The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during an overnight raid nr. Jenin after reports of Palestinians opening fire on Israeli soldiers in the area. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli troops arrest a group of settlers who spelled out “revenge” in stones nr. the Palestinian village of Susiya. The IDF sets up checkpoints blocking the main entrances to 5 communities nr. Ramallah, including Jalazun r.c. and Abud. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/31; PCHR 1/5)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF expands its crackdown on the Ramallah region in the wake of the 12/25 shooting; they set up mobile checkpoints and impose closures around at least 9 villages. IDF troops also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 12/26; PCHR 12/29)

PLO secy.-gen. Erakat announces that the Palestinian leadership plans to follow up on the 12/23 UNSC res. condemning Israeli settlements with other measures, including lawsuits against Israel at the ICC and new efforts in other UN agencies. (WAFA 12/27)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli police officer and an Israeli civilian. A Palestinian youth is struck and injured by an Israeli bullet during the incident. Elsewhere in the city, Israeli forces demolish a building under construction in Bayt Hanina, arrest 3 Palestinian children on their way home from school nr. the Old City, and arrest 15 more Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Silwan. In the West Bank, an IDF convoy of more than 20 vehicles raids Birzeit University’s campus nr. Ramallah, leaving “a great deal of havoc” in their wake, according to a university statement. Several buildings are damaged and many of their contents are destroyed. Separately, after reports of shots fired on an Israeli settler nr. Ramallah, IDF troops conduct raids in Nabi Salih, shut down the village’s entrance, and assault a group of Palestinian youths at a nearby gas station, causing no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/14; EI, MNA, PCHR 12/15; PCHR 12/22)

With U.S. attendance in doubt and Israel pledging not to participate, Palestinian amb. to France Salman al-Herfi says that the French govt. has postponed its planned 12/21 peace conference meant to launch a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks until at least 1/2017. The French say that the postponement will allow them to “make better preparations,” and that, if Israel continues to refuse to attend, the conference will still go forward as planned, according to al-Herfi. (HA, JP, MNA, VOP, YA 12/14)

The residents of the Amona settlement outpost vote to reject the deal reached by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Edu. Min. Bennett on 12/12, fearing that it will get bogged down in the courts because of Palestinian ownership claims on most of the proposed relocation land: “We were willing to accept the destruction of our private homes, and a move from place to place, if only a Jewish community would remain on the hill. But the proposed arrangement does not provide any guarantee or commitment that we will indeed receive an alternative home.” (AS, HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/15)

IDF troops attempt to enter Jenin without coordinating with the PASF. Upon their arrival at a roadblock at an entrance to the city, PASF prevent their entrance with guns drawn (under the Oslo Accords, the IDF is barred from entering Area A of the West Bank without the PA’s approval). The IDF arrests 10 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. IDF troops also arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron, alleging that he was planning a stabbing attack. Israeli forces confiscate a shipping container being used as a restaurant nr. Nablus. The owner had set it up after his nearby restaurant was demolished on 11/3. Israeli settlers cut down dozens of olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis causing no damage or injuries. (JP, WAFA, YA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

The Jerusalem Post reports that New Zealand is circulating a draft UNSC res. calling for a “firm timetable” for the Israelis and Palestinians to return to negotiations and asking that neither side set “preconditions” for the talks. The draft res. also calls for an end to the Israeli settlement enterprise and for the Palestinian leadership to end its “incitement to violence against Israeli civilians.” (JP 12/11)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 days. (MNA, WAFA 12/11; OCHA 12/15)

Several hundred right-wing Israelis gather at the illegal Amona settlement outpost nr. Ramallah, anticipating the outpost’s evacuation, which was ordered to take place by 12/25. They stay in camps at the outpost through the night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus overnight. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Jenin and nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian in Bayt Hanina after finding weapons in his car. Israeli forces also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Hizma, and Silwan. (MNA 12/10; HA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

Palestinian and Western officials say that the PA is planning a senior-level delegation to the U.S. next week, led by Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat, to discuss bilateral relations and push for U.S. support for a Palestinian-backed UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements. (HA, JP, MNA 12/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 3 days, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA, WAFA 12/10; OCHA 12/15)

Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid nr. Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/8)

At the Saban Forum at the Brookings Institute in Washington, Israeli defense minister (DM) Avigdor Lieberman says that the Knesset should postpone work on the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize all of Israel’s illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank, including Amona, until U.S. pres.-elect Donald Trump takes office. “The key to the future of the settlements is reaching understandings with the U.S. on this issue,” he says. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/3)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian structure in Jabal Mukabir and an extension to a Palestinian home in Silwan. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/1)

Fatah’s 7th General Conference kicks off in Ramallah amid rumors about PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas’s imminent retirement, succession of power, and exiled Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan’s possible return to Palestinian politics. The conference attendees unanimously reelect Abbas as party chair. (AFP, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/29)

U.S. secy. of state John Kerry indicates that the Obama admin. is still weighing its options for launching a long-rumored peace push in its final mos. in office. (TOI 12/1)

Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a Hezbollah arms convoy w. of Damascus late at night, causing an unknown amount of damage and injuries. (JP, TOI, YA 11/29; HA 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct an early morning raid in Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, the Israeli authorities prevent a truck from passing through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on the grounds that it contains materials that could be used to build rockets. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya refugee camp (r.c.), causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and Issawiyya. (MNA 11/16; PCHR 11/17; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/16; OCHA 12/2)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize Israeli settlement outposts in the West Bank. Meanwhile, in response to the Israeli High Court of Justice’s 11/14 reaffirmation of its evacuation order for the illegal Amona settlement outpost, the Jerusalem Municipality approves demolition orders for 14 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat says that thousands of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem lack proper permits and should be held to the same standard as Amona, adding that “the Amona verdict leaves us no discretion to legalize building offenses.” (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 11/16; JP, MNA 11/17)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 agricultural structures in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir and the foundation of a mosque in Sur al-Bahir overnight. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a residential structure and a community center in Umm al-Khayr village and a water well nr. Hebron, as well as a residential structure outside Bayt Jala nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus late at night, sparking clashes and a brief firefight between their PASF escort and armed Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is killed and 3 PASF troops are injured. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians and confiscates a number of appliances during further raids in Ramallah and nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities announce that they have approved a master plan for future development of Tinnik village nr. Jenin. Israel, which rarely permits Palestinian building in Area C, has been authorizing new projects in the context of DM Lieberman’s “carrot-and-stick” policy. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. They arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate their boat. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/15; JP, MNA, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/15)

Palestinians across the West Bank demonstrate in commemoration of the 12th anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations in Bethlehem, Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Tulkarm injuring at least 5 Palestinians. Separately, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian as he throws a Molotov cocktail at them nr. Ramallah; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Tubas, and Nablus, as well as in Qalqilya; and patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish 2 agricultural structures nr. Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and Nuseirat r.c., causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud and Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/10; PCHR 11/17)

Following clashes in the area, including on 11/3, the IDF shuts down a number of checkpoints across the Ramallah district, causing major traffic delays. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate electrical equipment and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid nr. Jenin. They return to the Jenin area at night for further raids, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. The IDF also arrests 6 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. Israeli forces demolish several Palestinian residential tents in the n. Jordan Valley and confiscate a residential trailer and a water tank from al-Samu‘ village nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, around 30 Palestinian families reenter their olive groves nr. Nablus, having been barred from them since 11/4 by the IDF. They find 400 trees picked bare and accuse Israeli settlers of stealing the harvest. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shut down a wedding hall in al-‘Izzariya, claiming that Palestinians fired guns into the air during a celebration there. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 11/7; MNA, WAFA 11/8; PCHR 11/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. They also raid the Ramallah-area home of the Palestinian killed during an alleged stabbing attack on 11/3, and interrogate and detain his family. The IDF arrests 7 Palestinians and confiscates personal property during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit during the day. Around 20 Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians picking olives nr. Ramallah, injuring 3 (1 critically). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Hizma and nr. the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/5; HA 11/6; PCHR 11/10)

Amid the ongoing conflict in Syria, Hamas closes its office in Damascus in a symbolic effort to distance the group from Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad. (PIC 11/6)

Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian outside the Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. No Israelis are injured. After the attack, IDF troops set up a checkpoint outside the nearby Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 1 Israeli soldier is injured. Elsewhere, armed Palestinian gunmen shoot and injure an Israeli soldier nr. Tulkarm. The circumstances of the shooting are unclear. The IDF seals off 2 roads leading to Marah Rabah village nr. Bethlehem with cement barriers. Israeli forces demolish 2 storage warehouses and a butcher shop nr. Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bethlehem and nr. Hebron; and patrol nr. Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis in the morning and ban 3 mosques from broadcasting the morning call to prayer. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/3; MNA 11/4; PCHR 11/10)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries he sustained during clashes with the IDF in Nablus in 2002. (MNA 11/4)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian policeman outside the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah after he opens fire on Israeli soldiers at the Beit El checkpoint, injuring 3. The IDF raids the assailant’s Jenin-area home after the attack, arresting his brother and confiscating the family’s work permits. They also shut down the Beit El checkpoint (it will remain closed through 11/14). Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces close down the entrance to Marah Rabah village nr. Bethlehem, as well as 2 side roads, after reports of stone-throwing in the area. They also demolish 10 residential structures and animal sheds in the n. Jordan Valley, confiscate 4 tractors from families living nr. Tubas, and deliver stop-work orders to several homes under construction nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron, as well as in Tubas; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. Early in the morning, PASF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking 6 hours of clashes and minor firefights with the alleged criminals they came to arrest. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a middle school in Silwan and attempt to arrest a number of students accused of stone-throwing before 2 administrators intervene. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands nr. Khuza‘a. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/31; HA 11/1; MNA 11/2; PCHR, REU 11/3; MNA 11/14)

Late at night, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driving outside the Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah. They claim he had weapons and intended to attack them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers cut down 18 olive trees on Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. Meanwhile, PASF troops conduct a raid in Balata r.c., sparking clashes with armed gunmen in the camp; 2 residents of the camp and 1 Palestinian security officer are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. (JP, MNA, TOI 10/29; PCHR 11/3)

An Israeli settler driver crashes his vehicle into a Palestinian couple and their horse-drawn cart nr. Qalqilya, moderately injuring both of them (the man will succumb to his injuries on 10/26). It’s unclear if the crash was an intentional ramming attack or not. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF shuts down the entrances to Husan village nr. Bethlehem after unidentified assailants open fire on Israeli settlers’ vehicles in the area. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during patrols nr. Tulkarm, Nablus, and Bethlehem, as well as in and around Ramallah and Hebron; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. The raids in Ramallah spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths, but there are no serious injuries. In the evening, PASF troops violently suppress a demonstration in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah in protest of PA pres. Abbas’s recent decision to expel a Fatah official from the party. Further PASF clashes break out in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus and in Jenin; 2 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and the Old City. Along Israel’s border with Egypt, an Israeli youth is wounded by gunfire from Egypt while performing maintenance work on the border fence. An Egyptian police officer is later found responsible, having mistaken the youth for a smuggler. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/25; MNA, TOI 10/26; HA, PCHR 10/27)

For the 2d time in 3 days, a Hamas fighter is killed in a tunnel collapse e. of Khan Yunis. Hamas later says he was working in the tunnel when it collapsed. Earlier, unknown persons fire a rocket from Gaza into an open area in s. Israel, causing no major damage or injuries. The IAF then launches retaliatory air strikes on a military post e. of Bayt Hanun in Gaza. The shelling causes material damage but no injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. al-Maghazi r.c., causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF lifts its closure of Dayr Jarir village nr. Ramallah 1 day after imposing it, while maintaining its general closure of the West Bank and Gaza, as announced on 10/22, until midnight. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Jenin, and nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, 67 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/24; PCHR 10/27)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian outside Bayt Umar nr. Hebron after he and other youths throw stones at soldiers as they patrol the area. One Israeli soldier is lightly injured, according to the IDF. Palestinian medical personnel say that the youth was shot in the back. An internal IDF memo will leak to the press next week claiming that the Israeli soldiers responsible for the killing had not followed official guidelines during the incident, and that it could have been avoided if they had. Early in the morning, more than 1,000 right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, arresting 4 Palestinians and assaulting 1; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 323 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif on the 4th day of Sukkot. (AJ, EI, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/20; TOI 10/25; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/20)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained during an IDF raid in Ramallah in 2007. (MNA 10/20)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering at Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the killing of a resident of the camp; at least 10 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). The IDF also conducts late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians, demolishing a door and threatening demolitions; and patrols nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, a Palestinian armed with a knife allegedly assaults an Israeli border police officer outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem, causing minor injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Gaza City, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian nr. the Old City who was allegedly planning a stabbing attack. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Abu Dis; and impose a temporary closure on Bayt Surik village n. of the city, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/15; PCHR 10/20)

The IDF imposes a general closure over the West Bank and Gaza, barring all passage through border crossings, except humanitarian cases, for the Jewish Sukkot holiday. The closure is set to extend through 10/17. (MNA, TOI 10/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 2 planned days. (JP, MNA 10/15)

Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now of joining the “chorus of slander” against Israel because they participated in the UNSC meeting on Israeli settlements on 10/14. Netanyahu also says he is working to deny B’Tselem its right to a national service volunteer. The group only is allotted 1 such volunteer, and the post is currently unfilled. (HA 10/16)

Israeli forces injure more than 50 Palestinians in clashes at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, East Jerusalem. It’s unclear how the clashes began. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Salfit, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and in Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron during the day. (MNA 10/8; PCHR 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish part of a classroom in a bedouin community nr. Jerusalem, and 6 residences and 9 sheep barns in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians, including 1 Palestinian Legislative Council mbr., during raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, and in and around Hebron; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler’s vehicle late at night nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 residential buildings in al-Tur and Bayt Safafa. Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., raiding the camp for the 5th day this week and arresting 6 residents. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis, Qalandia r.c., Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 9/27; MNA 9/28; PCHR 9/29)

The Israeli police deploy heavily across East Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, issuing a temporary security alert and installing road blocks. (MNA 9/27)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya as she is walking home from school. The Israeli soldiers reportedly thought she was planning a stabbing attack (she will be released from detention on 9/22). Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Bil‘in homes of several leaders in the activist groups that organize the Friday protests in the Ramallah-area village, confiscating a number of cell phones and computers. Late at night, 2 Israeli soldiers torch a Palestinian-owned lumber warehouse in Nablus, and IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., arresting 5 Palestinians during raids in the camp and in Abu Dis. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/21; MNA, PCHR 9/22; HA 9/25; PCHR 9/29)

Following a request from the public prosecutor’s office, the Palestinian High Court of Justice postpones until 10/3 its decision regarding the municipal elections that were initially set for 10/8. The elections had been postponed indefinitely on 9/8 because of challenges to their legitimacy. (AFP, MNA 9/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinian pilgrims to return from their trip to Saudi Arabia. They are set to open it again on 9/22 and 9/23. (MNA 9/23)

While in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. pres. Obama. They reportedly do not discuss the push for Israeli-Palestinian peace that the Obama admin. is rumored to be planning after the U.S. election in 11/2016. Netanyahu tells Obama he will always be welcome in Israel, and Obama responds, “We’ll set up a tee time.” (AFP, EI, NYT, REU, YA 9/21; HA 9/25)

IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in c. Hebron after they allegedly attempt to stab Israeli soldiers. Palestinian witnesses say the 2 men posed no threat to the soldiers. In the wake of the attack, IDF troops clash with stonethrowing Palestinian protesters in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem and in several areas in and around Hebron; 2 Palestinians are arrested and 3 are lightly injured. They arrest at least 16 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Ramallah; seize several Palestinian cars, install a new checkpoint, and patrol in the Hebron district throughout the day. They also shut down an area of Hebron’s Old City, denying maintenance workers access to dilapidated buildings. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. the Old City after he stabs and injures 2 of them. They raid his family home in Ras al-Amud later in the day, arresting his 2 brothers. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes her own grocery shop in al-Thawri to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, seriously injuring 1 fisherman and damaging his boat. (EI, HA, MNA, YA 9/19; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and 1 is injured. The IDF will deny firing on protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile,IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, and in Hebron, sparking minor clashes nr. Jenin (there are no serious injuries); and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. (HA, MNA 9/9; PCHR 9/22)

The Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian to his family in East Jerusalem, having punitively withheld it since he was killed on 12/14 after carrying out a car ramming attack in Jerusalem. His family is forced to pay a security deposit, bury the body at al-Mujahidin Cemetery in c. Jerusalem (rather than nr. their home in Hebron), and limit the attendance at his funeral at 25 people. In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian students walking home from school in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths in the area (there are no serious injuries). They also patrol nr. Hebron and Jenin. An Israeli settler driver rams his vehicle into an elderly Palestinian nr. Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian bird-hunters and farmers nr. Jabaliya, injuring 1. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and arrest 6 fishermen. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/22)

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirms that PA pres. Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu “agreed in principle”to meet in Moscow, but they have not yet set a date. She says that Russian officials are still working to find an appropriate date. (HA, JP, REU, RFM, TOI 9/8)

In response to growing Hamas-Fatah tensions, the Palestinian High Court of Justice puts a freeze on the municipal elections scheduled for 10/8. The freeze is set to expire on 12/21. The court will deliberate again on 9/21. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/8; MNA, NYT 9/9)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian in an alleged ramming attack in Shu‘fat r.c. The police say that they opened fire on the vehicle, killing 1 man, a passenger, and injuring the driver, only after failing to stop it and make an arrest. The Israeli police will, on 9/6, retract their accusation that the incident was a ramming attack, and instead blame the deceased’s brother-in-law, the driver, for causing his death by driving erratically. (The driver will be charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence on 9/15.) Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at Haram al-Sharif when she is found to be carrying a knife, and arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in a village n. of Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 10 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Tulkarm during the day. Israeli forces cut down around 250 olive trees from a Palestinian’s land nr. Qalqilya overnight. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/5; EI 9/6; HA 9/7; TOI 9/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to hundreds of Muslim Palestinians embarking from Gaza on their pilgrimage to Mecca. (OCHA 9/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. al-Bureij r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA, WAFA 9/3; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. They plan to open it again on 9/4. (OCHA 9/8)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth allegedly carrying a knife and planning a stabbing attack in Shu‘fat r.c., and arrest another Palestinian on a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol in 2 villages nr. Nablus, and 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Around 12,000 Palestinians attend a funeral for the Palestinian killed by PASF troops in Nablus on 8/23. After the funeral, hundreds of mourners break off from the procession, chant anti-Palestinian Authority (PA) slogans, and clash with PASF troops (there are no serious injuries). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI 8/28; PCHR 9/1)

Palestinian officials announce the beginning of preliminary discussions about a possible summit meeting in Moscow between PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas, to be mediated by Russian pres. Putin. Separately, a senior PLO official says that the Palestinians recently rejected a U.S. offer for a trilateral peace summit with Israel, and that the Palestinians instead insisted on 2 central preconditions for any meetings: release of the 4th tranche of prisoners that were set to go free in connection with the last round of talks in 3–4/2014 and a settlement freeze. (HA, JP, TOI 8/28)

As the Palestinian school year begins, the PA Education Ministry accuses Israel of withholding the delivery of around 300,000 textbooks to schools in Gaza. Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) says the books must be examined and approved before being released. (HA 8/28)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hungerstriking Palestinian prisoners and against Israel’s occupation, settlement, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in and around Hebron, issuing arrest summons to 3 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deploy heavily in Jabal Mukabir, raiding several shops and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 youths are arrested. (MNA 8/19; PCHR 8/25)

Israeli forces return the body of a Palestinian killed outside the Old City on 3/9 to his family. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 agricultural structures and part of a stone wall nr. Nablus, patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron during the day, and arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Jenin. In Israel, hundreds of Palestinian citizens demonstrate outside a police station in Ramla to protest the 7/28 killing of Palestinian a during a drug raid in Tel Aviv. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/17; JP, MNA, PCHR 8/18; PCHR 8/25)

Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman outlines his new “carrot-and-stick” policy for administering the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), saying he favors more arrests, restrictions on construction, and collective punishment of Palestinian villages whose residents resist the occupation, while granting permits for “civilian projects” to villages whose residents are more docile. In that vein, Lieberman recently approved the construction of a hospital in Beit Sahour. The DM has reportedly divided the West Bank into problem areas that he plans to punish, and calmer areas, which will be rewarded with infrastructure projects like the one in Beit Sahour. (HA, JP, TOI 8/17)