The Palestine Chronology

Hours after Israeli air strikes across Gaza on 6/19, Hamas and other armed groups launch approximately 45 rockets and other projectiles toward Israel; 3 fall short of the border fence, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 7, and the rest fall in open areas in Israel, causing no major damage or injuries. The IAF then conducts retaliatory strikes on a number of Hamas and PIJ sites in Rafah and near Gaza City, causing major damage. Late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off Gaza’s coast near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver near Bethlehem. It’s unclear why they opened fire. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home near Jerusalem, arrest 13 Palestinians, and injure 1 during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 Palestinian home each in Abu Dis and Qalandia refugee camp. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-Tur. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/20; MNA, PCHR 6/21; PCHR 6/27)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 124. (MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 6/21)

In the wake of the rocket fire from Gaza in the morning, Hamas and PIJ issue a joint statement claiming responsibility and threatening to retaliate for any future Israeli strikes in Gaza. “We are committed to a formula of a strike for every strike,” the statement reads. “We will not allow the enemy to dictate a new formula.” Earlier, an IDF spokesperson explained the IDF’s decision to escalate their response to incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza on 6/19: “We struck at a greater intensity, with the intended message for Hamas to understand that we will not allow this situation to continue.” (HA, TOI 6/20)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt meet with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. They discuss possible humanitarian projects to help improve conditions in Gaza and the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. (HA, TOI 6/20)

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

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

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

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

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

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

In retaliation for the incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza on 6/17, the IAF conducts air strikes on 9 Hamas sites across Gaza overnight, causing major damage. Unidentified Palestinians in Gaza then launch 3 rockets toward southern Israel; 2 land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries (the third falls short of the border fence). Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross the fence into Israel near Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is killed and the other 3 are injured. The IDF reports that the men were attempting to sabotage “security infrastructure.” In the evening, the IAF conducts another round of air strikes across Gaza, targeting Hamas and other armed groups’ infrastructure. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault Palestinian farmers traveling from Hebron to Jerusalem and confiscate the crops they are bringing to market. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a number of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest a senior Islamic Waqf guard at the sanctuary. They also set up a new watchtower outside one of the main entrances. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/18; MNA 6/19; PCHR 6/21)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed protesters along Gaza’s border near al-Maghazi refugee camp on 5/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 123. (PCHR 6/21)

In a statement, PA president Abbas rejects the U.S. plan, first reported on 6/17, to raise money for relief efforts in Gaza, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to separate Gaza from the West Bank in the name of “humanitarian aid or rehabilitation.” (HA 6/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman. They discuss a number of regional issues, including the Palestinians. It is their first public meeting since 11/2014. (JP 6/19)

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

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

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

Along Gaza’s border fence, Palestinians fly a number of incendiary kites and balloons across the fence into Israel, sparking fires in 17 locations. The IAF then conducts an air strike targeting a group of Palestinians in Gaza allegedly preparing to launch an incendiary balloon near Rafah; 2 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, the IAF bombs Hamas and PIJ sites in and around Gaza City, destroying a vehicle that reportedly belonged to a Palestinian responsible for many incendiary kite and balloon attacks in recent weeks. Israeli drones bomb a group of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near al-Maghazi refugee camp late at night, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin. (HA 6/16; PCHR 6/21)

Ahead of a U.S. delegation’s visit to Israel and a number of other Middle Eastern countries this week, a PA spokesperson calls the trip a “waste of time” because the Trump administration has lost the support of the Palestinians. “The round of meetings that began in New York [on 6/15], whose purpose is to bring a meaningless plan, won’t achieve anything,” he says. (TOI 6/16)

Along Gaza’s border fence, an IDF drone fires a missile at Palestinian youths near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. The Palestinians were reportedly preparing incendiary kites and balloons to fly into Israel. Later, the IAF conducts another air strike on unspecified “infrastructure” near the site of the initial attack. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland along the border fence, causing no damage. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chop down approximately 200 olive trees and grapevines on Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem. The site is not far from Netiv Ha’avot, the illegal Israeli settlement outpost that was evacuated earlier this week. IDF troops patrol near Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/14; YA 6/15; PCHR 6/21)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 6/8, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 122. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 10 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate a vehicle from a Palestinian construction site near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly an incendiary kite across the fence into Israel; there are no reported injuries. (WAFA 6/13; JP, TOI 6/14; PCHR 6/21)

The UN General Assembly adopts a Palestinian-backed resolution condemning Israel’s use of “excessive force” in quelling the recent protests in Gaza, with 120 votes in favor, 8 opposed, and 45 abstentions. Before the vote, U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley proposes an amendment condemning Hamas for its rocket fire and alleged diversion of humanitarian resources into its security apparatus, but she fails to obtain enough support. (AP, HA, JP, MNA 6/14)

Following the protest in Ramallah on 6/10, the PA temporarily bans public demonstrations “in order to make it easier for citizens to conduct their normal lives [around the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday],” according to a PA statement. “It is prohibited to grant permits to organize marches or to establish gatherings that would disrupt the movement of citizens and disturb them.” The move is widely seen as a means of quelling opposition to PA president Abbas. Recent protests have focused on his role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the announcement, PA security forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Ramallah for another demonstration; there are no serious injuries. (EI, TOI 6/13)

Israeli firefighters extinguish 17 small fires along Gaza’s border fence, reportedly sparked by incendiary kites flown across the fence. The Israeli police say they found one kite with a bomb attached to it in a residential area. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, more than 1,500 Palestinians gather in Ramallah to call on PA president Abbas to lift his punitive sanctions on Gaza. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Salfit, Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near the Old City and in Issawiyya. (TOI 6/10; HA 6/11; PCHR 6/14)

The IDF announces that it destroyed a Hamas-built tunnel last week. It was reportedly constructed several meters into the Mediterranean for the purpose of allowing Hamas fighters to enter Israel from the sea. “They tried to make it possible to covertly move from land to sea in order to perpetrate attacks inside Israel,” a senior IAF officer says. “We have known about this tunnel for a few months and decided that this was the right time for us to destroy it.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 6/10)

Along Gaza’s border, an Israeli aircraft fires a “warning shot” at 3 Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly incendiary kites across the border fence, according to the IDF. Later, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland along the border near Gaza City, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently confront Palestinian medics as they attempt to tend to persons injured in a traffic accident near Bethlehem. They also assault and injure 2 Palestinians and arrest 6 more during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur. (TOI, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/14)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. The march’s organizing committee called for increased participation today to mark Naksa Day. Some protesters fly incendiary kites across the border fence into Israel, sparking small fires. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are killed and at least 100 are injured, including 2 paramedics. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 121. Earlier, IDF drones drop firebombs on protest tent camps and piles of tires along the border fence, sparking a number of minor fires and causing moderate damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (1 Palestinian is injured); arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Salfit and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian farmer’s supplies outside Burin near Nablus and leave racist graffiti on the walls nearby. In East Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the final Friday of Ramadan. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in al-Jadira village. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/8; PCHR 6/14)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Nablus overnight, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 8 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces block a road near Bethlehem, denying Palestinian farmers access to their lands. Unidentified persons fly incendiary kites toward 3 Israeli settlements—Matan, Yarhiv, and Nirit—marking the first use of this tactic in the West Bank. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif amid minor clashes at the sanctuary. The Israeli press reports that Muslim worshippers threw stones at right-wing Jewish activists touring the sanctuary, lightly injuring 2. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village of al-‘Araqib for the 129th time since 2010. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, 6/7; TOI 6/8; PCHR 6/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at protests, sit-ins, and other demonstrations across the oPt in commemoration of the Naksa (the anniversary of the June War of 1967). Palestinian officials declare 6/8 a “day of rage,” encouraging the public to protest the Israeli occupation at Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 50 right-wing Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Israeli police confront a group of Muslim worshippers praying at the sanctuary; 12 Palestinians are arrested. Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons into Israel, sparking fires in the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council and near Moshav Netiv Ha‘asara and Kibbutz Nir Am. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross the border near Khan Yunis and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun (7 Palestinians are injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, YA 6/5; PCHR 6/7)

Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Later, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence nearby and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis (2 Palestinians are injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on two separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and moderately injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by a raid in Bayt Rima near Ramallah. They arrest 13 Palestinians on further raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (WAFA 6/3; MNA 6/4; PCHR 6/7)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders his deputies to establish a mechanism to withhold from the monthly Israeli transfers of tax revenues to the PA an amount equal to that which is necessary to compensate the farmers living in southern Israel whose crops have been destroyed by incendiary kites sent from Gaza. Israel’s Tax Authority has said that approximately $1.4 million in damages have been caused by kite attacks since 3/2018. (TOI 6/3)

Breaking the cease-fire brokered by Egypt on 5/30, unidentified Gazans launch a number of rockets and other projectiles into Israel late at night. Three are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system; the others cause no major damage or injuries. The barrage is reportedly a response to the Israeli killing of a Gazan paramedic on 6/1. The IAF then conducts retaliatory air strikes on 15 Hamas weapons-production, storage, and other sites across Gaza, causing major damage. Earlier in the day, IDF troops open fire on a small group of Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF alleges that the group was attempting to sabotage Israeli security infrastructure. Meanwhile, unidentified Gazans fly incendiary kites across the border fence into Israel, sparking a number of fires in a nature reserve in southern Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to run them over with a bulldozer in southern Hebron. The IDF says that the soldiers asked him to stop when he was 10 meters away, but he refused. Witnesses say that the soldiers killed him deliberately. Later, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian who filmed the shooting. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (1 Palestinian is injured); arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Hebron; and patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working outside Surayf village near Nablus, causing moderate injuries and sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian school under construction near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Hizma. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/2; HA, JP, WAFA 6/3; PCHR 6/7)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 116. (WAFA 6/3; PCHR 6/7)

An IDF spokesperson announces that the IDF has begun an investigation into the killing of a Palestinian paramedic on 6/1 (the IDF will announce, on 6/5, that the paramedic was not deliberately targeted). (AP, JP, REU, YA 6/2; NYT 6/5)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 100 are injured. The Palestinian killed today was a paramedic named Razan al-Najjar. She was reportedly shot as she was treating wounded protesters. Her death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 115. In East Jerusalem, approximately 250,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the third Friday of Ramadan. In the West Bank, IDF troops issue arrest summons to 2 Palestinians during a raid in Hebron, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. (EI, NYT, WAFA, YA 6/1; MNA 6/2; PCHR 6/7)

At the UNSC, the U.S. vetoes a Kuwait-backed draft resolution condemning Israel’s use of force against Palestinian civilians at recent protests along Gaza’s border fence. “The terrorist group Hamas bears primary responsibility for the awful living conditions in Gaza,” says U.S. ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, explaining the veto. (HA, JP, NYT, REU, TOI, YA 6/1)

IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes sparked by raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Hebron and in Yatta village near Hebron. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, and patrol near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Bir Nabala. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 5/31; PCHR 6/7)

A senior IDF officer says that the exchange of cross-border violence in Gaza on 5/29 was the closest “we’ve come to a war in Gaza” since Operation Protective Edge, the Israeli assault in the summer of 2014. He says that the IDF is urging the government to loosen certain restrictions on Gaza in order to de-escalate tensions. “The [Israeli] political leadership has to decide with whom to make such arrangements, but in terms of Hamas’ situation in the Gaza Strip, now is definitely a good time to try to reach agreements that will enable [Palestinians in Gaza] to have a better life and bring a long period of quiet.” (HA 5/31; TOI 6/1)

A day after Israel’s Civil Administration advanced plans for almost 2,000 new settler homes, Israel’s Housing Ministry publishes tenders for an additional 1,162 homes in the West Bank settlements, including 409 in Ariel. (TOI, WAFA 5/31)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. They also violently disperse a group of Palestinian minors congregating along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no serious injuries. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Jenin. (PCHR 5/31; PCHR 6/7)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/18, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 114. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/30; PCHR 5/31)

Amid conflicting reports about Israeli acquiescence to the Egypt-brokered cease-fire on 5/29, an Israeli official says that “Israel passed on messages saying if attacks resume, the strikes against Hamas and its affiliates will be even stronger.” Meanwhile, Hamas issues a statement officially recognizing the cease-fire. Later, Israel’s security cabinet convenes; they support PM Netanyahu and DM Avigdor Lieberman’s choice not to further escalate the situation, despite calls from some right-wing Members of Knesset (MKs) for Israel to reoccupy Gaza. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 5/30)

The Higher Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration announces plans to construct 1,958 new homes in Israeli settlements. The committee also retroactively authorizes 2 illegal settlement outposts. (HA, JP, PCN, WAFA 5/30)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians who crossed the fence near Bayt Lahiya armed with knives, bolt cutters, and inflammable material. The Israeli press reports that the troops came under fire from unidentified assailants in Gaza as they made the arrests. Israeli tanks then shell 3 Hamas military sites in Bayt Lahiya, killing 1 Palestinian, critically injuring a second, and causing damage. Later, armed Palestinians in Gaza open fire across the border fence near Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage to Israeli buildings and cars. Separately, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a protest camp near Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot at least 100 grapevines on Palestinian farmland outside Kafr Malik village near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, YA 5/28; HA, MNA, WAFA 5/29; PCHR 5/31)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on the protests along Gaza’s border on 5/14. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 113. (MNA, WAFA 5/29; PCHR 5/31)

FMs from across the European Union (EU) meet in Brussels to discuss the situation in Gaza. They do not release a joint statement on the matter, indicating a lack of consensus. (JP 5/28)

Along Gaza’s border, 4 Palestinians cross the border fence and roll a flaming tire toward an IDF post. After Israeli troops fire warning shots at them, they return to Gaza. Late at night, the IAF bombs Hamas sites in Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis on two separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/26; WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/31)

An Israeli soldier succumbs to injuries he sustained amid clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah on 5/24. (HA, MNA 5/26)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. He was reportedly selling ice cream from a kiosk when he was shot and critically injured. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 112. (WAFA 5/26; PCHR 5/31)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. A group of Palestinians fly incendiary kites over the border fence, sparking minor fires in Israel. IDF troops violently disperse the protests near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Rafah; 109 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones in Qalqilya and nearby Kafr Qaddum; 2 Palestinians are injured. (TOI, WAFA, YA 5/25; PCHR 5/31)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on the mass protests along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 111. (WAFA 5/25; PCHR 5/31)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a Great March of Return tent camp near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/24)

One week after the U.S. and Guatemala formally opened their new embassies in Jerusalem, Paraguayan president Horacio Cartes attends a similar ceremony to inaugurate the new Paraguayan embassy in the city. Meanwhile, a senior PA official says that the Palestinians are urging Arab states to cut ties with Guatemala and Paraguay over their embassy relocations. “A similar request was made regarding America after it relocated its embassy, but it was clear that no Arab nation would cut its ties with the U.S.,” the official says. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/21)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during the deadly violence along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 108. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/19; MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/24)

A Palestinian sets himself on fire in Gaza in protest of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA’s) withholding of part of his salary for months (he will succumb to his injuries on 5/23). Elsewhere in Gaza, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of protesters gathering along the border fence near Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is injured. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Dozens of Palestinians march through Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya to protest the moving of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and the Israeli occupation. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring a Palestinian infant. (HA, MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/24)

Hundreds of Palestinian protesters gather along the border fence in Gaza to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 27 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. In Israel, hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Haifa to protest the recent deadly violence in Gaza; 21 Palestinian citizens of Israel are arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct arrest raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. (MNA, YA 5/18; HA, JP 5/19; PCHR 5/24)

An elderly Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 107. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/19; MNA 5/21; PCHR 5/24)

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) convenes to debate the recent violence in Gaza. Overcoming U.S. and Australian objections, they approve a Pakistani proposal to establish an independent commission of inquiry into Israel’s use of deadly force to quell the Great March of Return. Twenty-nine countries vote in favor of the proposal, 14 abstain, and only the U.S. and Australia oppose it. Separately, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convenes in Istanbul to discuss similar initiatives. In a joint statement, delegates request that the OIC general secretariat “act immediately to establish an international independent committee of experts to investigate the crimes and massacres committed by the Israeli forces against the peaceful and unarmed demonstrators in the Gaza Strip, to determine the culpability of the Israeli officials, and communicate the findings to relevant international bodies.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 5/18; WAFA 5/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Ramallah and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. (PCHR 5/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for a fifth consecutive day. In the evening, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announces that he has ordered the crossing to remain open for the entire month of Ramadan, which begins in the evening today, in order to “alleviate the burdens of the brothers in the Gaza Strip.” (TOI, YA 5/17; AP, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 5/18)

Kuwaiti diplomats circulate a draft resolution to the rest of the UN Security Council (UNSC) calling for a UN-led military force to be posted along Gaza’s border. The resolution, which the U.S. is expected to block, also calls for Israel to “immediately cease its military reprisals, collective punishment, and unlawful use of force against civilians, including in the Gaza Strip.” (AP, HA, YA 5/18)

Palestinians across Israel and the oPt observe a general strike in commemoration of the Nakba and in mourning for the 58 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 5/14. Thousands march in their funeral processions, and thousands more gather along the border fence for a 2d consecutive day of Great March of Return protests. Israeli forces violently disperse these demonstrations, as well as smaller protests in East Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and at the Qalandia checkpoint; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Unidentified assailants cut down 300 Palestinian-owned grapevines outside Bayt ‘Aynun village near Hebron and leave racist graffiti in the area. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/15; HA, MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

Two Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained during the deadly violence in Gaza on 5/14. The 4 deaths today bring the death toll stemming from Israel’s response to the protests on 5/14 to 60 and the overall death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 106. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 4th consecutive day. (AP 5/18; OCHA 5/24)

The Israeli authorities temporarily reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing, having kept it closed since 5/12, after Palestinians set fire to a nearby pipeline. There are reports of Palestinian activists turning back 4 truckloads of medical supplies provided by the IDF. The organizers of the Great March of Return later confirm that they rejected medical supplies from “the executors of Monday’s massacre against the innocent.” (AP, TOI 5/15; MNA, JP, TOI 5/16)

PA president Abbas recalls PLO envoy in Washington Husam Zomlot in protest at the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. decision to block the UNSC from making a statement condemning the Israeli violence on 5/14. (WAFA, YA 5/15; HA, WAFA 5/16)

The Turkish Foreign Ministry orders Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh to leave Turkey in protest of the killings in Gaza on 5/14. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry orders the Turkish consul in Jerusalem to return home. Turkey recalled its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in the wake of the killings on 5/14. (ANA, HA, JP, TOI 5/16)

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 7 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct 3 limited incursions to level land near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. During the late-night incursion near Khan Yunis, they also open fire on Palestinians in the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IAF drops leaflets across Gaza warning protesters not to approach the border fence during the planned demonstrations on 5/ 14. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1,000 right-wing Jewish activists visit Haram alSharif in the morning, commemorating the Israeli conquest of Jerusalem and sparking minor confrontations between the Israeli police and Islamic Waqf guards; there are no serious injuries. Outside the sanctuary, Israeli police arrest 6 Palestinians gathering at an Islamic cemetery in the Old City to protest ongoing Israeli excavations at the site. In the afternoon, tens of thousands of right-wing Jewish activists march through the Old City in the annual Flags March, commemorating the Israeli conquest of Jerusalem in 1967; a number of Palestinians are arrested when they throw stones at the demonstrators at the Damascus Gate. Late at night, Israeli settlers vandalize 28 Palestinian-owned cars and spray-paint racist graffiti on nearby walls in Shu‘fat. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 5/13; HA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for a 2d day. (AHR 5/14)

The IAF conducts airstrikes on Palestinian agricultural land near Bayt Hanun, causing moderate damage. The IDF later states that it was targeting a tunnel that had not yet been built into Israeli territory. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border fence open fire on a Hamas observation post near alMaghazi refugee camp, and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp (3 Palestinians are injured, including 1 minor). In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 5/12; PCHR 5/17)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/11. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 44. (HA, WAFA 5/12)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 4 planned days. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Following the attack on a pipeline in Gaza on 5/11, Israeli DM Lieberman announces that the Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza has been closed and will remain closed indefinitely while the damage is repaired. Meanwhile, the IDF musters troops along Gaza’s border in preparation for an escalation of the Great March of Return on 5/14. (HA, JP, YA 5/12)

Approximately 20 Grad and Fajr-5 rockets are fired from Syria toward northern Israel. Four of them are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the rest explode over Syrian territory, causing no major damage or injury. The IDF accuses Iran of being behind the attack and retaliates, bombing dozens of alleged Iranian weapons storage, logistics, and intelligence sites in Syria; 27 people are killed, including 19 Iranians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (JP 5/9; CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 5/10; HA 5/11; AP 5/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the border fence near Khan Yunis. Later, they open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp and Great March of Return protesters near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a makeshift Palestinian home near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jericho, Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces establish a checkpoint in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian minors; 1 Israeli border police officer and 7 Palestinians are injured (3 Palestinians are arrested as well). (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man attempting to cross into Israel. According to the IDF, he is armed with a knife and a box cutter. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural supplies building near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Salfit, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, HA, TOI, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/27, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 42. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/3)

On their 4th and final day of meetings in Ramallah, the PNC discusses possible reforms to the PLO and chooses new members of the PLO Executive Committee. They also elect PA president Abbas to another term as head of the State of Palestine and president of the PLO Executive Committee. (WAFA 5/3; REU, WAFA 5/4)