The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian mother and her daughter in Hebron using pepper spray. Israeli forces seized a truck and a bulldozer in Bayt Umar near Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians, including 1 disabled teenager by al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 9 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 3 at a northern entrance to Bethlehem; and 1 at a flying checkpoint north of Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized tents and uprooted trees in Khirbat Tana and dismantled residential shacks and a barn near Tubas. During the incident near Tubas, a B’tselem fieldworker was detained and his car was seized. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and in Silwan. Approximately 232 Israeli settlers with military escort toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian trying to cross the Gaza fence was injured by Israeli live ammunition; he was hospitalized and interrogated before being released on 12/24. Israeli forces also fired flare bombs and artillery shells east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/26)

Israel’s civil administration said it had reversed its initial decision to not allow any Christians from Gaza enter Jerusalem and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. It said that all 950 applicants would be allowed to travel, pending a security screening. (HA 12/23)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized the Israeli government’s decision to return $63 million from the Palestinian Workers’ Sick Fund to Israeli employers. The $63 million were accumulated by payments from Palestinian workers in Israel to the sick fund for paid sick leave. The court ordered a freeze in payment to the Israeli employers and gave the Israeli state 3 months to respond to the justices’ questions. (HA 12/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian near the West Bank separation barrier southwest of Jenin. In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians near a checkpoint by the West Bank separation barrier north by Nazlat Issa, causing 5 Palestinians to be hospitalized with gun wounds and others to suffer tear-gas related injuries. A raid by Israeli forces near Ramallah led to clashes with Palestinians; 2 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli settlers began fencing off a piece of Palestinian-owned land in Burin. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians: 1 during a late-night raid in Issawiyya and 1 employee of the Islamic Waqf at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA , WAFA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/12)

The PA sent a request to Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to be able to partake in the planned Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections. Israeli officials said that the Israeli security cabinet would decide on the request. (HA 12/10)

The Netherlands informed the UNRWA that it will resume funding of the agency after suspending its funding on 31 July due to allegations of misconduct in UNRWA leadership. (WAFA 12/10)

Japan signed a contract to fund construction of hearing and speech units at the Maghazi Community Rehabilitation Society in Gaza amounting to $84,191. The EU contributed with $11 million to support PA payments of social allowances to vulnerable families in Gaza and the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 25 vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on Palestinian-owned buildings, including a mosque, in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces ordered Palestinians southeast of Tubas to evacuate 28 dunams of land, uproot olive trees, and demolish a structure. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bethlehem, leading to 30 Palestinians suffering tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya; he was badly beaten by Israeli police. Some 200 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 9 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including a family of 8 in Dayr al-Balah with 5 children; 12 others were wounded. This brings the comprehensive death toll of the Israeli attack on Gaza starting on 11/12 to 33, with at least 111 Palestinians reported injured. Israel later admitted that killing the family in Dayr al-Balah was a mistake and that they believed the house was empty. Despite the ceasefire early in the morning, bombings continued throughout the day. (AJ 11/13; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, HA 11/15; HA 11/17; PCHR 11/21)

The Faroe Islands’ foreign minister Jenis av Rana said that the country wants to open a diplomatic representation to Israel in Jerusalem against the wishes of the Danish government. Earlier in the year, the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said that Greenland and the Faroe Islands would have more independence in foreign policy during her government. (Politiken 11/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers picking olives, injuring 1 in Tell. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 was injured by live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces at a checkpoint near Barta‘a. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Health Work Committees in Ramallah, damaging furniture. Israeli forces also raided the family house of an alleged Palestinian attacker and took measurements for a punitive demolition of the house. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; 2 at a checkpoint in Bayt Furik; and 2 during house raids in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was detained at the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was banned from entering the compound for 15 days. In Gaza, 71 Palestinians were injured during the 78th Great March of Return protest, including 33 by live ammunition. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to olive fields between Burin and Huwwara, damaging 70 trees. Israeli settlers also threw stones, damaging a Palestinian-owned vehicle while it was traveling on the Ramallah-Nablus road. Israeli forces prevented Palestinian farmers from harvesting their olive trees in Kafr Qaddum, declaring the area a closed military zone. Israeli forces shot a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Tulkarm. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near the Gaza fence; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; PCHR 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed land and set up a caravan on Palestinian-owned land near Bayt Jala. Israeli forces demolished a mosque, a water well, and a house under construction south of Hebron. Israeli forces also handed a stop-work order and confiscated 5 tents in Nahalin. 10 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli state prosecution officials, including the state prosecutor, toured Haram al-Sharif with military escort; it was reported that the tour was done in coordination with the Islamic Waqf officials. Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in Issawiyya and the Old City. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 157th time since 2010. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injures or arrests were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; WAFA, WAFA 9/3; PCHR 9/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Palestinian demonstration in support of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, causing tear gas inhalation injuries and 1 arrest. 10 other Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Hebron. Israeli forces also seized fruit and vegetable stands near a checkpoint south of Dhariyya. 1 Palestinian girl was injured when an Israeli settler car hit her by Jab’a southwest of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested, 4 at the Haram al-Sharif compound and 4 during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on multiple occasions on Palestinian fishermen between 2-3 nautical miles offshore. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/22; PCHR 8/29)

Israel and the PA agreed that the PA can collect fuel taxes directly rather than receiving the taxes from Israel. The agreement is likely a work-around to alleviate the PA economy, while the PA still refuses to accept the Israeli-collected taxes since Israel is withholding part of the taxes that Israel perceives will be paid to Palestinian prisoners and their families. The PA also announced that it would start paying back money it owes to its civil servants who have only received 60% of their salaries since February. The PA pledged to pay its civil servants 110% of their salaries for August. (AJ, HA 8/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off ‘Azun east of Qalqilya. Israeli forces also demolished and confiscated a barrack and confiscated a welding machine and other tools in Dura near Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 21 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers with military escort performed religious rituals and prayers at Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus, leading to confrontations with local residents suffering tear gas inhalation. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for several structures to Palestinians in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians, 1 during a late-night raid in the Old City and 1 during a raid at Haram al-Sharif. (WAFA, WAFA 8/19; WAFA 8/20; PCHR 8/22)

An Israeli official said that Israel had been in contact with countries in the Middle East to facilitate Palestinians in Gaza emigrating. The official also said that Israel would pay for the flights of Palestinians wanting to leave Gaza; however according to the official, no country had been willing to allow Palestinians from Gaza to immigrate to their country via the Israeli proposal. (HA 8/20)

At a press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukraine’s newly inaugurated president Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his administration would open an investment center in Jerusalem. According to Haaretz, Israeli had hoped that Ukraine would have moved its embassy to Jerusalem. (HA 8/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was killed near the Migdal Oz settlement; there was no identified suspect. After the settler’s body was found, Israeli forces set up roadblocks in the area south of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers later in the day threw stones at Palestinian vehicles north of Ramallah. Israeli authorities gave demolition notices for 4 residential houses and an industrial structure in Bayt Awa near Hebron. Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned tractor in Ras al-Ahmar in the Jordan Valley. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Kafr Nimeh, and Jalazun. In East Jerusalem, some 260 Israeli settlers with police escort toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/8)

In the aftermath of the murder of the Israeli settler, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Palestinians for the murder of the settler and vowed more Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (HA 8/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a water line and irrigation network in ‘Ayn al-Bayda in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also arrested 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested near Bab al-Rahma on the Haram al-Sharif compound. It was reported that he was injured and hospitalized during the arrest. In Gaza, Israeli forces made 2 incursions to level land east of al-Buraij refugee camp. (WAFA, WAFA 8/7; PCHR 8/8)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with a delegation of U.S. representatives in Ramallah. (WAFA 8/7; WAFA 8/8)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki announced that Nicaragua will be opening an embassy in Palestine and that a Nicaraguan citizen of Palestinian decent will be the ambassador to Palestine. (WAFA 8/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 10 vehicles and sprayed graffiti reading “non-Jews=enemies” on private homes in Sarta near the settlements of Barkan and Revava. Israeli forces demolished a structure under construction in Anata northeast of Jerusalem. The demolition led to clashes with local Palestinians, causing tear gas inhalation injuries. In Dayr Balut near Salfit, Israeli forces demolished 2 caravans and a car wash. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Nablus, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 6/26; HA, WAFA 6/27)

The Israeli foreign ministry reprimanded the Chilean ambassador to Israel after the Chilean president Sebastián Pinera visited the Haram al-Sharif compound with PA officials on 6/25. The Israeli foreign minister Yisrael Katz called the tour of the East Jerusalem holy site a “violation of Israel’s sovereignty on the Temple Mount.” (HA 6/26)

The Omani foreign ministry announced that Oman will open an embassy in Ramallah. (AJ, WAFA 6/26)

For the 2d day in a row, officials and businesspeople from the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S. met in Bahrain for the Peace to Prosperity workshop. It was reported that 15 Palestinian businesspeople showed up despite the Palestinian-announced boycott. 1 Palestinian spoke at the conference. The Lebanese prime minister Saad al-Hariri said that his government and the Lebanese parliament oppose the U.S. peace plan. It is believed that $6 billion is set aside for Lebanon to permanently settle Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. Hariri stipulated that, “our constitution bans naturalization.” No Lebanese representative participated in the workshop. (HA, HA, HA 6/26)

The EU pledged $23.8 million for the UNRWA. (WAFA 6/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a school southwest of Jenin and seized construction equipment and a tractor. Israeli forces also closed the Huwwara checkpoint for the 1st of 2 days coinciding with the Bahrain workshop. In several places throughout the West Bank, Palestinians protested the Bahrain workshop. Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Hebron. During a raid near Ramallah, several Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets as they were protesting the Israeli incursion. A carpentry store was also damaged by Israeli forces during the incursion. In Bayt Umar, Israel forces prevented utility workers from working on the electricity network and seized a crane and a vehicle. In East Jerusalem, Israeli municipal workers tore down a protest tent set up by Palestinians protesting the Israeli planned demolitions of a number of buildings in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli authorities halted transfers of fuel to the Gaza power plant indefinitely, citing incendiary balloons. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats and detained 3 Palestinian fishermen within the permitted fishing area. 3 Palestinians were injured by live fire east of Bayt Hanun. The 1st day of a 2-day general strike was observed in Gaza in protest of the Bahrain workshop. (GISHA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/25; WAFA; WAFA 6/26)

Charges against a Palestinian man accused of raping a 7-year-old girl in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank was dropped after an Israeli court found that there was not enough evidence tying the man to the rape. The Israeli military prosecution was criticized for their handling of the investigation and an Israeli army spokesperson said that the military would launch a probe into the investigation. (HA, WAFA 6/25)

The Chilean president Sebastián Pinera met with PA officials in East Jerusalem and toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA 6/26)

The U.S.-sponsored Bahrain workshop on Middle East economic development, dubbed the Peace to Prosperity, began for the 1st of 2 days. Despite focusing on the economic element of peace between Palestine and Israel, neither country was represented at the workshop. The U.S. peace team intends to raise $50 billion in contributions for economy development in Palestine and for its neighbors. A spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that the Arab Peace Initiative from 2002 was a red line that could not be redrafted if a peace plan was to be executed. The comments followed U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner’s comments to Al-Jazeera that a peace deal would need to be found “somewhere between the Arab peace initiative and between the Israeli position.” (WAFA 6/25; HA 6/26)

The national security advisers of Israel, Russia, and the U.S. met in Israel to discuss the security situation in the Middle East. (HA 6/24)

The UK announced that it would increase its support to the UNRWA to $85.5 million. (WAFA 6/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Israeli soldiers and slashed the tires of 2 of their vehicles near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces made no arrests. Israeli settlers also assaulted a Palestinian shepherd, forcing them to leave in the Jordan Valley. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 7 Palestinians in late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. Israeli forces also assaulted a number of Palestinians near the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel held multiple demonstrations against police negligence while fighting crime and collecting illegal weapons in Palestinian communities inside Israel. (HA, WAFA, QUDS 5/25; HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 employees of the Islamic Waqf were released after being arrested; they were both banned from the Haram al-Sharif compound for 15 days. Israeli minister of agriculture Uri Ariel toured the Haram al-Sharif compound with a group of Israeli settlers. In Israel, Israeli authorities issued a demolition order for a playground in Rakhama Bedouin village in southern Israel. (WAFA 5/19; WAFA, WAFA 5/20, HA 5/21)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected a petition to bar the Israeli Jerusalem Day flag march from walking through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. The petition was filed by Ir Amim and argued that since the day of the flag march coincides with the final days of the Ramadan, it should not be passing through the Muslim Quarter. (HA 5/21)

The White House reported that the economic component of the U.S. president Donald Trump’s peace plan will be released in late June at an international summit in Bahrain. The summit will be named Peace to Prosperity. (AJ, HA 5/19)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police forcefully evicted hundreds of Muslim worshippers from the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces opening fire on a group of Palestinians east of Khan Yunis. Also in Gaza, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl died shortly after returning to her parents following surgery for brain cancer in Jerusalem. The girl’s parents were not allowed by the Israeli authorities to accompany their daughter to Jerusalem for the surgery. (WAFA, WAFA 5/18; WAFA, MNA, MNA 5/19; AJ 5/22)

For the 2d day in a row, Syrian state media reported that the Syrian military had intercepted missiles fired from Israel. (HA 5/18

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from making a road to their agricultural land east of Nablus. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinians in and around Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. The raid in Jenin triggered confrontations with local Palestinians, wounding 3 of them; 2 from live ammunition, and 1 from being hit by an Israeli military vehicle. Others suffered from tear gas inhalation. An additional 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin. Israeli settlers chopped down dozens of Palestinian-owned almond trees near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police evicted Muslim worshippers from the al-Aqsa Mosque for the 3d day in a row. Israeli settlers with military escort also stormed the Haram al-Sharif compound to perform prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14)

The Israeli civil administration approved 2 roads to isolated Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The construction of the roads requires the Israeli government to seize 807 dunams (200 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. The construction is scheduled to start in July. (HA 5/13)

A Qatari envoy headed by Mohammed al-Emadi arrived in Gaza to hold meetings with UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh about the transfer of $30 million in aid. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 2 additional weeks to form the next government. The extension allows Netanyahu until 29 May to form a government. (JPOST, TOI 5/13)

PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi wrote on Twitter that her U.S. visa application had been rejected without any reason. In February, U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt invited her to meet him at the White House as Ashrawi and Greenblatt exchanged tweets about the U.S. peace plan. (HA, Twitter 5/13)

The UNRWA released a statement urging donors to contribute, as UNRWA needs an additional $60 million to continue providing food for 620,000 Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ 5/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided an archeological site near Bethlehem to perform prayers. During the raid, Israeli forces sealed off the area, impeding traffic for local Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, some 90 Israeli settlers with military escort stormed the Haram al-Sharif compound. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 5/9)

All Gaza and West Bank crossings into Israel were closed except for medical and other emergencies for the 4th day in a row. Israeli authorities announced the closure on 5/6, citing Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. Additionally, Israeli forces closed a road between Nabi Salih and Ramallah in the West Bank. (HA 5/6; MNA, WAFA 5/9)

Palestinians in Israel commemorated the Nakba on Israel’s Independence Day by marching to 1 of the villages that was depopulated during the Nakba. Each year, Palestinians in Israel march to 1 of the more than 140 villages that was depopulated during the Nakba. This year, they marched to Khubbayza. (HA 5/9)

At the UN, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called the U.S. peace plan “conditions for surrender” and not a plan for peace. U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt was at the UN meeting. Greenblatt has been actively debunking rumors on Twitter about the U.S. peace plan and criticizing the Palestinian leadership for not engaging with the U.S.. Al-Maliki told Mondoweiss at the UN that he urged European nations to start thinking about putting sanctions on Israel, as calls for stopping settlement expansions have proven ineffective. (AJ, HA, MDW, MNA 5/10)

An Egyptian security delegation arrived in Gaza to meet with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine. The officials discussed demonstrations on Nakba Day held on 15 May and efforts to ensure a relative calm. (HA 5/9)

The Lebanese president Michel Aoun said, during a meeting with a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches, that “Lebanon would never survive if half a million Palestinian refugees and 1.6 million Syrian refugees remained in the country.” (MNA 5/10)

Canada announced that it contributed $2.4 million to the UN World Food Programme for vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. New Zealand pledged $2 million for the UNRWA. (MNA, WAFA5/9)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jericho. During a raid in Hebron, surveillance camera recordings were confiscated and solar panels were damaged. East of Ramallah, Israeli forces uprooted 120 olive trees. In ‘Urif, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian high school by throwing stones at the building, causing moderate damage. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested; 2 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and 1 near the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli shelling continued for the 3d day in a row, killing 19 Palestinians and wounding 29. Several buildings in Gaza were completely destroyed and others were damaged. 3 Israelis were killed by rockets from Gaza and 4 people were wounded in Israel, including a Thai national. This makes the comprehensive death toll from the Israeli attack on Gaza on 4/5-5/5 30 Palestinians total. By the end of 5/5 (U.S. eastern time), it was reported that a cease-fire agreement had been reached. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/5; MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/9)

Israel indicated that it had resumed its policy of executions, what Israeli authorities refer to as target killings. Israel killed a Palestinian man in Gaza alleged to facilitating transfers of funds from Iran to Hamas during its attack on Gaza. Chief of the Israeli forces southern command Hertzi Halevy said that the Israeli executions of Palestinians alleged to be involved in terror activity “is expected to continue.” (HA 5/5)

U.S. president Donald Trump tweeted, “Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defense of its citizens . . . To the Gazan people—these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace—it can happen!” Member of the PLO executive committee Hanan Ashrawi called Israel’s attack on Gaza “criminal and morally reprehensible.” (Twitter, WAFA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished the home in al-Zawiya of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler and Israeli soldier in March. The Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces 2 days after the episode. The demolition leaves 6 of the Palestinian’s family members homeless. A confrontation between Palestinian residents and Israeli forces broke out during the demolition and Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs at the Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Palestinian town al-Samou near Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up checkpoints in al-Thahriya, Yatta, Taffuh, and Hebron. Elsewhere, clashes between Israeli forces and residents ensued in al-‘Arub refugee camp north of Hebron. Israeli forces fired live ammunition and stun grenades; no injuries were reported. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces escorting some 1,500 Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb; 3 of the injured Palestinians were taken to a hospital. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Iksa, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, some 500 Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Haram al-Sharif to perform prayers. Israeli authorities also banned 2 Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif for 4 and 6 months. (AJ, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; MNA, WAFA 4/25)

In a meeting with U.S. senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in Ramallah, Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh stressed the importance of U.S. support of a 2-state solution and asked for the U.S. to recognize the State of Palestine and lift the ban on the PLO. (MNA 4/25)

A Jerusalem court ordered the eviction of Israeli settlers from a Palestinian home in Hebron that was acquired by the Israeli settlers on forged documents. The Palestinian family’s home was taken over by settlers in 2005 and the legal proceedings were ongoing since 2007. The Israeli settlers appealed the court’s decision which also stipulated that the settlers must pay the Palestinian family $161,000. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off the al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Muslim worshippers in preparation for Passover celebrations. Israeli forces also arrested 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Ramallah. In the raid near Jenin, Israeli forces fired tear gas, causing dozens of residents to suffer from tear gas inhalation. In East Jerusalem, 170 right-wing Israelis, led by Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel, stormed Haram al-Sharif with Israeli police escort. In Gaza, a prosthetic hospital was inaugurated to help the many Palestinians in Gaza who have lost limbs. The hospital’s expenses are covered by the Qatar Fund for Development. A day after Israel denied access of Christian Palestinians in Gaza to the West Bank and East Jerusalem for Easter celebrations, Israeli authorities reversed its position, allowing 500 Christians to enter the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Elsewhere in Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire against Palestinian farmers near Rafah and on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 4/22; HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces blocked the entrance to the town of Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem and stormed the city center, leading to clashes with local residents; no injuries were reported. Israel also issued a military order to confiscate 401 dunams (99 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in al-‘Arub, Bayt Umar, and Halhul near Hebron. Israeli forces also confiscated 4 Palestinian-owned vehicles during late-night raids. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus, and Salfit. Separately, a 19-year-old Palestinian woman was also arrested at the al-Zaayim checkpoint for allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier. In East Jerusalem, around 87 Israeli settlers along with Israeli forces stormed Haram al-Sharif to perform prayers. Israeli forces sealed the Damascus Gate of the Old City and arrested 2 Palestinians in the vicinity. Later, demolition notices were delivered for 13 residential structures in the al-‘Izzawiya neighborhood. In Gaza, Israeli forces razed land east of Rafah and fired toward Palestinians east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/10; MNA, MNA, WAFA 4/11)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared victory after the 4/9 Israeli general elections and will serve his 5th term as prime minister. Both U.S. president Donald Trump and secretary of state Mike Pompeo congratulated Netanyahu with his victory. The PR firm behind the Likud party’s initiative to place cameras at the Palestinian-majority polling stations (see 4/9) boasted a historically low turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel in a Facebook post that also depicted 2 of its employees with Netanyahu and his wife Sara. Turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel was less than 50 percent. PLO Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi called Netanyahu’s victory a vote to “entrench and expand apartheid.” (HA, HA, WAFA 4/10; HA 4/11)

The Palestinian activist and co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement Omar Barghouti was denied entry to the U.S. to embark on a speaking tour in several U.S. cities and to attend his daughter’s wedding. He was stopped before boarding his plane in Tel Aviv and was told that the American consulate had ordered that he could not board the plane. (NYT 4/11)

In the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers attacked Jibiya village north of Ramallah overnight by throwing stones, leading to 2 Palestinian injuries. Settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds in the northern Jordan Valley. Also in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 19 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. The raid near Jenin triggered confrontations with locals trying to block the soldiers’ entrance to their village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces handed out demolition orders for 9 residential structures in Yatta and for animal barns in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. In Hebron, students and teachers suffered from tear gas inhalation after Israeli soldiers fired the gas into the yard of their school. Some students were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. A Palestinian man arrested in July 2018 was convicted by an Israeli military court for killing an Israeli soldier in May 2018. According to Israeli forces, the Palestinian man had confessed to throwing a marble slab on the soldier, leading to his death. In East Jerusalem, the Islamic Waqf Council Chairman Sheikh Abdel-Azim Salhab returned to Haram al-Sharif after a 40-day ban issued by Israeli authorities. In Gaza, 4 Palestinian fishermen detained last week by Egyptian authorities were released. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis and on Palestinian fishermen on the northwestern coast of Gaza. There were no reports of injuries. Also in Gaza, some 40 animals were evacuated from Rafah Zoo to sanctuaries in Jordan and South Africa. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, 4/7; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8)

The Chairman of the Prisoners’ Affairs Commission Qadri Abu Baker said that Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails had shelved their planned hunger strike protesting the deterioration of their conditions to facilitate the progress in dialogue with the Israeli Prison Service (IPS). Abu Baker said that the IPS had agreed to install pay phones in the jails and to release some prisoners from solitary confinement. (WAFA 4/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed the entrances to the villages Nabi Salih and Abud near Ramallah. The sealing of Nabi Salih led to clashes between residents and Israeli forces; no injuries were reported. During late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Israeli forces killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man; 3 other Palestinians were injured and taken to a hospital in Ramallah. Eyewitnesses say that the Palestinians did not pose a threat to the Israeli soldiers. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalandia, al-‘Izzariya, Beitunia, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Hanina by spraying racist graffiti, slashing tires and braking windows. In the Old City of Jerusalem, an employee of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf was detained by Israeli police for opening the door to Bab al-Rahma. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Commission said that two Palestinian kids were severely beaten by Israeli forces while in detention after being arrested at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, Israeli forces announced that it had expanded the fishing zone for Gaza fishermen to 15 nautical miles off the southern part of Gaza. The middle zone of the Gaza shore will be 12 nautical miles and the northern zone will be 6 nautical miles. Israeli forces said that the expansion was due to the show of “restraint” at the Great March of Return protests. (AJ, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; HA, HA, MNA, MNA, PNN, WAFA, WAFA 4/2)

The PA announced that government employees for the 2d month in a row would receive only 50 percent of their salary. The PA said that the deduction in the government employees’ salaries was due to its decision not to accept $200 million in tax revenues collected by Israel as Israel deducted $11.5 million from the planned transfer to the PA because some of the money is scheduled to be paid to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and their families. (MNA, WAFA 4/1)

During a visit to Israel, Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro toured the Western Wall with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Bolsonaro was in Israel from 3/31-4/3. (HA 4/1)

For a 3d day in a row, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; there are no serious injuries reported. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting stones and gravel near Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging 2. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinians while she is leaving Haram al-Sharif. They also ban an Islamic Waqf guard from the city for a week. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/28)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/23. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 212. (MNA, WAFA 3/24)

After Hamas-affiliated prisoners stab and injure 2 Israeli security guards in Ketziot Prison, Israeli guards raid 3 sections of the prison and assault hundreds of Palestinians prisoners, injuring at least 9 (2 critically). Some prisoners say that the injured guards provoked the prisoners during a transfer between sections. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/24)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 more are injured. The IDF later says that an explosive device was thrown at a patrol, prompting the fatal shooting. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is injured. The IDF later says that the men were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The local authorities in Bethlehem declare a general strike in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian youth in Bayt Sira village near Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; and violently disperse Palestinian students gathering in al-Bireh to protest the Israeli occupation (there are no serious injuries reported). Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and dismantle 3 Palestinian makeshift residential structures south of Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler bus near Salfit, causing minor damage. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging several. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Muslim worshipper and an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are detained). Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Gazans gather near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. After unidentified Gazans fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near the protesters near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They discuss a range of issues, and in a press conference after the meeting Netanyahu calls on the international community to recognize Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/20)

A Palestinian stabs and kills an Israeli soldier at the Ariel Junction near Salfit. He opens fire on a group of Israeli settlers, seriously injuring 1, before fleeing the scene. The IDF conducts raids and sets up roadblocks and mobile checkpoints in and around Salfit, searching for the assailant. IDF troops also conduct raids in Burqin village near Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes (2 Palestinians are injured). Three Palestinians are injured and three more are arrested during clashes sparked by similar arrest raids in nearby al-Zawiya and Kafr al-Dik late at night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles near Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus, injuring 5 Palestinians and causing minor damage. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian minor when she is found with a knife on her person; arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, Hamas security forces arrest dozens of activists during raids in Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. The arrests are widely seen as an attempt to undermine the quality of life protests that started earlier this week. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/17; EI, MNA, MNA, TOI 3/18)

An Israeli court issues an order to keep closed the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, approving the Israeli police’s plan for reducing tensions at the sanctuary. A member of the Islamic Waqf says his organization does not recognize the court’s decision. (HA, MNA 3/17)

For the 2d day in a row, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to protest the high cost of living and the restrictions on imports to Gaza. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Hanun. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers tear the doors off a building in the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bi‘lin near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an IDF patrol in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/15; TOI 3/16; MNA 3/17)

The organizing committee behind the Great March of Return announces that today’s planned demonstrations along Gaza’s border have been cancelled in light of the extensive Israeli air strikes in Gaza last night. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials say that they and their colleagues with the UN have brokered a cease-fire to end the cross-border violence.  (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI 3/15)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them in central Hebron. After the incident, the IDF imposes strict restrictions on Palestinian movement in the area, with mobile checkpoints and road closures all around al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Salfit. 40 other Palestinians are injured in the clashes. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police storm Haram al-Sharif, assault a number of worshippers, arrest 17, evacuate the area, and forcibly shut down all entrances to the sanctuary. The Israeli authorities say that the police entered the sanctuary after reports of a firebomb thrown at an Israeli security post (1 Israeli security guard is injured in the ensuing blaze). After Israeli police enter the sanctuary, dozens of Palestinians gather in the streets of the Old City to pray and protest the restrictions. Late at night, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/12; EI, MNA 3/13; PCHR 3/14)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage. They also arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (1 fisherman is arrested and his boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian land to set up an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus. Also near Nablus, settlers also uproot 33 olive trees from a Palestinian grove and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing no reported damage or injuries. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian barn and uproot a number of nearby trees outside al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron. They also deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during raids in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/10; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appoints senior Fatah official Mohammed Shtayyeh prime minister, replacing outgoing prime minister Rami Hamdallah. Abbas calls on Shtayyeh to form a new government that can work toward reuniting Gaza and the West Bank and prepare for a new round of elections. Meanwhile, PA finance minister Shukri Bishara announces that the PA will only be paying 50% of its civil servants’ salaries for 2/2019 due to budget constraints stemming from Israel’s decision to withhold a fraction of the tax revenues transferred monthly to the PA. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/10; MNA 3/11)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 2/22. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 208. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/11; EI 3/13)

Hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed several Hamas sites across Gaza, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Hamas should not expect Israel to abstain from a full-scale assault on Gaza because there is an Israeli election coming up on 4/9. “I suggest to Hamas—don’t count on it,” he adds. “We will do everything necessary to restore security and quiet to the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip and to the south in general.” (TOI 3/10)

In response to an Israeli television personality saying that Israel is a country for all its citizens, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says that Israel is a state for Jews alone. “Israel is not a state of all its citizens. According to the Nation-State Law that we passed, Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish People—and them alone.” (HA 3/11)

Japan announces a $7 million contribution to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and Syria. (MNA, WAFA 3/10)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 48 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 207. Late at night, after a projectile is fired from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites across Gaza, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians armed with knives and attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (4 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bayt Sira near Ramallah; 8 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, after the Israeli authorities decided to re-seal al-Rahma Gate at Haram al-Sharif, approximately 40,000 Palestinians gather to pray and protest at the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA, MNA, MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/14)