The Palestine Chronology

Led by Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler sprays anti-Palestinian graffiti on walls outside the Old City. Israeli forces arrest Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, during a raid in Silwan (Ghaith has been arrested several times in the past few months on allegations related to Palestinian land sales to Israelis in East Jerusalem). The Israeli police say that Ghaith’s arrest today is related to “fraud and forgery.” Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians building a new agricultural road near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and confiscate 1 vehicle during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun and open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 4 protesters. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; MNA, MNA, TOI 2/27; PCHR 2/28)

A member of Hamas’s military wing dies in a “resistance tunnel” accident near Khan Yunis, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. (MNA 2/27)

A senior Japanese official announces a grant of $83,651 to install a solar panel system at a hospital in Gaza. (WAFA 2/26)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, injuring 3. Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot approximately 300 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Jenin. They also deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction near Salfit. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; MNA, MNA 2/26; PCHR 2/28)

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner offers new details about the Trump administration’s long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace, which is expected to be released after the Israeli elections on 4/9. “We want to see Palestinians under one leadership that will allow them to live in dignity,” he says. Kushner also says that one of the main goals of the plan is to eliminate borders “in order to guarantee freedom of movement for people and goods.” The plan also reportedly focuses on strengthening the Palestinian economy. (HA, HA, REU, TOI, YA 2/26)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian minor is killed and at least 23 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 205. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Hebron to mark the 25th anniversary of the 2/25/94 massacre at al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 1 Palestinian is injured. The also disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah (3 Palestinians are injured); arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 200 olive tree seedlings from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Palestinians gather at Haram al-Sharif to protest the recent Israeli incursions at the sanctuary. Ahead of the mid-day prayer, Muslim leaders lead the protesters into the al-Rahma Gate area of the sanctuary for the first time since 2003. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 38 Palestinians in raids across the city. (AP, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; MNA 2/23; PCHR 2/28)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device into southern Israel using a balloon. The device sparks a small fire, causing minor damage. Israeli jets then conduct air strikes on 2 sites near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing extensive damage. An IDF spokesperson says the sites were used as staging grounds for incendiary balloon attacks. Late at night, dozens of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Khan Yunis to throw stones, light tires on fire, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 6. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City, injuring 3 fishermen (2 of the fishermen are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). In the West Bank, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 10 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; MNA, PCHR 2/21; PCHR 2/28)

Unidentified Palestinians launch an incendiary balloon from Gaza into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Later, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters (1 Israeli soldier is reportedly injured when a Palestinian throws an explosive across the border fence). Israeli artillery then shell 2 Hamas observation posts in the area, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian shepherd and steal 2 of his sheep in the northern Jordan Valley. Settlers also assault a Palestinian vegetable vendor in Jenin, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. One raid in Tulkarm sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries or arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police seal al-Rahma Gate leading into Haram al-Sharif. The move reportedly comes in response to certain Palestinian officials praying at the gate last week. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/17; HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

Implementing legislation passed in 7/2018, Israel’s security cabinet approves a deduction to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA equal to that which the PA distributes in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in connection with serious crimes against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed in connection with such crimes. The cuts are expected to total NIS 502,697,000 (approximately $138 million) over a 12-month period. In response, a PA spokesperson calls the Israeli decision “arbitrary” and says that it will be “given a priority” in the Palestinian leadership’s discussions in the coming days. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/17)

Hamas security forces forcibly prevent PA security forces from staffing the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, according to the PA (Hamas claims that the PA troops left of their own free will). A senior Hamas official says that Hamas is carrying out “necessary security measures.” Sources in Gaza say that Hamas suspects the PA security forces are allowing Israel to transfer espionage equipment into Gaza. Hamas is reportedly demanding that PA staffers in Gaza submit to questioning and background checks. (HA, TOI 2/17)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis to throw stones, chant slogans, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations; there are no serious injuries reported. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In northern Israel, a Palestinian demolishes his own warehouse in Umm al-Fahm in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA 2/16; MNA 2/17; PCHR 2/21)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 20 Palestinians are injured. One Israeli soldier is injured when a Palestinian protester throws an explosive across the border fence. In the West Bank, Israeli forces return to Urif near Nablus after clashes in the area on 2/14. They raze a swath of Palestinian-owned farmland outside the village and construct barriers on a road leading from the village to the newly razed farmland. Later, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering in Urif to protest the Israeli incursions and remove the new barriers; 2 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah (there are no serious injuries); arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, and Tulkarm. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/15; MNA, MNA 2/16; PCHR 2/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Iskaka village near Salfit. Approximately 30 armed settlers enter Urif village near Nablus in the evening. They damage equipment at an infrastructure construction site and spark clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian schoolchildren throwing stones in Hebron; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, several senior Islamic Waqf officials enter Haram al-Sharif via al-Rahma Gate and pray at the sanctuary. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Walaja. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes, farmers, and shepherds near Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Rafah; 6 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 2/14; MNA, MNA 2/15; PCHR 2/21)

On the 2d day of a Middle East security conference in Warsaw, U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace will require compromises of both sides. “We hear Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel and we understand that there is a chance,” he adds. “They do a better job than me to explain why there is a reason to be optimistic.” Kushner also says that the Trump administration’s plan is not based on the Arab Peace Initiative. “I think it was a great initiative, in 2002 when it was done, but it hasn’t produced peace.” After meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo says that “stability in the Middle East” won’t be achieved “without confronting Iran.” Netanyahu’s office later leaks a video recorded during a closed session in Warsaw on 2/13 depicting several Arab foreign ministers downplaying the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in relation to Iran in terms of issues threatening the security of the Middle East. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa is depicted saying that “toxic” money from Iran has obstructed past efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (AP, EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, JP, JP, TOI, TOI, YA, YA 2/14)

Israeli forces arrest a Lebanese minor after he crosses the Israel-Lebanon border armed with a knife. (HA, MNA 2/14)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem and remove a stretch of pipeline supplying water to Yatta near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; MNA, PCHR 2/14; PCHR 2/21)

Representatives of 60 countries, including Israel, convene in Warsaw for a U.S.- and Poland-sponsored conference on security in the Middle East. The conference was initially intended to focus solely on Iran, but has been broadened to focus on other security issues across the region, including the wars in Syria and Yemen, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Before getting on a plane to Warsaw, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “I think that holding this conference, in which Israel, the U.S., various countries around the world and from the region sit down in one place and discuss one topic—which, in my opinion, is the most important for our national security—is a very important achievement.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence represent the U.S. (REU, YA 2/13)

Japanese ambassador Takeshi Okubo signs an agreement for Japan to provide $15.93 million in aid to the PA, specifically for the improvement of the PA’s solid waste collection and transportation system. (MNA, WAFA 2/13)

Unidentified Gazans fly a number of incendiary devices strapped to balloons into southern Israel. They land in open areas and no damage is reported. Also along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern shore to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge of Israel’s blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; at least 35 Palestinians are injured. Four more Palestinians are injured when IDF troops violently disperse a late-night protest along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities order approximately 50 Palestinian families to temporarily leave their homes near Tubas to clear the area for IDF training. Also near Tubas, Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian shepherd. Settlers also chant racist slogans and march through central Hebron, causing minor damage when they throw stones at Palestinian homes. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus. The raid in Tubas sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids at al-Quds University in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with students; 17 Palestinian students suffer from tear gas inhalation. They also demolish 4 Palestinian homes and a warehouse in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; MNA, MNA, MNA 2/13; PCHR 2/14)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently disperse protests along Gaza’s border fence on 2/8. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 204. (TOI, WAFA 2/12; MNA 2/13; EI, PCHR 2/14)

After reports of an Israeli strike in Syria on 2/11, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel is “constantly operating” against “Iran and its satellites” in Syria. “We do whatever is necessary.” His statements today are taken as a confirmation that Israel was responsible for the 2/11 strikes in Syria. (HA, TOI 2/12)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Later, they open fire on Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Gaza City, injuring 1. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces cut down or uproot at least 520 olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside Bardala village near Jericho. They also demolish a recently repaired road outside Hebron and a Palestinian home between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinian brothers at a checkpoint in central Hebron when one of them is found with a knife on his person; arrest 8 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Salfit, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. The raids in Jenin refugee camp spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian imam while he is leaving his mosque in Silwan and demolish a Palestinian home in al-Walaja village. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/11; MNA 2/12; PCHR 2/14)

Two Palestinians suffocate to death and several others are injured when Egyptian forces pump unidentified gases into a smuggling tunnel running from Gaza into northeastern Sinai Peninsula. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/11)

A U.S. official denies that the Trump administration has asked U.S. and international financial institutions to stop transactions with the Palestinians, denying a charge leveled by a senior PA official on 2/10. “The U.S. has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts,” the official says. (AFP, TOI 2/12)

U.S. representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) apologizes for her 2/10 tweet about Israeli influence in U.S. politics. “Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes,” she writes in an apology statement. “At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, wither it be AIPAC, the NRA, or the fossil fuel industry.” (NYT 2/11; CNN 2/12)

Israeli forces strike a demolished hospital and an observation post along the Syria-Israel border in Qunaytra, causing moderate damage, according to the Syrian press. An IDF spokesperson declines comment. (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 2/11)

Approximately 8,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinian minors are killed and at least 17 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 203. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, after Israeli settlers confront Palestinian farmers working outside Bayt Fajjar near Bethlehem, IDF troops violently disperse the Palestinians with tear gas; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinians outside al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; there are no reports of serious injuries. Near Hebron, settlers claim ownership of a Palestinian home outside al-Arub refugee camp, sparking a violent confrontation between their IDF escort and the Palestinian family that lives there; 1 Palestinian is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh, damaging a mosque and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces remove a Palestinian flag and the photo of a Palestinian prisoner from a mosque in Issawiyya. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/8; MNA, MNA 2/9; PCHR 2/14)

A Palestinian prisoner in Israel is found dead in his cell, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. (WAFA 2/8)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that Polish officials recently invited the Palestinians to attend the upcoming security conference in Warsaw, where U.S. officials are reportedly set to unveil some details about their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Our position remains clear,” he says. “We are not going to attend this conference and reiterate that we have not mandated anyone to talk on behalf of Palestine.” (TOI 2/8; MNA 2/10)

A senior Dutch official says that his government has decided to allow Palestinians living in the Netherlands to register the West Bank or Gaza as their birthplace on official documents. “The Dutch viewpoint that Israel has no sovereignty over these areas,” he says. (HA 2/8; YA 2/11)

Unidentified persons in Gaza launch a projectile into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area in Eshkol, causing on damage or injuries. In response, an Israeli tanks shell 2 Hamas sites near Khan Yunis, causing damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. (HA, JP, TOI 2/6; PCHR 2/7; PCHR 2/14)

A Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli custody. The Palestinian Prisoners and Former Prisoners’ Affairs Committee accuses the Israel Prison Service of medical negligence. The prisoner, Faris Baroud, was arrested in 1991 and sentenced to life in prison for killing an Israeli and injuring 3 others. He spent the first 17 years of his incarceration in solitary confinement. (WAFA 2/6; HA, MNA, REU  2/7; EI 2/8; PCHR 2/14)

The U.S. blocks the UN Security Council from issuing a statement condemning Israel’s 1/28 decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH). The statement under consideration was drafted by Kuwait and Indonesia, and reportedly would have stressed the TIPH’s importance and commended its efforts to maintain calm. (JP 2/6; MNA, WAFA, YA 2/7)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki says that any discussion of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the upcoming security conference in Warsaw is “illegitimate,” responding to the 2/5 news that U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner is planning to discuss the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan at the conference on 2/14. “We will not take part in any illegitimate meetings under international law or international references, and we will not accept to be represented by anyone or allow anyone to speak on our behalf.” (XIN 2/6; MNA 2/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Salfit, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage. (PCHR 2/7)

The Fatah Central Committee convenes in Ramallah to discuss the prospect of forming a new PA government and the situation in Gaza. They are reportedly working to form a new government comprising representatives of the major PLO factions and several independent figures, but not any representative of Hamas. There are no reports of progress or any major decisions. (MNA, WAFA 2/3)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 32 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and al-Mughayyir) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 21 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers assault a group of Palestinian minors walking near Ramallah, lightly injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes parts of his own Jabal Mukabir home to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (AP, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; MNA, TOI 2/2; PCHR 2/7)

In a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reportedly agrees to put a stop to the recent cross-border violence in Gaza in exchange for the Egyptian authorities permanently re-opening the Rafah border crossing in both directions. Haniyeh does not comment on the report, but later calls the meeting “unprecedented.” (TOI, YA 2/2)

A U.S. official confirms that USAID has ended all its aid programs in the West Bank and Gaza as of today. U.S. support for the PA security forces (PASF) also ends today, following the PA’s decision not to accept the new conditions on U.S. aid, which were codified in the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018 (see *S. 2946 of 5/24/18 at congressionalmonitor.org). That law would have required that the Palestinians open themselves up to lawsuits from individual U.S. citizens in exchange for continued support for the PASF, which has in recent years amounted to approximately $60 million annually. Both Israeli and PA officials have indicated that they expect PASF-IDF security coordination to continue in some form despite the cut in U.S. aid. (JP, MNA, MNA 2/1)

An EU spokesperson criticizes the recent Israeli decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), saying that it “risks further deteriorating the already fragile situation on the ground.” Separately, the five countries who contributed members to the TIPH—Norway, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey—release a joint statement criticizing Israel’s decision, “strongly object[ing] to any claims that TIPH acted against Israel.” A UN spokesperson says that UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres “hopes that an agreement can be found by the parties to preserve the TIPH’s long-standing and valuable contribution to conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians in Hebron.” (HA, TOI, WAFA 2/2; AP, MNA, TOI 2/3)