The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 25 vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on Palestinian-owned buildings, including a mosque, in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces ordered Palestinians southeast of Tubas to evacuate 28 dunams of land, uproot olive trees, and demolish a structure. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bethlehem, leading to 30 Palestinians suffering tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya; he was badly beaten by Israeli police. Some 200 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 9 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes, including a family of 8 in Dayr al-Balah with 5 children; 12 others were wounded. This brings the comprehensive death toll of the Israeli attack on Gaza starting on 11/12 to 33, with at least 111 Palestinians reported injured. Israel later admitted that killing the family in Dayr al-Balah was a mistake and that they believed the house was empty. Despite the ceasefire early in the morning, bombings continued throughout the day. (AJ 11/13; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, HA 11/15; HA 11/17; PCHR 11/21)

The Faroe Islands’ foreign minister Jenis av Rana said that the country wants to open a diplomatic representation to Israel in Jerusalem against the wishes of the Danish government. Earlier in the year, the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said that Greenland and the Faroe Islands would have more independence in foreign policy during her government. (Politiken 11/14)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Kahil north of Hebron, both of whom are suspects in the killing of an Israeli settler on 8/8. During the arrest, Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle belonging to 1 of the suspects. 1 Palestinian from Bayt Fajjar was released after being arrested on 8/9 for the murder of the settler. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya during a late-night raid. During the raid, 1 Palestinian was injured as clashes between residents and Israeli forces erupted. In Gaza, 4 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the vicinity of the Gaza fence east of Dayr al-Balah. According to media reports, they were armed and threw 1 grenade at Israeli soldiers by the fence; no Israelis were reported wounded. Later, Israeli forces bombed 2 targets east of Dayr al-Balah. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; PCHR 8/22)

Led by Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler sprays anti-Palestinian graffiti on walls outside the Old City. Israeli forces arrest Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, during a raid in Silwan (Ghaith has been arrested several times in the past few months on allegations related to Palestinian land sales to Israelis in East Jerusalem). The Israeli police say that Ghaith’s arrest today is related to “fraud and forgery.” Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians building a new agricultural road near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and confiscate 1 vehicle during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun and open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 4 protesters. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; MNA, MNA, TOI 2/27; PCHR 2/28)

A member of Hamas’s military wing dies in a “resistance tunnel” accident near Khan Yunis, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza. (MNA 2/27)

A senior Japanese official announces a grant of $83,651 to install a solar panel system at a hospital in Gaza. (WAFA 2/26)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel overnight, and Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts it near Ashqelon. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas sites near Bayt Lahiya, reportedly destroying 1 property and damaging another in the vicinity of both. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Bayt Lahiya and open fire on Palestinian farmland near Rafah, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor at a checkpoint near Nablus. An IDF spokesperson says she was acting suspiciously, ignoring the soldiers’ orders and warning shots, and that the incident is suspected to be an attempted “suicide by cop.” IDF troops also shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in al-Bireh; arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (HA, HA, JP, JP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/7; PCHR 1/10)

There are reports in the Israeli and Palestinian press that the 3d transfer of Qatari money into Gaza, which was planned to go forward this week, is being delayed indefinitely. Some reports indicate that the Israeli authorities ordered the delay in response to the rocket fire today. The Israeli authorities previously allowed 2 transfers of $15 million each, on 11/8/18 and 12/6/18. They previously agreed to allow 6 total monthly transfers of $15 million to help pay the salaries of civil servants working for the Hamas-run government and to support families in urgent need in Gaza. In the evening, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reportedly informs Hamas that the transfer is set to go forward within 48 hours, so long as the relative calm in Gaza holds. (JP, MEMO, TOI, TOI, YA 1/7; C10, JP, JT 1/8)

After PA security forces withdraw from the Rafah border crossing in the morning, Hamas security forces retake control of the Gaza side of the crossing. The Egyptian authorities then announce that the crossing “will be limited to only the arrival of individuals and the entry of goods” into Gaza. An Egyptian official in Cairo says he does not expect the crossing to be closed completely, despite widespread rumors and speculation to the contrary. “Egypt recognizes the importance of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Rafah crossing is an important access point for Palestinians,” he adds. The PA announced the withdrawal on 1/6 amid a week of escalating tensions between Hamas and Fatah. Later, Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that the withdrawal is only the first step in Fatah’s plan to return the PA to power in Gaza. “There will be other measures… to annihilate the authority of division and status quo,” he says. Separately, a Fatah spokesperson accuses Hamas of detaining more than 1,000 Fatah members in Gaza, including 500 who were allegedly arrested in the past 24 hours. He alleges that the arrests are meant to undermine Fatah’s planned 54th anniversary celebration in Gaza this month. (AFP, EI, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/7; JP, REU, TOI 1/8)

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza announces the arrest of 45 Palestinians alleged to have collaborated with Israel. (JP, TOI 1/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze an area of Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure several Palestinian farmers working their lands near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

The undersecretary of the PA’s Agriculture Ministry, Abdallah Lahlouh, says that the PA has not been officially informed of any new Israeli policy to ban imports of fruits and vegetables from the West Bank, but that the PA will respond in kind if the recent reports of a ban continue. Although it was not publically announced at the time, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel ordered such a ban on 12/17 after the PA barred Palestinian meat-sellers from buying lamb from Israel on 12/2. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19)

Israel’s Knesset passes a first reading of a bill that would allow the IDF to order the expulsion of the families of Palestinian assailants from their homes, despite objections from Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and senior IDF officers. The Knesset also passes a first reading of the so-called Young Settlement Bill, which would allow for the temporary retroactive authorization of certain settlement outposts in the West Bank and which the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved on 12/16. (HA 12/19; HA 12/20)

At a UN Security Council meeting on alleged violations of Resolution 1701, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon presents new information that he claims shows the extent of Hezbollah’s tunneling operations along the Israel-Lebanon border. He also says that Israel “gave UNIFIL precise information about the location of [1 of the tunnels],” but that compromised Lebanese army officers leaked the information to Hezbollah, allowing the group to conceal certain offensive operations. “Lebanese army officials are working for Hezbollah, while UNIFIL is not working to fulfill its mandate in the region in the necessary manner,” Danon alleges. While several UNSC members condemn Hezbollah’s tunneling activities, the UNSC takes no action at today’s meeting. (HA, HA, TOI, YA 12/19; TOI 12/20)

UN World Food Programme (WFP) country director Stephen Kearney announces that funding shortfalls have forced “drastic” cuts to food aid initiatives planned in the West Bank and Gaza in 2019. Starting on 1/1/19, the WFP plans to suspend food assistance to 27,000 people in the West Bank and reduce by 20% the food aid delivered to 166,000 additional recipients across the occupied Palestinian territories. “The major donor that we have had in the past years has been the U.S.,” Kearney says. “They have cut funding, not just to UNRWA, who work with the refugees in Gaza, but also to the rest of the humanitarian community, including WFP.” A WFP spokesperson says that an additional $57 million would be needed to maintain the current level of food aid in 2019. (AFP, AJ, REU, TOI 12/19; MEE 12/20)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announces that it has filed a legal challenge to an anti-BDS law in Texas on behalf of 4 Texans who either lost their jobs or lost the opportunity to be hired after they refused to renounce their support for boycotts against Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. “Whatever you may think about boycotts of Israel, the bottom line is that political boycotts are a legitimate form of nonviolent protest,” says an ACLU lawyer. “The state cannot use the contracting process as an ideological litmus test or to tell people what kind of causes they may or may not support.” Texas’s anti-BDS law, which requires all state contractors to certify that they do not support or participate in any boycotts of Israel or its West Bank settlements, has been on the books since 5/2/17. (HA, TOI 12/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds and bird-hunters near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 35 olive trees from a Palestinian grove outside Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian high school in Issawiyya, firing sound bombs toward the classrooms and sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, during a raid on his home in Silwan. Ghaith was previously arrested on 10/21 and 11/1. A police spokesperson says only that today’s arrest has to do with money-related issues. The Israeli press reports that Ghaith is suspected of being involved with the selling of a contested piece of property in East Jerusalem. Other reports indicate that Ghaith is suspected of working with the PA’s security forces, which is forbidden for East Jerusalem residents under Israeli law, and with meeting PA officials and activists, which he was barred from doing after his arrest on 10/21. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA 11/25; AFP, TOI 11/26; PCHR 11/29)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border fence near Dayr al-Balah to continue the Great March of Return; 7 Palestinians are injured (1 succumbs to his injuries later in the day). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 179. Separately, IDF troops stationed along the border fence shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). In the West Bank, IDF troops kill a Palestinian during a confrontation sparked by a late-night raid in Tammun village near Tubas. Three other Palestinians are reported injured during the confrontation. Separately, IDF troops conduct raids in Doha village near Bethlehem overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm; arrest a Palestinian minor in central Hebron when he is found to be in possession of a knife; patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli forces dismantle and seize 2 makeshift structures from a Palestinian school near Tubas. They also deliver demolition notices to the school’s administrators (Palestinians in the area built the 3-room school building and established the 2 makeshift structures on 8/20). In East Jerusalem, approximately 57 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis and Issawiyya. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/23; HA, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/24; PCHR 10/25)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman lifts his hold on the transfers of Qatari-funded fuel into Gaza after a period of relative calm along Gaza’s border fence. “In accordance with [DM] Lieberman’s decision from [10/21] and in accordance with recommendations from security bodies, it has been decided that the supply of ‘Qatari fuel’ to Gaza will be renewed starting tomorrow,” his office announces. (TOI, TOI 10/24)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working along the border fence near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate construction equipment and arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Hebron; and patrol near the city as well. Israeli settlers assault 4 left-wing Israeli activists documenting settlement construction near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, WAFA 8/25; PCHR 8/30)

After a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, an Egypt- and UN-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas goes into effect. It is reportedly based on the principles of the cease-fire deal that halted Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, and it provides for a cessation of all hostilities. The Israeli cabinet reportedly approved the agreement in principle on 8/12 and only met today to review the details one last time. Earlier, Israeli DM Lieberman announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing (effectively lifting the last of the restrictions the Israeli authorities imposed on 7/9) and the expansion of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to nine nautical miles, up from as few as three at the peak of the Israeli crackdown. “The opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, after four days of quiet, is intended to indicate to the population in Gaza that maintaining quiet is first and foremost an interest for Gaza’s residents,” he says. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/15; AHR, MNA, TOI 8/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer outside Salfit, preventing him from working his land. They also break into a Palestinian home in central Hebron and violently attack 2 Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. IDF troops conduct raids in central Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building under construction in Issawiyya. They also detain 9 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif for undisclosed reasons (8 are released later in the day and banned from the sanctuary for 15 days); and arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, Sur Bahir, and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/15; MNA, PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/30)

The Palestinian Central Council convenes in Ramallah for its 29th regular meeting. The PLO body discusses a variety of issues related to statehood, including the stalled national reconciliation process, and plans to meet again on 8/16. In a speech kicking off the meetings, PA president Abbas says that Hamas is not serious about reconciliation. “Hamas principally does not have intentions to achieve reconciliation,” he says. Abbas also criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts and reiterates that he wants to unify the West Bank and Gaza with “one government, one law, and one legitimate force without militias.” (TOI, WAFA 8/15)

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) publishes tenders for the construction of 602 new housing units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem. The 603 units are part of a larger development plan that dates back to 2010. The ILA separately reaches a $380 million agreement with the Jerusalem Municipality for a series of development projects across the city, including 20,000 new housing units. The Jerusalem City Council is expected to approve the plan next week. (HA, YA 8/15)

After a second day of clashes and confrontations at Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem slated for evacuation and demolition, Israel’s High Court of Justice issues a temporary freeze on the demolition orders amid a dispute over land ownership. During the clashes, 3 international activists are detained and 4 vehicles belonging to activists and journalists are impounded. Meanwhile, The UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain jointly convey a formal protest to the Israeli authorities over their plans to demolish the village, warning that such demolitions make a two-state solution less viable. UN officials also protest the demolition plan. UK, Italian, Swedish, Belgian, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, Swiss, German, Spanish, and Irish diplomats all visit Khan al-Ahmar today. The IDF blocks them from seeing the community’s 10-year-old schoolhouse, which was made from tires. (ALM, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/5; EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 7/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a length of water pipe in Bardala village near Jericho and a residential tent outside Susiya near Hebron. They also patrol near Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli settlers cut down 350 grapevines in Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem. They leave racist graffiti at the scene as well. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 agricultural buildings, a gas station, and a car wash in Hizma village and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian riding a motorcycle near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In Gaza, an Israeli drone bombs a Palestinian motorcycle in Dayr al-Balah, destroying the vehicle and causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/5; HA 7/6; PCHR 7/12)

Armed fighters in Gaza launch 28 rockets and other projectiles into Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts several of the projectiles; 1 lands in the yard of a kindergarten in the Eshkol Regional Council, causing minor damage and no injuries. The attack reportedly comes in response to the deadly Israeli air strikes in Gaza on 5/26 and 5/28. The IAF then conducts air strikes on a number of Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, causing major damage. Hours later, armed Palestinians in Gaza launch another round of projectiles into Israel; 1 Israeli civilian is injured. Parts of 1 rocket fall near a school in Sderot, causing no major damage. Meanwhile, senior Israeli defense officials meet in Tel Aviv and decide on a limited retaliation. The IAF conducts another wave of air strikes, hitting at least 30 Hamas and PIJ sites across Gaza and destroying a tunnel reaching approximately 900 meters into Israeli territory. The strikes cause extensive damage and an unclear number of casualties. Intermittent rocket fire and retaliatory air strikes continue into the night. Shrapnel injures 3 IDF soldiers. One Israeli home in the Eshkol Regional Council is heavily damaged. Late at night, Egyptian diplomats broker a limited cease-fire. (AP, BBC, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/29; MNA, WAFA 5/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting to enter a home in the Har Brakha settlement near Nablus; 1 is injured and arrested while the other flees. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/29; PCHR 5/31)

A boat carrying 25 injured or ill Gazans, as well as a number of activists, sets sail from Gaza for Turkey in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. Approximately 30 more boats set sail alongside it, forming a protest flotilla. Organizers describe the flotilla as part of the ongoing Great March of Return. After the lead boat exits the nine nautical mile fishing zone off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces surround it and arrest everyone on board. (AJ, HA, JP 5/29)

An explosion in Dayr al-Balah kills 6 members of Hamas and injures 3 others. The circumstances of the blast are unclear. Hamas accuses Israel of assassinating the men. The Israeli authorities deny any involvement. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure 6 Palestinians approaching the border fence and allegedly throwing stones near al-Maghazi refugee camp. They also open fire on Palestinian paramedics working near Dayr al-Balah, injuring 1. Hours later, the IAF conducts an air strike on a Hamas site near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing an unclear amount of damage and injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during late-night raids near Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Issawiyya. (WAFA 5/5; HA, JP, YA 5/6)

Along Gaza’s border, a Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse near Dayr al-Balah, according to local Gaza media. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse groups of Palestinians approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during minor clashes in Hebron, and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. They also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish part of a Palestinian shop in Bayt ‘Aynun and confiscate some of its merchandise, and arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Shu‘fat refugee camp They also establish a closed military zone near Al-Quds University, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing students; 4 Palestinians are injured. (TOI, WAFA 4/22; PCHR 4/26)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/20, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 35. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23; EI 4/24)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near al-Maghazi refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. They also violently disperse Palestinian protesters near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are moderately injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction near Ramallah, force Palestinian farmers from their land outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem, and demolish a makeshift Palestinian secondary school in Khirbat Zanuta, a Bedouin community near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during raids near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA 4/10; PCHR 4/12)

Israeli DM Lieberman says that the Palestinian journalist who succumbed to injuries caused by the IDF’s ongoing violent crackdown on the Great March of Return on 4/6, Yaser Murtaja, was a member of Hamas and that he was giving his drone’s video recordings to the group. Hamas denies the allegation. The Washington Post reports that the U.S. recently vetted Murtaja’s company, Ain Media, for a government grant. (AP, JP, WP, YA 4/11)

A senior Iranian official says that Israel’s 4/9 deadly strike on the Syrian T-4 military base “will not remain without response.” Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry summons the Israeli ambassador to Russia for a formal questioning about the incident and a discussion about recent events in Gaza. (HA, JP, REU, YA 4/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chop down approximately 30 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Bethlehem, and assault a number of Palestinian students on their way home from school in Yatta near Hebron. Undercover Israeli soldiers conduct a raid in Burqin near Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 6 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians and confiscate 1 vehicle during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. One of the raids near Ramallah sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and 2 during raids in Issawiyya. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA 3/20, 3/21; PCHR 3/22)

The PA releases a statement calling on Hamas to transfer control of Gaza “all at once.” The statement comes 1 day after PA president Abbas accused Hamas of perpetrating the 3/13 assassination attempt on PM Hamdallah and threatened further restrictions on Gaza. (JP, TOI 3/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down the north entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Biddu and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

The IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. This is the 2d round of IAF strikes in Gaza in response to rocket fire on 12/29. Meanwhile, Israel’s Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay criticizes PM Netanyahu for failing to stop the rocket fire from Gaza. (TOI, YA 12/30; WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with IDF troops along Gaza’s border on 12/29. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/30; PCHR 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Ofer Prison in solidarity with imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi; there are no serious injuries. They shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during minor clashes near Ramallah. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian, allegedly for carrying a bomb into a courthouse near Bethlehem. The IDF arrests 5 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalqilya and near Salfit, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrols near Hebron and Tulkarm. More than 20 Israeli settlers enter a Palestinian school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing students; 2 students are injured and 2 Palestinian vehicles are damaged. The settlers claim that some students from Burin threw stones at their cars earlier in the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid 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 (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/28; PCHR 1/4)

PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinian leadership has decided to request, at a summit planned for 1/6 in Amman, the implementation of the Amman Summit resolutions of 1980, which stipulated a political and economic boycott of any country that moves its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He also says that the PA will lobby in countries where Israeli diplomats are pressing governments to move their embassies to Jerusalem, and that they will wait for a new composition of the UNSC before resubmitting their application for full membership at the UN. (WAFA, WP 12/28)

Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) troops conduct a late-night raid in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with armed residents of the camp; 2 residents are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops set fire to a Palestinian greenhouse during a raid nr. Qalqilya, arrest 3 Palestinians, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem; and patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 6/3; MNA 6/4; PCHR 6/8)

Israeli forces shell a Hamas military post along Gaza’s border nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries, in response to shots fired at an IDF patrol in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youths from nearby Balata r.c.; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin and damage his car. Israeli forces demolish water pipelines serving Bardala village in the n. Jordan Valley as well as 3 structures in illegal settlement outposts nr. Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; PCHR 5/4)

Public and private Palestinian institutions across the West Bank and Gaza observe a general strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/17. Approximately 500 mbrs. of PIJ declare a 1-day hunger strike in solidarity as well. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian protesters marching through al-Bireh in solidarity with the prisoners; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians at a sit-in in Issawiyya and a solidarity march in Shu‘fat r.c.; there are no serious injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; MNA 4/28)

The PA informs the Israeli govt. that it will no longer be paying for the electricity that Israel supplies to the Gaza Strip, marking a major change in the PA’s policy toward Hamas’s control over Gaza. The move comes amid an escalating electricity shortage in Gaza, and also follows reports that PA pres. Abbas has been planning to increase pressure on Hamas to give up control of the Gaza Strip. The PA generally pays Israel about NIS 40 m. (approx. $11 m.) per mo. to provide Gaza with around 30% of the electricity it requires. Israel takes the electricity fees out of the taxes it collects on behalf of the PA. Meanwhile, UN coordinator for humanitarian aid and development activities Robert Piper approves the release of $500,000 to buy emergency power for hospitals in the Gaza Strip. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/27)

Five missiles strike ammunition depots nr. the Damascus International Airport overnight, causing damage but no reported injuries. Syria’s official news agency blames Israel for the strike. The IDF does not comment. Later in the day, Israeli forces shoot down an unmanned aircraft that flew into Israeli airspace from Syria. (HA, JP, NYT 4/27)

IDF troops conduct a raid on a house in al-Bireh nr. Ramallah in which they shoot and kill Basel al-Araj, a prominent Palestinian activist. Two other Palestinians are injured in confrontations with Israeli forces following the raid. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shut down a workshop nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in s. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers nr. Nablus, injuring 2. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct overnight raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are arrested and 3 are issued arrest summons. Meanwhile, Palestinian youths gather outside the Jerusalem Municipality complex nr. the Old City to protest the Israeli authorities’ closure of their school in Sur al-Bahir on 2/23. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nearby. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/6; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing Palestinians to enter and exit Gaza. (MNA 3/6)

Israel’s Knesset passes a law barring foreign nationals who call for economic, cultural, or academic boycotts of Israel or “area under its control,” such as Israel’s settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), from receiving entry visas or residency rights. The interior minister is granted the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. (HA, JP, NYT 3/7)

An Israeli settler shoots and kills a Palestinian youth at a settlement outpost nr. Hebron after the Palestinian allegedly sneaks into the settler’s home, then stabs and lightly injures him. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a printing shop in Tulkarm, destroying much of its contents and confiscating the printer. They arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Ramallah, and close the entrances to Marda village nr. Salfit following reports of stone throwing in the area. The IDF also violently disperses Palestinian students marching to the Beit El checkpoint to protest the detention of 6 of their classmates; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Israeli forces bulldoze 9 homes in the Ofra settlement, after having evacuated it on 2/28. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 2-level apartment building in Issawiyya, displacing 30 Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Hanun and nr. Dayr al-Balah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/1; MNA, PCHR 3/2; PCHR 3/9)

Unidentified persons fire a rocket into s. Israel from Gaza. It lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas then evacuates several military positions anticipating Israeli retaliation. (HA, JP 3/1)

Fatah vice-chair Mahmoud al-Aloul, in his first interview since his 2/15 appointment to the post, says that a 1-state solution “in which everyone lives equally” would be “acceptable,” but that he doubts Israel would accept such a res. to the conflict. He also comments on recent PA communications with the Trump admin. “It is still not clear to us what will be the U.S. policy in the coming period,” he says. (SA, TOI 3/1)

U.S. dep. asst. secy. of state Erin Barclay says that the Trump admin. is reviewing the U.S. relationship with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an eye toward ending the council’s “obsession with Israel.” She says that “in order for this council to have any credibility, let alone success, it must move away from its unbalanced and unproductive positions.” Israeli PM Netanyahu has reportedly raised the UNHRC issue with the Trump admin. (HA, JP, REU 3/1; HA, JP 3/2)

For the 2d time this week, IDF troops fire artillery shells and machine gun rounds at Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage to the sites and at least 3 neighboring homes. The IDF reports that the shelling was in response to gunfire emanating from Gaza earlier in the morning. (MNA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8)

The Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian to his family in East Jerusalem, having punitively withheld it since Israeli forces killed him on 2/19. His family is forced to pay a security deposit of NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,000), bury the body at al-Mujahidin Cemetery in c. Jerusalem, and limit the attendance at his funeral at 25 people. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes the walls of his own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Qalandia r.c., and Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin in unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 9 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus. Israeli undercover forces arrest 4 Palestinian customs officers who are conducting a surveillance operation outside Nur Shams r.c. overnight. The officers attempted to detain the Israelis without knowing they were undercover troops. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/6; WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)

A Gazan farmer is injured when he accidentally detonates a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance nr. Dayr al-Balah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth allegedly planning to carry out a stabbing attack in Shu‘fat. They also arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. (MNA, WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/27)

A day after offering him the defense portfolio, Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to Yisrael Beytenu chair Lieberman’s main demand for bringing his party into the ruling coalition: support for new legislation lowering the bar for death penalty sentences for Palestinians found guilty of serious crimes in military courts, meaning it would only affect Palestinians living in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). (HA, JP, TOI 5/19)

U.S. secy. of state Kerry confirms that he plans to attend the upcoming Paris peace summit, which the French have now rescheduled for 6/3 to accommodate his schedule. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov is also set to attend. (HA, JP 5/19)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth nr. Tulkarm who was attempting to sneak into Israel for work. The youth allegedly pulled a knife on the soldiers after they started chasing him. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian bedouin homes nr. Ramallah, displacing 22 people. The IDF raids a mobile phone shop in a village nr. Nablus, shooting and injuring a Palestinian, arresting him and 2 others they suspect are also affiliated with Hamas, and confiscating personal property. IDF troops conduct further raids and house searches in Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Salfit, and Hebron and 1 village nearby, arresting 15 Palestinians; patrol in 5 villages nr. Hebron and 4 nr. Ramallah. After a “situational assessment” in the evening, the IDF ends the partial closure of the Ramallah area that was imposed after the 1/31 shooting attack in the area. Israeli forces pull out of the area before midnight, remove all mobile checkpoints, and return the checkpoints to normal use. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth after they find a knife on his person; arrest 14 Palestinians on latenight raids in al-‘Izzariya, Issawiyya, and the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/1; JP, MNA 2/2; PCHR 2/4)

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Dayr al-Balah, Israeli naval forces fire warning shots at 1 Palestinian fishing boat, then confiscate 8 nets. In the West Bank, Israeli forces destroy hundreds of trees in a nature reserve nr. Tubas; demolish the remaining grocery stands set up along bypass road Route 60 (several stands were confiscated on 6/15). IDF troops conduct 3 raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 1 Palestinian on each and destroying their property. They also conduct raids in Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Nablus, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrol in 4 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 5 Palestinians as they exit Haram al-Sharif, and more than 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Israeli forces conduct a late-night raid in Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone- and firework-throwing residents; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a night raid in al-‘Izzariya. In n. Israel, the IDF declares a section of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights a closed military zone to nonresidents in response to recent fighting on the Syrian side of the border. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Hamas sources say that Israel and Hamas have been holding an indirect exchange through various Arab, Turkish, and European channels about the prospect of agreeing to a 5–10-year cease-fire, and that elements under discussion relate to easing the blockade, including the possible construction of a seaport, and the entry of materials into Gaza in exchange for quiet. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI 6/16; MNA 6/17)

At a meeting of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah, PA pres. Abbas says that he intends to dissolve the PA consensus govt. and form an entirely new cabinet within the next few days. Hamas official Basem Naim speculates that Abbas was caught “off guard” by today’s reports of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, and they prompted him to make this decision. However, other reports say that conversations about dissolution have been going on for mos. (HA, MNA, NYT 6/16)

Israel’s Defense Ministry announces a series of loosened restrictions on Palestinians’ movement during Ramadan this year (the holy mo. begins the evening of 6/17). The Israeli High Court of Justice rules to seal the East Jerusalem room of the man accused of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29/2014. The State’s prosecutors argued for the court to approve the punitive demolition of the whole home, as was initially ordered in the wake of the shooting. (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/16; HA 6/17)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Dayr al-Balah exchange light fire with unknown Palestinian fighters, causing no injuries. The IDF reports that its soldiers fired warning shots when they came under fire. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot tear gas canisters at Palestinian youth in a village nr. Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. Late at night, they raid the Jenin r.c., sparking clashes with residents; 1 Palestinian is injured and 2 are detained. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; constructs a military watchtower in c. Hebron overlooking a Palestinian girls’ school. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish the foundations of 3 apartment buildings under construction in Jabal Mukabir and a home in Wadi al-Juz. They also conduct house searches and raids in the Old City, Issawiyya, Jabal Mukabir, and Wadi al-Juz, arresting 14 Palestinians. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/31; MNA 4/1; PCHR 4/2)

The PA cabinet rejects the Israeli govt.’s decision to make deductions from the recently unfrozen (3/27) tax revenue transfers to pay off the PA’s debts to Israeli utility providers, describing the deduction as collective punishment of Palestinians, a premeditated crime, and a violation of previous agreements. Meanwhile, the PA announces that Dep. PM and National Economy Min. Mustafa has resigned from the govt.; no official reasons are offered for his resignation. (AP, MNA, WAFA 3/31)

In Lausanne, Switzerland, reps. of the P5+1 and Iran agree to a 1-day extension to today’s deadline for reaching a political framework agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. (AFP, HA, NYT, TOI 3/31; HA 4/1)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man from al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas succumbs to injuries sustained during an IDF raid of his home in 2008. Israeli forces demolish 5 residences and a sheep barn in a village nr. Hebron; continue leveling land in a village nr. Bethlehem to eventually expand a nearby Israeli industrial zone. IDF troops clash with residents of a village n. of Jerusalem and 1 nr. Ramallah, injuring 9 with rubber-coated metal bullets and arresting 4; violently disperse Palestinian students demonstrating outside Ofer Prison in Ramallah, injuring 7 with rubber-coated metal bullets and arresting 1; 2 Israeli soldiers are lightly injured in the ensuing clashes. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya, as well as in Nablus, arresting 4 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrols in and around Tulkarm, and 1 village nr. Jenin; arrests 2 Palestinians while they are working in an Israeli settlement nr. Bethlehem. Israeli settlers erect 8 mobile homes on Palestinian land s. of Nablus, establishing a settlement outpost; throw stones at a Palestinian’s car nr. Nablus, causing minor damage. Nr. Nablus, armed Palestinians set fire to tires e. of Balata r.c. in protest of the recent PASF crackdown in the area. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers working nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion e. of Dayr al-Balah to level land. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces level land in a closed military zone nr. Qalandia, sparking clashes with residents; 9 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition and dozens are lightly injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli forces also level land on the e. outskirts of Issawiyya, clearing the area for construction of an Israeli national park; demolish temporary bedouin shelters that were funded by the EU. (MNA 3/9; AFP, HA, MNA, WAFA 3/10; AFP, MNA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/12)

A group of Palestinians in Israeli prisons cancels its plans, announced on 3/9, to begin a series of demonstrations on 3/10 in protest of the poor conditions. According to Al Jazeera, the move comes after the group makes a preliminary deal with the Israel Prison Service (IPS), allowing for more frequent family visits, but an IPS official will refute the report on 3/11. (AJ 3/10; JP 3/11; PNN 3/12)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, an IDF officeris lightly injured from gunfire emanating from Syria nr. Qunaytra. Meanwhile, senior United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) official Pierre Krähenbühl accompanies a convoy of aid into Yarmouk r.c. in Syria, the 1st shipment of assistance to the camp’s 18,000 occupants in 3 mos. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 3/10; MNA 3/11)

In Gaza, the chair of Qatar’s Comm. to Rebuild Gaza, Mohammed al-Emadi announces a series of new projects to build 1,000 housing units in Gaza, and that the 1st shipment of materials—4 truckloads of cement—arrived from Israel today. They will be funded through disbursals of the $1 b. Qatar pledged at the 10/12/2014 Gaza reconstruction conference in Cairo. (AFP, NYT 3/10; MEMO, REU 3/11; IMEMC 3/12; YA 3/13)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on armed Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. Subsequently, a rocket is fired from Gaza into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In 3 further, separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting straw close to the border fence nr. Dayr al-Balah, wounding 1; violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries; and, open fire on Palestinians collecting raw materials nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners on hunger strike, wounding 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tubas and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jericho, and in Qalqilya at night. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers attack 2 Palestinians on a road nr. Ramallah, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Issawiyya and lightly injure 6 Palestinians during a raid on a bakery. (MNA 5/23; PCHR 5/29)

The IAEA announces in a quarterly report that Iran has cut its stockpile of higher-enriched uranium by around 80%, in compliance with earlier agreements. The report also says Iran is meeting its other obligations. (AP, REU 5/23)

In the n. Sinai Peninsula nr. al-Arish, unknown persons blow up a gas pipeline, disrupting the natural gas supply to an industrial zone. (AP 5/23; MNA 5/24)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot and wound a Palestinian nr. Dayr al-Balah close to the border fence after an explosion targets an Israeli military jeep, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on farmland nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries, and in another incident, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Bayt Hanun and search the area adjacent to the border fence before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 6 villages nr. Jenin and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a total of 4 Palestinian homes, 2 each in the al-Isawiyya and Bayt Hanina neighborhoods. (AFP, MNA 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

A dispute escalates between Israeli PM Netanyahu and Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, with Netanyahu condemning his colleague for “irresponsible” comments, a reference to Bennett’s reported attack on the PM’s suggestion Israeli settlers could live under Palestinian rule. (HA, ToI 1/27)

The Israeli Air Force attacks a warehouse of S-300 missile launchers in the Syrian city of Latakia, according to Syrian opposition groups cited in Israeli media. The Syrian govt. neither confirms nor denies the alleged strike. (JP 1/27)

Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces gives DM Sisi approval to run for pres., an election he is widely expected to win. (REU 1/27)

In Washington, Livni and Rice sign the MOU on curbing arms smuggling, aimed at facilitating Israel’s acceptance of the EgyptHamas cease-fire offer (see 1/15). Anonymous Israeli military officials state that OCL is “in its final act.”

Combat notes: Early in the day, the IDF pulls back to the outskirts of Gaza City (with reports indicating that Tal al-Hawa has been devastated), but fighting intensifies again in the evening. Intensified IDF ground operations under cover of air strikes and heavy shelling are reported on the outskirts of Khan Yunis. The IDF reports hitting more than 50 targets during the day, including 15 rocket-launching sites, 13 groups of armed men, 4 suspected weapons depots, 2 smuggling tunnels, at least 1 mosque, Hamas’s Asda’ media center outside Khan Yunis (previously hit on 12/27). Air strike target areas include Bani Suhayla, Bayt Lahiya, alBureij r.c., the al-Fukhari area, Gaza City (al-Shuja‘iyya, Tal al-Hawa; al-Tuffah), Izbat ‘Abid Rabbuh, Jabaliya town and r.c., Khan Yunis (white phosphorous suspected), alNasser (n. of Rafah), Rafah, the al-Satar al-Gharbi area (nr. Khan Yunis), and the alTannour area (e. of Rafah). Artillery and tank fire are reported in Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, al-Bureij r.c., Dayr al-Balah (white phosphorous suspected), Gaza City (city center and al-Sudaniyya, al-Zaytun), Jabaliya town, Khan Yunis, al-Qarara, al-Shuka, Twam, Wadi alSilqa (white phosphorous suspected). Naval bombardments center on open areas w. of Khan Yunis and in the al-Mawasi area, and in s. Rafah. Ground engagements are reported in Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, the al-Fukhari area and nearby Ma’an, Gaza City, al-Mughraqa, al-Zahra’. At least 3 ambulances are hit trying to evacuate the dead and wounded in clashes in central Gaza nr. Shuhada junction and in al-Mughraqa.

In a highly publicized incident, IDF tank shells hit a Gaza City home, killing 4 young girls (3 sisters, 1 cousin). Father of the 3 sisters, Izzeddin Abu al-Aish, a prominent Gazan doctor who appears regularly as a commentator on Israeli TV, phones ITV channel 10’s live broadcast to beg for medical assistance for his injured family, reports that his daughters are dead. In addition, an IDF air strike targets a home receiving condolence visits in Gaza City’s al-Shuja‘iyya neighborhood, killing 10 Palestinians, wounding 7. Another air strike on a home in al-Bureij r.c. kills a mother and her 5 children, ages 7–15. Gazan medical officials put the Palestinian toll at 1,140 dead, more than 5,100 wounded (470 in serious condition).

Palestinians fire 22 rockets and 5 mortars into Israel. Areas hit include Ashdod and Kiryat Gat (where at least 3 Israelis are injured, 1 seriously).

Humanitarian notes: The IDF allows up to 109 trucks of humanitarian aid entry to Gaza during the 4-hr. lull. (AFP, AP, IDF, IFM, ITV, MA, MM, REU, XIN, Zaman 1/16; IFM, NYT, WP, WT, XIN 1/17; NYT 1/18; AY, DUS, ITIC, MM 1/19; PCHR, WT 1/22; PCHR 1/29; ITV, MM 2/4; NYT 2/5)

The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin, Nablus; fires rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians who attend nonviolent demonstrations against OCL following Friday prayers in Hebron (injuring 4) and neighboring Bayt Umar (injuring 3), Issawiyya (injuring 4); fires live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets, percussion grenades, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists taking part in weekly nonviolent protests against the separation wall in Bil‘in (injuring 5 Palestinians, 4 with live ammunition); fires rubber-coated steel bullets, percussion grenades, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists taking part in weekly nonviolent protests against the separation wall in Ni‘lin (injuring 12 Palestinians, including 7 children). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces beat and fire rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians protesting against OCL nr. al-Aqsa Mosque (injuring 1) and in Ras al-Amud neighborhood (injuring 1). (PCHR 1/22)