The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a tent on Palestinian-owned land in Qusra. Israeli settlers also razed 15 dunams (3.7 acres) of agricultural land planted with wheat in Jalud. Israeli forces seized 1 tent and 1 electric generator in Masafer Yatta. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house near Bethlehem. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a stop-work order for a house in Susiya. 24 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tuqu‘, Bayt Umar, Dayr Jarir, Ramallah, Jenin, and Qabatiya; among the arrested were at least 4 prominent members of Palestinian political parties, including at least 1 who was running in the upcoming Palestinian elections. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur and Silwan. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/12; PCHR, PCHR 4/15)

In a joint statement by a number of PLO parties, the members said that “[t]here will be no elections without Jerusalem, and Israel possesses no veto to this.” (WAFA 4/12; TOI 4/13)

A PA court sentenced 1 Palestinian man to life in prison for treason against Palestine. (WAFA 4/12)

Israel allowed 3.5 tons of mail to enter the West Bank from Jordan after having stalled it in Jordan since 2018. (WAFA 4/12)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved delivery of extra water rations from the Jordan River to Jordan almost a month after the request was made. It had been reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu was stalling the request because of his personal deteriorating relationship with Jordanian king Abdullah II. It was also reported that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken had asked Israel to send the extra water to Jordan. Prime Minister Netanyahu also held a joint press conference with U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Jerusalem. During the conference, which was held 1 day after Israel attacked the Iranian Natanz nuclear site, Netanyahu called the Iranian government a “fanatical regime.” When asked about the attack on the nuclear site, Netanyahu did not say whether it was an Israeli operation but did say, “[m]y policy as prime minister of Israel is clear: I will never allow Iran to obtain the nuclear capability to carry out its genocidal goal of eliminating Israel.” (AJ, HA 4/12)

The Lebanese outgoing minister of public works Michel Najjar signed a decree that extended Lebanon’s maritime border claim by 550 square miles. The decree still needs the approval of the defense minister, prime minister, and president before it becomes valid. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 4/12; REU 4/13; REU 4/15)

The EU imposed sanctions on 8 Iranian officials in response to the crackdown on protests in November 2019, when some 1,500 people were reportedly killed by Iranian forces. Iran denies that the death toll was that high. The UN said at least 304 people were killed. The EU is in the process of mediating between the U.S. and Iran to get the U.S. to rejoin the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 4/12; ALM 4/13)

In the West Bank, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Hizma, Dahariyya, and Jenin. Off the coast of Gaza, 3 Palestinian fishermen were killed in an explosion northwest of Khan Yunis; there were conflicting narratives about how the explosion happened with reports of an Israeli naval attack and of a missile fired from Gaza. Israel denied responsibility and the interior ministry in Gaza said it would investigate the incident; the investigation concluded on 3/11 with the government saying an Israeli drone laden with explosive was caught in a fishermen’s net, killing the 3 fishermen. the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights had claimed that it was a militant faction from Gaza who was responsible. Israeli naval forces had earlier in the day opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza city, causing damage to 1 boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian herders east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/7; HA 3/9; ALM, HA, PCHR, REU 3/11)

1 Palestinian man was sentenced to 2 years in prison, based on a plea bargain, by an Israeli military judge for not preventing an attack on an Israeli settler and for being a member of the PFLP. In the sentencing, the judge said a plea bargain had been reached, reducing the sentence because several Palestinians had been tortured during the interrogation related to the case. (TOI 3/7; HA 3/8)

According to Axios, PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh sent a letter to the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel-Palestine Hady Amr asking for U.S. support in the upcoming Palestinian elections and saying that Hamas has committed itself to nonviolence and the PLO parameters for a 2-state solution. Hamas has yet to publicly confirm Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh’s statement. (AX 3/10)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said he will travel to the Hague to meet with ICC officials to discuss the investigations into possible war crimes committed by Israel. (WAFA 3/7)

Meretz (Vigor) leader Nitzan Horowitz said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli settlers were responsible for the ICC investigation, drawing ire from the Israeli right. Several right-wing leaders said they would not sit in a coalition with Meretz based on those statements. Horowitz said the ICC investigation was a result of “unbridled settlement” and Israeli refusal to engage in negotiations with Palestinians. (HA, HA 3/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Mughayyir, injuring 1 Palestinian with rubber-coated bullets and 1 Palestinian with tear gas canister shrapnel; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man using live ammunition at a checkpoint near Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Twana and Kafr Qaddum; 5 were injured by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum and tear-gas related injuries were reported during both protests. Israeli forces also sealed off al-Twana. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested in Umm al-Fahm against the Israeli police’s inaction in dealing with violence in their community. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15; PCHR 1/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas signed a presidential decree setting dates for Palestinian elections. The elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are scheduled to be held on 5/22 and presidential elections on 7/31. The decree was signed after weeks of meetings between chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Committee Hanna Nasser and Hamas and Fatah leadership. It remains unclear how the elections will be carried out given the Israeli-controlled physical barriers between Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Elections for the PLO National Council are scheduled for 8/31. Hamas welcomed the presidential decree. (AJ, HA, HILL, NYT, WAFA 1/15; AP, GDN, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 1/16; AJ, SG, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17; WAFA, WAFA 1/19)

An Israeli court froze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim. The residents and human rights organization complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. At the same time, the Israeli ministry of housing and the Israel land authority opened the bidding process for the construction of 1,257 new settler units in the Givat Hamatos settlement in East Jerusalem. (HA, PCN 1/15; TOI 1/19 MEE 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Sabastiyya to clear the area in preparation for a settler tour; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also raided Jaba‘, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; 6 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 18 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm, Jalazun refugee camp, Ramallah, Tuqu‘, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and levelled land east of Juhur al-Dik. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

After being exposed in a leak on 12/7, PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi released a statement confirming that she had submitted a letter of resignation to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. Ashrawi met with President Abbas on 11/24 and subsequently handed her resignation on 11/26. In a statement Ashrawi said that her resignation was leaked by “senior sources,” despite her agreement with Abbas that her resignation would not be publicized until the end of the year. Ashrawi said she had resigned because she “believe[s] that it is time to carry out the required reform and to activate the PLO in a manner that restores its standing and role . . . [and because] the Palestinian political system needs renewal and reinvigoration with the inclusion of youth, women, and additional qualified professional. It is incumbent upon us all to assume our individual responsibilities and to carry out our duties with honesty and integrity, including by facilitating this needed change.” Later in the day, President Abbas accepted Ashrawi’s resignation. (HA 12/7; AJ 12/8; HA, PLO, Twitter, WAFA 12/9)

An Israeli military court allowed a plea bargain for an Israeli soldier who shot and killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man in March 2019. The Israeli soldier shot the Palestinian man while he was assisting another man who had been shot by Israeli forces while tending to his car that had broken down. According to the plea deal, he will serve 3 months community service and receive a 3-month suspended sentence for 2 years in exchange for confessing to negligent manslaughter. The lawyer representing the Palestinian family said that “[t]he army is sending a clear message that soldiers who kill or injure Palestinians will not be punished.” (HA 12/9; AJ, IN, WP 12/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 9 camels from 2 herders near Bethlehem; according to the owners, they were told they could retrieve the camels if they paid $1,050 for each. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a rally on the 16th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat in Tuqu‘; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor harvesting olives near ‘Azun ‘Atma using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in al-Fawar refugee camp and Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 minors were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Bayt Umar. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Kaubar, al-Bireh, al-Fawar refugee camp, Sa‘ir, and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Sur Bahir, displacing 5 Palestinians, including 4 children. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 senior Fatah officials. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; PCHR 11/12)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat was laid to rest in his native Jericho after a memorial ceremony in the Mukata’a in Ramallah attended by senior PA officials. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; WAFA 11/12)

The International Atomic Energy Agency, an arm of the UN, said that Iran has now stockpiled 12 times the amount of low-enriched uranium set as the limit under the JCPOA agreement which the U.S. abandoned in May 2018. (AJ 11/11)

The prime minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, died at the age of 84. Salman Al Khalifa had been prime minister since Bahrain’s independence in 1971. Crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was appointed as the new prime minister. (AJ, HA, REU 11/11)

Islamic Relief USA donated $2.44 million to UNRWA for programming in Gaza. (WAFA 11/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 car wash in Anata. Israeli forces also razed Palestinian-owned land near Hebron. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, Beitunia, Halhul, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during raids in Issawiyya; clashes erupted during the raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; PCHR 11/12)

The secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat succumbed to the COVID-19 virus after battling the infection since 10/8. Secretary-General Erakat was moved to a hospital in West Jerusalem on 10/18 and reported to be in critical condition on 10/19. PA president Mahmoud Abbas declared a 3-day mourning period. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, LAT, MEE, NBC, NPR, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 11/10)

1 Palestinian prisoner, 46 years old and suffering from throat cancer, died at an Israeli hospital. According to the Palestinian Human Rights Centre, medical neglect and a COVID-19 illness contributed to his early death. (PCHR 11/12; PCHR 11/11)

The Israeli Knesset approved the Bahrain normalization deal 62-14. All 14 nay votes were cast by members of the Joint Arab List. (HA 11/10)

Israeli claimed to have shot down a drone belonging to Hezbollah over Israeli airspace. (HA 11/10)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that he had authorized the sale of 50 F-35 fighter jets, 18 Reaper drones, and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions to the UAE, citing the normalization deal the country made with Israel. (AP, HA 11/10; DT 11/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole ladders, cloth, and saws used for olive harvesting in Jalud. Israeli forces demolished 3 residential structures near Abu Dis. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Kafr Malik and Bethlehem; during raids in Kafr Malik, Tammun, and Jab‘a, confrontations with Palestinians erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 store and 1 apartment in Sur Bahir. 3 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City, al-Tur, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28; PCHR 10/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter to UN secretary-general António Guterres urging him to convene an international conference for Middle East peace. (WAFA 10/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman signed an agreement on scientific cooperation, which extends the area that the U.S. considers Israel to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the Golan Heights. In a statement, Ambassador Friedman said that the agreement “remove[s] geographic restrictions . . . These geographic restrictions are no longer consistent with U.S. policy.” According to Haaretz, the American casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who is a major donor for U.S. president Donald Trump and the Ariel University in the Ariel settlement, where the signing ceremony was held, has been pressuring the U.S. administration to fast-track the agreement. Member of the executive committee of the PLO Hanan Ashrawi said that President Trump is seeking to bolster his position in the presidential race by making “a clear recognition of Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territory,” calling the U.S. an active participant in war crimes. (AX, JNS, JP, REU 10/27; HA, REU, U.S. Embassy in Israel, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied sewage and wastewater on Palestinian agricultural lands in Dayr al-Hatab near Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 Palestinian journalists from WAFA as they were reporting on settler encroachment in Dayr Istya. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 water well, and seized 1 vehicle and 1 power engine near Tubas. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bethlehem, Qalandia refugee camp, Qalqilya, and Izzariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued demolition orders for 13 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan inhabited by 76 people. 10 Palestinians were arrested in and around the Old City and Issawiyya, including 2 Waqf guards. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/22)

Israel handed over control of 3 power stations to the PA. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh supported the deal and said the PA “seek[s] to establish a single Palestinian power company” that will be responsible for electric supply in all the West Bank. The PA took control of another power station in Jenin in 2017. At the same time, Israel granted the Israeli company Bezeq a license to operate in the West Bank, a move that the PA Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology condemned. The PA ministry said that the move impedes the development of Palestinian telecommunication development. (WAFA 10/19; HA 10/20)

Israel reported that PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat was in critical condition as he is being treated for COVID-19 at the Hadassah University Hospital in West Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/19)

The Fatah Central Committee announced that its members had approved the understandings made with Hamas unanimously. (WAFA 10/19)

The UAE cabinet approved the Israel-UAE normalization deal. (HA, REU 10/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump said that the U.S. would remove Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism if Sudan paid $355 million to American victims of terror attacks in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The U.S. has been pressuring Sudan to normalize ties with Israel and some analysts believed that a normalization deal was being worked on despite Trump not mentioning it in his statements. (AJ, GDN, HA, REU 10/19; BBC 10/20)

Japan donated $4.3 million to food programming in Gaza. (WAFA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed tracts of Palestinian-owned land near ‘Urif. Israeli forces demolished 2 residential structures, 2 agricultural structures, and damaged water pipes near Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles off the shore of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)

PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat was transferred from his home to a hospital in West Jerusalem for treatment of COVID-19. Secretary-General Erakat had been reported to be in stable condition since testing positive for the virus but his condition had deteriorated and called for hospitalization. Erakat had a lung transplant 3 years ago, making him more vulnerable to the virus. Several Israeli MKs complained that Israel did not seek concessions from the Palestinians in return for treating Erakat. (AJ, BBC, WAFA 10/18; HA, TOI 10/19)

An Israeli delegation signed a joint declaration with Bahraini officials in Manama. U.S. secretary of the treasury Steven Mnuchin and U.S. envoy for the peace process Avi Berkowitz were also present during the signing. According to unnamed Israeli officials who spoke to Haaretz, Israel had anticipated signing a “peace declaration” during the trip, but it was decided to scale back the language due to protests in Bahrain against the normalization deal with Israel. (AJ, HA, BBC, REU 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during clashes in Jericho. Israeli forces also sealed the entrance to Asira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed land in Jalud to expand a nearby settlement, and demolished residential tents and agricultural structures in Kisan. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 who were shot by live ammunition and injured by Israeli forces near the entrance to Kafr Malik; 2 during raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp and Bayt Umar; and 1 at the Allenby border crossing. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24; PCHR 10/1)

Fatah and Hamas leaders said they have agreed to the 1st Palestinian elections since 2006. Fatah official Jibril Rajoub said that “[w]e have agreed to first hold legislative elections, then presidential elections of the Palestinian Authority, and finally the central council of the Palestine Liberation Organization.” A member of the Fatah Central Committee also said that “[w]ithout Jerusalem, there will be no elections.” It is unclear how national elections will include East Jerusalem as Israel refuses to let Palestinian East Jerusalemites participate in Palestinian elections. The 2 factions also agreed to a common vision of action to end the dispute between the 2; the vision would be presented on 10/1. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24)

Foreign ministers of Jordan, Germany, Egypt, and France held a joint press conference in Amman, calling for resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. The 4 foreign ministers also praised the UAE and Bahrain’s normalization deals with Israel. (AJ 9/24)

At the UN General Assembly, the king of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa said, via video link, that Bahrain’s normalization of ties with Israel will help facilitate a 2-state solution and that Bahrain still adheres to the parameters stipulated in the Arab Peace Initiative. (AJ 9/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work; 2 were shot in the foot and 1 in his mouth. Israeli forces also injured 2 Palestinians during clashes in Dayr Abu Mash‘al; 1 was shot with a rubber-coated bullet and 1 was hit by a tear gas canister. PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the state of emergency related to COVID-19 in the West Bank for another 30 days. Almost 200 Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories have died due to COVID-19. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Taqqua, 3 during a raid in Hebron, and 1 at a military checkpoint near Dayr Sharaf. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/4; PCHR 9/10)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that the U.S. had brokered a deal between Kosovo and Serbia which includes Kosovo and Israel normalizing ties and both Kosovo and Serbia establishing embassies in Jerusalem. Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that the U.S. is committed to pressure other countries to violate international law in order to satisfy “Israel’s expansionism.” The PA foreign ministry called the U.S.-brokered deal “blackmailing.” The secretary-general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit also condemned the 2 countries’ promise to establish Israeli embassies in Jerusalem. Later, sources close to the Serbian president said Serbia would not move its embassy to Jerusalem if Israel recognizes Kosovo. (AJ, GDN, HA 9/4; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; JP 9/9; TOI 9/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian teen and injured 2 others during a raid in Dayr Abu Mash‘al. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against settlement expansion southeast of Tulkarm, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 wall and issued demolition orders for 1 pond and 1 barn in Hizma. Palestinians protested against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Turmus ‘Ayya. Officials from the PA, PLO, Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad participated; Israeli forces injured 7 using rubber-coated bullets, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, al-Ram, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled multiple areas of Gaza, causing damage. According to Israeli officials, incendiary balloons sent from Gaza toward Israel started 28 fires. Palestinians in Gaza protested the Israel-UAE normalization deal in Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage to 1 boat and minor injuries to 1 fisherman. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; AJ, REU, WAFA 8/20; PCHR 8/27)

The Sudanese foreign ministry fired its spokesperson after he said on 8/18 that Sudan was looking forward to normalizing ties with Israel, a claim that the foreign ministry denied that same day. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that “Saudi Arabia considers Israel’s unilateral policies of an annexation and building settlements as an illegitimate and detrimental to the two states solution . . . Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to peace as a strategic option based on the Arab Peace Initiatives.” The Arab Peace Initiative stipulates normalization with Israel is predicated on the establishment of a Palestinian state. U.S. president Donald Trump said later that same day that he expects Saudi Arabia to follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 8/19; AJ 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Jericho, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured during a confrontation with Israeli forces that was sparked by a demolition of a 5-story Palestinian-owned building in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, incendiary balloons were sent toward Israel from Gaza, causing fires, and 1 rocket was launched at Israel. Israel fired missiles at Gaza near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Bayt Lahiya, causing damage; no injuries were reported. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 occasions; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/18; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA 8/19)

The Gaza power plant stopped producing electricity as Israel stopped all deliveries of fuel to Gaza on 8/13. Palestinians in Gaza only have between 3-4 hours of electricity a day, as opposed to 8-12 hours, because of the power plant closure. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 8/18)

Secretary general of the PLO Saeb Erakat attacked the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for not condemning the UAE’s move toward normalization, violating the Arab countries’ consensus of not making agreements with Israel until Israel and Palestinians have negotiated a peace agreement. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the UAE-Israel deal nonsense and said that the UAE “have turned their backs on everything: the rights of the Palestinian people, the Palestinian state, the two-state solution, and the holy city of Jerusalem.” At the meeting, attended by officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, Abbas praised the steps toward Palestinian organizational unity. (HA, REU, WAFA 8/18)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports that Israel would support U.S. sales of advanced weapons to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between the 2 countries. A spokesperson for the Sudanese foreign ministry said that Sudan is looking at normalizing relations with Israel; however, after Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the news and said the dialogue had been going on since 2/2020, the Sudanese foreign ministry walked back the announcement, saying that normalization had not been discussed. The prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said that Pakistan would not recognize Israel until the establishment of a Palestinian state acceptable to Palestinians. (HA, HA, REU 8/18; AJ 8/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and wrote racist graffiti on walls in al-Bireh. Israeli forces razed Palestinian farmland to expand an Israeli settlement near Burqin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 4 animal barns in Nahalin. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in and around Anata, Hebron, Shu‘fat, and Jenin; 2 were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Rafah. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 7/29)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants were said to have exchanged fire near the Lebanese border; no casualties were reported. Israel claimed that Hezbollah operatives had entered Israel, leading to an exchange of fire. Hezbollah, however, said that it had not opened fire on Israeli forces and that the Israeli claims were a publicity stunt. The Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab later said that Israel’s conduct was a dangerous military escalation in violation of Lebanese sovereignty. (REU, REU 7/27; AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 7/28)

The U.S. Democratic Party finalized its platform for the 2020 elections. While the platform states opposition to Israeli annexation of West Bank settlements and calls for a 2-state solution, it also dismissed progressive amendments to dealing with Israel, such as conditioning military aid and calling for an end to the occupation of the West Bank. The amendments were voted down 117-34. The platform also recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Jewish Voice for Peace called the platform “wildly out of touch with the Democratic base.” (HA 7/27; JVP Action 7/28; WAFA 7/29)

The EU said it was “deeply concerned” about the detention of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith and called for “full respect of bilateral agreements between Israel and the PLO” with regard to East Jerusalem. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19 during a house raid; it was the 18th time he has been arrested since becoming governor 2 years ago. (WAFA 7/28)

The EU contributed with $27 million to the PA to help pay for the June salaries for PA civil servants. The PA has only paid civil servants half their salaries, citing the refusal to receive tax revenue payments collected by Israel because it would include coordination between the PA and Israel. (WAFA, WAFA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 13 buildings in 2 settlement outposts; 6 settlers were arrested. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Aqraba, damaging animal barns and solar panels and stealing goods. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a military checkpoint west of Salfit, and 6 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Salfit, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments and 4 storage units in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in al-Tur; 2 others were arrested while visiting a brother at the Russian Compound detention center. In Israel, Israeli authorities reported that 1 rocket was launched from Gaza; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently fired 3 missiles from a drone at open land east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries or damage were reported. (HA, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/15; WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Israel’s high court of justice ordered the Israeli government to explain why there has not been an investigation into the construction of unauthorized settlement units in the Hayovel settlement outpost. Peace Now petitioned the high court of justice in 2018 and no construction has resumed in the settlement outpost since the petition. (HA 6/16)

In a press conference, senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil called for united Palestinian resistance against Israel as plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank intensify. Al-Bardawil also called for meetings between Hamas and the PLO. (AJ 6/15)

Reuters reported that sources had told the news agency about plans to build a 5-mile settler bypass road in East Jerusalem to connect settlements in the south, central, and north West Bank. (AJ, REU 6/15)

According to reporting by Al Akhbar, Israel approved a $50 million transfer from Qatar to Gaza. (HA 6/15)

The Israeli cabinet approved a $2.3 million budget for an Israeli settlement in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights named after U.S. president Donald Trump. The plans for Trump Heights were announced in 2019 but had not yet been funded. Israel is planning to build 120 settlement units there. (AJ, HA 6/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned property in al-Sawiya, slashing tires on 12 cars and writing racist graffiti on houses. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 park, 1 unpaved road, retaining walls, 1 playground, and 1 storage space in Haris; for several residential structures, 1 barn, and 1 water well south of Hebron; demolished and seized residential shacks and tents south of Hebron; and demolished and seized 1 greenhouse in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. Thousands of Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s planned annexation of parts of the West Bank. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Izzariya, al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur, Wadi al-Juz, Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City; during a raid in al-Tur, Israeli forces seized 1 vehicle. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/11)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat, in an op-ed in Haaretz, called on the international community to begin imposing sanctions on Israel to force Israel to back away from annexing parts of the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

In an interview with the New York Times, Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the PA’s general authority of civil affairs, said that if Israel moves ahead with annexing parts of the West Bank the financial repercussions for the PA would mean it would have to cut its $105 million a month in payments for salaries and medical expenses in Gaza. Al-Sheikh also said that the PA forces no longer would extradite Israelis arrested in PA controlled areas and that these would be tried in PA courts. (NYT 6/8)

An Israeli border police officer was convicted of assault and reckless use of a weapon after a court found that she had shot a Palestinian man using a rubber-coated bullet in the back “for fun.” (HA 6/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed graffiti on a wall in Far’ata village west of Qalqilya. In Gaza, 45 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets at protesters during the 85th weekly Great March of Return protest. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah, causing tear-gas related injuries. In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

House Resolution 1865 was signed into law by U.S. president Donald Trump. H.R. 1865 is a 715 page-long appropriations bill for the 2020 fiscal year which allocates $150 million in aid to Palestine, $75 million in assistance to the PA security forces and $75 million for civilian and humanitarian programs and institutions not directly connected to the PA. The bill also seeks to “fix” the Anti-Terrorism Clarifications Act which became law on 10/3/2018 and effectively ended all aid for the PA, including security aid, as it subjected the PA to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts if the PA accepted any aid from the U.S. The “fix” gives U.S. courts jurisdiction if the PA or the PLO provides payments to any individual or family of an individual convicted of killing a U.S. citizen. (HA 12/18; Congress, FMEP 12/20)

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Fatou Bensouda announced that there is basis to probe Israel for war crimes committed against Palestinians, but requested the ICC to decide on the question of the jurisdiction of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda said that her preliminary investigation has found that “war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.” (AJ, Guardian, HA, HA, WAFA 12/20; HA 12/21)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Bayt Awa, Yatta, and Bethlehem; 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. 1 Palestinian teenager was hospitalized after being beaten by Israeli forces during a daytime raid near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during daytime raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett ordered the “planning processes to be advanced” for new settler housing in Hebron. The plan includes development of a closed fruit and vegetable market for settler housing. According to Defense Minister Bennett, the new settlement housing “will create territorial continuation from the Cave of the Patriarchs [al-Ibrahimi Mosque] to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood, and double the number of Jewish residents in the city.” PLO’s secretary general Saeb Erakat said in a tweet that Bennett’s announcement was the “first tangible result of the U.S. decision to legitimize colonization,” referring to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s announcement from 11/18 that the U.S. no longer considers the Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Defense Minister Bennett also sent a letter to the Palestinian municipal government of Hebron demanding consent for the demolition of the fruit and vegetable market, threatening that Bennett would start legal proceedings to lift the municipality’s protected status over the site. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; HA 12/8)

The Israeli cabinet approved an allocation of 40 million shekels ($11.5 million) for construction of 1st-aid stations and security in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The chairperson of the Joint Arab List Ayman Odeh subsequently sent a letter to the Israeli attorney general demanding an examination of the constitutionality of the allocation, saying that the approval “raise[s] a grave suspicion of a budget allocation in exchange for a political favor.” (HA 12/1)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump spoke on the phone and, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the 2 discussed recognizing the Jordan Valley as Israel’s official eastern border in addition to a defense pact and Iran. (HA, TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a car wash and a carpentry shop in Kafr Haris near Salfit. Israeli forces also razed farmland in al-Buqa‘a near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished the bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 148th time. While the village was being demolished, 1 of its residents was arrested. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; WAFA 7/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas tweeted that the PA is ending all agreements signed with Israel, including security cooperation. The announcement came after Israel’s continued holding back of Palestinian tax revenue and demolition of 13 apartment buildings in Areas A and B on 7/22. Before Abbas’s announcement, the PA’s prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that the division between Areas A, B, and C no longer exists, as Israel violated PA sovereignty in Area A on 7/22. Also on 7/22, the PLO’s secretary general Saeb Erakat made a similar announcement to that of President Abbas’s. (WAFA, WAFA 7/25; AJ, HA 7/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces began demolishing 13 apartment buildings housing 70 apartments in Wadi Hummus, located in Areas A and B on both sides of the separation wall. The highly publicized demolitions had 700 Israeli police officers and 200 Israeli soldiers involved and drew condemnation from many different international organizations and countries. During the demolitions, several Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces while protesting the demolitions. Israeli forces also detained the Palestinian owner of 1 of the buildings for several hours; upon his release he was banned from the neighborhood until 7/25. Israeli forces also arrested 16 Palestinians in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya. In Israel, a Palestinian man from the West Bank was shot by Israeli police after allegedly having pulled out a gun when stopped by the police officers. (AJ, AMNESTY, AP, BBC, EU, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/22; HA, WAFA 7/23)  

At a press conference, PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat said that the Palestinian leadership had decided to cancel all agreements with Israel in light of the demolitions in Wadi Hummus. Erakat further said that a request for a meeting at the United Nations Security Council about the demolitions had been made. (WAFA 7/22)

The UNRWA announced that it had received a $2.18 million contribution from Austria for UNRWA health programs. (MEMO, WAFA 7/22

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 33 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus. Israeli forces also stopped work on a water tank in Kardala in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces demolished a house in Bayt Umar In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained 2 Palestinian children and separately arrested 5 in Issawiyya. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers took over a Palestinian-owned building with 4 separate apartments in al-Suwana. The settlers were escorted by Israeli police. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/8; WAFA 7/9)

The Israeli military claimed to have found a tunnel from Gaza to Israel during construction of a barrier that is said to prevent more tunnels from being dug. The Israeli military also claimed to have shot down a drone near the Gaza fence; it did not report whether the drone was privately-owned, Israeli, or Palestinian, nor the type of drone. (HA, HA 7/8)

A court in Jerusalem found that the PA was liable for damages for 17 incidents where Palestinians killed Israelis during the 2d Intifada in the early 2000s. Several incidents were not committed by PA personnel, nor did the PA have knowledge that they would be carried out. The judge ruled that the PA was retroactively responsible for the incidents because they explicitly or implicitly endorsed them after they happened. The judge ordered the PLO, PA, and Yasir Arafat’s estate to pay $1.6 million for the cost of the trial. A different judge will determine how much the 3 entities must pay in damages. (HA 7/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 6 residential tents, 6 livestock enclosures, 2 animal barns, 45 water barrels, and solar panels belonging to 2 Palestinian families in the Ras al-Ahmar area of the Jordan Valley. In Umm al-Khair south of Hebron, Israeli forces demolished a residential structure. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, and Salfit. In Gaza, Israeli authorities closed the Gaza fishing zone after 5 fires broke out in southern Israel. Israeli authorities claimed that the fires were ignited by incendiary balloons from Gaza. After closing the fishing zone, Israeli forces claimed to have intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza and subsequently struck targets in Gaza. There were no reports of injuries but reports of limited damage to property. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/12; AJ, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 6/13)

The PLO and the PA foreign ministry condemned Moldovan acting president Pavel Filip’s decision to move the Moldovan embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (AJ, WAFA 6/12)

Haaretz reported that it was revealed through a Freedom of Information request that Israel’s strategic affairs minister Gilad Erdan cooperated with the Mossad in combatting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. (HA 6/12)

In the West Bank, 3 Israeli activists were detained by Israeli soldiers near an Israeli military base in the Jordan Valley. The 3 activists were looking for a Palestinian shepherd arrested by Israeli soldiers earlier in the day. Israeli forces also arrested 21 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hizma, Hebron, Nablus, Urif, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Jenin. Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned agricultural structure near Bethlehem. (WAFA 5/27; WAFA 5/28; HA 6/2)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat tweeted that China and Russia told him that the 2 countries would not attend the 1st stage of the U.S. peace summit in Bahrain in June. (HA 5/27)

The Greek Orthodox, Catholic, and Armenian churches said in a joint statement that they agreed to a multi-million-dollar project to restore the foundations and flooring of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in East Jerusalem. King Abdullah of Jordan and the Vatican pledged to help finance the restoration project. (HA 5/30)

Israel struck targets in Syria and Lebanon. An Israeli drone 1st struck a surveillance system in Lebanon. Later, Israel struck a target in Quneitra after an anti-aircraft missile was launched from Syria at an Israeli jet that was flying over Syrian airspace. 1 Syrian was killed and 2 others were injured. (AJ 5/27; HA 5/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house under construction near Bethlehem. (WAFA 5/23)

Secretary general of the PLO Saeb Erakat released a statement, reading, “This is an official announcement that Palestine will not attend the Manama meeting . . . We reiterate that we did not mandate anyone to negotiate on our behalf.” Erakat’s statement was in response to the U.S.-led summit of the economic component of U.S. president Donald Trump’s peace plan. (HA, WAFA 5/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli civil administration approved the construction of 941 settlement units. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Issawiya and Jabal al-Zeitoun. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land between Khan Yunis and Rafah. (MEMO, MNA, MNA 5/14; WAFA 5/15)

In Syria, at least 10 Palestinian refugees were killed and more than 30 were wounded during rocket fire in the Palestinian refugee camp of Neirab near Aleppo. (MNA, WAFA 5/17)

In a speech to American evangelicals, U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman said that 1 of the reasons why Israel is growing “stronger” is that “Israel has one secret weapon that not too many countries have, Israel is on the side of God, and we don’t underestimate that.” PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi said in response, “I can’t believe this extreme fundamentalist ideologue is an ambassador.” PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat said of Ambassador Friedman’s comment, “What ambassador Friedman is telling Palestinians, Christian and Muslims . . . [is] that God is against them (or that they’re enemies of God). This was never an American position.” (NYT 5/14)

The EU and Ireland announced contributions of $23 million to 108,000 Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza. 77 percent of the families who will receive funds live in Gaza. (MNA, WAFA 5/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished the home in al-Zawiya of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler and Israeli soldier in March. The Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces 2 days after the episode. The demolition leaves 6 of the Palestinian’s family members homeless. A confrontation between Palestinian residents and Israeli forces broke out during the demolition and Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs at the Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Palestinian town al-Samou near Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up checkpoints in al-Thahriya, Yatta, Taffuh, and Hebron. Elsewhere, clashes between Israeli forces and residents ensued in al-‘Arub refugee camp north of Hebron. Israeli forces fired live ammunition and stun grenades; no injuries were reported. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces escorting some 1,500 Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb; 3 of the injured Palestinians were taken to a hospital. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Iksa, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, some 500 Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Haram al-Sharif to perform prayers. Israeli authorities also banned 2 Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif for 4 and 6 months. (AJ, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; MNA, WAFA 4/25)

In a meeting with U.S. senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in Ramallah, Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh stressed the importance of U.S. support of a 2-state solution and asked for the U.S. to recognize the State of Palestine and lift the ban on the PLO. (MNA 4/25)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 55 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 211. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 fishermen and damaging their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest several Palestinians during raids in ‘Azun near Qalqilya, sparking minor clashes; no serious injuries are reported. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during raids near Hebron and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. (EI, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; MNA, MNA 3/23; PCHR 3/28)

In response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s pledge to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on 3/21, PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat says the move will “lead to a lack of stability and bloodshed in the region.” (EI, HA 3/22)

For a 3d day in a row, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to protest the high cost of living and restrictions on imports to Gaza. Hamas security forces violently disperse the protesters, causing several minor injuries. A senior PLO official says that the PLO has called on Egypt to help pressure Hamas into ending its violent suppression of these protests, which started earlier this week. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bayt Hanina, Jabal Mukabir, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, TOI 3/16)

After unidentified Palestinians fly 2 incendiary balloons from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites near Gaza City, causing extensive damage. Hours later, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no serious 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 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; MNA 3/5; PCHR 3/7)

The U.S. formally merges its consulate in Jerusalem and its new embassy in the city to “form a single diplomatic mission.” The embassy’s new “Palestinian Affairs Unit” will serve Palestinians in Jerusalem out of the old consulate building, where all diplomacy with the Palestinians was based out of previously. In response, the PLO releases a statement calling the merging of the two offices a “denial of international law.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA 3/4; MNA 3/5)