The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers blocked a road to az-Zubaidat near Jericho. Israeli settlers also vandalized 120 olive trees in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor while securing Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus for a tour of the site by newly elected Israeli right-wing politicians, 3 others were injured by live ammunition and baton rounds while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian man trying to enter Israel through the separation wall west of Jenin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 5 with live ammunition and baton rounds, while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 residential structure in Kafr ad-Dik and seized 3 caravans in Birin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces prevented roadwork near Deir Nidham, seizing a concrete truck and a concrete mixer. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 5 structures used for tourism in Duma. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nabi Salih, Bayt Rima, Biddu, Beit Duqqu, Qalandia refugee camp, al-Ubeidiya, al-Twana, al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, and Tulkarm. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Dayr al-Balah. (AJ, MDW, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/9; MDW, PCHR 11/10; ALM 11/11; UNOCHA 11/13; UNOCHA 11/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man working his land near Kafr al-Labad; the man was hospitalized for treatment of his injuries. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian at the al-Hamra checkpoint in Jericho. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 2 houses under construction near Yatta. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during late-night raids in Silwad, Yabrud, and Nabi Salih; 1 was arrested after returning from Jordan at the Allenby Bridge crossing. In Gaza, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians for attempting to cross into Israel via the Gaza fence. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/3; PCHR 7/7; UNOCHA 7/22)

Israel announced that it will allow 400 Palestinians living in Gaza—only men over the age of 55 and women over 50—to visit Jerusalem for the celebration of Eid al-Adha, and 500 Palestinians in the West Bank will be given permits to travel through Ben-Gurion airport. (HA 7/3)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor was killed and 4 others wounded by Israeli forces using live ammunition during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Nabi Salih and Ya‘bad throughout the day, leading to 1 Palestinian being wounded by live ammunition and others suffering tear-gas related injuries; 1 Israeli soldier was killed during a raid in Ya‘bad on 5/12. Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Bil‘in. 22 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, Bethlehem, Hebron, Bayt Furik, and Jericho. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel, who suffered from mental illness, was killed by hospital security guards. The man had pulled out a knife while at the hospital for an examination but did not use it; when he got in a car, hospital security guards pulled him out and he lightly injured 1 guard, to which guards responded by shooting him 5 times while he was lying incapacitated on the ground. (AJ, HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; HA, PCHR 5/14; HA 5/18)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo visited Israel, where he met with Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi, and Director of the Mossad Yossi Cohen. The new Israeli government is set to be sworn in on May 14 with Netanyahu as prime minister, Benny Gantz as defense minister, and Gabi Ashkenazi as foreign minister. It was reported that Pompeo discussed Iran, COVID-19, and the Trump administration’s peace plan, as Israel is gearing up to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank in June. (AJ, HA 5/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against U.S. president Donald Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Jericho, Salfit, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 villages near Nablus (Beita and Huwwara), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 41 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also assault and lightly injure 5 Palestinian minors in central Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 2/16; WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/22)

Israeli forces return the corpses of Palestinians killed in deadly confrontations with the IDF on 9/26/2017 and 2/7 to their families in Bayt Surik near Jerusalem and Halhul near Hebron, respectively. (JP, MNA, TOI 2/17)

Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel, and across the world join in a general strike in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners’ Dignity Strike. IDF troops violently disperse protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, outside Dayr Sharaf nr. Nablus, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; at least 10 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. No Israelis are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinian youths throwing stones at an Israeli settlement nr. Jericho; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Approximately 4,000 Jewish settlers, as well as former Arkansas gov. Mike Huckabee, visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis and agricultural areas nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah twice, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/25)

Upon his arrival in Israel, U.S. pres. Trump gives a short speech on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport to a crowd of Israeli leaders, including PM Netanyahu. (The Israeli PM reportedly orders his ministers to greet Trump on the tarmac after many, including several party heads, said they were not planning to attend). “We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region and to its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity, and peace,” Trump says, referencing the peace initiative he hopes to advance during his visit to Israel. “But we can only get there working together. There is no other way.” Trump then meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin and visits the Western Wall, the first time a sitting U.S. pres. has done so. In his major policy speech of the day, Trump links the fight against Iran with Israeli-Palestinian peace, saying that the Arab states are willing to work with Israel to normalize relations, if Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian lands. (HA, NYT, TOI 5/22; HA 5/23)

IDF troops raid a protest camp nr. Hebron where approx. 175 Palestinian and Israeli activists are protesting the eviction of an entire Palestinian community in the area. The IDF tears down the activists’ tents and confiscates their generator and sound system; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians nr. Ramallah (Silwad and Nabi Salih) and Jericho rallying in solidarity with the hunger-striking prisoners; at least 11 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot stun grenades and tear gas at Palestinian students in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, seriously injuring 1. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers attempt to cut the power supply to Burin village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Thawri. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

A Gaza court sentences 3 men to death for the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Mazen Fuqaha (see JPS 46 [4]). (TOI 5/21; MNA 5/22)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a package of measures designed to facilitate economic growth in Area C of the West Bank. The package is explicitly meant as a confidence-building gesture of good faith ahead of U.S. pres. Trump’s visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) on 5/22–23. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 5/21; TOI 5/22)

Israel’s security cabinet creates a comm. to address unregulated settlement outposts and the implementation of the so-called regulations law that the Knesset passed in 12/2016 (see JPS 46 [3]). The comm. is set to work on the issue for 3 years, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and DM Avigdor Lieberman receiving updates every 3 mos. (JP 5/21)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at rallies across the West Bank to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrators in Bethlehem and 2 areas nr. Ramallah (the Beit El checkpoint and Nabi Salih); at least 15 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also shuts down the Beit El checkpoint later in the day. For a 2d day in a row, Palestinian activists block several roads nr. Ramallah in solidarity with the more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. Meanwhile, Israeli forces begin leveling land nr. Hebron in preparation for the construction of a new IDF watchtower. IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem late at night, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during further raids nr. Jericho, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian nr. Hizma and arrest 1 Palestinian during a latenight raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. on 2 separate occasions, seriously injuring 1 fisherman (he succumbs to his injuries later in the day). They confiscate 2 boats and arrest 6 fishermen. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/15; PCHR 5/18)

IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and moderately injuring the other, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron after they allegedly throw firebombs at Israeli settlers’ cars nearby. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Israeli activists are injured. They also patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. The IDF conducts further patrols in and around Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers uproot around 75 olive tree seedlings nr. Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at 3 Israeli settlers who enter Qalandia r.c.; the IDF then escorts the settlers out of the camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Israeli police close several roads and deploy massively across East Jerusalem on the 2d Friday of Ramadan; sealing off Issawiyya with cement barricades after reports of a firebomb attack in the neighborhood. Around 200,000 Palestinians from Israel, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza pray at Haram al-Sharif throughout the day. However, only men above the age of 45 or those with special permits are allowed to enter the sanctuary. Palestinians entering Jerusalem from the West Bank comprise those accounted for in the standard weekly quota, according to a COGAT spokesperson; “Larger numbers were supposed to enter for Ramadan,” she says; “that has been canceled.” Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Yatta; and patrol nr. Jericho, Ramallah, Hebron, and Salfit. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/17; PHCR 6/23)

Two days after the deadly attack in Tel Aviv, the IDF seals all border crossings between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza overnight, except for humanitarian and medical cases. The largescale closure will continue through midnight on 6/12. Elderly Gazans are barred from attending Friday prayers in Haram al-Sharif today. The IDF also maintains its closure of Yatta village, home of the 6/8 attackers, arresting 3 Palestinians during raids in the area throughout the day. (MNA, TOI, YA 6/10; MNA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and injure a mentally disabled Palestinian man after he allegedly attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. No Israelis are injured. The IDF arrests 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm and Hebron, sparking minor clashes, but no serious injuries; and patrol nr. Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams a flock of Palestinian sheep nr. Jericho, killing 25. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities only permit Palestinian men over the age of 45, as well as Palestinian women of any age, to visit Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli police deploy heavily across the city and assault, injure, and arrest 5 Palestinians outside the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. In Israel, 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles are vandalized in price-tag attacks in the Galilee. Israeli police arrest 12 Palestinians at construction sites in Petah Tikva on the grounds that they did not have the proper work permits. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/16)

For the 2d week in a row, Israeli authorities bar Gazans from traveling to Haram al-Sharif. Tensions at the sanctuary remain high: Israeli forces detain dozens of Palestinian youths at 1 entrance on suspicion that they were throwing stones in the area. Some Palestinians briefly clash with Israeli forces at another gate; there are no serious injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and Jalazun r.c.), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches in Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol in and around Hebron and nr. Jericho. (MNA, TOI 4/29; PCHR 5/5)

The IDF maintains, for a 3d day, the closure of Qabatiya. Israeli forces shut down the major road to the village with bulldozers, sparking intermittent clashes with stonethrowers wherein 9 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians on raids in the village and return the bodies of the 3 Palestinians suspected of perpetrating the 2/3 shooting in the Old City (a joint funeral is held in the evening). (PCHR 2/11)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian youth and arrest a 2d in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF says they were planning to throw Molotov cocktails at passing vehicles. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and recent violence against Palestinians in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwan, ‘Ayn Yabrud, and Jalazun r.c.), 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Nablus, as well as in 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 10 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols 2 villages nr. Jericho and 3 nr. Hebron. Also along Gaza’s e. border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 2/5; TOI 2/7; PCHR 2/11)

The Israeli authorities extend the closure of part of Hebron’s Old City through 3/1. It was 1st closed on 11/1/2015, and Palestinians and internationals have been banned from entering since. (MNA 2/5)

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)

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)

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)

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 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)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian man with live ammunition at a checkpoint in the n. Jordan Valley after the man opens fire on Israeli forces; no Israeli soldiers are injured. 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; no Palestinians are seriously injured. The IDF conducts late-night house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Jericho, including the home of the Palestinian killed this morning, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Ramallah. (HA, MNA, NYT, YA 6/26; PCHR 7/2)

Hamas authorities order Gaza’s only mobile phone company, Jawwal, to shut down, accusing it of dodging taxes. (AFP 6/26; HA 6/29)

The Vatican signs a treaty officially recognizing the State of Palestine. Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s equivalent to a FM, says that he hopes the treaty might “in some way be a stimulus to bringing a definitive end to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” (The Vatican will deny Israel’s requests to review the treaty.) (AFP, MNA, NYT, REU 6/26; HA 7/7)

In Gaza, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing after keeping it open since 6/13. IDF troops on the border e. of Khan Yunis open fire on 3 Palestinians nr. the border fence, injuring 1. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man shoots and wounds 2 Israelis from Lydda who are traveling nr. an Israeli settlement outside Ramallah; 1 of the Israelis succumbs to his injuries later in the day. (The IDF will arrest 5 Palestinians allegedly responsible for the shooting attack on 7/15, including 3 mbrs. of Fatah’s military wing.) Later, the IDF conducts a violent raid in a village nr. Ramallah, destroying personal property, detaining several Palestinians, and confiscating recording equipment. 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; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 2 each nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. the Beit El settlement, breaking 1 windshield. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 6/19; MNA, NYT 6/20; PCHR 6/25; NYT 7/15)

Cypriot pres. Anastasiades calls PA pres. Abbas to discuss the possibility of Abbas addressing an upcoming EU meeting in Brussels in an effort to restart the peace negotiations with Israel. Anastasiades discussed a similar possibility with Israeli PM Netanyahu on 6/15. (HA 6/29)

In the West Bank, 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 IDF officer and 5 Palestinians are injured, including 2 seriously in Jalazun r.c. IDF troops on a late-night raid in Silwad clash with Palestinians, injuring 2 Palestinians. Overnight, Israeli forces allow hundreds of Israeli settlers to access a holy site nr. e. Salfit, blocking Palestinians from the area; patrol during the day in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho. (MNA, TOI 6/12; WAFA 6/13)

In Gaza, an IQB fighter dies in a tunnel collapse and 2 others are injured. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of Shuja‘iya, searching the area for undisclosed reasons; level land e. of Jabaliya nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations commemorating the 48th anniversary of the 1967 war in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 6 are seriously injured with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. and 1 village nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinian and international activists gather at Haram al-Sharif and in Shaykh Jarrah to commemorate the anniversary of the 1967 war and support Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan’s hunger strike (since 5/5) and other hunger-striking prisoners; 1 Palestinian and 2 internationals are arrested. Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Abu Dis, Issawiyya, and al-‘Izzariya, injuring 10 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, MNA 6/5; MNA 6/6; PCHR 6/11)

For the 1st time since 2007, Israeli authorities grant 90 Palestinian businessmen in Gaza “BMG” permits to enter Israel and stay for up to 6 mos. Israel had previously only granted “BMC” permits, which allow Gazans to stay in Israel for a few days. (MNA, YA 6/5; HA 6/7)

Reps. of the Middle East Quartet meet at the Russian Mission to the UN in Geneva and discuss reviving negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, according to a statement released after the meeting. (SI 6/6)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, 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; 5 are injured and 2 are arrested. The IDF conducts a late-night raid nr. Jenin, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Late at night, Israeli settlers steal sheep-farming equipment from a bedouin village nr. Ramallah. (MNA 5/22; PCHR 5/28)

The month-long Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference concludes today in New York. Egypt’s proposal for a conference on nonproliferation in the Middle East, focused on Israel’s nuclear program, failed to garner enough support after opposition from the U.S., Canada, and the UK. (HA, REU, TOI 5/22; HA, MNA, TOI 5/23)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama signs the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act into law, giving Congress the opportunity to disapprove of any agreement made by the P5+1 and Iran. Speaking at a Washington synagogue, Obama reaffirms his support for Israel, but says that he refuses to “paper over our differences.” Referring to the P5+1’s ongoing negotiations with Iran, he says, “Our commitment to Israel’s security, and my commitment to Israel’s security is, and always will be, unshakable.” (JP, NYT, TOI 5/22)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Gaza City and e. of Khan Yunis open fire with live ammunition on Palestinians nonviolently commemorating Nakba Day nr. the border fence, injuring 3. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Nakba Day demonstrations in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 9 are injured. The IDF also clashes with Palestinians commemorating Nakba Day outside Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah and in Nablus; 17 Palestinians are injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF troops conduct a late-night house search in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; detain 52 Palestinians nr. Ramallah who are trying to cross into Israel to work. They patrol in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and al-Bireh, and 1 nr. Jericho. (MNA, TOI 5/15; MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/21)

Reps. of the P5+1 and Iran conclude a round of talks in Vienna on Iran’s nuclear program ahead of their 6/30 deadline for a comprehensive final deal. They will continue their negotiations next week. (REU 5/15)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Lahiya fire warning shots at Palestinians walking nr. the border fence, critically injuring 1. Off the coast nr. Gaza City and then nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 2 fishermen and causing damage. A small armed group, with self-proclaimed affiliations to ISIS, fires mortar rounds at a Hamas military base; no injuries are reported. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and 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; 9 Palestinians are injured, including 3 photojournalists. The IDF also searches a home in a village nr. Hebron late at night, issuing a summons to a Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 4 nr. Ramallah, 3 nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Jericho. Israeli settlers cut the branches off 3 olive trees nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Silwan and Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; the Israeli soldiers respond with stun grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets. (AFP, JP, MNA, TOI 5/8; MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/14)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Rafah fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and 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; 4 Palestinians suffer moderate bullet wounds. The IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 each nr. Jenin and Jericho. Late at night, Israeli soldiers conduct house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians, issuing 2 arrest summons, and sparking minor clashes. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Wadi al-Juz, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth. (MNA 5/1, 5/2; PCHR 5/7)

In an interview with Haaretz, ICC prosecutor Bensouda says she is considering war crimes investigations into Palestinians and low-ranking Israeli soldiers. Her comments indicate an expanded scope from previous speculation that only high-level Israeli officials would be targeted. However, she repeats that she is still preliminarily examining evidence and that no investigations have been formally opened. (AFP, HA 5/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops block a large funeral procession in a village nr. Hebron for the Palestinian man who died on 4/9 from health issues he developed in Israeli prison. The soldiers violently disperse stone-throwing mourners, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 13 with live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly nonviolent demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and outside an Israeli settlement nr. al-Bireh; 15 Palestinians are moderately injured and 4 are arrested. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians and assaulting 1; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and 3 nr. Jericho. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/10; PCHR 4/16)

The Palestinian Medical Examination Union decides to halt the transfer of medical tests to Israeli labs, effectively signing the group on to the boycott of Israeli goods and products. (MNA 4/10)

Breaking the Palestinians’ nonintervention policy on the Syrian conflict, Senior Fatah official Tawfiq al-Tirawi calls for Palestinian fighters in Syria and Lebanon to defend Yarmouk r.c. against ISIS, which launched attacks in the camp on 4/1. Later, UN Dep. Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy flies to Damascus for consultations with the Syrian govt. about Yarmouk. (GDN, MNA 4/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring 3. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians and 1 international are moderately injured and dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Jericho, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians in the Old City. After Israeli forces bar a group of rightwing Jewish activists from entering a school in Haram al-Sharif, a leader of the activists writes a letter to the Israeli authorities calling for the school to be officially recognized as a synagogue under the Protection of Holy Places Law and for Jews to be allowed to worship there. (MNA 4/3, 4/4; WAFA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to discuss the 4/2 agreement between the P5+1 and Iran, and the cabinet unanimously opposes the deal. Netanyahu says, “This is a bad deal not just for Israel, this is a bad deal for the region and for the world,” and calls for any final deal to require Iran to recognize Israel’s right to exist. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 4/3; REU, TOI 4/4)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya fire on Palestinian agricultural land nr. the border fence, causing damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed e. of Khan Yunis fire on Palestinian protesters approaching the border fence, causing several to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops briefly detain the gov. of Ramallah and threaten her with “direct targeting” if she continues her participation in the weekly nonviolent protests in Nabi Salih. They also arrest a senior PA official at a demonstration in Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah commemorating Land Day (upcoming on 3/30). (He will be released on 3/29.) The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 each nr. Jericho and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 4 Palestinian farmers in another village nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in Silwan late at night. (MNA, WAFA 3/28; MNA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

The 26th Arab League summit begins today, with reps. of all the mbrs. as well as UN Secy.- Gen. Ban, gathering in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, to discuss the recent violence in Yemen, Palestinian affairs, and other issues. At the summit, PA Pres. Abbas says that Israel has not yet released the tax revenues that PM Netanyahu’s office said would be unfrozen on 3/27 and that the PA is still set to “to reevaluate our economic, political and security relationship with Israel.” (MNA 3/27; AFP, AP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/28; JP, JTA 3/29)