The Palestine Chronology

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif, as Palestinians hold a “day of rage” across the oPt. Muslim worshippers clash with Israeli forces after midday prayers at the Lion’s Gate to the Old City; 2 Palestinians are injured and arrested. Elsewhere, Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters clash with Israeli forces at Qalandia checkpoint, Shu‘fat, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Protests in Nablus and Tubas are without incident. Meanwhile, after a number of Jewish settlers perform religious rituals at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli police temporarily suspended Jewish visitation rights to the sanctuary. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate water pumps and tanks from Bedouin villages in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20; PCHR 7/27)

After consulting with top security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We want to solve this crisis in the quietest way possible and to bring back the calm.” Israel’s security agencies reportedly support removing the new metal detectors. Separately, a White House spokesperson says that the U.S. is “very concerned” about the situation and calls on “the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.” (TOI 7/19; SA, TOI 7/20)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 7/16. (KNE, MNA, TOI 7/19; HA 7/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver n. of Hebron after he allegedly rams a group of Israeli soldiers, injuring 2, according to the IDF. The IDF later raids the driver’s home nearby and interrogates his brother. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian families building homes in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/20)

Amid heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli forces violently disperse Muslim worshippers gathered outside the sanctuary to protest the new Israeli security measures; at least 2 Israeli police officers and 14 Palestinians are injured (1 seriously). The Israeli police remove 1 Jewish settler from the sanctuary after he starts to pray. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians, including 1 Islamic Waqf employee, during raids in Silwan and other areas of the city. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

The Saudi press reports that King Salman has sent a message to the Israeli govt. via the U.S. calling for Israel to reopen Haram al-Sharif to Muslim worshippers without the new security measures. Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly sent a message back to Salman saying that the status quo would remain at the sanctuary, and inviting Saudis to inspect it for themselves. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/28)

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gather in the streets outside Haram al-Sharif for predawn prayers and to protest the new Israeli security measures at the sanctuary. They refuse to pass through the new metal detectors installed on 7/16, honoring the Islamic Waqf’s 7/16 call for a boycott. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse Muslims gathering outside the sanctuary for evening prayers, lightly injuring at least 15, including Palestinian National Initiative chair Mustafa Barghouti. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Za’ayem. They also conduct a raid in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, Israeli forces raid al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, attempting to arrest the Palestinian injured in Silwan earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tubas, Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/20)

The Israeli authorities seize 70 dunams (approx. 17 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem for “military purposes,” according to a local anti-settlement activist. (WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of a bill that would add the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which oversees efforts to counter the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, on the list of bodies exempt from Israel’s Freedom of Information Law that permits citizens to obtain information from the govt. Should the bill pass, the ministry’s ability to keep its anti-BDS activities and methods secret from the public would be ensured. (KNE, MNA 7/18; MDW 7/19)

After the Israeli police install new security cameras, turnstiles and metal detectors at 3 entrances to Haram al-Sharif (which was closed after the deadly attack on 7/14), the Islamic Waqf calls for a Muslim boycott of the sanctuary as long as the new security measures are in place. Muslim worshippers then refuse to enter the sanctuary throughout the day and pray outside; 10 protesters are injured and 3 are arrested during scuffles with Israeli forces late at night. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian officials convene in Ramallah and reaffirm that the status quo at Haram al-Sharif should not change after the deadly attack nr. the sanctuary on 7/14. Israeli PM Netanyahu insists that the new security measures do not change the status quo. “Changing the status quo would be a wrong move,” he says. “It would lead to unforeseeable consequences in the world and regional order.” (HA, MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA 7/16; MNA, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a raid on his home in Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah. An IDF spokesperson says the soldiers opened fire after the man trained a gun on them, alleging that the deceased was responsible for the shooting attack nr. Ramallah on 7/15. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 fishermen. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/16; PCHR 7/20)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill, dubbed the “United Jerusalem Law,” that would require a supermajority of the Knesset, 80 MKs, to agree to any concession of land within Jerusalem’s current city limits. It would also stipulate that a simple majority, 61 MKs, could approve a shift in Jerusalem’s borders, which would allow land outside the city to be ceded in the context of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The bill now goes to the full Knesset for a 1st reading. (HA, KNE 7/16)

Three Palestinian citizens of Israel open fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem, critically injuring 3 (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The attackers seek refuge at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces shoot and kill all 3. Israeli police deploy heavily across the Old City, block off all entrances to Haram al-Sharif, and cancel Friday prayers at the sanctuary, forcing Muslim worshippers to pray in the streets. They also detain and interrogate 58 Islamic Waqf employees. With tensions running high across the city, an unidentified assailant throws a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler family driving through Silwan; 3 of the settlers are injured, including an infant. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 25 are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is killed. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries or major damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements 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 Jabaliya r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/20)

PA pres. Abbas phones Israeli PM Netanyahu to condemn the morning’s attack in Jerusalem and to denounce violence on both sides, particularly at holy sites. He also calls for Netanyahu to reopen Haram al-Sharif. Netanyahu reportedly tells Abbas that he will uphold the status quo at the sanctuary, but that Israeli forces will maintain security at all costs. Abbas later calls on Jordan to intervene, and the Jordanian govt. releases a statement calling on Israel to reopen the sanctuary. (HA, TOI, WAFA 7/14; HA 7/16)

After shutting down on 7/12, the Gaza power plant resumes operations, with 3 of its turbines supplying 70 MW to the local grid. It’s unclear if the fuel required came from Egypt or somewhere else. (MNA 7/15)

IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure at least 2 more in clashes sparked by an early morning raid in Jenin r.c. An IDF spokesperson alleges that the clashes began when armed Palestinians opened fire on Israeli soldiers conducting an unspecified operation in the camp. Afterward, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Jenin. Later in the day, hundreds of Palestinian mourners march through Jenin at a funeral for the 2 men. Separately, the IDF arrests 4 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron; and patrols in and around Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 home each in Jabal Mukabir and Silwan. They assault a Palestinian youth in Silwan during the operation and arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. Israeli forces, including 1 soldier wearing an Israeli flag draped over his shoulder, raid Haram al-Sharif, increasing tensions at the sanctuary. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 7/12; HA, PCHR 7/13; PCHR 7/20)

Gaza’s power plant shuts down because of a fuel shortage, instantly worsening Gaza’s electricity crisis. The 4 m. L of fuel that Egypt has shipped to Gaza in recent weeks is gone and the power lines feeding Gaza’s electricity grid are not supplying electricity, according to Gazan officials. (DPA 7/12; EI, HA 7/13)

The military court at Ofer Prison issues imprisoned PFLP leader and PLC mbr. Jarrar a 6-mo. administrative detention. IDF troops arrested her at her home in Ramallah on 7/1. (MNA, WAFA 7/12)

Israel’s security cabinet decides to temporarily suspend Qalqilya’s expansion into Area C of the West Bank, which was set to include 5,000 new Palestinian homes by 2035. After the plan was 1st reported on 6/14, ultranationalist mbrs. of Israel’s ruling coalition complained that the move would undermine the settlement enterprise. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/13)

Hundreds of Palestinians march through al-Suwana, East Jerusalem, to mourn Ali Abu Gharbiyeh, the Palestinian whose body washed ashore at Lake Tiberias on 6/30. Israeli forces fire stun grenades at protesters “shouting slogans” and “acting disorderly,” according to an Israeli police spokesperson. At least 35 Palestinians are lightly injured in the ensuing clashes. It is still unclear how Abu Gharbiyeh died. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in al-Mughayyir village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Khan Yunis; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya for the 3d day in a row, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 7/2; WAFA 7/3; PCHR 7/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a temporary suspension of his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, following a petition from MK Yehuda Glick, leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement and ultranationalist mbr. of Likud. The trial period is set to span 7/23–27. Netanyahu 1st implemented the ban amid rising tensions at the site and across the oPt in 10/2015. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/2; JTA 7/3)

A delegation of senior Hamas officials departs Gaza for Cairo to build on previous negotiations that the delegation held in the Egyptian capital 6/4–12. The trip comes amid signs of growing ties between Hamas and the Egyptian govt. (MNA 7/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops escort a small group of settler rabbis to visit a mosque in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron early in the morning, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the village; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when he is found to be carrying a knife, and assault a Palestinian girl during a raid in Hebron. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Nablus, and patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Approximately 500 Israeli settlers gather on a road between Nablus to Ramallah, blocking traffic. In East Jerusalem, approximately 123 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/29; MNA 6/30; PCHR 7/6)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah for the 4th time this week, confiscating about 20 vehicles and arresting 2 relatives of the 3 Palestinians killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces on 6/16. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Hebron and Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli forces level land nr. Nablus for a 2d day in a row. In East Jerusalem, around 300,000 Muslims pray at Haram al-Sharif late at night, marking Laylat al-Qadr, the night Muslims observe to mark the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. (MNA, WAFA 6/21; HA, PCHR, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 7/6)

Son-in-law and senior advisor to U.S. pres. Jared Kushner arrives in Israel and meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss U.S. efforts to restart Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. According to the White House, the 2 sides reaffirmed their desire to make peace and acknowledged the need for “economic opportunities for Palestinians and major investment in the Palestinian economy.” Kushner and U.S. rep. Greenblatt then travel to Ramallah to meet with PA pres. Abbas. No further details are made available. (HA, TOI, WHPO, YA 6/21; WAFA 6/22)

Netanyahu meets with several top defense and security officials to approve a new “security strategy” for Damascus Gate, the main entrance to Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter, following the 6/16 attack in East Jerusalem. The new strategy reportedly includes new “surveillance points,” increased numbers of cameras, and other measures. (They will announce it on 6/22.) (MNA 6/22; TOI 6/23)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at al-Jaba‘ checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. After the incident, the IDF raids the alleged attacker’s home in al-‘Izzariya and arrests his father. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces begin leveling land nr. Nablus to expand settlement infrastructure in the area. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly detain an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif and summon 3 other guards for interrogation. (HA, MNA 6/20; EI, MNA 6/21; PCHR 6/22)

A day after the Israeli authorities began cutting the electricity supply to Gaza, a Hamas-affiliated source says that the Egyptian govt. has agreed to ship diesel fuel into the region via the Rafah border crossing to allow Gaza’s sole power plant to resume operations for a limited time. It’s unclear if the shipments are linked to a rumored agreement between Egypt and Hamas earlier this mo. (HA, TOI 6/20)

Israeli forces begin construction on Amichai, a new settlement to house residents of the illegal Amona outpost, which was demolished in early 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3, 4]). Amichai is reportedly the 1st settlement built officially by the Israeli govt. in 25 years. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/20)

Amid heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli police enter the sanctuary to disperse hundreds of Muslim worshippers protesting the Israeli crackdown following the deadly attack on 6/16; 3 Israelis are injured and several Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Kafr ‘Aqab. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah for the 3d day in a row, arresting at least 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 11 Palestinians and issues 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/18; MNA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

Following days of complaints from Israeli ultranationalists, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his security cabinet will reconsider the plan, 1st reported on 6/14, to allow Qalqilya to expand into Area C with 5,000 new housing units. He claims to not remember the cabinet’s approval of the plan back in 2016. (JP, TOI 6/18)

Israeli police shoot and kill 3 Palestinian youths outside the Old City of East Jerusalem after they attack Israeli guards at Damascus Gate with knives and guns: 1 Israeli police officer is lightly injured and 1 is fatally wounded, succumbing to her injuries later in the day. After the attack, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attackers’ village of Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah, imposing a lockdown on the village and sparking clashes with residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli PM Netanyahu then rescinds all 250,000 permits issued to Palestinians for Ramadan. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16)

While the Israeli authorities ramp up their crackdown, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif on the 3d Friday of Ramadan, and Israeli police deploy additional battalions throughout East Jerusalem. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Jerusalem from Bethlehem to pray at the sanctuary. Separately, IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., al-Bureij r.c., Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 7 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence; there are no serious injuries. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16; MNA 6/17; WAFA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly lock down Haram al-Sharif after an unidentified assailant throws a stone at Jewish settlers touring the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians are arrested and banned from Haram al-Sharif for various lengths of time in connection with the incident. Israeli forces also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Jericho; arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 6/11; MNA 6/12; PCHR 6/16)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a 40% reduction in the transfer of electricity to Gaza, acquiescing to the PA’s 4/27 request (see JPS 46 [4]). The security cabinet also discusses a proposal to build an artificial island off Gaza’s coast to host a port to facilitate economic growth and alleviate the region’s humanitarian crisis. DM Lieberman reportedly opposes the proposal, and no decision is made. (TOI 6/11; EI, JP, MNA 6/12; HA 6/13)

The Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill to deduct from Israel’s monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress in 2/2017 (see H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017 and S. 474 of 2/28/2017 at congressionalmonitor.org, as well as H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017). The sum deducted would be an estimated NIS 1 b. (approx. $280 m.) per year. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/11)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., Rafah, and al-Bureij r.c.; 1 is killed in Gaza and at least 18 other Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif, marking the 2d Friday of Ramadan. A group of Jewish settlers disguised in religious Muslim garb visit the sanctuary in a reported attempt to pray at the holy site. Islamic Waqf guards escort them out when they respond to questions in Hebrew. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, unidentified assailants slash the tires of 9 Palestinian cars and leave anti-Arab graffiti in Bayt Safafa overnight. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/16)

Turkish and Palestinian officials reveal that Ankara has sent a cargo ship full of humanitarian aid, which will arrive in Gaza by the end of Ramadan. It will be the 3d shipment of Turkish aid since the IsraeliTurkish rapprochement of 6/2016 (see JPS 46 [1]). (MNA 6/9)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; at least 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at Qalandia checkpoint, claiming that she was planning to carry out an attack against Israelis; and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 10,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the first Friday of Ramadan. Among them are 100 elderly Gazans who were permitted to travel to East Jerusalem for the first time in 6 mos. (see JPS 46 [4]). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 6/2; PCHR 6/8)

The Palestinian critically injured in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jenin on 6/1 succumbs to her injuries. (MNA 6/2)

Approximately 60,000 Israelis march through the Old City of Jerusalem in commemoration of Jerusalem Day, a celebration of the IDF’s 1967 capture of the city. Hundreds of left-wing activists and Palestinians participate in a counter-demonstration outside the Old City, sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries). Approximately 700 Jewish settlers visit Haram al-Sharif; Israeli forces arrest 15 of them for praying at the sanctuary, along with 3 Islamic Waqf guards. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians nr. Nablus when they are discovered to be carrying pipe bombs. They also assault and arrest 2 Palestinian youths walking home from school in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Ramallah. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians are injured in an explosion at an unspecified “resistance site” nr. Rafah, according to medical sources. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural fields nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In n. Israel, unidentified assailants torch 2 cars and spray price-tag graffiti on a Palestinian building. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/25; PCHR 6/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at an IDF post nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest a Palestinian girl at the Qalandia checkpoint allegedly found to be carrying a knife. They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Ramallah and nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escort Joint List member of Knesset (MK) Masud Ganaim from Haram al-Sharif after he violates the ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/20; PCHR 5/25)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with IDF troops on 3/15 nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

U.S. pres. Donald Trump meets with Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on the first day of his first international trip as president. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, among other regional issues, and sign a joint “strategic vision,” including $110 b. in U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia over 10 years. (AP, REU 5/20)

Israeli police shoot and kill an Israeli settler after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them on the East Jerusalem side of the Hizma checkpoint. They reportedly mistook the settler for a Palestinian. Israeli forces later find the settler’s suicide note, showing that he intentionally attacked them with the goal of being killed. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, approx. 90 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, marking Israel’s Independence Day. Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, and al-Tur. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy a Palestinian well in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem. Israeli forces level Palestinian land nr. Salfit to clear the area for settlers from nearby Ariel. IDF troops establish a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid nr. Bethlehem and patrol nr. Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no injuries; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis late at night. In Israel, thousands of Palestinians participate in the “March of Return” at the site of the depopulated al-Kabri village in the Galilee to highlight the rights of Palestinian refugees and commemorate the Nakba. (HA, WAFA 5/2; MNA 5/3; PCHR 5/4)

A former Palestinian prisoner dies of kidney failure at a hospital nr. Ramallah. He developed kidney issues as a result of medical negligence while he was in Israeli prison, according to the head of the PA’s prisoners’ affairs comm., Issa Qaraqe. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/2)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers raze a small plot of Palestinian agricultural land outside al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are injured in an accidental explosion at a Hamas military site. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/24; TOI 4/26; PCHR 4/27)

The Jerusalem Municipality files for public review of a plan to confiscate 1,300 m2 nr. Haram al-Sharif to build a visitor center. The Israeli NGO Peace Now will report on the plan on 4/25, saying that “dragged by settler organizations, the Israeli govt. is willing to go out of its way to approve this sensitive plan through a highly unusual procedure.” (MNA 4/25; PCN 4/25)

Gaza’s sole power plant runs out of fuel for the 2d time this year, plunging the region into a renewed power cut crisis. As a result, GEDCO will only be able to distribute 133 MW of power per day, far less than the 450–500 needed. (AFP, TOI 4/16)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities ban 12 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for 80 days (they have now banned more than 50 Palestinians from the sanctuary in recent weeks). Meanwhile, 517 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; 3 are arrested for praying. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qutna. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/20)

Israeli forces arrest a mentally unstable Palestinian after he stabs and kills a UK woman on the Jerusalem Light Rail nr. the Old City. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 4 Muslim worshippers when they attempt to stop Jewish settlers from praying at Haram alSharif. They arrest 10 more as they are exiting the sanctuary, and also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Nabi Salih after he is found to be carrying a knife. Meanwhile, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and withholding of Palestinian corpses in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also establish a mobile checkpoint e. of Tubas, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Juhur al-Dik and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/20)

The Israeli authorities open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow fuel to enter Gaza. They closed the crossing for Passover on 4/9, and are set to shut it down again from 4/15 through 4/17. (MNA 4/14)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) temporarily cuts off power throughout the region in protest of “unfair measures” imposed on the people of Gaza, including the reduction of former PA employees’ salaries. (MNA 4/14)

IDF troops conduct raids in Abu Dis nr. Jerusalem, sparking clashes with students at Al-Quds University; 6 students are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Silwad home of the family of the Palestinian driver who allegedly rammed and killed an Israeli on 4/6. They confiscate NIS 85,000 (approx. $23,000) and a vehicle during raids nr. Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis and arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and again nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 7 Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif for periods as long as 6 mos. (They have banned more than 40 Palestinians from the sanctuary in the past few weeks.) Meanwhile, 385 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; when a handful of them perform religious rites, guards escort them from the area. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/13; PCHR 4/20)

PA pres. Abbas says that he may take “unprecedented steps” to end the Hamas-Fatah rivalry that prevents the PA from taking control of Gaza. “These days, we are in a dangerous and tough situation that requires decisive steps, and we are [ready] to take these decisive steps. Therefore, we are going to take unprecedented steps in the coming days to end the division,” he says. Some analysts say that Abbas’s moves come in response to Hamas’s 3/16 announcement of the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. (TOI 4/13)

The Gaza-based Ministry of Interior announces that it will begin accepting applications for jobs in the security forces from female Palestinians. The change in policy marks the first time females will be hired as security forces since 2014. (MNA 4/13)

In Beijing, PA FM al-Maliki calls on China to play a more active role in the Palestinian peace effort, including support for Palestinian initiatives in international forums. China’s FM Wang Yi says that the fact that the Palestinians do not have a sovereign state yet is a “terrible injustice.” (HA, REU, WAFA 4/13)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the Egyptian govt. to “immediately disclose” whether or not it is detaining the 4 Palestinian men, all reportedly Hamas affiliates from Gaza, who were abducted on 8/19/2015 as they traveled by bus from the Rafah border crossing to Cairo. HRW says that Al Jazeera published a photograph purporting to show 2 of the men in a Cairo facility in 8/2016. The report reads, “incommunicado detention violates basic protections for both civilians and fighters under Egypt’s code of criminal procedure, which requires authorities to bring criminal suspects in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours and prosecutors to charge the detainee based on evidence or release the person immediately. It also violates international law, which requires that all detainees, regardless of their particular status, be brought ‘promptly’ (i.e., within days) before a judicial officer or equivalent to review the legality and necessity of their detention.” (HRW 4/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 18 olive trees nr. Salfit to clear space for the construction of a new water supply network for nearby settlements. IDF troops patrol in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, more than 40 Palestinians banned from Haram al-Sharif gather outside the sanctuary in protest while approx. 300 rightwing Jewish activists tour the area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Rafah. (MNA, WAFA 4/11; MNA 4/12; PCHR 4/13)

In the West Bank, the IDF temporarily shuts down all entrances into Hebron around midday without providing an official reason. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at a settlement nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit. Israeli settlers uproot 310 olive trees outside Mukhmas village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search Haram al-Sharif after arresting a Palestinian outside the sanctuary; and arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 4/10; MNA 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jalazun r.c. on 3/23. (EI, MNA, WAFA 4/10; PCHR 4/13)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State fighters fire a rocket from the n. Sinai Peninsula into s. Israel, which hits a greenhouse in the Eshkol region, causing no serious damage or injuries. The launch comes hours after Israeli authorities announced the closure of the Taba border crossing from Israel to Egypt over suspicions about such an attack. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/10)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will be sending a high-level delegation to Washington in 2 weeks to prepare for PA pres. Abbas’s meeting with U.S. pres. Trump on 5/3. “The main goal here is to reach understandings that would make the president’s visit a success . . . with positive results that would serve the Palestinian cause,” he says. (WAFA 4/10)

Thousands of PA employees in Gaza gather in Gaza City to protest the PA’s recent decision to cut their salaries by at least 30%. (The cuts were not made public until 4/4) In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids across the city, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing orders banning 30 others from Haram al-Sharif for periods ranging from 15 days to 6 mos. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate building materials from a workshop and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron. (MNA, TOI 4/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/9; PCHR 4/13)

IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces raze around 100 dunams (approx. 25 acres) of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Bethlehem and demolish 3 residential structures and 4 tents nr. Salfit. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 2 Islamic Waqf guards from Haram al-Sharif for 6 mos., and 3 other Palestinians from the sanctuary for 3 mos. They don’t give a reason for the bans. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat r.c. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces spray pesticides on Palestinian agricultural areas nr. Khan Yunis for the 2d day in a row; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 111th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/5; JP 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

The Israeli govt. and PA sign an agreement to allow Palestinian mobile service providers to offer 3G to their customers in the oPt. The IDF’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) releases a statement explaining that the deal is meant to strengthen the Palestinian economy. Prior to today’s agreement, the Israeli authorities were barring Palestinian companies from offering 3G due to security concerns. In 11/2015, Israel and the PA signed a similar agreement to enable 3G access in the oPt, but it was never implemented. (MNA 4/5)

In East Jerusalem, 67 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinian children playing in al-Bustan. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian killed in East Jerusalem on 4/1 and interrogate his family mbrs. They also arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at an IDF post outside Zuffin settlement nr. Qalqilya; arrest 6 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/6)

Jerusalem district police cmdr. Doron Turgeman says that security in the city will likely be increased around Passover, which is set to begin on 4/10. “Holidays and festivals over the years have caused higher tensions and sensitivity and are a preferred period for attacks,” he says. (TOI 4/2)

Palestinians gather across the West Bank to commemorate Land Day. IDF troops violently disperse them in Bethlehem, Madama village nr. Nablus, and several other areas; at least 16 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze around 20 dunams (5 acres) of land nr. Salfit to make way for the expansion of a settlement industrial zone. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers verbally confront dozens of Jewish settlers touring Haram al-Sharif; there are no arrests or violence. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. (MNA, WAFA 3/30; PCHR 4/6)

In a meeting with his security cabinet, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a new policy to manage settlement growth: the Israeli govt. will continue construction in previously developed areas, when permissible, and adjacent areas, when not permissible; allow construction on the closest land possible to developed areas when neither adjacent nor permissible land is available; and bar the creation of any new settlement outposts. The PM insists that the new policy is not based on an understanding with the Trump admin., although it comes a week after an Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington for talks on settlement growth. Netanyahu also says that 900 dunams (approx. 222 acres) nr. the Eli settlement have been declared state land and that final approval has been given to market 2,000 new homes in existing settlements (these 2,000 are among the 5,700 advanced in the 3 weeks following U.S. pres. Trump’s inauguration on 1/20; see JPS 46 [3]). (HA, JP, TOI 3/30; HA, TOI 4/2)

Israel’s security cabinet announces its unanimous approval of a new Israeli settlement n. of Ramallah to house the former residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which was evacuated and demolished in early 2/2017. The approval reflects PM Netanyahu’s promise to build the former residents a new settlement. (NYT 3/30; HA, JP, TOI 3/31)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths at a checkpoint outside Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are lightly injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a residential structure nr. Jericho. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF vehicle that reportedly entered Sa‘ir village nr. Hebron by accident. PASF and IDF troops then enter the village to escort the vehicle out. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif after they prevent an Israeli archaeologist from removing several stones from the sanctuary. The Israeli police escort the archaeologist and his colleagues out of the sanctuary and arrest 6 more guards during late-night raids across the city. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/27; HA, MNA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

After closing it on 3/26, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza conditionally re-opens the Erez border crossing this morning. Medical patients, families visiting prisoners in Israel, women of all ages, and men between the ages of 15 and 45 are allowed to exit Gaza, and all are able to enter, as long as they possess the appropriate permissions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Atty. Gen. Ismail Jaber issues a gag order on the publication of any information relating to the investigation into the killing of senior military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/27)

Israeli PM Netanyahu has decided to reassess his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, according to reports in the Israeli press today. Any change in the current policy would come after a 3-mo. assessment period. Netanyahu instituted the ban in 10/2015 during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (JP, TOI 3/27; MNA 3/29)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 53 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 3/26; PCHR 3/30)

Amid the ongoing investigation of the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha, the Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza indefinitely shuts down the Erez border crossing, except for humanitarian cases; orders all fishermen to return to the shore; and shuts down the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. (Most of these restrictions will remain in place through 4/6.) The Kerem Shalom border crossing remains open. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/26; MNA 4/6)

A spokesperson for the residents of the Amona settlement outpost warns that if the Israeli govt. does not build them a new settlement, as PM Netanyahu promised before Amona’s evacuation and demolition in 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3]), they will “have to unilaterally move onto the [designated] land” and build it themselves. The spokesperson is likely responding to reports in the Israeli press about Israel-U.S. talks in Washington last week, and specifically an unconfirmed report that the U.S. may condone the Amona replacement in exchange for other limitations on settlement growth. (JP 3/26; JP 3/27)