The Palestine Chronology

A total of 3 Palestinians are killed by Israeli forces in clashes and small-scale violent incidents across the oPt. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver in Silwad after he allegedly attempts to ram his car into them during clashes between the IDF and Palestinians. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 other Palestinians in alleged car-ramming attempts in Silwan and Ramallah, arresting the suspect in the latter event. The IDF violently disperses Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 each nr. Hebron and Nablus, and 4 areas along Gaza’s border; 2 Palestinians are killed e. of Ramallah and nr. Khan Yunis, respectively, and 37 Palestinians and 2 Israeli soldiers are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in and around Jenin and Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, 11 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho. Israel also returns to Qalandia r.c. the body of the Palestinian youth killed by Israeli forces on 11/23 in an alleged stabbing incident. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of Khan Yunis to level land and search the area; open fire on Palestinians approaching the border nr. Bayt Hanun, injuring 2. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/18; MNA 12/19; HA 12/21; PCHR 12/31)

A Palestinian is shot and killed in the n. Sinai Peninsula. The Egyptian army says that he was likely killed by Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters. (MNA 12/19)

For the 2d day in a row, IDF troops shoot and kill a 16-year-old Palestinian at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus. The IDF claims that the youth attempted to stab 2 settlers at a bus stop, but a PCHR investigation refutes the allegation; a Palestinian bystander is critically injured by a stray Israeli bullet during the incident (she succumbs to her injuries on 12/16). Shortly afterward, Israeli forces shoot and kill another Palestinian after he attacks a group of Israelis with a knife at a gas station w. of Ramallah, killing an IDF soldier and injuring an Israeli settler (a 2d settler is lightly injured by errant fire). In West Jerusalem, Israeli police open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and injuring the other, after they stab an elderly Palestinian man with scissors nr. a central market (they reportedly mistook him for an Israeli); 1 Israeli bystander is lightly injured. After the incident, Palestinian gunmen affiliated with Fatah’s military wing open fire on Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah, reportedly targeting the area because the Palestinian youth killed in West Jersualem was from Qalandia r.c.; there are no injuries. Meanwhile, a Palestinian driver allegedly rams an Israeli settler with his car nr. Nablus, causing mild injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/23; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere in the oPt, a small armed group in Gaza fires a rocket into Israel and it lands nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, IAF jets launch air strikes at a Hamas military site in c. Gaza, causing damage. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya r.c., Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops violently clash with Palestinian protesters and stone-throwers in 2 incidents: along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and at a university in Tulkarm, w. of Qalqilya; 7 Palestinians are injured (1 seriously). The IDF conducts raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem and in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking small clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths in both; 2 Palestinians are moderately injured. IDF troops conduct further raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem; in 1 village nr. Jericho; 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c., and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron; 1 village nr. Qalqilya; Nablus and nearby Balata r.c.; and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 22 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/23; JP, MNA, YA 11/24; PCHR 11/26)

A total of 3 Palestinians and 1 Israeli settler are killed across the West Bank. In a contested incident, an Israeli settler and former Samaria Regional Council head rams a Palestinian youth with his car after she allegedly attempts to stab another settler at a checkpoint nr. Nablus; the girl is shot and killed at the scene. There are conflicting reports around the shooting, with some outlets alleging the driver shot the girl and others claiming it was either another settler or IDF soldiers stationed at the nearby Huwwara checkpoint. A Palestinian taxi driver is shot and killed hours later nr. Kefar Adumim settlement by an Israeli settler, who claims that the driver attempted to ram a group of settlers on a main road nr. Bethlehem. According to the IDF, the settler opened fire after he saw the Palestinian taxi driver exit his car with a knife. However, Palestinian eyewitnesses report that Israeli settlers threw stones at the taxi, causing the driver to swerve into another car. In the final of such incidents, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and seriously injures an Israeli settler at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem (the settler succumbs to her injuries later in the day). The IDF then raids a village nearby, arresting the Palestinian attacker’s 4 brothers and sparking clashes with stone-throwers; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently clash with Palestinians protesting w. of Qalqilya and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah; 3 Palestinians are injured. After reports of stone-throwing, Israeli forces impose an evening curfew and briefly close the main checkpoint in Huwwara, where a Palestinian girl was killed earlier in the day (see above). The IDF also conducts raids and house searches in 1 village nr. Nablus, as well as 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, confiscating personal property, arresting 11 Palestinians, and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols in 5 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian property in 2 areas nr. Nablus, causing clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces after settlers throw stones at a Palestinian secondary school. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct late-night raids in Ras al-Amud and Shu‘fat, arresting 6 Palestinians. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/22; PCHR 11/26)

As the wave of violence and the corresponding Israeli crackdown continue, a Palestinian stabs and injures 4 Israelis in Kiryat Gat, then flees the scene. A crowd of Israelis assaults and binds a bedouin Palestinian they mistake for the assailant, causing minor injuries. Israeli forces arrest the suspect hours later. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian driver who was attempting to pass quickly through a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya on his way to visit his father at a hospital in Nablus; shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths accused of stone-throwing outside a village nr. Nablus. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/21; PCHR 11/26)

Hebron continues to be a hotspot as the IDF patrols in 1 village in the area and conducts raids in 6 others, blocking off roads to Dura, clashing with stone-throwers and arresting 5 nr. Bayt Umar, and arresting 17 others throughout the area. Additionally, in an overnight raid on al-Khalil radio station in al-Dahdah, nr. Hebron, IDF troops confiscate equipment, damage the offices, and issue a 6-mo. closure, accusing the station of inciting violence. (MNA 11/21; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops clash with Palestinians protesting the 11/20 closure of the Aqraba junction nr. Nablus, injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition. The IDF also clashes with stone-throwers in Silwad, firing live ammunition and injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces raid the Ramallah home of Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qiq, arresting and sentencing him to administrative detention for his alleged incitement through his reporting. (Al-Qiq will stage a hunger strike throughout the quarter) The IDF conducts raids in Jalazun r.c. and villages nr. Jenin and Ramallah, arresting 18 Palestinians; patrols in the Tulkarm, Jericho, and Ramallah areas. Israeli settlers block the main road leading from Nablus to Jenin and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians youths on raids and patrols in Ras al-Amud and the Old City; assault an elderly Palestinian in Ras al-Amud. IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border e. of Jabaliya open fire on land nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/21; PCHR 11/26; SAM 1/28)

The wave of violence and the corresponding Israeli crackdown continue across the oPt. IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian woman at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya as she approaches them with a knife. IDF troops conduct a raid on the campus of a university nr. Tulkarm, sparking clashes with Palestinian students; 18 Palestinians are injured. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops in a village nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli soldiers assault and arrest 3 Palestinian students s. of Nablus. The IDF conducts a series of late-night raids in Hebron, 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, in and around Qalqilya, and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, arresting 35 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 8, and confiscating over NIS 35,000 (around $9,000). An Israeli settler opens fire on Palestinian farmers harvesting olives nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a hospital in al-Tur, searching for the medical records of a Palestinian patient (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/9; YA 11/10; PCHR 11/12)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. pres. Barack Obama in Washington to discuss U.S. military aid to Israel, the lack of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, and how to deescalate the recent tension in Israel and the oPt. (AP, HA, JP, NYT 11/9; HA, JP 11/10; JTA 11/11)

After 2 weeks of increasing tension and clashes in East Jerusalem over access at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli authorities ban male and female volunteer guards— murabitun and murabitat—from the sanctuary on the grounds that they disturb and intimidate Jewish visitors. Around 50 Palestinian women gather outside Haram al-Sharif in the morning to protest the Israeli restrictions on their access. Late at night, suspected right-wing Jewish activists spray racist graffiti on walls in the Old City and Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians on raids in al-Tur and Jabal Mukabir. In the West Bank, unknown assailants shoot and lightly injure an Israeli settler driving nr. Nablus. Later, Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive trees outside a nearby Palestinian village and Israeli forces block the entrances to the village and order a curfew. Separately, Israeli forces raze agricultural land and seize an irrigation network nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Jericho, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrol in al-‘Arub r.c and nr. Hebron. The Israeli authorities reopen a road nr. Ramallah that has been closed for 15 years (it was initially reported reopened on 5/25, but Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories [COGAT] delayed the opening to perform unspecified maintenance). Off Gaza’s coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. Later, Israeli forces e. of Khan Yunis arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 9/9; PCHR, WAFA 9/10; PCHR 9/17; OCHA 9/18)

PNC pres. Zanoun announces that the PNC convention scheduled for 9/14–15 has been postponed in response to various Palestinian political groups’ requests for a delay and calls for a boycott. He says that a comm. comprising himself, the PLO Exec. Comm., and the heads of the various factions will meet to prepare to convene the PNC within 3 mos. (JP, MNA, WAFA 9/9)

UNRWA commissioner-gen. Pierre Krähenbühl reaches an agreement with the UNRWA employees union in Gaza to end the recent protests over reductions in agency services. The union went on strike for a week on 8/24, then agreed to return to work on 8/31 in exchange for a tentative agreement to limit class sizes. (MNA 9/9)

Amid ongoing tensions in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinian guards and 3 Palestinian worshippers at Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces block off all entrances to al-Tur, following clashes in the area with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; arrest 5 Palestinians on raids in the Old City and Shu‘fat r.c. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers e. of Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 23 structures in a bedouin village n. of Jerusalem. They also surround the home of a local leader in Jenin r.c.; conduct wide-ranging raids in the area and demolish parts of the home when the man does not give himself up, sparking an hours-long firefight with armed residents (1 Israeli soldier and 5 Palestinians are injured, 2 Palestinians are arrested). Meanwhile, Israeli authorities deliver a stop-work order to a school under construction in a village nr. Hebron. IDF troops search homes nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no injuries. They also patrol nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Jericho; conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus, arresting 8 Palestinians. (AP, MNA, NYT, WAFA 8/31; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/1; MNA 9/2; PCHR 9/3)

After a week of protests obstructed the start of the 2015–16 school year, UNRWA schools in Gaza open regularly following an agreement between the union of UNRWA staff, parents, and reps. of various Palestinian factions. Negotiations will continue on unresolved issues until a final agreement is reached on 9/9. (MNA, WAFA 8/31)

In the West Bank, unidentified assailants shoot and injure an Israeli settler outside a settlement outpost nr. Nablus. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Bethlehem to protest Israeli settlement activities in the area; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops patrol in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. They also patrol nr. Salfit, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jericho, and in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c.; conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin, Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho, arresting 7 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian bulldozer nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians in raids in Issawiyya and patrol in al-Tur, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is arrested. (HA, MNA, WAFA 8/30; PCHR 9/3)

Amid escalating tensions in East Jerusalem, Palestinians march through the Old City in protest of the Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif that have been in place since 8/24. Meanwhile, Palestinian youths set fire to an Israeli settler’s car in al-Tur, causing substantial damage and sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces in the area. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and recent restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and in Kafr Qaddum; 7 Palestinians are injured. Later, IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians in clashes in Silwad. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and nr. Hebron and Jericho; conducts late-night raids in Bethlehem, issuing an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian. (HA, MNA 8/28; MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/29; PCHR 9/3)

Israel begins constructing infrastructure for 2 Israeli Jewish towns at the contested site of the bedouin village Umm al-Hiran in the Negev, where residents are being forcibly relocated to a nearby village. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians nr. Bethlehem protesting Israeli settlement activity in the area, injuring 11 Palestinians. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Hebron, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deny a group of Palestinian women access to Haram al-Sharif and arrest a Palestinian at an entrance to the sanctuary. (MNA, WAFA 8/23; MNA 8/24; MNA, PCHR 8/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops raid a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the occupation nr. Qalqilya. Israeli forces conduct raids, house searches, and patrol nr. Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Jericho, and Nablus, issuing arrest summons to 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians outside Nablus on 2 occasions. First, they attack farmers and IDF troops violently disperse the groups, injuring several Palestinians. That evening, settlers assault and injure a Palestinian man s. of Nablus. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/22; HA, MNA, YA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas and 10 other mbrs. of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Exec. Comm. announce their plans to resign. Prior to the announcement, the Comm. agrees to organize a meeting of the Palestine National Council (PNC) in the next mo. to confirm the resignations and elect a new PLO Exec. Comm. (MNA, NYT, WAFA 8/22; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/23)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets conduct an air strike targeting a vehicle in the Syrian Golan Heights between 10 and 15 km from the Israeli border, killing at least 4 of the PIJ mbrs. allegedly responsible for the 8/20 rocket attack on Israel. In Gaza, 2 Palestinian children are injured when an unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates in n. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison) and Kafr Qaddum; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. Israeli forces also conduct house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Hebron; patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli officials deliver demolition notices to a mosque, house, and apartment in Silwan, where there has been a recent increase in Palestinian home demolitions and evictions in order for Israel to increase the neighborhood’s Jewish settler population. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting against the Israeli occupation in Abu Dis, causing no serious injuries. (MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 8/21; JTA, MNA 8/22; PCHR 8/27)

As tension escalates in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deploy heavily in the Old City and deny a number of Palestinians entry to Haram alSharif, arresting 1 woman. During raids in the Old City and al-‘Izzariya, they assault and arrest a Palestinian photographer and arrest 8 other Palestinians. Israeli forces also erect mobile checkpoints in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and arresting 2. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 17 Palestinian structures in a village nr. Jericho, leaving 127 Palestinians homeless in the largest-scale demolition in 3 years. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Ramallah, issuing arrest summons to 2 Palestinians; patrol nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Jericho. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinians with stones in the Old City of Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at a bus in al-Tur, injuring 4 Israeli teenagers and 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA 8/18; HA 8/19; PCHR 8/20)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius meets with Palestinian Authority (PA) FM Riyad al-Maliki to discuss the French initiative to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including the possibility of a new UNSC res. (JP 8/19)

In Israel, around 100 Jewish Israeli protesters clash with some 30 Palestinian citizens of Israel outside the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashqelon where Palestinian prisoner Muhammad Allan is on day 61 of a high-profile hunger strike; at least 10 protesters are arrested. In Gaza, a Palestinian woman succumbs to injuries sustained on 8/6 when a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance was accidentally triggered in Rafah. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops on the border e. of Rafah and Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas, and Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Rafah, causing no damage. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler injures a Palestinian when he rams him with his car nr. Nablus. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in the Hebron and Tulkarm areas, arresting 4 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol nr. Ramallah, Jericho, Qalqilya, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Jewish Israelis accused of inciting violence at Haram al-Sharif, and later arrest 2 Palestinians on raids in Ras al-Amud and the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/16; PCHR 8/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier nr. Nablus. Earlier, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier nr. Ramallah. The IDF violently disperses Palestinian and international activists gathering in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Qalqilya to protest recent Israeli settlement activity in the area and the 7/31 arson attack in Duma; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem; patrol during the day in 4 villages nr. Jenin, 2 each nr. Jericho and Ramallah, and 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian journalist at a checkpoint s. of the city. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/15; PCHR 8/20)

The IAEA confirms that Iran has passed along key documentation of past and present issues relating to its nuclear program, meeting a deadline set in their 7/14 agreement with the P5+1. (REU, TOI 8/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron, issuing an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. Unidentified assailants set fire to a gas station nr. the Israeli settlement Eli, causing damage. (AFP, MNA, TOI 8/14; NYT 8/16; PCHR 8/20)

Hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Allan is placed in a medically induced coma after his condition deteriorates. Later, Islamic Jihad’s military wing, Sarayat al-Quds Brigades, says that if Allan dies, they will not continue upholding the cease-fire with Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 8/14)

The Arab Bank reaches a settlement in a case brought by hundreds of U.S. citizens accusing the bank of facilitating Hamas attacks in Israel. The terms of the settlement are not disclosed. A U.S. court ruled in 9/2014 that the Jordan-based Arab Bank was liable for knowingly supporting Hamas in its attacks. (TOI 8/14; JP 8/15)

On the Gaza border, IDF troops e. of the Gaza Valley arrest 3 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Israel for work. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw firebombs and stones at a home in Duma, the same village where settlers set fire to a home on 7/31, killing an 18-mo.-old Palestinian child; there are no serious injuries. Later, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters marching in a village nr. Nablus, another nr. Qalqilya, and outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in solidarity with the victims of the 7/31 arson attack, after a 2d victim succumbs to his injuries; there are no serious injuries. The IDF also conducts late-night raids and house searches in Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians on raids in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Bayt Hanina. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 8/8; PCHR 8/13)

In response to poor conditions, 28 Palestinian prisoners in Israel’s Ramon and Eshel Prisons join the mass open-ended hunger strike that began on 8/5, bringing the number of participants to 148. Meanwhile, the UN releases a statement expressing concern over the new Israeli law, adopted on 7/30, that allows for the force-feeding of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. (HA, JP 8/8; TOI, WAFA 8/9)

In Gaza, 4 Palestinians are killed and over 30 are injured when a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance is accidentally detonated in Rafah (a 5th Palestinian will succumb to her injuries on 8/16). In the West Bank, a Palestinian driver rams 3 Israeli settlers hitchhiking between Nablus and Ramallah, injuring 2 seriously. IDF troops open fire on the driver, critically injuring him. IDF troops then raid the driver’s home in a village n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and house searches in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians; patrol during the day in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian tire repair store and another structure nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth accused of stonethrowing and confiscate a Palestinian’s donkey in al-Tur, after Israeli settlers in the area reportedly complain that the donkey is a nuisance. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/6; MNA 8/7; PCHR 8/13)

Hamas and PFLP officials meet in Gaza and condemn the PA’s 7/31 appointment of 5 new ministers. (MNA 8/7) The Israeli govt. approves its budget for 2015–16, including a NIS 340 m. ($90 m.) special grant to develop infrastructure in Israel’s West Bank settlements. The grant was included in the budget in obligation of Likud’s coalition agreement with the Jewish Home Party. (HA, JP 8/6) 

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians nr. Jalazun r.c. outside Ramallah after the funeral for the Palestinian who was shot nr. Atara checkpoint on 7/31; 8 Palestinians are injured. Further clashes break out between stone-throwing Palestinians and IDF troops nr. the site of the 7/31 arson attack in Duma and in 1 village each nr. Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers working nr. Nablus; IDF troops nonviolently disperse the settlers and farmers, and declare the area a closed military zone. Later, settlers and IDF troops attack a Palestinian farmer working s. of Nablus, injuring him. A separate group of settlers sets fire to agricultural lands nr. Ramallah, then IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians who attempt to extinguish it, injuring 2. IDF troops fire rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinians nr. the separation wall outside Qalqilya and in a nearby village, causing no injuries. Overnight and into the morning, Palestinians gather at Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus to protest the 7/31 arson attack; PASF troops disperse the protesters, blocking them from setting the Jewish holy site on fire. The IDF also conducts late-night house searches and raids in Hebron and 3 villages nr. Ramallah, arresting 7 Palestinians, assaulting 2, and confiscating property; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Jenin; assaults a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in and around the Old City. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 8/1; PCHR 8/6)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Jericho, and 1 nr. Jenin. They also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli and international activists at a demonstration against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, injuring 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers fill an agricultural well with stones and earth nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists assault a Palestinian child outside Haram al-Sharif. A group of Palestinians intervenes and the activists flee the scene. (MNA, WAFA 7/25; MNA 7/26; PCHR 7/30)

Israel’s Justice Min. Ayelet Shaked says that the proposed release of Israeli spy Pollard from U.S. prison in 11/2015 is not connected to Israel’s complaints about the nuclear deal announced by Iran and the P5+1 on 7/14. Meanwhile, U.S. atty. gen. Loretta Lynch says that the Justice Dept. “will not interfere” in Pollard’s case, meaning that she will not seek to accelerate or delay his release beyond the standard parole procedures. (HA, MNA 7/26; TOI 7/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in c. Nablus. Less than an hour later, they shoot and injure a Palestinian photojournalist attempting to cover the story. The IDF also conducts raids in a village nr. Jenin, confiscating property and arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians on raids in the Old City and Ras al-Amud. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/23; PCHR 7/30)

Israeli chief negotiator, Dep. PM Shalom meets with PLO secy.-gen. Erakat for “trustbuilding” talks in Amman. They present initial proposals for restarting peace negotiations. The meeting will be 1st reported on 7/26. (MNA, TOI 7/26; HA, MNA 7/28)

Israel’s Civil Admin. grants permits for the construction of 1,065 new residences in various settlements around the West Bank, including infrastructure developments that will connect 296 residences to utilities in the Beit El settlement. (HA, TOI, YA 7/22; PCN 7/23; MNA 7/24)

UNRWA issues an urgent appeal for contributions, reaffirming that it is running at a budget deficit of around $100 m. and that if it does not receive sufficient pledges, UNRWA schools will be forced to close throughout the Middle East. (AFP, UNRWA 7/23)

In Gaza, several small Islamist groups threaten to fire rockets into Israel in response to “Hamas’s crimes and conspiracies.” The threat follows the arrest of 12 Palestinians accused of blowing up cars on 7/19. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, critically injuring 1 fisherman with live ammunition. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian stores in a village nr. Hebron; raze an agricultural road in a village e. of Salfit; patrol in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 nr. Jericho, and 1 each nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. Late at night, the IDF detains 120 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel s. of Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif while Israeli forces restrict access to Palestinian visitors; 1 Palestinian man is detained. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. and the Old City. (JP, MNA, WAFA 7/21; JP, TOI 7/22; MNA 7/23; PCHR 7/30)

Overnight in Gaza, purported ISIS affiliates blow up cars belonging to mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s military wings in 5–6 simultaneously timed blasts in c. and s. Gaza City, lightly injuring 2 people and damaging several homes. No armed group claims responsibility. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction in a village nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct a late-night raid in a village nr. Hebron; patrol in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. and 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers fire 2 shots toward Palestinian farmers working nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries; conduct 3 demonstrations nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem calling for increased settlement construction. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians on raids in Ras al-Amud. (JP, MNA, NYT, YA 7/19; MNA, WAFA 7/20; MNA 7/21; PCHR 7/30)

Israel’s National Labor Court rejects a complaint filed by 3 Palestinian laborers on 7/14 calling for recognition of their rights to the same working conditions as Israelis in special industrial zones in Israeli settlements. (JP 7/19)

The Financial Times reports that “senior levels” of the European Commission have approved the preparation of a technical guidance document to facilitate the labeling of goods produced in the Israeli settlements. (FT 7/19)

The Obama admin. formally delivers the nuclear deal reached with Iran on 7/14 to Congress, which begins the legislature’s mandated 60-day review period (it will end on 9/17). (NYT, REU 7/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces defuse a piece of unexploded ordnance in a village nr. Jenin; patrol in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho. Overnight, Israeli forces uproot 150 olive tree seedlings outside Ramallah. (WAFA 7/18; PCHR 7/30)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing neither damage nor injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF issues an arrest summons to a Palestinian on a late-night raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking light clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, al-Fawar r.c., and Bethlehem, arresting 8 Palestinians; patrols during the day in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive trees outside Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian clothing store in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 of them will lose an eye after being struck by a sponge-tipped bullet). Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians on late-night raids in the Old City, Qalandia r.c., and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 7/12; HA, MNA, TOI 7/13; MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

A senior Hamas official tells a Russian media outlet that former Quartet envoy Blair is mediating talks between Israel and Hamas over the 2 Israeli civilians who are allegedly being held in Gaza. Blair reportedly met with Hamas leader Mishal in Doha 3 times, both before and after Blair resigned as Middle East Quartet envoy on 5/27, to discuss the issue. On 7/16, a senior Palestinian source will confirm that these talks took place. (TOI, YA 7/12)

PA pres. Abbas forms a national comm. to investigate alleged Israeli war crimes committed in Gaza during OPE. He appoints Farid al-Jallad to head the comm., which will begin its work after ‘Id al-Fitr concludes on 7/20. (JP 7/12; MNA 7/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. The IDF conducts late-night raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols during the day in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Ras al-Amud and another n. of the city. Later, a Palestinian attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a different checkpoint n. of Ras al-Amud; he is arrested. (MNA 7/10; MNA 7/11; PCHR 7/15)

The EU and U.S. State Dept. announce that the P5+1 and Iran have extended their deadline for reaching a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program to 7/13. (AP, HA, REU, TOI 7/10)

In Gaza, telecom operator Jawwal reopens following an agreement with Hamas; there are no details released. In the West Bank, Palestinian assailants shoot and injure an Israeli settler nr. Qalqilya. IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrol during the day in 2 villages nr. Hebron, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. and 1 village nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police jeep rams a Palestinian girl, moderately injuring her. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on a late-night raid in Bayt Sahur in addition to 5 youths on their way home from al-Aqsa Mosque in Ras al-Amud. (MNA, REU 7/5; PCHR 7/9)

Senior Fatah official Amin Maqboul says that the PLO’s talks on forming a new consensus govt. continue, despite Hamas’s objections to the process. Maqboul says that Hamas has demanded that any new govt. pay the salaries of all employees of the Hamas-run govt. in Gaza and describes the demand as among several “preconditions that widen the gap between the Gaza Strip and West Bank.” (MNA 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down a major checkpoint nr. Nablus; patrol during the day in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho; conduct late-night raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, as well as 1 village nr. Bethlehem, arresting 4 Palestinians. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists gathering in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya to protest the Israeli occupation; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, injuring 1 woman. Palestinian youths in the area clash with the Jewish activists; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 7/4; JP, MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/9)

PA pres. Abbas appoints Saeb Erakat secy.- gen. of the PLO, replacing Yasser Abed Rabbo, who Abbas fired on 6/30. The secy.-gen. is the 2d most powerful position in the PLO. Erakat will take office on 7/13. (JP 7/4)

In the West Bank, an Israeli officer shoots and kills a stone-throwing Palestinian youth during clashes nr. the Qalandia checkpoint s. of Ramallah. There are no other serious injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. The IDF also patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, causing damage. Following yesterday’s crackdown on Hamas mbrs., the PASF arrests 21 Palestinian youths affiliated with Hamas’s student organization at an-Najah National University nr. Nablus. (MNA 7/2; HA, MNA, NYT 7/3; TOI, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/9; EI [video] 7/13)

In Egypt, SPIS fires 3 Grad rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, MNA 7/3; HA 7/4)

The UNHRC votes, 41–1, with 5 abstentions, to adopt a res. welcoming the report produced by the Council’s commission of inquiry, which was published on 6/22. The U.S. casts the lone vote in opposition and India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Paraguay, and Macedonia abstain. (HA, JTA, MEE, MNA, REU, YA 7/3; JP 7/4; YA 7/5; TOI 7/6; JTA 7/7)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Dayr al-Balah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian woman attempting to cross into Israel with a rifle nr. Qalqilya. IDF troops patrol in a village nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 of the Palestinians are arrested. The IDF conducts late-night house searches and raids in Hebron, 1 village and al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus, arresting 7 Palestinians and confiscating property; patrols during the day in 2 more villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the Jabal Mukabir homes belonging to the family mbrs. of the 2 Palestinian men who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18/2014. They take pictures and make notes of the contents of the homes (they will seal 1 home with cement on 7/1). (JP, MNA 6/28; PCHR 7/2)

Chair of the consultative comm. for reforming the consensus govt., al-Ahmad, canceled his 6/29 trip to Gaza reportedly due to Hamas’s negative response. (MNA 6/28; JP 6/29)

Israeli MK Ghattas (Joint List) sends a statement to PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon calling for them to keep Israeli forces away from the Freedom Flotilla III. As the flotilla makes its way from Greece to Gaza, Netanyahu’s office releases a letter in which he told the activists, “Perhaps you meant to set sail for a place not far from here—Syria. There the Asad regime is slaughtering its own people every day with the support of the murderous regime in Iran.” (JP, MNA, YA 6/28; MEMO 6/29)

Israel’s FM dir.-gen. Dore Gold meets with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss ways to relaunch peace negotiations with the Palestinians. It is the 1st visit to Cairo of a high-ranking Israeli official since 2011. (JP, YA 6/28)