, and so shall we continue,” he says, adding that “it is time for the international community to recognize that the financial aid going to Gaza is buried underground.” Hamas responds by dismissing 1 of the tunnels as “old” and “unused.” (HA, JP, TOI 3/18)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian women commemorating International Women’s Day at the Qalandia checkpoint; there are no serious injuries. Israeli soldiers disguised as journalists raid Birzeit University near Ramallah to arrest a number of students, sparking minor clashes; 2 students are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and in Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, WAFA 3/7; PCHR 3/15)

Israel’s Knesset passes a new law allowing the interior minister to revoke the residency rights of anyone in Jerusalem exhibiting a “breach of loyalty” to Israel, and to allow the Israeli government to deport any person whose residency status is revoked. Meanwhile, the Knesset also passes a law giving police commanders the authority to set conditions for returning the corpses of Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of Jerusalem killed in confrontations with Israeli civilians, with the purpose of avoiding clashes or further attacks during funeral processions. (AJ, HA, JP, KNE, TOI 3/7)

A senior PLO official says that the PLO Executive Committee has decided to convene the PLO’s legislative body, the Palestinian National Council (PNC), on 4/30 to “discuss challenges to the Palestinian cause, especially after the U.S. decision against Jerusalem.” (JP, REU, WAFA 3/7)

Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver allegedly after he rams and injures 3 Israeli security personnel in Acre in Israel. The police later say the alleged ramming was “politically motivated.” In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli drones spray herbicides on Palestinian farmlands near Jabaliya refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/8)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian farmer working near Khan Yunis (he dies later in the day). The IDF later claims that soldiers feared the man was preparing to cross the border fence. 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. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Fahma village near Jenin, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Salfit, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/3; PCHR 3/8)

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)