The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, international solidarity activists establish a protest village in the n. Jordan Valley, called “al-Yasser,” in response to Israel’s demolition of Palestinian properties in the area. The IDF dismantles the village hours later, dispersing the activists. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Nablus and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces raid a coal manufacturing facility nr. Jenin, seizing trucks and equipment. Palestinian youths open fire on Palestinian Authority security forces (PASF) troops nr. the al-Fara‘a r.c. during a protest against the PA’s recent detention of residents of the camp; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 armed Palestinians who snuck through the border fence into Israel (HA, WAFA 11/17; MNA 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/17; OCHA 12/2)

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)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli border police officer. No Israelis are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day and arrest 3 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, more than 10,000 Jewish worshippers gather at the Western Wall for Sukkot. Meanwhile, around 1,000 worshippers tour Haram al-Sharif and police remove 8 of them from the sanctuary for violating the rule against non-Muslim prayer. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in the Old City, Silwan, and al-Ram. They also confiscate equipment from a printing house in al-Ram. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Bayt Hanun; and open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Bayt Hanun later in the day, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/19; MNA, PCHR 10/20; JP 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d time this week, allowing passage in both directions. A Palestinian official says that they intend to keep it open for 4 days in a row. (MNA 10/19)

Israeli amb. to the UN Danny Danon says he plans to demand that the UN end its funding of B’Tselem because of its criticism of the Israeli occupation on 10/14. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/19; JP 10/20)

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)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They conduct further raids nr. Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. At a flying checkpoint nr. Jenin, Israeli soldiers stop a group of Palestinians on motorcycles, arrest 1 and assault another, causing moderate injuries. They also confiscate 3 of the motorcycles. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and issue arrest summons to 6 during raids in Jabal Mukabir and Hizma. (PCHR 8/25)

The Israel Land Authority and Ma’ale Adumim Economic Development Company open 4 tenders for leasing land, establishing a hotel, and constructing a new park in the settlement. (MNA 8/20)

Overnight in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Bani Na‘im home of the Palestinian youth who was killed on 6/30 after stabbing and killing an Israeli settler youth in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron. The demolition, which targets only the first floor of a 2-story building, sparks clashes with residents of the village; there are no serious injuries. Later in the day, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces demolish 2 livestock structures nr. Jenin, and confiscate a bulldozer from Palestinians building a road nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons to another during raids in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khuza‘a. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 5 fishermen working nr. Bayt Lahiya and confiscate their boat. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 8/15; MNA 8/16; PCHR 8/18)

In response to a 7/25 order from the High Court of Justice, the Israeli police agree to return the bodies of 7 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces. The police did not want to return the bodies, but the order compelled Public Security Minister Erdan to renew talks with the families on terms of the bodies’ return. The returns will be staged over the next couple of weeks with conditions: the Israelis will only release the 2d body if the first funeral goes smoothly. (HA, JP 8/16)

In the 2d such incident in as many days, Israeli forces arrest several Islamic Waqf employees accused of planning maintenance work at Haram al-Sharif without permission from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth, accusing him of planning an attack on Jerusalem’s Light Rail after finding a knife in his possession. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stonethrowing Palestinians during raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during further raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish several residential structures, 2 offices, and 3 water tanks nr. Jericho and 2 agricultural structures nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian shepherd nr. Ramallah, injuring her and killing several of her goats. Late at night, around 400 settlers enter Awarta village nr. Nablus to perform religious rituals, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area (there are no serious injuries). (JP, MNA, TOI 8/4; MNA 8/5; PCHR 8/11; +972 8/13)

Israel’s Shin Bet accuses the Palestinian manager of the Gaza branch of World Vision, a Christian aid group, with redirecting around $43 m. of the group’s money to Hamas over the past 6 years. The manager, Mohammad Halabi, was arrested at the Erez border crossing on 6/15. Hours later, the Australian govt. suspends its funding of World Vision. The charity responds, saying that programs in Gaza “have been subject to regular internal and independent audits, independent evaluations, and a broad range of internal controls,” and that they “have no reason to believe the allegations are true.” (NYT, TOI 8/4; TOI 8/5; AJ 8/9)

Egypt’s military announces that it has killed the leader of the Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) with a recent air strike nr. al-Arish in n. Sinai. The strike was one of many that reportedly killed 45 other SPIS fighters and destroyed a lot of their supplies and munitions. (HA, REU 8/4)

The IDF ends its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the evening, but maintains the closure of Yatta, the Hebron-area village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6/8. During an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya, IDF troops shoot flares that set fire to a swath of Palestinian land nr. the separation wall, destroying about 50 olive trees. They also arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, sparking clashes with Muslim worshippers after a handful of the settlers appear to pray at the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians and 2 Jewish Israelis are arrested and removed from the site. Late at night, unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus in Wadi al-Juz, causing damage. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/12; MNA, WAFA, YA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

Cross-border violence in Gaza continues for a 4th day. Hamas forces fire at least 2 mortar shells at an IDF position overnight nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces then shell Hamas positions in e. Rafah and an Islamic Jihad position nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Also in Gaza, 3 Palestinian children die in a house fire sparked by a candle they were using because power outages have lasted 18 hours per day. Hamas officials will blame the Israeli blockade for their deaths. Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez crossing; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 300 elderly Gazans visit Haram al-Sharif after the Israeli authorities lift a 2-week ban on Gazans’ Friday visits to the sanctuary. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, OCHA, TOI, YA 5/6; HA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at an entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron as he allegedly attempts to attack a soldier with an ax. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a money exchange office in Ramallah early in the morning. They detonate a small explosive in an attempt to open a safe, which causes a large fire and major damage. In the Hebron area, IDF troops shut down a number of Palestinian stores, and assault and arrest a Palestinian taxi driver outside al-‘Arub r.c. Israeli forces destroy a charcoal facility, an agricultural structure, and a number of solar cells nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes with Palestinians (there are no injuries). They also demolish a rainwater harvesting well nr. Hebron and conduct late night raids nr. Nablus, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrol during the day nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 Palestinian youths carrying knives, and order the Palestinian National Theater to close for 1 day as punishment for organizing an event sponsored by the PA. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. Separately, Hamas forces establish 3 new bases and a number of temporary structures along the border with Egypt in an attempt to strengthen border security and improve ties with the Egyptian govt. (AFP, EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/14; PCHR 4/21)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office denies that the PM recently approved the construction of over 200 new settler residences in the West Bank, contrary to Israeli press reports on 4/13. “Almost all of the permits are intended for the upgrading of existing buildings,” the office’s statement reads. Peace Now rejects the PM’s statement, offering photographic evidence showing that the permits are for new residences. (HA, TOI 4/14; JP 4/15)

For the 2d time in a week, the IEC cuts power to a major West Bank city, this time affecting large areas of Bethlehem between 2:00 and 6:00 P.M. The cuts are part of a broader punitive effort to disrupt power supplies to the West Bank in response to the PA and JDECO alleged failure to pay their bills. (HA, MNA, TOI 4/4; EI 4/7)

In Gaza, Hamas says 1 of its fighters died today during an unspecified military exercise. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes and a livestock building in a village nr. Nablus, as well as a home and a store late at night in villages nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, Jenin, and Bethlehem, arresting 8 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 3, and confiscating a vehicle; patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles on the road between Nablus and Ramallah, causing damage to 1 car. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabal Mukabir overnight, injure 1 Palestinian youth amid clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in Issawiyya, and arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Jabal Mukabir, Abu Dis, and Hizma. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/4; MNA 4/5; PCHR 4/7)

COGAT suspends cement imports to the Gaza Strip for private use “until further notice,” accusing Hamas of diverting construction materials for its own purposes. Imports for large international projects will continue (HA, JP, TOI 4/4; MNA 4/5)

Israeli PM Netanyahu invites PA pres. Abbas to meet with him in Jerusalem, responding to Abbas’s recent claim that he would accept such an invite. Netanyahu adds, “I’m clearing my schedule this week. Any day he can come, I’ll be here.” Later Netanyahu’s Twitter account sends this message: “I heard [Pres.] Abbas say that if I invite him to meet, he’ll come. So I’m inviting him. I’ve cleared my schedule”; the PLO’s Negotiations Affairs Dept. account responds: “Negotiate what exactly?” (JP, YA 4/4)

Marking the 40th anniversary of Land Day, Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) conduct a general strike throughout the Galilee and Negev, and hold a protest in the bedouin village Umm al-Hiran, which the Israeli govt. is planning to raze. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations commemorating Land Day in Ramallah, Jenin, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez border crossing; there are no serious injuries. They also shoot tear gas canisters at Palestinian mourners marching in a funeral procession in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem; conduct a late-night house search in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians; and patrol during the day in 4 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces carry out a partial punitive demolition of the interior walls of the Hebron home of a Palestinian killed on 12/7/2015 in a confrontation with Israeli troops. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth at Haram al-Sharif after he raises a Palestinian flag at the sanctuary. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/30; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 3/31; PCHR 4/7)

The head of Gaza’s fishermen’s union says that the Israeli authorities recently agreed to expand the unilaterally defined fishing zone allotted for Gazans by 3 mi. in some places, starting in 4/2016. An IDF spokesperson does not comment on the report. (MNA 3/30)

A violent outburst in Hebron punctuates a period of relative calm in the West Bank. IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in Hebron’s Old City after they allegedly stab and moderately injure an Israeli soldier. A video of the incident later shows that an IDF soldier killed 1 of the alleged assailants after he had been detained and disarmed. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 2d of 3 planned days, and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to another 2; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, over 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif while 4 Palestinians are detained outside the sanctuary. Palestinian men under 50 are still banned from entering. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/24; HA, TOI 3/25; HA 3/27; HA 3/29; PCHR 3/31; VN 4/28)

Jordan’s FM Nasser Judeh meets with PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the ongoing Jordanian-Israeli negotiations on new surveillance infrastructure at Haram al-Sharif. Judeh relays a message to Abbas that Jordan plans to go ahead with the 10/24/2015 agreement to do so. (JP, TOI 3/24)

The UN Human Rights Council approves a res., 32–0, with 15 abstentions, condemning Israel’s settlements and calling for the creation of a “blacklist” of all Israeli and international firms operating directly or indirectly in Gaza, the West Bank, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 3/24; HA 3/25)

IDF activity centers on Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. After Palestinians throw stones and a firebomb at an IDF vehicle in the camp (the IDF says 2 soldiers drove into the camp by accident), the Israeli army implements its Hannibal Directive, an order authorizing overwhelming force to stop a soldier from being taken captive. The ensuing major IDF operation sparks clashes and a brief firefight with armed Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 12 are injured; a 2d Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 3/15 (at least 10 Israeli soldiers are injured). Earlier, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Qalqilya and 2 villages nr. Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes (there are no injuries); patrols in 5 villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities return to his family the body of a Palestinian killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces in 12/2015. It is the 2d body they have returned to East Jerusalem since the wave of violence began in 10/2015. Israeli forces conduct a raid in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 9 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate 2 boats nr. Gaza City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian gravel worker nr. Bayt Hanun. (JP, MNA, WAFA 2/29; EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 3/1; MNA 3/15)

Over the complaints of the Joint List, the Knesset’s Law, Constitution, and Justice Comm. approves, with 7 of 15 mbrs. in favor, the “Suspension Bill,” which would allow a member of Knesset (MK) to be suspended by a 3/4ths vote from his or her colleagues. Joint List chair Ayman Odeh says he may resign from the Knesset if the bill is passed into law. The bill goes to a 1st reading in the full plenum, where it will pass on 3/28. Israeli atty.-gen. Avichai Mandelblit tentatively approves the bill as well, though he expresses reservations about its potential to facilitate discrimination. (JP, MNA 2/29; HA, YA 3/1)

IDF troops and an Israeli settler shoot and critically injure 2 Palestinian youths in a supermarket nr. Jerusalem after they attacked 2 settlers, killing 1 and injuring the other. The IDF then closes down a main road nearby, and bars Palestinians from entering the settlement where the alleged stabbing occurred, excluding certain laborers. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Tulkarm and Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrol during the day in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 6 nr. Hebron, and 4 nr. Ramallah. Israeli forces assault and injure a Palestinian worker at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem and deliver stop-work orders to 6 Palestinian buildings under construction nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion across the border fence to level land nr. Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a former Palestinian prisoner from a bus e. of the city. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/18; MNA 2/19, 2/20; PCHR 2/25)

In Israel, a suspected Palestinian stabs and injures a Jewish Israeli in Rahat nr. Beersheba, then flees the scene. Later in Ashqelon, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Sudanese national after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. Meanwhile in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate the work permits of a number of Palestinians trying to cross into Israel nr. Jenin (a PLO spokesperson says 10 permits have been revoked so far, and that the Israelis decided to do so hours after lifting the closure of nearby Qabatiya on 2/6). IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in 1 village and Tulkarm r.c. nr. Tulkarm, 1 village each nr. Nablus and Jenin, and 2 nr. Salfit, as well as Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, arresting 13 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol in 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA, YA 2/7; PCHR 2/11)

 On the 75th day of his hunger strike, Palestinian prisoner al-Qiq rejects an Israeli military court offer to be released on 5/1, demanding an immediate end to his administrative detention and treatment in a Palestinian medical facility upon release. (MNA 2/7; SAM 2/8)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Doha to start a new round of mediated talks on Palestinian national reconciliation. They discuss the possible formation of a new unity PA govt., elections, and the civil servants Hamas has hired in Gaza since 2007, who have not been paid a full salary since the current PA consensus govt. was sworn in on 6/2/2014. (XIN 2/6; AnA, JP, MEMO, TOI 2/7)