48 / 15150 Results
  • December 27, 2016

    IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids in and around Jenin, and...

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  • December 24, 2016

    Hundreds of Palestinians attend a joint funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for 5 of the Palestinians whose corpses were returned to their families on 12/23. IDF troops violently disperse dozens of...

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  • December 21, 2016

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a room in a Silwan-area home and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur and Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and...

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  • December 13, 2016

    IDF troops arrest a Palestinian driver at the Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly attempts to ram them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate 6 computers during a raid on a...

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  • December 5, 2016

    Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent mourning Palestinians from burying...

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  • November 29, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah,...

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  • November 20, 2016

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian tractor from Ras al-Ahmar village nr. Tubas and deliver stop-work orders for 12 Palestinian projects under construction nr. Hebron. IDF...

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  • October 6, 2016

    For a 2d day in a row, Gazan fighters fire a rocket into s. Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no serious damage or injuries. The IDF fires retaliatory tank shells across the border at...

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  • September 24, 2016

    Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah and again nr. Gaza City, causing damage to 1 boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during...

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  • September 4, 2016

    Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinian fighters open fire on IDF troops stationed nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In response, the IDF launches air strikes on at least 2...

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  • August 24, 2016

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian outside the Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus after chasing him and other youths who allegedly threw stones from a moving vehicle at Israeli soldiers. According...

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  • July 21, 2016

    Tensions in the Hebron district remain high as the IDF maintains restrictions on Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district and conducts patrols in the region throughout the day....

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  • June 28, 2016

    For a 3d day in a row, clashes erupt at Haram al-Sharif. Palestinians atop the sanctuary throw stones at Jews praying at the Western Wall below, lightly injuring 1 elderly woman. Israeli police...

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  • June 18, 2016

    The IDF continues targeting Yatta in the aftermath of the 6/8 killings in Tel Aviv, raiding homes in the village late at night and taking new photographs and measurements of 1 of the attackers’...

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  • June 15, 2016

    Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 4 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City; they arrest 10 fishermen and confiscate 2 of their boats. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct...

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  • June 12, 2016

    The IDF ends its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the evening, but maintains the closure of Yatta, the Hebron-area village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6...

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  • June 11, 2016

    The IDF maintains its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as its general closure of Yatta village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6/8. They also arrest...

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  • June 8, 2016

    Two Palestinians open fire on a crowd of Israelis in an open-air shopping area in c. Tel Aviv, killing 4 and injuring 10. Israeli forces shoot the 2 men, critically injuring 1 and mildly injuring...

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  • June 7, 2016

    In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians who allegedly attempted to cross the separation wall into Israel nr. Tulkarm. They also conduct late-night raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah,...

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  • May 29, 2016

    IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, arresting 19 Palestinians and confiscating 11 tractors. They also patrol nr....

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  • May 7, 2016

    In a 5th day of cross-border violence in Gaza, Palestinian fighters fire 2 mortar shells into s. Israel overnight, causing damage and no injuries; Israeli forces respond with air strikes on 2...

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  • May 6, 2016

    Cross-border violence in Gaza continues for a 4th day. Hamas forces fire at least 2 mortar shells at an IDF position overnight nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces then shell Hamas...

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  • May 4, 2016

    In a 2d day of cross-border violence, Palestinians fire mortar shells at Israeli patrols along Gaza’s s. and n. borders in 3 separate incidents, causing no injuries or damage. Hamas will take...

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  • April 30, 2016

    Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif in East Jerusalem, as Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian funeral procession; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Late at night, they arrest 3...

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  • April 16, 2016

    In the West Bank, Palestinians hold a funeral in al-‘Arub r.c. for the Palestinian killed on 4/14. Some mourners clash with IDF troops in the area; there are no injuries. IDF troops conduct late-...

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  • April 14, 2016

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at an entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron as he allegedly attempts to attack a soldier with an ax. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a money...

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  • April 10, 2016

     In Gaza, at least 2 Palestinians die in a smuggling tunnel collapse nr. Rafah, according to Palestinian sources. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr....

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  • April 9, 2016

    Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya in the morning and again in the evening, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF...

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  • April 8, 2016

    Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4...

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  • April 5, 2016

    For the 2d day in a row, the IEC cuts off power to a major West Bank city, this time affecting parts of Hebron from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. It is the 3d time the IEC has...

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IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids in and around Jenin, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish a number of agricultural structures and a water tanker nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. (MNA, WAFA 12/27; PCHR 12/29)

PA pres. Abbas says he hopes the Paris peace conference set for 1/15 enables the international community to stop Israeli settlement construction. Meanwhile, the State Dept. announces that U.S. secy. of state Kerry intends to give a major speech on 12/28 outlining principles for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as he had announced on 12/23. In the evening, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov reportedly rejects Kerry’s request, made via telephone, for the Middle East Quartet to adopt the principles he plans to present. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/27)

Hundreds of Palestinians attend a joint funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for 5 of the Palestinians whose corpses were returned to their families on 12/23. IDF troops violently disperse dozens of young mourners who throw stones after the procession; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem, and patrols nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in the Old City after she is found to be carrying a knife. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. (MNA 12/24; PCHR 12/29)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a room in a Silwan-area home and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in al-Tur and Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and confiscate equipment from a printing house during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds and bird hunters nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Egyptian forces deployed along the border fence shoot and injure a Palestinian fisherman working off the coast nr. Rafah. (MNA 12/21; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/22; PCHR 12/29)

Egyptian diplomats formally present a draft res. condemning Israel’s settlements (see Doc. A) to the UNSC. It is reportedly a milder version of a draft that the Palestinians circulated in early 12/2016. The UNSC sets a vote for 12/22. (AP, BBC, HA 12/22)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian driver at the Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly attempts to ram them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate 6 computers during a raid on a printing shop in Hebron. Also in the Hebron area, Israeli forces confiscate a caravan being used as a medical clinic in the bedouin village al-Markaz, demolish a quarry in al-Samu‘ village, and deliver stop-work orders to 2 homes under construction nr. the city. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 23 Palestinians during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 70 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces demolish 2 steel structures and a store in Sur al-Bahir and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands nr. Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13; YA 12/14; PCHR 12/15)

Senior Palestinian officials meet with U.S. secy. of state Kerry in Washington. After the meeting, a State Dept. spokesperson says that “nothing’s changed about our view” on a UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements. (USSD 12/12; TOI 12/14)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevent mourning Palestinians from burying a recently deceased woman in the Bab al-Rahma cemetery nr. the Old City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya during the day. (MNA 12/5; MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/8)

The Israeli police decide to extend, by 1 hour, the time allotted every day for non-Muslims to visit Haram al-Sharif. They are now allowed to access the site from 7:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. (MNA 12/5)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of a new draft of the so-called regulations bill that would retroactively authorize many Israeli settlement outposts, except Amona, which is still scheduled to be evacuated and demolished by 12/25. The bill is expected to receive a 1st reading on 12/7. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/5)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian structure in Jabal Mukabir and an extension to a Palestinian home in Silwan. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/1)

Fatah’s 7th General Conference kicks off in Ramallah amid rumors about PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas’s imminent retirement, succession of power, and exiled Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan’s possible return to Palestinian politics. The conference attendees unanimously reelect Abbas as party chair. (AFP, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/29)

U.S. secy. of state John Kerry indicates that the Obama admin. is still weighing its options for launching a long-rumored peace push in its final mos. in office. (TOI 12/1)

Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a Hezbollah arms convoy w. of Damascus late at night, causing an unknown amount of damage and injuries. (JP, TOI, YA 11/29; HA 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian tractor from Ras al-Ahmar village nr. Tubas and deliver stop-work orders for 12 Palestinian projects under construction nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Unidentified assailants throw rocks at a bus nr. Bethlehem, breaking a windshield and injuring 3 IDF soldiers. In East Jerusalem, more than 60 Orthodox Jews tour Haram al-Sharif; Israeli forces arrest 5 who attempt to pray at the sanctuary. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at an entrance to the Old City, alleging that she was preparing to stab them. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In n. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian’s home in Hurfish village on the grounds that it violated construction regulations. (MNA, WAFA 11/20; MNA 11/21; PCHR 11/24)

For a 2d day in a row, Gazan fighters fire a rocket into s. Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no serious damage or injuries. The IDF fires retaliatory tank shells across the border at Hamas sites, causing an undetermined amount of damage. After the exchange, DM Lieberman says that Israel will not seek an escalation of violence, but that it will not hesitate from retaliating against all rocket attacks. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 10/6; PCHR 10/13)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a late-night raid in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the “unrecognized” bedouin village of al-Araqib in the Negev for the 104th time since 2010. They also shut down several organizations affiliated with the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm, including 1 media group. The branch was accused of incitement and outlawed in 11/2015 (see JPS 45 [3]). (MNA 10/6; MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/13)

PA pres. Abbas is admitted to hospital in Ramallah after suffering chest pains and undergoes cardiovascular testing. PLO secy.-gen. Erekat says that the tests confirm that Abbas is in “good health.” (HA, MEMO, MNA 10/6)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah and again nr. Gaza City, causing damage to 1 boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., raiding the camp for the 3d day this week. They arrest 3 Palestinians, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths in the camp; there are no serious injuries. (WAFA 9/24; PCHR 9/29)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinian fighters open fire on IDF troops stationed nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In response, the IDF launches air strikes on at least 2 Hamas military sites in n. Gaza, injuring 3 Hamas fighters. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian homes nr. al-Maghazi r.c., causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and then nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops attempt to remove a Palestinian flag from a public space in a village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents throughout the day; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinian youths allegedly planning to carry out stabbing attacks in c. Hebron. Both boys were found to be carrying knives. Israeli forces destroy personal property and threaten to arrest a Palestinian infant during a raid on the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian who was killed on 11/1/2015 after attempting to stab an Israeli soldier. They also impose strict closures on 3 villages nr. Nablus after reports of stone-throwing in the area (the closures will be enforced through 9/10). The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. (1 Palestinian is injured); and patrols nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya during the day. Meanwhile, unknown assailants throw Molotov cocktails at the Nablus-area home of a Palestinian woman running for office in the 10/8 municipal elections, causing minor damage. She is affiliated with Fatah. In East Jerusalem, around 60 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/4; MNA 9/5; PCHR 9/8; MNA 9/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. (OCHA 9/8)

The PA and Israel sign an agreement to improve postal service in the oPt. The deal gives Palestinians more control over the transfer of mail in and out of the West Bank. (JP, MNA, TOI 9/4)

An errant mortar round fired from Syria lands in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF returns artillery fire on Syrian govt. positions along the border, causing an unknown amount of damage. (HA, MNA, TOI 9/4)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian outside the Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus after chasing him and other youths who allegedly threw stones from a moving vehicle at Israeli soldiers. According to the IDF, the slain Palestinian allegedly stabbed and lightly injured 1 of the soldiers in the ensuing confrontation. However, photos of the scene show the Palestinian, still alive, sitting in the army vehicle, where he would not have presented a threat to the soldiers. His cousin says he did not attempt to stab anyone, adding that he was engaged to be married in 2 mos. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when she is found to be carrying a knife, and conduct late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem, arresting 9 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces return the body of a Palestinian to his family, who hold a small funeral for him in a nearby cemetery. Israeli forces killed him on 3/9 after he and a companion opened fire on an Israeli bus. Overnight, Israeli forces demolish 3 residential structures and a cultural center in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers dump untreated sewage in Palestinian olive groves and grape arbors nr. Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Bayt Hanun, injuring 1 moderately. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, PIC, TOI, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/25; PCHR 9/1)

Tensions in the Hebron district remain high as the IDF maintains restrictions on Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district and conducts patrols in the region throughout the day. IDF troops conduct raids in Yatta overnight, sparking clashes with stoneand bottle-throwing residents (2 Palestinians are injured). Movement in Yatta has been restricted since 6/8. The IDF conducts further raids and house searches in and around Hebron, as well as nr. Qalqilya and Bethlehem, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians and arresting 2. Unidentified Palestinians open fire on an Israeli settler driving nr. Bethlehem, causing damage and no injuries. A Palestinian suffers minor burns when a flare left by Israeli forces ignites in Jenin. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In Israel, Israeli forces conduct raids in al-Araqib in the Negev, arresting 2 Palestinians. (MNA 7/21; MNA 7/22; MNA 7/23)

PA pres. Abbas meets with French pres. Hollande in Paris to discuss the French peace initiative in light of recent events. Hollande says that France is determined to build on the 6/3 summit. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Times of Israel, the dir. gen. of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Dore Gold, says that Israel will probably not attend a follow-up summit in Paris, if invited, because it would “undermine the whole peace process,” reiterating Israel’s opposition to the French efforts. (TOI 7/21; AFP, MNA, TOI 7/22)

For a 3d day in a row, clashes erupt at Haram al-Sharif. Palestinians atop the sanctuary throw stones at Jews praying at the Western Wall below, lightly injuring 1 elderly woman. Israeli police arrest at least 11 Palestinians. After the day’s clashes, the Israeli police decide to bar non-Muslims from the sanctuary through the end of Ramadan on 7/5, reversing Public Security Minister Erdan’s 6/26 announcement. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/28; PCHR 6/30)

Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (1 is injured). They arrest 2 Palestinians on further raids nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers destroy 2 Palestinian greenhouses, uproot plants, and spray-paint “Death to Arabs” in Wadi Fuqin village nr. Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., damaging 1. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/28; MNA 6/29; PCHR 6/30)

An IDF spokesperson says that the IDF has canceled its Hannibal Directive, i.e., its protocol to employ extraordinary force to prevent the capture of its soldiers. A senior IDF officer says that Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot canceled the directive weeks ago and that a replacement directive will be issued soon. (JP, NYT, TOI 6/28)

The IDF continues targeting Yatta in the aftermath of the 6/8 killings in Tel Aviv, raiding homes in the village late at night and taking new photographs and measurements of 1 of the attackers’ homes, threatening punitive demolition. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Salfit. An IDF jeep rams and injures a Palestinian youth nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-‘Izzariya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah. There are no injuries in either incident. Meanwhile, a Palestinian is injured when he accidentally detonates a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in Gaza City. (MNA, WAFA 6/18; PCHR 6/23)

Palestinian national reconciliation talks in Doha break down halfway through their last scheduled day. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri says that Fatah officials reneged on agreements made in previous rounds of negotiations and that Fatah withdrew during the 2d session of talks today. A Fatah spokesperson says that Hamas is “not ready yet for national unity and political partnership.” (MNA 6/18)

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

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

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

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

The IDF ends its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the evening, but maintains the closure of Yatta, the Hebron-area village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6/8. During an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya, IDF troops shoot flares that set fire to a swath of Palestinian land nr. the separation wall, destroying about 50 olive trees. They also arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, sparking clashes with Muslim worshippers after a handful of the settlers appear to pray at the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians and 2 Jewish Israelis are arrested and removed from the site. Late at night, unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus in Wadi al-Juz, causing damage. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/12; MNA, WAFA, YA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

The IDF maintains its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as its general closure of Yatta village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6/8. They also arrest the father of 1 of the attackers during a raid nr. the village. Meanwhile, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Yatta-area home of a Palestinian accused of stabbing and killing an Israeli settler on 1/17. Separately, a Palestinian driver allegedly attempts to ram Israeli soldiers nr. Ramallah. The driver flees the scene, and the IDF seals the entrances to several nearby villages as they search for him. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Ramallah, Salfit, Jericho, and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, around 20 Palestinian-owned vehicles are vandalized and damaged in Silwan in a string of late-night price-tag attacks. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/11; MNA 6/12; PCHR 6/16)

In Egypt, armed gunmen shoot and a kill a Palestinian and 2 Egyptian civilians in Rafah and al-Arish. (MNA 6/11)

Two Palestinians open fire on a crowd of Israelis in an open-air shopping area in c. Tel Aviv, killing 4 and injuring 10. Israeli forces shoot the 2 men, critically injuring 1 and mildly injuring the other. IDF troops raid the attackers’ home village of Yatta nr. Hebron late at night, detaining several Palestinians and barring all entrances and exits, except for humanitarian cases. They declare the village a closed military zone and take measurements and photographs of the attackers’ home, threatening punitive demolition. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 6/8; JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI 6/9)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City overnight, sinking 1; 3 of the fishermen are arrested (they are released later in the day). Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian truck from Khirbat al-Hadidiya in the Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers raze some Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron, Bethlehem, Tubas, 3 villages nr. Nablus, and 1 nr. Tulkarm. (MNA, WAFA, PCHR 6/9; PCHR 6/16)

The Israeli police decide that Palestinians killed after committing serious crimes against Israelis will be denied funeral processions and burials in their home neighborhoods or villages. Instead, the police will select the cemeteries in which to bury them. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 6/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians who allegedly attempted to cross the separation wall into Israel nr. Tulkarm. They also conduct late-night raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians; and patrol during the day nr. Ramallah and Hebron. The IDF reopens 2 roads nr. Nablus—the main exit from Aqraba village and a road leading from Awarta—after having kept them closed for 6 mos. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage. (MNA 6/7; PCHR 6/9)

IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, arresting 19 Palestinians and confiscating 11 tractors. They also patrol nr. Ramallah throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to establish sand barriers nr. Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (PCHR 6/2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif in East Jerusalem, as Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian funeral procession; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Late at night, they arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian outside a village nr. Bethlehem. They also conduct a late-night raid in al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and injuring 1. They conduct further raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrol in and around Hebron and nr. Ramallah. (MNA 4/30; WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/5)

In the West Bank, Palestinians hold a funeral in al-‘Arub r.c. for the Palestinian killed on 4/14. Some mourners clash with IDF troops in the area; there are no injuries. IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, arresting 8 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers prevent a Palestinian farmer from accessing his land nr. Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Khan Yunis. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli soldiers assault and interrogate a Palestinian in Sur al-Bahir, causing light injuries. Israeli forces raid Silwan and deliver 2 demolition orders to Palestinian-owned buildings. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; WAFA, YA 4/17; PCHR 4/21)

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

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

 In Gaza, at least 2 Palestinians die in a smuggling tunnel collapse nr. Rafah, according to Palestinian sources. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Aida r.c. and al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem late at night, sparking clashes with armed and stone-throwing Palestinian youths in both; there are no serious injuries. They conduct further raids in Salfit and nr. Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate property and arrest 1 Palestinian during raids in the Old City. In Israel, right-wing Jewish activists spray paint racist graffiti on the walls of a synagogue in Safed. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/10; MNA 4/11; TOI 4/12; PCHR 4/14)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that there has been a “significant decline” in the number of serious Palestinian crimes against Israelis. He also reaffirms his ban on MKs and other elected officials visiting Haram al-Sharif ahead of the Jewish holiday Passover. (TOI 4/10)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya in the morning and again in the evening, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, PASF troops arrest 3 Palestinians found with weapons in a village nr. Ramallah, and turn them over to the IDF. The men were allegedly on their way to attack Israeli targets. The IDF conducts house searches and raids nr. Hebron and Salfit, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to another 3; patrols nr. Hebron. (JP, MNA, WAFA 4/9; PCHR 4/14)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. On Gaza’s border, an explosive device detonates under an armored Israeli bulldozer, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 2 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen, arresting 4, and then confiscating the boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse Palestinians conducting a sit-in in Silwan in protest of Israeli efforts to Judaize the city; 6 Palestinians are arrested and a tent is confiscated. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian for allegedly planning a stabbing attack outside the Old City, and temporarily detain a shaykh at Haram al-Sharif, accusing him of “incitement.” (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/8; PCHR 4/14)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson says that the Obama admin. has not decided whether or not to support the draft UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements that the Palestinians circulated earlier in the week (a U.S. veto would scuttle the effort). Separately, 394 mbrs., or 90%, of the House of Representatives sign onto a letter calling on U.S. pres. Obama to “oppose and, if need be, veto one-sided UNSC resolutions,” inter alia. (USSD 4/8; TOI 4/9; JP 4/10; JTA 4/15)

For the 2d day in a row, the IEC cuts off power to a major West Bank city, this time affecting parts of Hebron from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. It is the 3d time the IEC has implemented its plan to intermittently and punitively disrupt power supplies to areas of the West Bank in response to unpaid debts. (HA, JP, MNA 4/5)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nearby. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a slaughterhouse, a balcony, and a water well in a village nr. Bethlehem and force a number of Palestinian shops to close in a village nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians who allegedly threw stones at them. IDF troops also conduct latenight raids and house searches in Nablus and nr. Hebron arresting 9 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; take measurements and photographs of a home nr. Hebron, threatening punitive demolition; and patrol nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. Israeli settlers enter a village nr. Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces on a patrol nr. Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid al-Quds University in Abu Dis, destroying and confiscating property, and issue an arrest summons for a Palestinian journalist during a raid in al-Thawri. Israeli police arrest 2 right-wing Jewish activists attempting to sneak into Haram al-Sharif disguised as Muslims. (MNA, WAFA 4/5; MNA 4/6; PCHR 4/7)

The day after Israeli PM Netanyahu invited him to Jerusalem for a face-to-face meeting, PA pres. Abbas says that he is prepared to work with Israel to stop and monitor “mutual incitement,” calling for the reinstatement of the joint Palestinian-Israeli-U.S. comm. for monitoring incitement, which was established as part of the Wye River Memorandum in 1998 and met regularly until 9/2000. (JP 4/5; TOI 4/6)