The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted some 400 olive tree saplings west of Bethlehem and seized a residential tent, a generator, and an animal barn in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also arrested 15 Palestinians during raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Ramallah, Baytin, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus. In Gaza, the death toll from the fire in a bakery on 3/5 rose to 13 after 2 more people succumbed to their injuries. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; PCHR 3/18)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett announced that the Israeli government had approved to build a separate road for Palestinians to connect the northern and southern parts of the West Bank as Israel is moving forward with building 3,500 settler units in E-1 near East Jerusalem. Defense Minister Bennett said that Israel is “applying sovereignty [over the West Bank] in deed, not words.” The PA foreign Ministry said in a statement that, with the move, Israel is seeking to close the door for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. (HA, JP, WAFA 3/9; AJ 3/10)

Qatar donated $10 million worth of medical equipment to help the PA combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the West Bank. There are 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a 30-day state of emergency after 7 Palestinians tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in Bethlehem. All churches and mosques in Bethlehem were told to close for at least 2 weeks and all schools, tourist sites, and national parks throughout the West Bank were to be closed for 30 days. Israeli forces carried out 2 punitive demolitions of the homes of 2 alleged Palestinian attackers in Birzeit. Israeli forces also handed a stop-work order for agricultural structures near Qalqilya and demolished a retaining wall for a farm in Ni‘lin. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Burin, and Tubas. In Gaza, 10 people were killed and at least 60 were injured by a fire that started in a bakery and spread to a crowded market in Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; AJ 3/6; PCHR 3/18)

Israel attacked 2 different positions in central and southern Syria. According to Syrian media, 1 person was killed and the attacks were carried out over Lebanese air space. (HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned tracts of land in Qusra, using bulldozers. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, al-Bireh, Jenin, and Jericho; 3, all minors, were arrested after allegedly throwing stones at Israeli forces near Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 3 were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 3/1; PCHR 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 200 olive trees and 80 vine trees in al-Khadir. Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures and 2 animal barns south of Hebron; and 1 house and 1 workshop in al-Walaja. 12 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. 1 Fatah official from Jericho was placed in 6-month administrative detention without charges. During a raid in Jenin, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian minor was arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; PCHR 3/5)

In Syria, an Israeli drone strike killed 1 person near Quneitra. Syrian opposition media reported that the man was a Hezbollah operative, while Syrian state media said he was a local policeman. (HA 2/27)

Japan donated $22.4 million for various UNRWA projects throughout Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. (WAFA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in Huwwara in preparation to build a 5-mile-long settler-only road. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest against Israeli annexation plans east of Tubas, firing live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas canisters at the protesters, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others sustained tear-gas related injuries. 26 Palestinians, including a PA official, were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Qalandia, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and sprayed water on Palestinian fishermen west of Dayr al-Balah, causing damage to 1 boat; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 2/27)

For the 3d time since 2/20, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced new settlement expansion. In this new round, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that had given instructions to “publish for deposits the plan to build 3,500 housing units in E-1." E-1 is an area next to the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and would connect the settlement to Jerusalem. E-1 was shelved in 2012 because of pressure from the U.S. Obama administration and the EU as it would split the West Bank in 2. The PA said that Netanyahu’s announcement “crossed all red lines.” (JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 21 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho, Qalqilya, Tubas, Jenin, and Nablus. Israeli forces injured 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets during a raid in Bayt Sira. In East Jerusalem, 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, the rocket exchange continued from 2/23; there were no reports of casualties but reports of damage in Gaza, including to the power grid in Khan Yunis. A truce between Islamic Jihad in Palestine and Israel was implemented at the end of the day. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, BBC, CNN, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; AJ, HA 2/25; PCHR 2/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered 12 West Bank settlement outposts, deemed illegal by Israel, to be connected to Israel’s electrical grid. The Israel Lands Authority also issued tenders for the construction of 1,077 housing units in the East Jerusalem settlement Givat Hamatos. (HA, HA 2/24)

The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on all Palestinians working in Israeli settlements to stop working there. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, around 23,000 Palestinians work in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (WAFA 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian protesters throwing stones in Kafr Qaddum by using a bulldozer to push large stones downhill toward the protesters, 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by 1 of the stones. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Beita, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, al-Fawar refugee camp, and Bil‘in, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli armed settlers attacked Palestinians in al-‘Awja, injuring 2 Palestinians who were taken to a hospital in Jericho. Israeli settlers also toured 2 Palestinian villages near Tubas; before the settlers arrived, Israeli forces had sealed off a main checkpoint in the area to prevent the movement of Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian woman was arrested after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli settler. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; PCHR 2/27)

Qatar announced that it would increase its aid to Gaza by $15 million after a meeting between Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi. Part of the aid package provides some 120,000 Palestinian families in Gaza $100 by the end of February and $24 million would be spent on building a new hospital in Rafah. (HA 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed land in Burin and chased Palestinian shepherds from their land in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers razed Palestinian farmland in Yasuf village. 8 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinian minors were arrested in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/16; PCHR 2/20)

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed demolition notices for 4 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Tuwani south of Hebron; delivered notices for land seizures near Bethlehem; and confiscated 2 residential tents near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces set up roadblocks on roads to several villages north of Ramallah. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Kafr Qaddum; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Jenin. During a raid in Ramallah, Israeli forces seized a vehicle. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian was arrested for working without a work permit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; PCHR 2/13)

The Lebanese army opened fire at Israeli drones flying over Lebanese territory, causing the Israeli drones to vacate Lebanese air space. (HA 2/12)

The UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner released the UN database of companies with ties to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The long-awaited list included 112 business, 94 in Israel and 18 in 6 other countries. Among the companies are Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, Motorola Solutions, and Tripadvisor. (HA, OHCHR (see A/HRC/43/71), REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/12)

Japan announced that it was providing $33 million in aid to Palestinians via a number of UN institutions and through the International Committee of the Red Cross. (WAFA 2/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off several roads, including 4 to Ramallah-area villages and to 1 village near Nablus. Israeli forces fired tear gas at students and teachers in Abu Dis, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also fired tear gas and rubber-coated bullets during a raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp. Israeli settlers and military escort toured an evacuated settlement outpost near Jenin. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Abu Tor, and the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/10; PCHR 2/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian during a protest in Tulkarm. 11 Palestinians and 2 Israeli soldiers were injured during clashes in ‘Azun, where Palestinians mourned the death of the PA police officer who was killed on 2/6; 8 of the Palestinians were shot by live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Nablus, Jenin, Kafr Qaddum, and Jericho, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at checkpoints in Hebron and near Nablus, 1 during a house raid in Hebron, and 3 during clashes with Israeli forces near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring 3 Palestinians. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a house raid in Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, Palestinians gathered to protest near Khuza‘a; several Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries when Israeli forces violently dispersed the protest. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Dayr al-Balah and Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police turned back buses transporting Palestinians going to worship at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel also demolished the bedouin village al-Araqib for the 174th time since 2010. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; PCHR 2/13)

After the PA announced that it had banned some Israeli products from entering the Palestinian market, Israel banned Palestinian agricultural exports going abroad, including via Jordan. (WAFA 2/7; REU 2/8; AJ, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/9)

In the West Bank, 1 PA police officer was killed and 6 others wounded when Israeli forces conducted night raids in Jenin, according to Israeli officials. The PA police officer did not pose a threat to Israeli soldiers. Another Palestinian from Jenin was killed and 7 others injured by Israeli forces during protests against a punitive demolition of the family home of an alleged attacker. Separately, Israeli forces delivered a stop-work order for a school in Susiya and demolished part of an agricultural structure south of Hebron. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the U.S. administration’s peace plan in ‘Azun and Qalqilya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets during clashes erupting after Israeli forces raided Bayt Jala; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Israeli soldier was injured by an unidentified sniper near Dolev settlement. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, al-Ram, Ramallah, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel from Haifa opened fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City, lightly wounding 1 before being shot to death. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 3 structures in Jabal Mukabir. 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, 2 mortar shells were fired at Israel and Israel struck targets in Gaza; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Khan Yunis on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 12 Israeli soldiers were injured in a suspected car-ramming in West Jerusalem. The car was later found in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem and a Palestinian man was arrested. Israel also demolished the bedouin village al-Araqib for the 174th time since 2010. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/6; PCHR 2/13)

The PA announced that its decision to ban some Israeli goods from the Palestinian market went into effect. (WAFA 2/6)

Israel reportedly killed 23 people during air strikes in several places in Syria. Israel struck targets near Damascus, Quneitra, Daraa, and Reef. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 15 of those killed were Iranian-backed fighters, 3 of them Iranian, and 8 were Syrian government forces. (AJ, BBC 2/6; HA 2/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor in Hebron during clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians protesting the U.S. peace plan. Israeli forces demolished a shack and seized another 1 north of Ramallah, delivered a demolition notice for a structure in Sabastiyya and a stop-work order for a playground in Susiya. Israeli forces cleared a settlement outpost near the Ofra settlement, leading to clashes with Israeli settlers. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Birzeit. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Nahalin, causing damage to 2. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian families were ordered evicted from their homes in Silwan to allow Israeli settlers to move in. In Gaza, 3 rockets were launched at Israel and Israeli forces struck targets in Khan Yunis, firing at least 4 missiles; no injuries were reported, but damage was reported in Gaza. Israel reduced the Gaza fishing zone from a maximum 15 nautical miles to 10 nautical miles. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire and used water hoses against Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/5; HA , PCHR, PCHR 2/6)

The EU and Denmark donated $6.5 million for social and public infrastructure projects in Area C of the West Bank. (WAFA 2/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed demolition notices to a Palestinian family in Jenin and for several houses and animal barns in Fasayil in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also demolished a water irrigation pipeline in Bardala. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jericho. During the raid near Jericho, 2 Palestinians were injured and hospitalized after confrontations with Israeli forces. Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Nablus, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Bayt Hanina and a house under construction in Jabal Mukabir. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian was injured and damage to equipment was reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian bird hunters east of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land near Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/6)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked on his announcement that Israel would immediately start annexing the Jordan Valley following his meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump on 1/28. Prime Minister Netanyahu now said that Israel would start annexing the Jordan Valley after the Israeli elections on 3/2. Netanyahu’s decision to wait was reportedly made after pressure from U.S. senior advisor to the president Jared Kushner. (HA 2/4)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian prisoner stabbed and lightly wounded an Israeli warden at Ofer Prison. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in Hebron, causing light injuries. 2 Palestinians were hospitalized after being hit by rubber-coated bullets during a confrontation with Israeli forces in Hebron. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Qalqilya and Tulkarm, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalandia, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 3 Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Dayr al-Balah within the allowed fishing area; their fishing boat was also confiscated. Separately, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed skunk water on fishermen west of Rafah. In Israel, 6 incendiary balloons were reportedly found in different places near Gaza; no damage was reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/3; PCHR 2/4; PCHR 2/6)

The PA minister of agriculture announced that the PA had decided to ban entry of Israeli products to the Palestinian market. The decision comes a day after Israel started banning imports of agricultural products from the West Bank. (WAFA 2/3)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued a statement after an extraordinary summit in Jeddah calling “on all member states not to engage with this plan [the U.S. administration’s peace plan] or to cooperate with the U.S. administration in implementing it in any form.” (HA, WAFA 2/3)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in ‘Ayn Bus was set on fire, damaging classrooms, and racist Hebrew graffiti was painted on the building. Israeli forces seized tracts of land north of Hebron to expand an Israeli settlement. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Biddu, Bethlehem Tubas, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. During a raid in Jenin, Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle and cash. Palestinians protested the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan in several places throughout the West Bank; at least 12 Palestinians were reported injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned store in Wadi al-Juz. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in Silwan and the Old City, and 5 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Palestinians also protested the U.S. administration’s peace plan. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; PCHR 1/30)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted in the 3 corruption cases against him. Prime Minister Netanyahu had earlier on that day, before the indictment, withdrawn his request for immunity from prosecution. (AJ, HA 1/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump, flanked by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan, which on all contentious issues took maximalist Israeli positions. The plan presented a vision for 2 states; however, the map of these 2 “states” presented with the plan showed a carved-up West Bank where the majority of Israeli settlements and the Jordan Valley were annexed by Israel. A swath of land in Israel, where some 250,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel live, would be annexed to the Palestinian “state.” Some land in Israel along the Egyptian border would also be part of the Palestinian state. Jerusalem would become part of Israel and the Palestinian capitol would be east of Jerusalem on the West Bank side of the separation border. Gaza and the West Bank would be connected by a bridge or a tunnel. The Palestinian state would be demilitarized, including disarming Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ). Israel would control all of Palestine’s international borders. There would be no right of return for Palestinians as “[t]heir Arab brothers have the moral responsibility to integrate them into their countries as the Jews were integrated into the State of Israel.” Furthermore, the peace plan would allow Jews to pray on Haram al-Sharif and the PA would have to stop paying stipends to families of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Palestinians, according to the plan, would have 4 years after the “peace deal” was signed to achieve the right to their own state. (BBC, NPR, NYT, REU 1/28; AJ, HA 1/29; HA 1/30)

The Palestinian leadership’s response to the U.S. administration’s vision of a peace plan was condemnation. PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that “Trump and Netanyahu declared the slap of the century, not the deal. And we will respond with slaps.” At President Abbas’s speech were representatives from Hamas and PIJ. Hamas said Abbas had spoken with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and that the 2 had agreed to stand together in unity on the matter. Abbas also called for an urgent session at the Arab League to discuss the U.S. peace plan. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28)

Shortly after the U.S. peace plan was released, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he would convene the Israeli cabinet on 2/1 to start annexing Israeli settlements, the Jordan Valley, and the northern Dead Sea. Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Trump, said shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement that he did not believe that Israel would start annexing West Bank settlements on 2/1, contradicting the Israeli prime minister. (HA, HA, HA 1/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a bulldozer and an excavator working on a school courtyard in Susiya. Israeli forces also issued demolition orders for 4 Palestinian-owned houses under construction in ‘Ayn al-Rummana and handed a stop-work order for a Palestinian house near Yatta. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 2 Palestinian citizens of Israel were indicted for spying on Israel on behalf of Hamas. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

In Washington, D.C., U.S. president Donald Trump, alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that he would be releasing his peace plan with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 1/28. President Trump said that the Palestinians “probably won’t want it initially . . . But I think in the end they will.” After Trump’s remarks, he met with Israeli Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. Gantz subsequently declared that the peace plan “is a significant and historic milestone.” According to PA officials, PA president Mahmoud Abbas refused to take a phone call from President Trump. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 1/27; AJ 1/28; PCHR 1/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces injured 2 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during clashes in Bayt Umar; 1 was hospitalized for his injures. Israeli forces demolished a water well in al-Zawiya and delivered demolition orders for 4 residential structures near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court ruled to evict 26 Palestinians from their family home in Silwan. It was the 2d ruling this week in which Palestinians were ordered evicted based on claims that their homes were built on land that was owned by Jews prior to 1948. In Gaza, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces struck targets in Gaza, causing damage, after alleging that incendiary balloons were launched at Israel. Israeli forces also shot and injured, with live ammunition, 1 Palestinian minor collecting recyclables east of Bayt Hanun. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/26; WAFA 1/27; HA, PCHR 1/30)

2 days before U.S. president Donald Trump was to unveil the U.S. peace plan, Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennet said, doing a speech at West Bank settlement, that “In no case, under no condition, will we allow for the establishment of a Palestinian state or recognition of such a state and we will not relinquish a single centimeter of the land of Israel to Arabs.” (HA 1/26)

In Iraq, 5 rockets were fired at the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad. 1 hit a restaurant inside the compound, injuring 1. (HA 1/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished the foundations to 1 new school and 1 Palestinian-owned home near Yatta; 1 tent and 1 mobile home near Bayt Jala; and razed 2 roads in al-Walaja. Israeli forces also arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Yatta and Jenin. Separately, Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries during a raid in Bayt Umar. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya during late-night raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck targets in Gaza for the 2d day in a row after incendiary balloons allegedly were launched at Israel. Israeli forces also sprayed herbicides over Palestinian farmland for the 3d day in a row. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; WAFA 1/17; PCHR 1/23)

The Israeli defense ministry filed a 100,000 NIS ($29,000) suit against a bedouin whose cowherd had interfered in Israeli military drills in the Negev on 6/3/2019. (HA 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a blacksmith shop in Hizma and handed demolition notices for Palestinian-owned homes in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. 19 Palestinians were arrested, including 17 during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Tubas, Jericho, Bayt Fajjar, and Hebron; and 2 at different flying checkpoints near Jerusalem. In Gaza, Israelis flew crop dusters that sprayed herbicide over Palestinian farmland. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/14; PCHR, WAFA 1/16; HA 1/22)

A talk by a Palestinian citizen of Israel at the Hecht Museum at Haifa University was canceled by the Hecht Museum because the artist was “Palestinian,” which would displease the Hecht Foundation. The Haifa University condemned the decision and relocated the talk elsewhere on campus. (HA 1/16)

Israel carried out air strikes against a Syrian military base in Homs, killing 3 people and injuring several others. (AJ, HA 1/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin. Israeli forces also delivered punitive demolition notices to 3 families of alleged attackers in the Ramallah area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries, and clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces attacked Palestinian fishermen west of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 1/10; PCHR 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces dismantled and seized a shack in Ras Karkar, and handed a punitive demolition order for a house in Jenin. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, ‘Azun, and Kafr Labad. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians at a checkpoint in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers vandalized 80 olive trees and ignited a different olive field, burning another 30 olive trees in al-Sawiya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested while trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA 1/9; PCHR 1/16)

Lebanese newspaper al-Mayadeen reported that Israel was behind an air strike that killed 8 people in Syria near the Iraqi border. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that no Syrian citizens were killed and that the air strikes had targeted Iran-backed militias. (HA 1/10)

The U.S. administration rejected a request made by Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi for the U.S. troops to leave Iraq. The request was made during a phone call between Prime Minister Mahdi and U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo. (AJ 1/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 9 Palestinians, including 8 during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah; and 1 at a military checkpoint in Hebron. During the raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp, Israeli forces confiscated 2,000 NIS ($578). Israeli forces also razed some 100 dunams of agricultural land near Hebron and delivered demolition notices for 4 homes in Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinians at the Haram al-Sharif compound, including 5 in the morning and 6 in the evening. The 6 arrested in the evening were taken into custody because they were chanting “nationalistic slogans” at Israeli police. A video of the incident shows Israeli forces kicking 1 of the Palestinians in the head during the arrest. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire northeast of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; HA 1/8; PCHR 1/9)

An Israeli soldier who placed a snake inside a Palestinian family’s car during a search on 12/23/2019 in Bayt Furik received 18 days of prison. His continued employment for the IDF will be reevaluated by the end of his sentence. (TOI 1/7)

Iran retaliated to the U.S. assassination of Qasem Soleimani on 1/2 by striking 2 U.S. military bases in Iraq, causing damage; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AJ, CNN, FOX, HA, WP 1/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 5 Palestinian-owned tractors in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces fired live ammunition, sound bombs, and tear gas at protesters near Ramallah, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were injured in al-Mughayyir by live and rubber-coated bullets after Israeli settlers and forces raided the village, leading to clashes with Palestinians. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during daytime raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, and al-‘Arub refugee camp; and 4 at military checkpoints near Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 1/3; PCHR 1/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian-owned house in Kaubar and took measures to punitively demolish it; 2 of the house’s occupants are detained by Israel. Israeli forces also arrested 11 Palestinians, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; 1 on a street near Nablus; and 7 during daytime raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, ‘Ayn al-Hilwa, and Hebron. During a daytime raid in Nablus, Israeli forces confiscated a tractor, and separately during a different raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized carpentry equipment. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing by the Gush Etzion junction. Israeli forces also seized and impounded a PA health ministry vehicle providing medical services to 1,500 Palestinians in rural areas south of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fired tear gas and arrested 3 Palestinians at Bab al-Rahma in the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; WAFA 1/3; HA 1/7; PCHR 1/9)

9 Palestinians from Issawiyya in East Jerusalem were placed under nighttime curfew between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 6 of the men were told that they were facing a nighttime curfew on 12/29, but the curfew did not take effect until 1/2. The Israeli military cited a 1945 Mandate-era regulation to justify placing the 9 under nighttime curfew. (HA 1/2)

The U.S. assassinated Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commander of the IRGC’s special forces Quds Force Qasem Soleimani and the deputy chairman of the Iraqi government-sanctioned militia Popular Mobilisation Forces, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, along with several other Iranian and Iraqi officials at Baghdad International airport. The assassinations were carried out by an American MQ-9 drone that fired missiles at the officials’ convoy as it was leaving the airport. The Pentagon released a statement saying that the strike was directed on behest of U.S. president Donald Trump and was aimed at “deterring future Iranian attack plans.” Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Iran would have 3 days of mourning followed by a retaliation. The speaker of the Iraqi parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi condemned the assassination, calling it “a flagrant breach of sovereignty and violation of international agreements.” (DOD, NYT, REU 1/2; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, WP 1/3; HA 1/4)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition when clashes erupted during a late-night raid in Tubas. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Nablus. During the Jenin raid, a Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet. Separately, during a late-night raid in Bayt Furik, Israeli forces confiscated 362 Jordanian Dinars ($510) and 12,070 NIS ($3,500). Israeli forces prevented a farmer from working his land and seized 2 tractors near Bayt Dajan, and seized 3 residential tents in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan. In an effort suppress Fatah members and supporters celebrating the party’s 55-year anniversary in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested Fatah’s secretary-general in Jerusalem in Wadi al-Juz and 1 Fatah activist in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also removed several Fatah flags from Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; PCHR 1/2)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had decided to request immunity from prosecution by the Knesset in the 3 criminal cases against him. The Knesset House Committee has to discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s request according to Israeli law, and if the committee approves his request, it will go to a vote in the Knesset. However, the House Committee is not expected to assemble before the March elections as it has not been appointed since the Knesset was 1st dissolved in April 2019. Netanyahu also resigned his positions as minister of Health, Welfare, Agriculture, and Diaspora Affairs as required by the indictment against him in the 3 criminal cases. Israel has no law against removing the prime minister from office while indicted. Netanyahu said he would appoint replacements for the 4 ministries in the coming days. (HA 1/1; HA 1/2)

In Baghdad, Iraqi protesters continued attacking the U.S. embassy for the 2d day in a row; however, the crowd was much smaller and no protester breached the gates to the embassy compound. By the end of the day, protesters had vacated the area on orders from the Popular Mobilisation Forces, an Iraqi government-sanctioned paramilitary umbrella organization. (AJ, AJ, NYT, WP 1/1)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested at the Allenby border crossing for attempting to smuggle some 100 goldfinch birds to Hebron. Another 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin. 1 Palestinian was arrested in al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, 39 Palestinians were injured by Israeli-fired live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during the 86th weekly Great March of Return protest. (HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett issued directions to start registering settlements in Area C under the Ministry of Justice rather than the Israeli Civil Administration which is responsible for Israeli activities in the West Bank. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 12/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned car during a late-night raid in Salfit. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the entrance to al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during the confrontation. Another 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. In Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed offstage during a speech in Ashqelon after a rocket was fired from Gaza; the rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. (WAFA, WAFA 12/25; CNN, HA, PCHR 12/26; HA, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 300 olive trees in al-Khadir. Settlers also wrote racist graffiti on walls of buildings and slashed the tires of 25 vehicles in al-Jib. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub, causing tear-gas related injuries. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel struck targets in Gaza after a rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. No injuries were reported, but damage was reported. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, forcing farmers to leave. Israeli naval forces fired a water cannon at a Palestinian fisherman, causing damage to his boat. Israel also reduced the fishing zone to 6 nautical miles. 3 Palestinians were arrested after trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence; all 3 were released on 12/20. (AJ, HA, HA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/26)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized Israeli police handling Palestinian complaints of destruction of their property. The court said the police’s handling of such complaints “is troubling, to say the least” and that in 1 case, “except for taking the Palestinian plaintiff’s statement, the police did virtually nothing.” (HA 12/20)

The United Arab Emirates announced a $25 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/19)