The Palestine Chronology

Israeli aircraft conduct an air strike on Palestinians allegedly attempting to breach Gaza’s border fence near Rafah late at night, killing 2. The IDF reports that the Palestinians were placing a “suspicious object” near the fence. Earlier, IDF troops stationed along the border fence near Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 15 Palestinian boats sailing from Gaza in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along the coast near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis to cheer on the boats and continue the Great March or Return for a 4th day in a row; at least 30 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 8 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere, IDF troops conduct raids in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with Palestinian students on their way to school; there are no reported injuries. One Palestinian is injured and another is arrested in similar clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian building under construction in Kardala village near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and confiscate some property during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 9/17; MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/18; PCHR 9/20)

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick announces a $1 million transfer to prevent the “collapse of services and a potential outbreak of disease” in Gaza. “Unfortunately, it comes in the absence of action from the relevant authorities, who have responsibility for the well-being of Gaza's citizens, or predictable donor support.” McGoldrick says that $2 million more is still needed to pay for essential health, water, and sanitation services through the end of 2018. (WAFA 9/17)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor outside the Gush Etzion settlement near Ramallah after he allegedly stabs and critically injures 2 Israeli settlers. One of the settlers succumbs to his injuries soon after the confrontation. IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home in Yatta village near Hebron late at night, taking measurements and threatening punitive demolition. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and confiscate some property during raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli settlers chase Palestinian shepherds from a field near Jericho. Settlers also congregate on the main Nablus-Ramallah road in the evening to protest the alleged stabbing attack near Ramallah earlier in the day. Some throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles in the area, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Palestinian minors throw stones at a bus carrying Palestinian prisoners in Qalandia refugee camp, sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces in the area; 2 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. Late at night, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row near Rafah and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. In northern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned home in al-Ramla. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, PNN, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/16; JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/17; PCHR 9/20)

Approximately 12,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return protests. IDF troops violently disperse the protests near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 3 more are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 152. Amid the clashes, the IDF reports that one of its officers was injured by shrapnel from a pipe bomb thrown from across the border fence. Israeli forces subsequently shell 2 Hamas posts, causing damage to a school east of Khan Yunis. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Rafah. They also dismantle an IED that was placed along the border fence near Rafah for the 2d day in a row. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces set up roadblocks around Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Israeli troops later violently disperse hundreds of activists gathering to protest the roadblocks; 3 protesters are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Ras Karkar near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by IDF patrols in Bayt Umar near Hebron; arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/14; MNA 9/15; PCHR 9/20)

The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has decided to cut the last remaining $10 million in planned aid to the Palestinians this year. The money, which Congress authorized for expenditure in 2017, was set to support programs meant to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories. USAID has reportedly redirected the $10 million to support similar programs dealing with Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel. “Essentially, USAID was faced with the choice of shutting down the program and losing the funds, or keeping something going,” a congressional aide explains. (NYT, REU, TOI, TOI, YA 9/14; HA, MNA, TOI 9/15)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian minors congregating near the Erez border crossing and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler pepper-sprays a Palestinian minor in central Hebron following a confrontation of unclear origins. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol in and around Hebron. (MNA 9/12; MNA, MNA, PCHR 9/13; PCHR 9/20)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp. They then cross the border fence to arrest him and provide medical treatment. However, he succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians armed with knives attempting to cut through the border fence near Bayt Hanun; violently disperse Palestinian protesters along the border fence near the Erez border crossing (2 protesters are injured); repeatedly open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron. Israeli settlers cut the branches off 18 trees in Palestinian farmland near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 200 other right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians at the sanctuary. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/9; MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/13)

The Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near Bayt Hanun targeting a group of Gazans allegedly responsible for flying incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel earlier in the day; 2 Palestinians are injured. This is the first such strike since the major escalation of violence in 7/2018 and early 8/2018. Later, thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and approximately 150 are injured. After reports of protesters throwing small explosives at IDF troops across the border fence, the Israeli Air Force bombs 2 Hamas posts near the border fence, causing damage. Separately, 2 Palestinian minors are injured in Gaza City when they accidentally detonate a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance. In the West Bank, Palestinian activists prevent Israeli settlers from entering Khan al-Ahmar, a Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbet Qalqas near Hebron, and 3 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin); 6 Palestinians are injured. They also injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a late-night raid in Nablus; arrest 2 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem; and patrol in and around Tulkarm. (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA, YA, YA 9/7; MNA 9/8; PCHR 9/13)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 7/14. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 148. (HA, MNA, WAFA 9/7)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint north of Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab one of them. No Israelis are injured during the incident. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure on the outskirts of Yatta near Hebron. Israeli settlers open fire on a Palestinian home in Burqa village near Nablus, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian homes in al-Walaja near Bethlehem, sparking clashes with residents who barricaded themselves inside the homes; 10 Palestinians are injured. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor along the border fence near Khan Yunis in unclear circumstances. In northern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Manshiyet Zabda village. (HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/3; MNA, MNA 9/4)

A group of Israeli farmers files a formal complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague against Hamas for allegedly facilitating the wave of incendiary kite and balloon attacks that damaged approximately 7,000 acres of Israeli farmlands earlier this year. (JP, TOI 9/3)

Thousands of Palestinian gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; approximately 180 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces detain 2 senior members of the Israeli anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence as they are leading a tour near the Kiryat Arba settlement. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Ni‘lin village near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/31; MNA 9/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that all U.S. contributions to UNRWA are being cut following a “careful” review of the issue. A spokesperson explains that UNRWA’s “endlessly and exponentially expanding community of entitled beneficiaries is simply unsustainable and has been in crisis mode for many years.” She says that the U.S. is still “very mindful of and deeply concerned regarding the impact upon innocent Palestinians, especially school children.” According to reports in the Israeli press, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the decision. (JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 8/31; HA, MNA 9/1)

Following weeks of calls from Palestinian solidarity activists, U.S. pop singer Lana Del Rey cancels her planned appearance at the upcoming Meteor Festival in Israel, explaining that she was unable to plan a concert for her Palestinian fans during the same trip to the region. She previously wrote, on 8/21, that performing in Israel was “not a commitment to the politics there, just as singing in California doesn’t mean my views are in alignment w my current governments opinions or some inhuman actions [sic].” The Meteor Festival’s organizers criticize Del Rey for “choosing us to be part of her publicity stunt.” Del Rey is now the eighth act to cancel on the Meteor Festival in response to calls for a cultural boycott. (EI, HA, JP 8/31)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries (2 Palestinians are arrested and their boat is confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Gaza City, causing no damage or injury. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/26; HA, MNA, WAFA 8/27; PCHR 8/30)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 50 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working along the border fence near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 8 Palestinians and 1 Norwegian activist are injured (the activist, Christine Folls, was also injured in similar clashes on 8/23). The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians and issues 4 arrest summons during raids near Jenin and Hebron; and patrols near Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 30 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Nablus; and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Jenin, causing minor damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA 8/24; MNA, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; PCHR 8/30)

The Trump administration announces that more than $200 million is being cut from this year’s planned aid to the Palestinians. The decision comes 7 months after President Trump cut a similar amount from U.S. aid to UNRWA and ordered a review of all aid to the Palestinians. “As a result of that review, at the direction of the president, we will direct more than $200 million in Economic Support Funds originally planned for programs in the West Bank and Gaza,” a senior State Department official explains. “This decision takes into account the challenges the international community faces in providing assistance in Gaza, where Hamas control endangers the lives of Gaza’s citizens and degrades an already dire humanitarian and economic situation.” (EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/25)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of a Palestinian vehicle and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls outside Nablus. IDF troops patrol in and around Qalqilya and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 8/22; PCHR 8/30)

Israel’s Civil Administration approves a plan to confiscate 100 dunams (approximately 24.7 acres) of Palestinian land near Bethlehem to make room for the expansion of settlements in the area. (MNA, MNA 8/22)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. Some young protesters launch incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, causing minor damage. IDF troops open fire on the demonstrations near Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 270 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 147. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian minor in the Old City after he allegedly attempts to stab one of them. The Israeli authorities then shut down access to Haram al-Sharif indefinitely, sparking minor clashes in the Old City; there are no reported injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also patrol near Tulkarm, Nablus, and Salfit. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer and issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian construction site near Jericho. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; MNA 8/18; PCHR 8/30)

Although the Israeli government denies that it has agreed to any cease-fire late on 8/9, as confirmed by Palestinian and Egyptian sources, a tentative calm returns to Gaza after two days of extensive IAF attacks. One Israeli official says, “quiet will be met with quiet.” (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 8/10)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Some set fire to tires and roll them toward the fence; others fly incendiary kites and balloons into Israel, sparking at least 6 small fires. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City; 3 Palestinians are killed, including 1 paramedic, and 300 are injured (5 critically). The killings bring the Great March of Return death toll to 144. In the evening, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence shell a Palestinian home near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing moderate damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli soldiers shoot and critically injure a Palestinian youth during further clashes in Tuqu‘ village near Bethlehem. They also patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers assault a group of Palestinian solidarity activists in central Hebron, causing no serious injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/10; MNA, TOI 8/11; PCHR 8/16)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 200 are injured. The killing brings the Great March of Return death toll to 139. Amid the protests, a number of Palestinian protesters cut through the first layer of fencing near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Israeli tanks then shell a Hamas observation post in the area, causing damage. Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing minor damage. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 30 small fires near the border fence that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians gather for Friday prayer in Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village that is slated for evacuation and demolition. IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They shoot and injure 3 more Palestinians during clashes sparked by arrest raids near Ramallah. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/3; MNA 8/4; PCHR 8/9)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 90 are injured. Their deaths bring the Great March of Return death toll to 137. In response to shots allegedly fired at IDF border patrols in the evening, Israeli forces strike a Hamas observation post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers and fire sound bombs at Palestinian worshippers, clearing them from the sanctuary; 7 Palestinians and 4 Israeli police officers are injured, and 24 Palestinians are arrested. Some witnesses say that the Israelis entered the sanctuary after children threw firecrackers at them. After the clashes, Israeli forces seal the entrances to the sanctuary. The Islamic Waqf then organizes a sit-in protest outside, and the Israeli authorities order the entrances reopened hours later. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction and surrounding wheat fields near Nablus, causing extensive damage. The IDF seals off the entrance to Kobar village near Ramallah, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 3 Israeli settlers on 7/26. IDF troops conduct raids in the village throughout the day, sparking intermittent clashes; 5 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Israeli soldiers also violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured. Dozens of Palestinians gather outside Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, to protest the impending Israeli evacuation and demolition of the village. Throughout the day, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA 7/28; PCHR 8/2)

Israeli DM Lieberman pledges to advance the construction of 400 new housing units in the Adam settlement near Ramallah, justifying the settlement growth in response to the stabbing attack on 7/26. The “best response to terrorism is increased settlement,” Lieberman tweets. The 400 units are reportedly part of an existing plan to build 1,000 new units in the settlement. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/27)

Along Gaza’s border fence, armed Gazans open fire on an Israeli army vehicle near Gaza City, causing no major damage. Israeli forces then fire flash bombs toward the source of the gunfire. The IAF conducts an air strike on a site near Jabaliya refugee camp allegedly being used as a staging area for incendiary kite and balloon attacks; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. (MNA, TOI, YA 7/24; PCHR 7/26)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on Great March of Return protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/14. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 135. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/24; HA 7/25)

The Israeli authorities partially reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing, allowing more imports into Gaza. Gas, fuel, food, and medicine are now allowed to cross; commercial imports are still blocked. A statement from Israel’s Defense Ministry explains that the crossing is only being partially reopened because Hamas “has not put a complete end to terrorism, but is trying to maintain a low level of incendiary balloon launches and friction on the border fence.” (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/24)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; more than 120 Palestinians are injured. Amid the protests, Hamas snipers shoot and kill an Israeli soldier on the other side of the border fence. After the killing, Israeli forces carry out extensive air strikes and artillery shelling across Gaza; 3 Hamas fighters are killed in strikes near Khan Yunis and 1 more Palestinian is killed in Rafah. An IDF spokesperson says that 68 Hamas targets were hit and the attacks “eliminated about 60 buildings and infrastructures and revoked significant military and command and control capabilities.” Amid the attack, unidentified Palestinians launch 3 rockets into Israel; 2 are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and 1 lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, unidentified persons attach an incendiary device to a balloon and fly it from Bayt Jala into the Har Gilo settlement, marking the first use of such devices in the city, but causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 7/20; HA 7/21; PCHR 7/26)

Following the extensive Israeli strikes in Gaza, Hamas and Israel agree to a cease-fire mediated by Egyptian and UN officials. A senior Hamas official says that the agreement provides for the “cessation of all forms of military escalation,” including air strikes, mortars, and rockets. However, he says that incendiary balloons and kites are not part of the agreement (a senior Israeli official will dispute this on 7/21). The Egyptians reportedly threatened to impose their own restrictions on Gaza should Hamas not end the incendiary kite and balloon attacks on Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 7/21)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, causing minor damage on the grounds of an elementary school. The IAF then conducts retaliatory air strikes on a site near Jabaliya refugee camp allegedly used as a staging area for such attacks; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. 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 more than 100 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Salfit. IDF troops arrest 24 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit; and patrol near Qalqilya and Salfit throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones and set small fires on Palestinian land near Nablus, destroying 8 olive trees and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area; there are no injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18; PCHR 7/19)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 133. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the fence into Israel, sparking at least 2 fires near Sderot. Israeli drones then bomb 3 sites near Bayt Hanun and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage and no injuries. In the evening, unidentified Palestinians launch a rocket into Israel; it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. One raid near Hebron sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian home in central Hebron, causing damage. An Israeli settler driver runs over Palestinian land planted with tomatoes and cucumbers outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/16; PCHR 7/19)

Israeli DM Lieberman announces a temporary suspension of fuel and gas exports to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and a further reduction of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast from six to three nautical miles. The punitive action comes a little over a week since Israeli PM Netanyahu announced a reduction in the fishing zone from nine nautical miles and a partial closure of the crossing, with an exception for key humanitarian imports, on 7/9. The suspension in fuel and gas exports is set to begin on 7/17 and continue through 7/22. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities close down the Rafah border crossing, citing a technical malfunction. (HA, JP, TOI 7/16; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/17)

After a weekend of violence along Gaza’s border fence, Netanyahu visits border communities and warns that Israel should be prepared for a “protracted campaign” against Hamas and the other armed groups in Gaza. (JP, TOI 7/16)

After a night of rocket fire emanating from Gaza, the IAF conducts air strikes on at least 9 Hamas sites across Gaza in the morning; 4 Palestinians are injured. Hours later, armed groups in Gaza launch more than 190 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, injuring 4 Israelis near Sderot and causing light damage. The IAF retaliates with air strikes across Gaza into the night, targeting approximately 40 Hamas sites in and around Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Bayt Lahiya; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 15 are injured. According to an IDF spokesperson, the strikes also “destroyed, vaporized” a Hamas command post in Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian minor near Nablus. It’s unclear what caused the confrontation. IDF troops violently disperse protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (1 Palestinian is injured), arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Hebron, and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian agricultural structure near Nablus. (EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/19)

Following a day of violence and regional and international mediation efforts, Hamas and PIJ announce that they’ve agreed to a cease-fire in Gaza. Egyptian diplomats reportedly brokered the deal. (WAFA 7/14; HA 7/15)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 7/13, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 132. (HA, WAFA 7/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is killed and more than 200 are injured. Today’s killing brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 131. Amid the protests, armed Gazans throw a small explosive at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 IDF officer is lightly injured. The IDF retaliates, bombing 2 Hamas tunnels and a training site. Hours after the Israeli attack, armed groups in Gaza launch approximately 31 rockets and other projectiles into Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 6, and the rest land in open areas, causing no major damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Qalqilya, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Nablus. They also violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 journalist is injured. Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles outside ‘Urif village near Nablus, causing major damage, and leave racist graffiti on walls nearby. (EI, WAFA 7/13; HA, MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/19)

The EU calls on the Israeli authorities to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing and expand the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast, warning that the recent restrictions risk “aggravating the already dire economic situation in Gaza.” (TOI, WAFA 7/13)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and later near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Bani Na‘im near Hebron to protest recent Israeli takeovers of land in the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 2 Palestinians and 6 international activists at a similar demonstration in Hebron, arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Salfit and Hebron, and patrol near Qalqilya and Nablus. Israeli settlers cut down approximately 250 grapevines in Palestinian farmland outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in the Old City, and arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/12)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City. One Palestinian is killed and at least 141 are injured, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 130. On the other side of the border fence, approximately 4,000 Israelis gather to call for the return of the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive and almond trees outside ‘Urif village near Nablus while their IDF escort performs raids in Palestinian homes on the outskirts of the village, sparking clashes with residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Settlers also start fires in 3 locations outside nearby Burin village, causing moderate damage. The settlers later accuse Palestinians of starting the fires. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Islamic Waqf staff perform repair work on an area of Haram al-Sharif that Israeli police reportedly damaged recently. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/6; MNA, WAFA 7/7; PCHR 7/12)

After Israel’s High Court of Justice froze the demolition orders for Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, on 7/5, hundreds of Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the village in solidarity with the residents. (WAFA 7/6)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a small group of Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Rafah; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 2 others are injured (1 of the injured minors is arrested). The IDF claims that the young men were armed and attempting to cross into Israel to set a sniper post on fire. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion into Gaza to level land along the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tent in Battir village near Bethlehem. In the second such incident in as many days, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian in Dahaysha refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/2; PCHR 7/5)

Israel’s Knesset passes into law a new bill deducting from the tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the PA an amount equal to that which the PA pays in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned or injured in connection with serious crimes committed against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed while committing such crimes. Specifically, the Israeli DM will submit an annual report documenting the PA’s stipends over the previous calendar year. The sum total will be divided by 12 and deducted from the monthly transfers over the subsequent year. In contrast to previous drafts of the bill, Israel’s security cabinet is not permitted to waive the deductions. (ALM, JP 7/2; HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/3)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. They wave flags, chant slogans, and fly incendiary kites across the border fence. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are killed and approximately 133 are injured. Their deaths bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 128. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 15 fires reportedly sparked by the kite attacks. In the West Bank, approximately 800 Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site outside Kifl Haris near Salfit, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; there are no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to a number of olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside Bayt Furik. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian activists at anti-occupation protests in Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/29; PCHR 7/5)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing closed today for the first time since 5/13. They plan to keep it closed through 7/1. (WAFA 6/29)

Along Gaza’s border fence, an Israeli drone bombs a vehicle and an observation post allegedly being used as a staging area for incendiary kite and balloon attacks near Jabalyaia refugee camp, causing damage. After the strikes, armed groups in Gaza fire at least 11 rockets into Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 3; the rest cause no major damage. The IAF then retaliates with air strikes across Gaza into the night; 1 vehicle reportedly belonging to a senior Hamas official is destroyed in Nuseirat refugee camp. Separately, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants damage 35 grapevines and 7 fig trees in Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate NIS 25,000 (approximately $6,836) during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and moderately injure a Palestinian in the Old City; issue an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during an arrest raid in Ras al-Amud; and demolish a home and a steel fence in Bayt Hanina. Two Palestinian families demolish their own homes in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/26; HA, JP, WAFA, YA 6/27; PCHR 6/28)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians reportedly preparing to fly incendiary kites into Israel near Rafah and later near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 17 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Nablus and Hebron, and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Separately, a Palestinian driver reportedly fires shots toward the Israeli settlement Migdal Oz near Bethlehem, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then seals the entrance to nearby Bayt Fajjar village in order to search for the assailant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a number of commercial buildings and raze a small patch of farmland outside Hizma village. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/25; PCHR 6/28)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Bayt Lahiya, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 78 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the camp (1 IDF soldier is injured). The IDF also violently disperses Palestinians gathering at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (8 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist); arrests 3 Palestinians during raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrols in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian olive grove near Nablus, causing moderate damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/28)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Israel. They discuss the long-awaited U.S. peace plan and the situation in Gaza. According to the White House, they discuss ways “the humanitarian situation in Gaza can be alleviated, while maintaining Israel’s security.” (HA, TOI 6/22)

Late at night, the IAF conducts 3 waves of air strikes targeting 25 Hamas sites across Gaza; the strikes cause massive damage and injure 3 Palestinians (2 near Rafah and 1 near Khan Yunis). The strikes reportedly come in response to the spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza in recent weeks. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze several dunams of Palestinian land near Hebron, with the intent to expand neighboring settlements. They also level approximately 40 dunams (approximately 10 acres) of Palestinian land near Jericho. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (WAFA 6/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 6/20; PCHR 6/21)

An ailing Palestinian dies at the Erez border crossing. The Israeli authorities summoned him for an interview that could have led to him being granted a permit to travel to Israel for medical attention. The deceased submitted two previous applications for an interview, but both were rejected, with the Israeli authorities citing security concerns. (PCHR 6/21)

Egyptian security sources say that Egyptian president al-Sisi has decided to keep the Rafah border crossing open for another two months, until after the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha in late 8/2018, for “humanitarian reasons.” The crossing has already been open for 1 month, far longer than any opening since 2014. (TOI 6/19; YA 6/20)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley announces that the U.S. has formally withdrawn from the UNHRC, reiterating the Trump administration’s complaints about the council’s chronic anti-Israel bias. She says the move is “not a retreat” and that the Trump administration would still like to help reform the UNHRC. Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomes the move, condemning the “biased” and “hostile” UNHRC. (HA, JP, TOI 6/19)

After Netanyahu decides again to postpone the planned evacuation and demolition of 7 buildings in the Palestinian village of Susiya near Hebron, Israeli settlers accuse him of succumbing to U.S. pressure. “The Israeli government’s folly is indescribable,” one settler leader says, pointing to the upcoming visit from U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law Kushner and U.S. special representative Greenblatt. (JP, TOI, YA 6/19)

In Amman, Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets with Kushner and Greenblatt, who are on a tour of the region to promote their Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. (HA, TOI 6/20)

In the evening, the IAF conduct air strikes on a Hamas site and a vehicle near al-Bureij refugee camp, completely destroying the vehicle and injuring 2 Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly an incendiary kite into southern Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out approximately 21 fires in the border area allegedly caused by such attacks. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces begin dismantling and evacuating 10 buildings in the illegal settlement outpost West Tapuah near Nablus. The settler-residents throw bleach, sticks, and eggs at the Israeli forces, sparking minor clashes; 11 Israeli police are lightly injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and the Old City. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/17; PCHR 6/21)

The Israeli cabinet convenes to discuss the recent spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman support the IDF’s position that direct attacks on the perpetrators are likely less effective than retaliatory strikes on Hamas infrastructure. Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan and education minister Naftali Bennett reportedly push for the IDF to target the perpetrators directly. (HA 6/17; YA 6/18)

Israeli and Arab sources say that the U.S. delegation scheduled to visit the Middle East this week plans to call on wealthy Gulf states to invest up to $1 billion in an effort to strengthen Gaza’s economy. They reportedly plan to ask for Egypt and Israel to help administer the funds. “This is an issue that is urgent, and at the same time, can be dealt with relatively quickly,” one source says. (HA 6/17; TOI 6/18)