The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops and tanks open fire on a Hamas military site nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no reported damage or injuries. The IDF says that the attack was ordered in response to shots fired at IDF patrols in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab them nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. Armed gunmen shoot and injure an Israeli settler nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car dealership in Sheikh Jarrah and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/19; MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/22)

The Israeli NGO Yesh Din files a motion with the Custodian of Absentee Property stating that the current relocation plan for the Amona settlement outpost, which the outpost’s residents approved on 12/18, is illegal because a section of the proposed relocation site, dubbed Plot 38, is privately owned by Palestinians. (MNA 12/19; HA, JP, MNA 12/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 3d of 3 planned days. (MNA 12/19)

An explosion at a Hamas military site in Khan Yunis kills 1 Hamas fighter and injures 2 others. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also conduct raids nr. Hebron and patrols nr. Hebron and Salfit. (MNA 12/16; PCHR 12/22)

The Israeli authorities hand over corpses of 7 West Bank Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the past 6 mos. to their families. The return is conditioned on the families’ acceptance of several conditions, including fines and limits on the number of mourners at funerals. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 12/16)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF blocks off roads leading to Bayt Rima and Dayr Abu Mash‘al villages nr. Ramallah, which are nr. the site of the alleged settler-involved shooting on 12/14. IDF troops arrest Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Hebron and Salfit, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; several Palestinians are injured. Later in the day, Israeli forces block Hizma’s main entrance (it will remain blocked through at least 12/18). (MNA, WAFA 12/15; MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/22)

The UNRWA employees’ union in Gaza announces that it will escalate its protests against the agency in response to its failure to fill teaching job vacancies this year. UNRWA claims that negotiations are still ongoing, but the union says that they failed to reach an agreement and that the agency decided to end negotiations. (MNA 12/16)

In Tunisia, a Hamas-affiliated flight engineer specializing in drone technology is shot and killed in his car in the city of Sfax. The Tunisian press will report that Israel’s Mossad is responsible. (YA 12/16)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid several areas nr. Tubas, confiscating a garbage truck and tractors, and delivering several stop-work orders to Palestinians constructing a power line. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a children’s center in Silwan following reports of stone throwing in the area; they make no arrests. Late at night, they arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian man as he attempts to cross into Israel. (IMEMC, MNA, TOI 12/9; PCHR 12/15)

The Israeli govt. informs the High Court of Justice that it has decided to return 7 corpses of Palestinians killed in violent attacks against Israelis in recent mos., but only if the families agree to certain conditions. The decision comes in response to the families’ petitions. The Israeli authorities say that the cases of 3 other corpses must be studied further because of their relation with Hamas and the security cabinet’s 12/8 ruling on the matter. (HA, MNA, YA 12/9)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. No Israelis are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian while he is leaving Birzeit village nr. Ramallah, arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Israeli forces raze Palestinian land in Umm al-Khayr to make room for a new sewage line serving a nearby settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces block the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) from hosting a cultural event. Two Palestinian families demolish their own homes in Silwan to avoid paying for Israeli demolition fees. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/8; EI 12/9; PCHR 12/15)

Israel’s Edu. Min. Bennett says that the so-called regulations bill, which passed its first reading on 12/7, will not get its final reading until after U.S. pres.-elect Trump is inaugurated on 1/20/2017. (JP 12/9)

In response to pressure from the High Court of Justice, Israel’s security cabinet decides to stop returning the corpses of Hamas-affiliated Palestinians who carry out serious attacks against Israelis to their families. They condone the return of other Palestinian assailants’ corpses, however. The IDF still supports returning the corpses in general, while DM Lieberman supports withholding them as a deterrent. (HA 12/9)

Two Palestinians die in a tunnel accident late at night nr. Gaza City. Hamas claims the 2 men were mbrs. of its group. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian car washes n. of Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In and around East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Hizma village and Qalandia r.c. Late at night, they conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in a bedouin village nr. Beersheba. An Israeli driver rams a Palestinian worker from Tulkarm while he is walking along a street in Tel Aviv, causing moderate injuries. (MNA, WAFA, YA 12/7; MNA, PCHR 12/8; PCHR 12/15)

A Jerusalem Municipality planning comm. approves the construction of 770 settler residences in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. City officials say that the plans, initially approved in 2013, were “undergoing routine processes of allocation regarding roads and public spaces.” (MNA 12/9)

Israel’s Knesset passes a 1st reading of the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which passed a preliminary reading on 12/5 and would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/7; MNA 12/8)

A senior Israeli official says that Israeli PM Netanyahu has rejected French pres. François Hollande’s invitation to a mediated meeting with PA pres. Abbas after the next French-organized peace summit, which is set for 12/21. Later, Netanyahu calls Hollande personally to discuss the invitation. He tells the French pres. that he would be happy to meet with Abbas, but only if the conference is canceled. (HA, JP, YA 12/7)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel accident nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. They also arrest 2 of the fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Sur al-Bahir, Shu‘fat r. c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman permit the transfer of 5 armored vehicles from Jordan to the PA because of the deteriorating security situation in the oPt, particularly in Nablus, according to an Israeli spokesperson. The PA has been requesting approval for such transfers for at least 4 years. (MNA, TOI 12/7)

After mos. of negotiations and intracoalition struggle, Netanyahu resolves several conflicts over the illegal Amona settlement outpost. First, he secures Atty. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit’s approval for the govt.’s plan to relocate the 40-odd families from Amona to a nearby plot of “abandoned” land. Second, he announces plans to petition the High Court of Justice for a 30-day delay of its evacuation and demolition order to give his govt. time to prepare temporary alternate housing for Amona’s residents. Third, he brokers a deal with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett on the so-called regulations bill, which Bennett is backing in order to retroactively authorize the illegal West Bank settlement outposts, including Amona. Netanyahu and Kahlon agree to reverse their positions and support the bill as long as Clause 7, the provision that specifically addresses Amona, is removed. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/4; HA, JP, YA 12/5)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Bayt Lahiya. They do not inform his family, who will spend the next 2 days searching for him. (The Israeli govt. will release a statement on 12/28 announcing that the man is a Hamas military operative. His family will deny the report, asserting that he has no affiliation with Hamas and that he is mentally unstable.) In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian returning from work s. of Jerusalem. He suffers serious injuries, and the settlers flee the scene. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Qalandia r.c., and Qatanna. (MNA 11/27; JP 11/30; PCHR 12/1; HA 12/28; MNA 12/29)

Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) fighters in Syria launch mortars at IDF troops patrolling along the border in the Israeli controlled Golan Heights, causing no injuries. The IDF returns fire, bombing a car armed with a heavy machine gun. 4 ISIS fighters are reportedly killed. Late at night, Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on an abandoned facility in the Syrian Golan Heights causing damage. (HA, JP, YA 11/27; JP, TOI, YA 11/28)

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

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

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse in the morning. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya. There are no injuries or damage in either incident. In the West Bank, Israeli forces level land nr. Nablus reportedly to prepare for the construction of new settler residences in the area. IDF troops open fire on 3 Palestinians outside Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 moderately. They also arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, as well as in and around Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/22; MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. They had planned to keep the crossing open only 4 days in a row, but decide to extend it an additional day through 10/23 (see Update). (MNA 10/23)

An Israeli police spokesperson announces that the IDF will impose a general closure on the West Bank and Gaza from midnight tonight through approx. midnight on 10/24, the 1st day of Jewish holiday Simhath Torah. Humanitarian cases will be permitted. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/23)

The IDF keeps al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron closed to non-Jews and maintains the general closure of the oPt during Rosh Hashanah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus, Salfit, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, 73 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (MNA 10/4; HA 10/5; PCHR 10/6)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that Arab states have agreed to begin consultations in New York in support of a UNSC res. condemning Israeli settlements. He says, “We agreed that Arab ambs. to the UN would start consultations on the draft res. before the end of [10/2016].” (WAFA 10/4)

After a cabinet meeting, PA PM Rami Hamdallah announces that the PA has decided to postpone municipal elections by 4 mos., to 2/2017. Earlier in the day, the Central Elections Commission criticized the High Court’s 10/3 decision to cancel the vote in Gaza, saying that excluding Gaza would only compromise the political situation further and recommending a postponement. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri criticizes the postponement, saying, “We consider the govt.’s decision to postpone the election as an attempt to evade the election to serve Fatah’s interests.” (HA, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/4)

The ship Zaytouna approaches Gaza with an all-female crew of 13 solidarity activists. They plan to test the Israeli blockade of Gaza on either 10/5 or 10/6 to focus international attention on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The International Comm. for Breaking the Siege of Gaza releases a statement supporting the women’s mission and calling on Israel to guarantee their safe arrival. Meanwhile, the Israeli navy is preparing to intercept the ship. (MNA 10/4; JP, TOI 10/5)

The IDF closes al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to non-Jews and maintains the general closure of the oPt during Rosh Hashanah. Meanwhile, a group of settler children harass a Palestinian family picking olives nr. Hebron. They attempt to steal some olives before a local chapter of Youth Against Settlements intervenes. IDF troops raid a village nr. Nablus late at night and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. In East Jerusalem, 45 right-wing Jewish activists visit Haram al-Sharif. A Palestinian family demolishes part of its own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a young Palestinian after he cuts through the border fence in an attempt to enter Israel nr. Eshkol. (MNA, WAFA 10/3; MNA 10/4; PCHR 10/6)

The Palestinian High Court of Justice rules that the municipal elections, which were set for 10/8 before being indefinitely delayed on 9/8, will go forward on 10/8 only in the West Bank because the courts operating in Gaza are “illegal.” The court previously said it favored holding elections across all Palestinian territory, including Gaza and East Jerusalem. Hamas rejects the court’s decision; a spokesperson says that the decision “divides the Palestinian people.” (HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/3; MNA 10/4)

Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint n. of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs an Israeli border guard, causing moderate injuries. The IDF then violently disperses around 200 Palestinians gathering to throw stones in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Shuja‘iya; at least 6 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. They also patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/30; MNA 10/1; PCHR 10/6)

PA pres. Abbas attends the funeral of former Israeli pres. Peres and shakes hands with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Responding to criticism from Hamas and many other Palestinians, a senior Hamas official says that Abbas’s attendance disproves Israeli claims of Palestinian dedication to violence and that it sent a “strong message of Palestinian peace” to the world. MK and Joint List chair Ayman Odeh refuses to attend, along with the rest of the Joint List, citing Peres’s treatment of the Palestinians. The Joint List and PA reportedly agree to refrain from publicly criticizing one another over their different views on this matter. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 9/30; HA 10/1)

Amid a weeklong uptick in violence in the Hebron area, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at the entrance to Bani Na‘im village, which has been under a general closure since the killings on 9/16. The IDF alleges that the Palestinian youth was brandishing a knife and attempting to stab Israeli soldiers at a security checkpoint. Hours later, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian in Hebron’s Old City, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowers in the area. The IDF conduct heavy raids and patrols in the Hebron area throughout the day and late at night, arresting 6 Palestinians and issuing 1 arrest summons. (HA, MNA, WAFA 9/20; PCHR 9/22)

After reports of gunshots fired at an Israeli settlers’ bus nr. Nablus overnight, the IDF closes entrances to several villages in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus and Salfit and patrols nr. Salfit and Nablus. Meanwhile, dozens of Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youths in the area; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and demolish a home n. of the city and a number of agricultural facilities in Sur al-Bahir. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/20; PCHR 9/22)

According to the IDF, Israeli aircraft shoot down a Hamas drone off Gaza’s coast in the afternoon. The IDF says it will “not permit any violation of its airspace, and will act with determination against any such effort.” The drone reportedly did not cross into Israeli airspace. (MNA, YA 9/20)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, patrolling the area throughout the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 of the 100 international and Palestinian activists cleaning an abandoned Palestinian factory in Hebron to prepare it for use as a cinema. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw rocks at Palestinian cars nr. Qalqilya, causing damage to 1. (MNA 7/15; JP, MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/21)

Hamas announces that it intends to participate in the planned municipal elections that the PA has set for 10/8. It is still unclear if the PA will organize ballots in Gaza as well as the West Bank. Hamas’s announcement is considered a surprise (the party did not participate in the 2012 elections). (MNA 7/16; JP 7/17; HA 8/7)

The IDF maintains the closure on Bani Na‘im village and the restrictions on Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district that have been in place since the settler shooting on 7/1. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when she is found to have a knife. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in 7 villages nr. Hebron and 2 nr. Ramallah. In Gaza, Hamas announces that 1 of its fighters has succumbed to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces along the border on 5/8/2015. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Sur al-Bahir. (MNA, TOI 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/14)

The Israeli press reports that the Israeli Finance Ministry submitted a request to the Knesset Finance Comm. to add NIS 40 m. (approx. $10 m.) to the budget allocated for security for Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem this year. The request brings the total expenses for security in East Jerusalem to NIS 94.5 m (over $20 m.) this year, equaling the amount spent in all of 2015. (HA 7/7)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian nr. Ramallah after he and other youths throw stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli settlers in the area, lightly injuring 3 settlers (4 of the other Palestinian youths are injured). Some witnesses say there was no stone throwing and that the youths were just walking home. The PA describes the killing as “extrajudicial.” Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Qalqilya-area home of a Palestinian who was killed on 3/8 after he attacked a group of Israelis and U.S. tourists (see JPS 45 [4]). They also deliver stop-work orders to several Palestinian homes under construction nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and destroy part of a home during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tubas, and Tulkarm. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Sur al-Bahir, Issawiyya, and Abu Dis. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/21; PCHR 6/23)

The PA cabinet decides to hold municipal elections on 10/8, though it is unclear whether this round of elections will include both Gaza and the West Bank. Hamas boycotted the last round of municipal elections in 2012, so no ballots were cast in Gaza (see JPS 42 [2]). (MNA 6/21)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 4 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City; they arrest 10 fishermen and confiscate 2 of their boats. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, PA Security Forces (PASF) clash with unidentified gunmen in Kafr ‘Aqab village and Qalandia r.c. nr. Jerusalem, injuring 1 Palestinian youth in the crossfire. Meanwhile, Israeli forces close the entrances to Yatta with dirt mounds and rocks, further cracking down on the Hebron-area village in the wake of the 6/8 attack in Tel Aviv. IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in Yatta, and in and around Jericho, and Salfit, arresting 8 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin throughout the day. (MNA, WAFA 6/15; PCHR 6/16; PHCR 6/23)

Fatah and Hamas officials resume Palestinian national reconciliation talks in Doha. This is the 3d round of talks in the latest push for reconciliation. The talks are set to continue through 6/18. (MNA 6/15; IMEMC 6/17)

The Jerusalem Municipality permits the construction of a 4-story residential building for Israeli settlers in Silwan. The municipality also pledges to “continue to build in all neighborhoods of the city.” (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 6/15)

Israel’s Knesset passes, 57–16, a so-called anti-terrorism law granting the state broad new powers to prosecute suspected “terrorism” cases. The Joint List decries the new law as “draconian,” echoing the views of Palestinian citizens of Israel and opponents of the right-wing govt. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/15)

Two Palestinians stab and injure 2 Israeli women in an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem in the morning. The assailants flee the scene. In the evening, an Israeli soldier is seriously injured when he accidentally detonates an improvised explosive device (IED) planted at a checkpoint n. of the city. After the blast, the IDF discovers and safely detonates several other IEDs planted in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 5 homes and a water pipeline under construction in the Jordan Valley. IDF troops patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 each nr. Jericho and Ramallah. Israeli settlers steal 3 Palestinian-owned sheep nr. Nablus. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/10; PCHR 5/12)

The Israeli govt. lifts its gag order on the news that the IDF has arrested a 2d Hamas operative in 2 mos. attempting to cross into Israel. The young Gazan attempted to cross into Israel on 4/6. The IDF says that he has already given up valuable information related to Hamas’s tunnels. (JP, MNA, YA 5/10)

In a 5th day of cross-border violence in Gaza, Palestinian fighters fire 2 mortar shells into s. Israel overnight, causing damage and no injuries; Israeli forces respond with air strikes on 2 Hamas targets nr. Khan Yunis and artillery fire on areas nr. Rafah, causing damage. Following the morning’s violence, Israel and Hamas agree to deescalate tensions along Gaza’s border. Israeli forces pull back from the so-called Access Restricted Areas along the border fence and Hamas fighters maintain a cease-fire. Qatar, Egypt, and the UN were reportedly involved in the deescalation talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials say they plan to continue anti-tunnel operations in the coming weeks. (JP, TOI 5/7; YA 5/8; PCHR 5/12)

IDF troops stationed along the border nr. Gaza City open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2 fishermen and confiscating their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to climb the separation wall and enter Jerusalem, causing minor injuries; and arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Jericho when they find he is carrying a knife. They also conduct raids and house searches in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian human rights activists in Hebron, destroying some of their personal property. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians in Silwan, arresting 3. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

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

In a 2d day of cross-border violence, Palestinians fire mortar shells at Israeli patrols along Gaza’s s. and n. borders in 3 separate incidents, causing no injuries or damage. Hamas will take credit for at least 1 of the shellings. Israeli forces launch artillery shells at the 3 sources of shelling and conduct at least 5 air strikes in s. Gaza, causing damage and no injuries. After the day’s violence, the IDF declares a region nr. the border a closed military zone and, according to Palestinian sources, IDF troops conduct unspecified operations along the border in Rafah and nr. Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in and around Hebron and nr. Bethlehem, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction in Hebron. Israeli settlers attack a group of Palestinian schoolchildren in c. Hebron, causing no injuries, and assault a Palestinian activist nr. al-Ibrahimi Mosque, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids and patrols in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in bedouin communities in the Negev and nr. Lydda. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/4; MNA, TOI 5/5; OCHA 5/6; PCHR 5/12)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office says that DM Ya’alon and Public Security Minister Erdan have been authorized, as of 5/1, to decide whether or not to return the bodies of Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF and Israeli police. This statement reverses Netanyahu’s decision, on 3/27, ordering Ya’alon not to return any bodies. (HA, YA 5/4)

The PLO Exec. Comm. decides to start implementing the PA’s threat to limit security coordination with the IDF if the “current situation” continues. PASF troops are instructed to implement the decision “under supervision of the Palestinian political echelon” and security agencies will decide how quickly to implement it. (MNA 5/7)

For the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces conduct major raids across East Jerusalem overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian in Abu Dis and al-‘Izzariya; 16 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian youth in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. IDF troops conduct 8 patrols nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel illegally nr. Bayt Hanun. Hamas redeploys its forces to improve security along the border with Egypt. A Hamas official describes the move as a confidence-building measure requested by the Egyptian govt. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/21; PCHR 4/28)

Peace Now reports that the Israeli govt. has declared 115 dunams (28 acres) nr. Salfit as “state land.” Israel reportedly plans to build a new industrial zone in the area. (PCN 4/21; MNA 4/22)

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities reopen a road in e. Hebron 5 mos. after sealing it behind earth mounds. Israeli forces confiscate 4 water tanks and 2 cars, and demolish 16 residential tents and 15 livestock barracks in a village nr. Nablus, displacing 117 Palestinians. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrol nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot trees and level land nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with Palestinians in the area; there are no injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c., arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel for work nr. Jabaliya r.c., and open fire on Palestinian picnickers nearby, causing no injuries or damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces detain 2 Palestinian fishermen nr. Khan Yunis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 4/7; MNA 4/8; PCHR 4/14)

Western diplomats and senior Palestinian officials say that the Palestinian leadership informally circulated a draft res. to UNSC mbrs. this week condemning Israel’s settlements and calling for a 1-year time frame on a 2-state solution. They say PA pres. Abbas hopes to have it brought for a vote while he is in New York for a climate conference at the end of 4/2016 (he is set to arrive on 4/22). (HA, TOI 4/7; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/8; TOI 4/10)

In Gaza City, senior Hamas and Fatah officials meet for national reconciliation talks, continuing the process begun in Doha on 3/26–27. There are no major announcements of progress. (MNA 4/8)

Israeli and Turkish officials meet in London for another round of reconciliation talks. Turkey’s FM will say, on 4/8, that progress was made today and that an agreement is due “very soon.” The Israeli govt. does not comment. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 4/8; ECO 4/12)

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

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

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

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

IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians outside a settlement nr. Hebron after they allegedly open fire on a group of Israeli soldiers at a bus stop, injuring 1. The IDF then raids the 2 Hebron-area homes of the alleged attackers, damaging doors and interrogating their families; and closes a road leading to a village nearby (it will be reopened on 4/12). IDF troops also shoot and kill a Palestinian driver nr. the same settlement after he allegedly rams and injures 2 Israeli soldiers. Another IDF soldier is injured by friendly fire. Elsewhere in the oPt, a Hamas mbr. dies in a tunnel collapse e. of Gaza City. An armed group fires a rocket from Gaza into s. Israel, which lands in an open area along the border, causing no injuries or damage. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah; patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a construction site nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians allegedly planning a stabbing attack in Abu Dis and 2 Palestinians in late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir. In Israel, the Israeli authorities order the closure of a construction site in Haifa for 21 days for harboring Palestinian workers who entered Israel illegally. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/14; HA, JP, WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/17)

Citing senior Israeli officials, Haaretz reports that the Israeli govt. and the PA have been holding secret negotiations over the past mo. with the goal of gradually restoring PA security control over cities in the West Bank and ensuring continued security coordination. In response, 2 mbrs. of Netanyahu’s cabinet— Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Immigration Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin—say they had not been informed of the talks and that they oppose them. (HA, TOI 3/14)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 2d and 3d readings of an amendment designed to deter Israelis who transport, employ, or otherwise accommodate Palestinians who work in Israel illegally. The measure, advanced by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, passes by a vote of 44–16. (TOI 3/14)