The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted dozens of almond trees and grapevines in Bayt Umar and threatened the Palestinian landowners with guns. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in ‘Ayn Bus and seized 1 greenhouse in Bethlehem. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition as he was trying to enter Israel for work through the separation barrier near Far‘un. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 1 agricultural structure in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint, claiming he wanted to stab a soldier with a screwdriver. 15 others were arrested during raids in and around Qabatiya, Jenin refugee camp, Burqin, Ramallah, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Nablus. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 7 nautical miles northwest of Rafah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli government told its high court of justice that it had delivered 100 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the PA and that more doses would arrive in some 10 days. The PA health ministry denied having received any doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Israel. (HA, WAFA 1/13)

The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem released a position paper “A regime of Jewish supremacy from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea: this is apartheid,” calling Israel an apartheid state. B’Tselem argued that the distinction between Israel proper, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza has been obfuscated so that “the entire area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River is organized under a single principle: advancing and cementing the supremacy of one group—Jews—over another—Palestinians.” B’Tselem said it no longer could treat the occupied Palestinian territories as distinct from Israel as it has in the past and therefore needs to treat the area as 1 entity operating as an apartheid state. 2 particular developments led B’Tselem to change its viewpoint: the Nation-State law and the threats of annexation of Area C. Several Palestinian human rights organizations including al-Haq and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights have already called Israel an apartheid state. (AQ 11/12/2019; +972, AJ, AP, B’Tselem, CNN, GDN, HA, IN 1/12)

Israel attacked several places in Dayr al-Zur and Abu Kamal in eastern Syria with airstrikes, killing 57 people and wounding at least 37. According to a U.S. intelligence official, the strikes were made with intelligence from the U.S.; U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo had discussed the airstrikes with Mossad director Yossi Cohen at a D.C. restaurant on 1/11. Secretary Pompeo also announced that the terrorist group Al Qaeda has a home base in Iran without providing any evidence, a charge the Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called “warmongering lies.” On 1/10, Secretary Pompeo said that the Houthi rebels in Yemen would be added to the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations, a designation many humanitarian organizations lambasted as it will make it impossible to deliver aid to the civilian population living in Houthi-controlled areas who are heavily hunger stricken. (REU 1/10; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU 1/11; AJ, AJ, REU, REU 1/12; AA, AJ, FOX, HA, HA, HA, JP 1/13; HA 1/15; HA, HA 1/17)

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)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire at a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Silwad village near Ramallah, injuring the driver. They also shoot and critically injure a Palestinian minor during clashes sparked by an alleged stone-throwing attack outside Qalqilya. IDF raids in al-Khadir near Bethlehem and Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah spark additional clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and 7 are arrested. IDF troops arrest 11 more Palestinians during further raids near Salfit, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving between Nablus and Ramallah, between Nablus and Tulkarm, and outside Hebron, causing minor damage to several. Three settler families set up makeshift homes on Palestinian-owned land outside the Kiryat Arba settlement in protest of the recent Palestinian attacks on their fellow settlers. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers driving near Nablus, moderately injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian near the Old City. Israeli forces then arrest the Palestinian victim of the assault and a 2d Palestinian during raids in Silwan. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; MNA, MNA 12/17; HA 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

Following a week of escalated tensions and violence across the West Bank, Israel’s Education Minister Naftali Bennett leads a rally outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem calling for a stronger crackdown on the occupied Palestinian territories. Bennett accuses the “security establishment” of choosing “the rights of Palestinians over the security of Israelis.” The crowd chants slogans calling for Netanyahu to resign. Meanwhile, the Israeli cabinet unanimously votes to back a piece of legislation, dubbed the “Young Settlement Bill,” which would direct the government to administer 66 illegal settlement outposts as it would legal settlements for a period of 2 years. During that time, the government would be directed to figure out a way to retroactively authorize the 66 outposts. (TOI 12/16; FMEP 12/21)

The IDF announces that it has discovered a fourth Hezbollah-built tunnel leading from southern Lebanon into northern Israel in the context of Operation Northern Shield. (HA, TOI, WP 12/16; TOI 12/18)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun. They also open fire on 2 Palestinian children approaching the border fence near Gaza City and Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces dismantle a Palestinian elementary school in Khirbat al-Simia near Hebron. The school was put together recently and comprised a number of mobile, makeshift classrooms. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a raid in Jenin refugee camp; arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during additional raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian outside the Efrat settlement near Bethlehem, causing minor injuries. It’s unclear if the collision was an intentional ramming attack. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian minors on their way home from school in al-Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, 152 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/6)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki submits a formal complaint to the ICC calling for chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to expedite her preliminary examination into alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories. Bensouda initiated her examination shortly after the Palestinians acceded to the Rome Statue on 1/2/15. Later, Bensouda’s office responds, saying that they have made significant progress toward a decision on whether or not to open a full investigation. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/5)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering near Rafah, Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 5 Palestinians are injured. Amid the demonstrations, an Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike on a protest camp near Rafah, causing damage. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 7 fires that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Rumana village near Jenin overnight, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, approximately 362 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot. Late at night, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in Silwan. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; MNA, PCHR 9/27)

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, U.S. president Donald Trump meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At a joint press conference, Trump says he thinks a “2-state solution will work best.” His statement marks the first time he has publicly expressed a preference for the 2-state solution while in office. Later in the day, Trump says that Netanyahu was “very nice” to him and that a 2-state solution is “more likely,” but that he would be “OK with 1 state, 2 states, whatever they want.” Netanyahu, for his part, tells Israeli reporters that Trump accepts that Israel should retain a military presence in the West Bank even if a 2-state solution is agreed upon. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/26; HA, HA, JP, WAFA, YA, YA 9/27)

Ahead of PA president Mahmoud Abbas’s planned address to the UN General Assembly on 9/27, Hamas denounces Abbas as an illegitimate representative of the Palestinian people. According to sources close to Hamas’s leadership, the statement stems from the Egyptian delegation’s visit to Gaza last week for talks on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. The Egyptians reportedly backed Abbas’s position that there could be no long-term cease-fire with Israel until Hamas and Fatah reconcile and the PA resumes control of Gaza. “Most of the donor countries, including the Arab countries, have adopted this line,” the source says. “So it looks like Hamas is losing the momentum to advance calm on a separate track from reconciliation, and the situation in Gaza is getting worse.” Meanwhile, Hamas security forces summon dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. According to some reports from Gaza, they also threaten at least 1 print shop owner with “arrests and beatings” should he print any materials in support of PA president Abbas’s planned speech to the UN General Assembly on 9/27. (HA 9/26; TOI 9/27)

One day after the UK Labour Party endorsed a freeze on UK arms sales to Israel, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says that he intends to recognize the State of Palestine if he is elected to lead the UK. (TOI, YA 9/26)

Along Gaza’s border, 10 Palestinians cut through the border fence near Rafah and set fire to an IDF post. They then return to Gaza. Israeli tanks shell a Hamas observation post in the area, causing no major damage or injuries. Late at night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts air strikes on Gaza City’s port and an allegedly Hamas-built tunnel east of the city; 2 boats are damaged and there are no major injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops open fire on the Great March of Return tent camp near Khan Yunis, injuring 1 Palestinian. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified armed assailants open fire on an Israeli vehicle near Ramallah, causing no major damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and near Hebron and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. The raid in Nablus sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/22; PCHR 5/24)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki submits a formal request to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which he calls “grave crime[s].” In response, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says that her office’s preliminary examination of alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), which began on 1/16/15, has seen “important progress.” (JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/22)

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Along Gaza’s border, 2 armed Palestinians start a fire near the border fence. Israeli tanks shell 2 Hamas posts near Gaza City, causing minor damage to a number of surrounding homes. Later, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian who attempts to cross the border near Jabaliya refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian tent home south of Yatta near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians and damage 1 car during late-night raids in al-Ram, Anata refugee camp, Sur al-Bahir, and Issawiyya. (HA, TOI, WAFA 3/28; PCHR 3/29; PCHR 4/5)

Ahead of planned demonstrations along Gaza’s border on 3/30, IDF Lt. Gen. Eisenkot says that the situation in the oPt (occupied Palestinian territories) in the coming months will be “especially complex.” He also announces that the IDF is deploying 100 snipers along Gaza’s border, and notes that Israel’s terms of engagement allow for the use of live fire against those attacking Israeli infrastructure. Meanwhile, COGAT Mordechai warns of repercussions for any Palestinians in Gaza planning to join the protests: “Anyone who approaches the border is endangering his life.” (HA, JP, YA 3/28)

Along Gaza’s border, 4 Palestinians enter Israel in the evening and attempt to torch heavy engineering equipment used to construct Israel’s underground border barrier. When IDF troops approach the men, they return to Gaza. The IAF then conducts late-night air strikes on 3 Hamas sites near Rafah; there are no reported injuries. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the border open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bethlehem and near Hebron, and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/25; PCHR 3/29)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (TOI, WAFA 3/23)

A PA official says that the Palestinian authorities recently filed official requests for membership in 8 international treaties and conventions, including the International Convention against Apartheid in Sports. “Becoming members of these international conventions and treaties strengthens the Palestinian issue on the international level and demonstrates our commitment to upholding international standards in our state institutions,” the official says. The move comes 3 months after PA president Abbas pledged to join new international treaties and conventions in response to U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (C2, JP, TOI 3/24)

IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during an overnight raid in Jericho; he succumbs to injuries sustained in the confrontation later in the day. The IDF contends that he suffered fatal seizures after being exposed to large amounts of tear gas during the raid. (An autopsy performed on 2/23 will find that he suffered a fatal gunshot to his abdomen.) Meanwhile, Israeli settlers build a fence around a plot of land near Nablus, reportedly with the intention of building a new illegal settlement outpost. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Salfit, and patrol near Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Khan Yunis and on a group of Palestinian minors protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital near al-Bureij refugee camp, injuring 1. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/22; HA 2/25; PCHR 3/1)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) announces that it will be forced to shut down Gaza’s sole power plant soon due to a lack of diesel fuel. A GEDCO spokesperson says that “the premature closure of the Rafah border crossing on 5/21 restricted essential fuel shipments.” (HA, TOI 2/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and in Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. They also arrest 2 Palestinian laborers and issue stop-work orders for a building under construction in Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian construction crews repairing a home on Shuhada Street in central Hebron, causing no major injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a number of Palestinian children and eventually arrest 2 in the Old City. They arrest 5 more Palestinians during a raid in Silwan and Abu Dis. (WAFA 2/10; PCHR 2/15)

Weeks after receiving Israeli PM Netanyahu in India, Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Ramallah for a visit to the oPt. His arrival marks the first time a sitting Indian PM has visited the oPt. PA pres. Abbas asks Modi to help mediate Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. (TOI, WAFA 2/10)

An IDF helicopter destroys an Iranian drone flying from Syria into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, according to an IDF spokesperson (Syrian and Iranian officials deny sending a drone into Israel). The IAF then conducts a number of air strikes on a Syrian airbase near Palmyra, where the drone allegedly took off. During the Israeli sortie, Syrian aerial defense systems shoot down an Israeli F-16, injuring 1 pilot seriously (this marks the first time they have downed an Israeli aircraft since the IDF started flying missions into Syria). The IAF then conducts the “biggest and most significant attack . . . against Syrian air defenses” since the 1982 war in Lebanon, according to a senior IAF official. Israeli jets strike 12 Syrian and Iranian targets in southern Syria, killing 6 people. (AJ, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; HA, WAFA 2/11)

Hundreds of Palestinians across the oPt gather at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them at the Qalandia checkpoint, central Jerusalem, Abu Dis village, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; 11 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and in Biddu (East Jerusalem). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces fire sound bombs and artillery at Palestinian lands and other property near Gaza City and Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/20; PCHR 12/21; PCHR 12/28)

Palestinian diplomatic delegations discuss the future of the peace process with local officials in Moscow and Beijing. PLO executive committee member Salih Ra‘fat says that the delegations are part of the Palestinians’ efforts to gather support in the wake of U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Both Russia and China have expressed interest in becoming more active in the peace process, and the Palestinians are looking to replace the U.S. as sole mediator. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/20)

U.S. pres. Trump threatens to cut economic aid to any country that votes in favor of a UNGA resolution rejecting his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which is set for a vote on 12/21. “They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us,” he says. “Well, we’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.” (AP, HA, TOI, YA 12/20; HA 12/21)

Thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The IDF deploys additional battalions in the West Bank to quell the protests, and Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Shu‘fat refugee camp, at a checkpoint near Ramallah, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 9 with live ammunition, and 16 are arrested. Palestinians also observe a general strike throughout most of the oPt. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel; 2 fall short of the border, and 1 lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF targets 2 Hamas positions in Gaza with artillery shelling and air strikes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/7)

In response to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Palestinian delegation at the UN files a formal complaint, requesting that the UN Security Council (UNSC) work toward reversing Trump’s decision. Senior PA official Jibril Rajoub says that U.S. VP Mike Pence, who is set to visit Israel and the oPt later this month, is “unwelcome in Palestine.” He says the Palestinians “will not welcome Trump’s deputy in the [oPt].” The response from the international community is near-universal condemnation, with few exceptions. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that some countries have reached out to discuss similar recognitions of Jerusalem. “I have no doubt than when the U.S. embassy will move there, and even before that, many embassies will relocate to Jerusalem,” he adds. Czech Republic pres. Miloš Zeman says Trump’s announcement made him “truly happy.”(HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; HA 12/8)

Israeli forces stage a multi-stage “controlled detonation” of an underground tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into Israel, killing 12 Hamas and PIJ fighters, and injuring at least 18 more. An IDF spokesperson says that the detonation was a preemptive move because the tunnel did not yet pose a threat to Israel, claims that the Palestinians were only killed because they rushed into the tunnel after the detonation and suffered smoke inhalation, and calls the tunnel a “gross violation of Israeli sovereignty.” A PIJ spokesperson says the group is “weighing its options” in response to the attack (PIJ reportedly built the tunnel). (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; MNA 11/3; HA 11/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during early morning raids in Jenin refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Amid the clashes, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian garbage truck driver. IDF troops also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin, and patrol in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian farmers harvesting olives south of Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire on 2 Palestinians at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, injuring 1 before arresting both. Three Palestinians are injured in the ensuing clashes. Israeli forces also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Hizma, and violently disperse a sit-in and dismantle a protest tent Palestinians set up in al-Bustan in 2009. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; PCHR 11/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and damage the doors of 4 shops during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jerusalem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 25 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Juhur al-Dik. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/24; PCHR 10/26)

Wataniya Mobile launches telecommunications services in Gaza, making it the 2d provider operating in the region. An employee of the company says that both Israeli and Palestinian restrictions previously blocked Wataniya from operating in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 10/24)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces shoot and injure a Palestinian sailing near Bayt Lahiya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Halawa village south of Hebron and an agricultural structure in the nearby village of al-Tuwani. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Jenin, and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (MNA, WAFA 10/19; HA, MNA, YA 10/20; PCHR 10/26)

Two days after Israel’s security cabinet imposed new conditions on Israel’s participation in a new round of peace talks with the Palestinians, U.S. special representative Greenblatt issues the first official U.S. response to the 10/12 Palestinian national reconciliation agreement: “All parties agree that it is essential that the PA be able to assume full, genuine, and unhindered civil and security responsibilities in Gaza and that we work together to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living there,” he says, in a statement. “The U.S. reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties—including to disarm terrorists—and commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements.” In response, a senior Hamas official accuses the U.S. of “blatant interference” in the reconciliation process. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/19)

A mortar fired from inside Syria lands in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, Israeli tanks fire on a Syrian army position near Qunaytra. (TOI, YA 10/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate NIS 13,500 (approximately $3,800) in cash and jewelry during late-night raids near Hebron, and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. They also return to Bayt Surik to threaten the punitive demolition of the home of the alleged perpetrator of the deadly attack in Har Hadar on 9/26. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Hizma, Silwan, and the Old City. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 119th time since 2010. (MNA, PNN, WAFA 10/3; PCHR 10/5)

For the first time since 2014, the PA cabinet convenes in Gaza. At the outset, PM Hamdallah says that the government is set to take full responsibility of the administration of Gaza “in full cooperation and partnership with all the Palestinian factions and forces,” including Hamas. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/3; AFP 10/4)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a bus stop outside the Kiryat Arba settlement near Hebron, allegedly after he attempts to stab a settler. They leave the injured youth lying on the ground without receiving treatment before arresting him and taking him to a hospital in Israel. In a video released later, the youth can be heard pleading for water and explaining that he was attempting to commit suicide. Israeli forces demolish 8 homes and 6 retaining walls in Steih Dyouk village near Jericho. They also arrest a Palestinian living outside Yatta near Hebron before demolishing his home. The IDF arrests 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit, and patrols near Jenin and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 27 olive trees on Palestinian land outside Burin village near Nablus. Meanwhile, PASF troops conduct a raid in Yatta overnight, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinians and their affiliates; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is seriously injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a building in Silwan and a 2-story apartment building in Ras al-Amud, and arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalandia refugee camp. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/13; PCHR 9/14; PCHR 9/21; EI 9/22)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing for a 3d day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

The UN’s World Tourism Organization announces that the Palestinian bid for membership has been postponed until the body’s next meeting in 2019. The PA reportedly decided to suspend its bid following heavy U.S. pressure, according to a senior Israeli official. (HA, TOI 9/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Rima near Ramallah overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and shooting and injuring another. Late-night raids in al-Fara‘a refugee camp near Tubas spark further clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and 3 are arrested. The IDF arrests 9 more Palestinians during raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers park a number of residential trailers on Palestinian land near Nablus. PASF troops arrest a prominent Palestinian activist, Issa Amro, 1 day after he posted calls for the resignation of PA pres. Abbas and PM Hamdallah on Facebook (Amro is the founder of Youth Against Settlements). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinian youths during a raid in al-Tur. (JDF, TOI, WAFA 9/4; EI, GDN, HA 9/5; PCHR 9/14)

Tensions stemming from new Israeli security measures at Haram al-Sharif boil over, with mass protests and clashes erupting across the oPt throughout the day; 3 Palestinians are killed (all in East Jerusalem), 235 are injured, and 27 are arrested (at least 2 Israelis are injured as well). The Islamic Waqf calls on all imams in Jerusalem to conduct their sermons outside Haram al-Sharif, and thousands of Muslim worshippers gather at the sanctuary. The Israeli police deploy heavily across Jerusalem and bar Palestinian men under the age of 50 from the Old City. In the evening, they cut off electricity to a large swathe of East Jerusalem and close the sanctuary to all visitors (it will remain closed through 7/23). (EI, MNA, NYT, WAFA 7/21; HA, MNA 7/22; WAFA 7/23; HA 7/24; PCHR 7/27)

In light of the crisis at Haram al-Sharif, PA pres. Abbas suspends all PA contacts with Israel, including security coordination. He also calls on Hamas to dismantle its new administrative comm. in Gaza and to turn the collective Palestinian struggle toward Israel. Abbas also phones senior U.S. advisor Kushner urging the U.S. to intercede and push Israel to remove the new security measures at the sanctuary. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/21; HA 7/22)

In the evening, a Palestinian enters the Halamish settlement nr. Bethlehem and stabs 4 Israeli settlers, killing 3 and seriously injuring the 4th. An off-duty IDF soldier hears the attack, then shoots and moderately injures the Palestinian assailant. Hours before the attack, the alleged assailant had posted to Facebook, “I’m going to die for al-Aqsa.” Late at night, the IDF raids the alleged attacker’s hometown, Kobar nr. Ramallah, detaining and interrogating his family and imposing a lockdown on the village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Jenin and nr. Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Hebron. (EI, MNA 7/21; HA 7/22; PCHR 7/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem, accusing them of planning a large-scale attack in Jerusalem. They also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian in c. Hebron, then Israeli soldiers arrest him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/4; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/6)

In its latest effort to pressure Hamas into giving up control of the region, the PA sends 6,145 of its employees in Gaza into early retirement. A PA spokesperson says that the move and any “previous procedures and any possible future procedures in this regard” are only temporary, and that the PA cabinet has agreed to roll back all of them if Hamas “retracted” its moves against the PA. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/4)

The PA cabinet approves the formation of the National Team for the Demarcation of Palestine’s Maritime Border to work with neighboring countries to clarify Palestine’s maritime borders. In 2015, Palestine became a mbr. of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. (WAFA 7/4)

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Comm. passes a Palestinian-backed res. retaining the Old City of Jerusalem on the comm.’s List of World Heritage in Danger and condemning “the failure of the Israeli occupying authorities to cease the persistent excavations, tunneling, works, projects, and other illegal practices in East Jerusalem, particularly in and around the Old City of Jerusalem”. Ten countries vote in favor, 3 oppose, and 8 abstain. (JP, TOI, YA 7/4; WAFA 7/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shut down the main entrance to a Palestinian industrial area nr. Hebron. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Ramallah and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 5 Palestinians in West Jerusalem. The Israeli police then arrest the Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. (MNA 6/22; PCHR 7/6)

Following PA pres. Abbas’s meeting with senior U.S. advisor Kushner on 6/21, some Palestinian officials express disappointment with the Trump admin.’s failure to condemn recent reports of Israeli settlement construction, adding that they are especially concerned about this as the U.S.-led effort to restart peace talks begins. One official says, “It is impossible to speak about [bringing the sides] to serious negotiations as long as Israel continues massive construction in the settlements with a green light . . . or thunderous silence [from the U.S.]” (HA 6/22)

Using diesel fuel shipped from Egypt over the past few days, Gaza’s power plant resumes operations for the 1st time since 4/2017 (see JPS 46 [4]). The Egyptian authorities are set to ship another 1 m. L of fuel into Gaza on 6/24. (MNA, TOI 6/22; MNA 6/24)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves a project to add 300 new housing units to the Beit El settlement in the West Bank. On 6/19, he reportedly told Beit El’s mayor that plans will be formally advanced in 9/2017 in a private meeting. The mayor had been publicly criticizing Netanyahu for holding up the plan. (TOI 6/22)

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

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

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

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

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint in c. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas and stun grenades inside the grounds of a hospital complex in Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. The IDF says that the troops entered the hospital’s grounds to break up a crowd forming there. IDF troops also violently suppress Palestinian journalists protesting in solidarity with the 1,500-plus hunger striking Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike in Bethlehem and outside Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah; 5 journalists are injured. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in al-Walaja village and 1 each in al-Tur, Sur al-Bahir, and Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in Tel al-Sabi village. The owner has rebuilt his home 10 times in the past 2 years. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 5/4; MNA 5/5; PCHR 5/11)

A PIJ fighter succumbs to injuries he sustained in an accident at a “resistance post” in Gaza on 4/26. (MNA 5/4)

The White House officially confirms that Pres. Trump plans to visit Israel and the oPt on 5/22–23 in the context of his efforts to restart Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. The Saudi newspaper al-Hayat will report on 5/5 that the White House refused an Israeli request to delay the visit until 6/2017, which would coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 war. Other sources say that Trump feared the proposed timing would cast him as a biased mediator. (HA 5/4; AH, HA 5/6)

IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian youth at the Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Meanwhile, a Palestinian vehicle is found burned and vandalized outside nearby Huwwara village. It was presumably the target of an overnight price-tag attack. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops set up mobile checkpoints and fire stun grenades in Kifl Haris village nr. Salfit to clear the way for Israeli settlers to visit a Jewish holy site in the area. They also arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in c. Hebron when she is allegedly found to be carrying a knife, arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Tubas, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. The Israeli authorities shut down an event entitled “Palestine under the Israeli Culture of Incitement,” because to the planned participation of some low-level PA officials. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In Gaza, 2 PIJ fighters are injured in an accident at a “resistance post,” according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry (1 critically). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/26; MNA, PCHR 4/27; PCHR 5/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 150 olive trees nr. Salfit because they were “damaging the natural view and values of the [nearby] natural resort,” according to an IDF spokesperson. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah. During a raid in Jalazun r. c., Palestinian youths throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, sparking minor clashes; 3 Palestinians are arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Qatanna. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/3; MNA 4/4; PCHR 4/6)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) releases a report on Israel and the oPt, concluding that the Israeli govt. is systematically limiting human rights workers’ access to the Gaza Strip, which restricts their ability to document rights abuses and violations of international law. HRW says that it has only been able to get permission for 1 delegation of foreign staff to visit Gaza since 2008, in 9/2016. (HA, HRW, JP, TOI 4/3)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and killing of a Palestinian youth in Jalazun r.c. on 3/23 in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, Kafr Malik, al-Mughayyir, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in c. Hebron; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and Nablus and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians conduct a sit-in outside the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque to protest Israel’s withholding of corpses of Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF. Israeli forces then impose heightened security restrictions at Haram al-Sharif, searching youths in the area and denying many Palestinians access to the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In Israel, 4 Jewish Israelis stab and seriously injure a Palestinian citizen of Israel nr. his home in Nahariya. (MNA 3/24; MNA 3/25; PCHR 3/30)

Unidentified assailants shoot and kill senior Hamas military official and former Israeli prisoner Mazen Fuqaha in s. Gaza City. In a statement released later in the day, Hamas implies that Israel was likely behind the killing. (HA, JP, TOI 3/24; MNA 3/25)

UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov tells the UN Security Council that Israel has not complied with UNSC Res. 2334, which passed on 12/23/2016. Israeli settlement construction has increased in the past 3 mos., despite the resolution’s call for a halt in such activity, according to Mladenov. Meanwhile, the UNHRC adopts 4 res. on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the first calls on mbr.-states to avoid ties with Israel’s settlements in the oPt, the 2d reaffirms the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, the 3d concerns human rights in the oPt, and the 4th condemns Israel for violating the human rights of Syrian Druze of the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/24; WAFA 3/25)

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)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters launch rockets into Israel from n. Sinai late at night. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense batteries intercept 3 of them; others land in open areas nr. Eilat. No Israelis are injured. SPIS last launched rockets into Israel in 7/2015 (see JPS 45 [1]). Later, 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 5 are injured in an air strike targeting the smuggling tunnel they are working in nr. Rafah. The IDF denies carrying out the strike. Palestinian eyewitnesses say they saw an Israeli aircraft launch it, and Palestinian security sources say it was a retaliation for the rocket barrage. (HA, JP 2/8; HA, MNA, WAFA 2/9)

An Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Palestinian dies later in the day. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinianowned land nr. Nablus overnight. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 2d Palestinian building in Bayt Hanina in as many days. They also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. the Erez border crossing. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah and Bayt Hanun, causing no serious damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village of al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 109th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 2/8; PCHR 2/9; PCHR 2/16)

In Washington, PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj leads a Palestinian delegation in their first face-to-face talks with Trump admin. officials. According to a Palestinian source, they discuss diplomatic issues, particularly Trump’s pledge to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. (AP 2/9; HA, TOI 2/10)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to complications related to a congenital heart defect after the Israeli authorities refuse to permit him passage from Gaza to Israel or the West Bank for medical treatment. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth collecting firewood nr. the border fence outside Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate a Palestinian vehicle during a raid in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian police officer nr. Nablus, causing minor injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and again nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (MNA, WAFA 1/14; MNA 1/15; PCHR 1/19; MNA 1/22)

PA pres. Abbas inaugurates the new Palestinian embassy at the Vatican after meeting with Pope Francis. The Vatican formally recognized Palestine as a state on 6/26/ 2015. (AFP, HA, LF, REU, WAFA 1/14)