The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus and Bayt Duqqu. During the raid in Bayt Duqqu, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During the raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized a vehicle and 2 computers. During a different late-night raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces seized 1 vehicle, 500 Jordanian Dinars ($700) and 3,500 NIS ($1,000). Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Homesh settlement, causing damage to 25 vehicles and injuries to Palestinians from shattered glass. Israeli settlers also attacked 2 Israeli police officers disguised as Palestinian technicians at the Bat Ayin settlement. The 2 settlers were arrested by the Israeli police officers. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/31; HA 1/1; PCHR 1/2)

In Baghdad, Iraqi protesters attacked the U.S. embassy after funerals were held for the 25 members of Kata’ib Hezbollah who were killed in U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on 12/29. Protesters managed to enter the embassy compound and ignited several fires. It was reported that the U.S. ambassador and staff were evacuated from the embassy before the protesters entered the compound. U.S. forces remained inside the embassy throughout the attack. According to an Associated Press reporter, a loudspeaker urged the protesters to leave, saying “the message was delivered.” U.S. president Donald Trump said in a tweet that Iran orchestrated the attack on the U.S. embassy in Iraq and that he holds Iran “fully responsible.” As the events were unfolding, U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper said that the U.S. was deploying some 750 additional troops to the Middle East. (AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, Guardian, HA, HA, REU, WP 12/31; HA 1/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 300 olive trees in al-Khadir. Settlers also wrote racist graffiti on walls of buildings and slashed the tires of 25 vehicles in al-Jib. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub, causing tear-gas related injuries. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel struck targets in Gaza after a rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. No injuries were reported, but damage was reported. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, forcing farmers to leave. Israeli naval forces fired a water cannon at a Palestinian fisherman, causing damage to his boat. Israel also reduced the fishing zone to 6 nautical miles. 3 Palestinians were arrested after trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence; all 3 were released on 12/20. (AJ, HA, HA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/26)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized Israeli police handling Palestinian complaints of destruction of their property. The court said the police’s handling of such complaints “is troubling, to say the least” and that in 1 case, “except for taking the Palestinian plaintiff’s statement, the police did virtually nothing.” (HA 12/20)

The United Arab Emirates announced a $25 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/19)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm and Bethlehem. In Bayt Umar, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian firing live ammunition at his abdomen. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained 4 Palestinian journalists from Palestine TV. They were all released later in the same day. The Israeli police spokesperson said that the 4 were arrested because of network ties to the PA which Israel does not allow to operate in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, 46 Palestinians were injured during the 83d weekly Great March of Return protest, including 4 by live ammunition. Separately, 1 Palestinian truck driver was hit by Israeli live ammunition when Israeli forces opened fire on his truck east of Jabaliya. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; PCHR 12/12)

Israel launched a rocket to test a rocket propulsion system. The Israeli defense ministry did not provide any further details. (HA 12/6)

The U.S. house of representatives passed a resolution H.R. 326 opposing Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The resolution passed 226-188 with 4 Democrats voting against and 5 Republicans voting in favor. 1 of the Democrats voting against the resolution, Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who was a cosponsor of the original resolution, explained on Twitter that she opposed the resolution because the word “occupation” was removed and it was amended to include an “ironclad” commitment to Israeli military aid. (HA, JVP, Twitter 12/6)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was killed and 2 others wounded by Israeli forces using live ammunition during clashes in Bayt Awa. Israeli settlers chased Palestinian farmers off their land in the Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, 4 people were arrested while protesting Israeli police activity in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted 3 air strikes, causing damage but no injuries. In Israel, the Palestinian-Israeli member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi was attacked by right-wing Israelis while arriving at an event in central Israel. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; HA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed sit-in protests in Bethlehem and Tulkarm against the shooting of a photojournalist who lost his eye on 11/16; in Tulkarm, 1 Palestinian was hit by a tear gas canister to the head, 2 others were injured by live ammunition, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man at a checkpoint near Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided Jalazun refugee camp, leading to clashes with Palestinian students leaving an UNRWA school. 2 students were transferred to a hospital with life-threatening injuries after being hit by live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 1 house east of Yatta. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Silwad and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinians in Silwan; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a sit-in protest by Hebrew University against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza; 3 people were arrested. 1 Palestinian was killed and 3 others arrested after a car chase; Israeli police alleged that the 4 had stolen cars and were heading for Bethlehem. Israeli police first said that the man they killed was shot while in the car; later the Israeli ministry of justice said he was shot after exiting the car. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; HA, MEMO 11/18; PCHR 11/21)

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians by throwing stones at homes in Haris. Elsewhere, in Huwwara, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on a Palestinian-owned home. 22 Palestinians were arrested, including 14 during a raid at a school in al-‘Arub refugee camp; 8 others were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Qalandia. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian minor was shot and injured after he allegedly tried to stab an Israeli police officer. Following the incident, Israeli forces closed several gates to the Old City and detained 3 Palestinians. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Jabalia. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28; PCHR 10/31)

An Israeli soldier was demoted to the rank of private and sentenced to 1 month of community service for shooting and killing a 15-year-old Palestinian, without approval from his superior, in Gaza on 7/13/2018. (TOI 10/29; HA, NYT 10/30; AJ 10/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted a Palestinian man trying to prevent them from stealing his olive harvest in al-Jaba‘; the man was taken to a hospital in Bayt Jala. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti on buildings in Marda. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 12 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 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian workers at a landfill east of Jabalia on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported but damage to equipment was. In Israel, hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel demonstrated against Israeli police’s failure to address violence and illegal gun possession in their communities. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; PCHR 10/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians and 1 Israeli peace activist were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum. 2 Palestinians were arrested: 1 at a checkpoint near Qalqilya; and 1 during clashes in Bayt Umar. Israeli forces also seized 15,000 NIS ($4,200) during a house raid near Tulkarm. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was killed and some 65 wounded by Israeli forces during the 77th weekly Great March of Return protest. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 228. Later, unidentified persons launched 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel, both landing inside of Gaza. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested for the 2d day in a row against Israeli police’s inaction amidst an uptick in violence in the community, including in Nazareth, Umm al-Fahm, Tamra, Majdal Krum, and Kafr Kassim. (AJ, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 10/4; HA 10/5; PCHR 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Taybeh and 1 under construction in Bayt Umar. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus. 1 Palestinian photojournalist was injured by a rubber-coated bullet after clashes broke out during an Israeli raid in Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during an event at a hotel in Shaykh Jarrah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Jabalia. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel held a general strike in Majdal Krum to protest Israeli police’s inaction amidst an uptick in violence in the community. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/3; PCHR 10/10)

After a meeting between the Israeli finance minister Moshe Kahlon and PA officials, the PA announced that it would start receiving tax revenue collected by Israel again. However, the dispute between Israel and the PA over revenue for payments to Palestinian prisoners and their families remained unsolved. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities seized some 1,500 dunams (370 acres) of Palestinian-owned residential and agricultural land in Dura. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in and around Abu Dis, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah; 1 was arrested during a daytime raid. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Silwan; 1 Palestinian child was arrested at the al-Aqsa mosque after he allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli police officer, he was reportedly heavily beaten. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; PCHR 10/3)

Palestinian women in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Israel marched to protest violence against women. The protesters adopted the slogan “Free homeland, free women.” The protests were sparked by a number of murders of Palestinian women by members of their families. The most recent was in late August, where a 21-year-old was killed allegedly by members of her family. (HA 9/27)

Around 100 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails ended a 15-day-long hunger strike after the Israel Prison Service agreed to limit the jamming devices installed in the prisons and to install public phones. (WAFA 9/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas announced at the UN general assembly that he will set a date for general elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. President Abbas asked the UN to help aid and monitor the process. (HA 9/26)

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister announced that the country will contribute $50 million to UNRWA’s core program budget. (WAFA 9/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Dura. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Birzeit, Nablus, Hebron, Tubas, and Jericho. Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods in Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested PA minister of Jerusalem affairs Fadi Hidmi during a house raid and delivered an arrest summons for PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith and his son. Minister Hidmi and Governor Ghaith were arrested because they were going to an official event in East Jerusalem, which Israel does not allow PA officials to attend. Elsewhere, Israeli police raided a Palestinian-owned butcher shop and ordered it closed for 15 days for hiring a Palestinian resident of the West Bank. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli force seized a vehicle near Tubas and demolished a house under construction near Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided the office of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees in Hebron and seized computer hard drives. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned barn in Silwan and a house under construction in al-Tur; during the latter demolition, 2 Palestinians were arrested and video shows family members who owned the property were assaulted by Israeli police. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian farmers east of Rafah. Separately, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Dayr al-Balah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/24; HA 9/25; PCHR 9/26)

Broward County in Florida unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The resolution argued that the demand for Right of Return effectively would destroy the State of Israel as a homeland of the Jewish people. (MDW 9/27)

Mercy USA for Aid and Development donated $300,000 to UNRWA for visually impaired children in Gaza. (WAFA 9/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Asira. Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders to seize 100 dunams (24.7 acres) of land in Qaryut and Jalud south of Nablus. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Umar, leading to clashes with Palestinians; several suffered tear gas inhalation and 1 vehicle was seized. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested on separate occasions, including 1 after he and his mother were pepper-sprayed by Israeli police near Shu‘fat refugee camp; and 1 at his workplace in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands near the Gaza fence on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/12)

According to the Israeli military, 1 missile was fired from Gaza toward Israel but landed inside of Gaza. A delegation of Egyptian security officials also met with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine members after days of rocket fire between Gaza and Israel. (HA 9/8)

Hezbollah forces downed an Israeli drone in the Lebanese town of Ramyah. It was also reported that missiles were fired from Syria toward Israel, but they failed to penetrate Israeli territory. (AJ, HA, HA 9/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Halhul, and Salfit, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in Hebron; among the arrested at a late-night raid in Ramallah was 1 Palestinian instructor from Birzeit University in Ramallah. Israeli forces also conducted house raids in Zabbuba near Jenin; no arrests were reported. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles travelling on a road northeast of Ramallah, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian demolished his store in Silwan after receiving a demolition order by Israeli authorities. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

After more than 340 Palestinians had been arrested in Issawiyya in East Jerusalem during the summer, it was reported that the Israeli police, the Jerusalem Municipality, and residents of Issawiyya had come to an agreement on limiting Israeli operations in Issawiyya. The agreement includes that residents of Issawiyya cancel a school strike on 9/2, the 1st day of the school year. (HA 9/1)

According to the Palestinian Energy Authority, Qatar will be cutting the amount of fuel it funds for Gaza by 50 percent, causing the hours of electricity available in Gaza to drop from 8 hours per day to 5 or 6. (HA 9/1)

At a visit to the Israeli settlement of Elkana, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that that he aspires to apply Israeli sovereignty to all Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s announcement comes 2 weeks before the Israeli general election. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1)

The al-Kasom Regional Council in the Negev, which presides over a large Bedouin community, announced that 17,000 students would not start the school year as planned on 9/2 as the Israeli education ministry had not given it enough money to begin the school year as planned. (HA 9/1)

Israeli forces and Hezbollah operatives exchanged missiles near the border of Israel and Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, it fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli military and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that it had hit the Hezbollah cell that fired the anti-tank missiles with “100 shells, aerial fire and various measures.” (HA 9/1; AJ, AJ, HA 9/2; HA 9/4)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces after hitting 2 Israeli settlers near the Gush Etzion settlement; it is unclear if the hit was deliberate. The Palestinian’s wife and child were in the car during the incident. Elsewhere, 2 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces violently dispersing the anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum. 1 Palestinian paramedic was injured by Israeli forces using a rubber-coated bullet during a protest in Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli member of the Knesset Ofer Cassif (Hadash) was attacked by Israeli police during a protest in Shaykh Jarrah. Israeli police tried to confiscate a Palestinian flag he was waving and when he and his aide resisted, the police assaulted the 2 and detained Cassif’s aide. In Gaza, 67 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during the weekly Great March of Return protests, including 34 injured by live ammunition. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/22)

After barring Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) from visiting Israel and the West Bank, Israel’s Interior Ministry allowed a request by Congresswoman Tlaib to visit her family in the West Bank under a number of conditions, including limiting her freedom of speech. After receiving the conditional approval, Congresswoman Tlaib said she would not go under the “oppressive conditions” offered by Israel. (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA 8/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands in Burqa, they subsequently opened fire at Palestinians seeking to put the fire out; no injuries were reported. In a separate but similar incident, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in ‘Urif after trying to ignite agricultural lands. Israeli settlers also sprayed racist graffiti on Palestinian-owned buildings and vehicles in al-Zawiya. 3 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces in Qalqilya and Aida refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was killed and another wounded after stabbing 1 Israeli policeman near the Haram al-Sharif compound. After the stabbing, Israeli police closed Haram al-Sharif for 2 hours after which only persons older than 50 were allowed on the compound. Also in the Old City, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel toured the Haram al-Sharif compound along with Israeli settlers. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles from shore. (AJ, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/15; PCHR 8/22)

Israel’s Interior Ministry announced the U.S. congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) would not be allowed to enter Israel and the West Bank for their planned visit. The ministry stated that the 2 congresswomen were denied entry on the basis of their involvement in the BDS movement. U.S. president Donald Trump had hours earlier tweeted that “[i]t would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit. They hate Israel & all Jewish people.” The decision sparked criticism from members of Congress from both parties and from pro-Israel organizations such as AIPAC. (HA, Twitter, WAPO, WAFA 8/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement demonstrations in Kufr Qaddum and Qalqilya; no injuries were reported. In Halhul north of Hebron, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents during a raid; 3 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. At the Allenby Bridge, 1 Palestinian returning from Jordan was arrested. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a daytime raid in Bayt Fajjar. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and Palestinian-owned property around Hebron. East of Yatta, settlers sprayed racist graffiti and set fire to hay bales. Settlers also threw stones and glass bottles at Palestinian-owned vehicles on a road east of Hebron. They also threw stones at 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Tuqu‘ and Nahalin near Bethlehem; in the incident in Tuqu‘, 1 vehicle also sustained damage. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition east of Khan Yunis by the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/9; PCHR 8/22)

In protest over the possibility that Israeli police would allow Israeli Jews to commemorate Tisha B’Av on the Haram al-Sharif compound on the same day as Eid al-Adha, the Islamic Waqf called on Muslims to attend a mass service on the compound on 8/11—the day of Eid al-Adha—and announced that all mosques in the Old City would be closed except Al-Aqsa Mosque. (HA, WAFA 8/9)

In the West Bank, 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, a Fatah official was arrested in Issawiyya during a late-night raid. Israeli forces also summoned a 6-year-old boy and his father for interrogation after the boy allegedly threw a juice box toward an Israeli police vehicle. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and used water cannons on Palestinian fishermen. In Israel, the Palestinian town Jisr al-Zarqa was raided by Jewish extremists who wrote hate graffiti on a house and punctured tires on 21 vehicles. (HA, WAFA 7/31; PCHR 8/1)

Israel’s security cabinet approved construction permits for 715 housing units for Palestinians in Area C for the first time since 2016 and approved 6,000 Israeli settlement units. (HA, 7/30; AJ, NYT 7/31)

After a confidential report was leaked alleging misconduct by the top management of the UNRWA on 7/29, Switzerland and the Netherlands suspended their funding to the UNRWA. (HA 8/1)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition and others suffered injuries from rubber-coated bullets and tear gas during a confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinians ahead of a visit of some 1,200 Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb. According to Israeli forces, a bomb was discovered at the holy site. Elsewhere, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Jenin. Israeli forces also demolished several Palestinian-owned tents and shacks in Ras al-Ahmar in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Near Hebron, Israeli forces sealed off a road connecting Khirbat Shaab al-Butum and Ma’in. Israeli forces also sealed off a road connecting villages west of Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 7 Palestinians from Issawiyya and Israeli police summoned a 4-year-old Palestinian boy from Issawiyya for questioning for allegedly throwing stones at Israeli police. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen during 2 separate incidents; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired several flare bombs across the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/29; HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/30; PCHR 8/1)

A confidential report by the ethics office of the UNRWA accused top management of the organization, including Commissioner General Pierre Krähenbühl, of “sexual misconduct, nepotism, retaliation, discrimination and other abuses of authority.” (AJ 7/29; HA 7/30)

A Canadian federal court ruled that products from Israeli settlements in the West Bank must be labelled as such rather being labelled “from Israel.” (Canadian Federal Court, HA 7/29)

The UAE announced a $50 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 7/29)

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, 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces firing rubber-coated bullets at protesters in Kafr Qaddum during the weekly anti-settlement protests. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family of 4 was arrested by Israeli police during a late-night raid in Silwan; all 4 were reportedly beaten by Israeli police. In Gaza, 41 Palestinians were injured during the Great March of Return protest. 22 of the protestors were injured by Israeli-fired live bullets, 19 others were injured by rubber-coated bullets. In Israel, Israeli right-wing activists sprayed anti-Arab graffiti on the Arab students’ dormitory in Tel Aviv University. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/5; WAFA 7/6)

In the West Bank, 7 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Salfit, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, large-scale house raids were carried out by Israeli forces; no arrests were reported. At the Haram al-Sharif compound, around 330 Israeli settlers entered the compound with Israeli police protection. (MEMO, QUDS, WAFA 6/9; WAFA 6/10)

In the West Bank, 10 Palestinians were reported arrested by Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers erupted after 120 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Israeli-celebrated Jerusalem Day, which included a flag march through the Old City. 1 Palestinian was injured with a head injury after being beaten by Israeli police and others suffered from tear gas inhalation. The march also left much of East Jerusalem closed to Palestinians. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids and throughout the day. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2)

The Israeli state comptroller criticized the Israeli and Jerusalem authorities for neglecting social services in East Jerusalem such as garbage disposal and street cleaning. The state comptroller also criticized the waiting time for East Jerusalem Palestinians seeking Israeli citizenship. (HA 6/2)

An Israeli police officer was charged with fracturing the leg of a Palestinian citizen of Israel and assaulting 7 others detained at a demonstration in Haifa in 2018. (HA 6/2)

Israel struck targets in Syria for the 2d day in a row. 2 people were reportedly killed and 2 others injured when Israeli missiles hit buildings at a Syrian military base in Homs. (HA 6/3; HA 6/4)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said of the still-unannounced U.S. peace plan that Egypt would not accept terms against Palestinian wishes. (HA 6/3)

U.S. president Donald Trump said of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to form a government that he is “not happy” with the outcome and that Israeli politicians “should get their act together.” (HA 6/3)

U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner said, when asked if he believed that Palestinians were capable of governing themselves, that “we’ll have to see. The hope is that they, over time, will become capable of governing.” Kushner would also not confirm if the U.S. peace plan includes 2 states. “I do think they should have self-determination. I’m going to leave the details until we come out with the plan.” (AJ 6/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested the father of a Palestinian teen who is alleged to have stabbed 2 Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem before he was killed by Israeli forces. The arrest of the father led to clashes with Palestinians in Ubwin near Ramallah; no injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrested 25 Palestinians in raids throughout the city. (WAFA, WAFA 6/1)

Israeli forces struck targets in southwestern Syria near Quneitra after 2 rockets were fired at the Golan Heights from Syria, 1 hitting a chairlift cable. Different sources reported that between 3 and 10 people were killed in the Israeli strikes on Syria. (HA 6/2; HA, HA 6/3)

The 57 members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation released a joint statement after a meeting in Saudi Arabia calling on countries that have moved their embassy to Jerusalem to reverse their decision as it constitutes “a serious violation of international law and international legitimacy,” according to their statement. (AJ, WAFA 6/1; MDW 6/2)

The EU released a statement saying it is “strongly opposed to Israel’s settlement policy, including in East Jerusalem, which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.” The statement follows Israel’s Housing Ministry’s issuance of tenders for 805 housing units in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem on 5/29. (HA, WAFA 6/1)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police forcefully evicted hundreds of Muslim worshippers from the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces opening fire on a group of Palestinians east of Khan Yunis. Also in Gaza, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl died shortly after returning to her parents following surgery for brain cancer in Jerusalem. The girl’s parents were not allowed by the Israeli authorities to accompany their daughter to Jerusalem for the surgery. (WAFA, WAFA 5/18; WAFA, MNA, MNA 5/19; AJ 5/22)

For the 2d day in a row, Syrian state media reported that the Syrian military had intercepted missiles fired from Israel. (HA 5/18

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from making a road to their agricultural land east of Nablus. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinians in and around Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. The raid in Jenin triggered confrontations with local Palestinians, wounding 3 of them; 2 from live ammunition, and 1 from being hit by an Israeli military vehicle. Others suffered from tear gas inhalation. An additional 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin. Israeli settlers chopped down dozens of Palestinian-owned almond trees near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police evicted Muslim worshippers from the al-Aqsa Mosque for the 3d day in a row. Israeli settlers with military escort also stormed the Haram al-Sharif compound to perform prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14)

The Israeli civil administration approved 2 roads to isolated Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The construction of the roads requires the Israeli government to seize 807 dunams (200 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. The construction is scheduled to start in July. (HA 5/13)

A Qatari envoy headed by Mohammed al-Emadi arrived in Gaza to hold meetings with UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh about the transfer of $30 million in aid. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 2 additional weeks to form the next government. The extension allows Netanyahu until 29 May to form a government. (JPOST, TOI 5/13)

PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi wrote on Twitter that her U.S. visa application had been rejected without any reason. In February, U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt invited her to meet him at the White House as Ashrawi and Greenblatt exchanged tweets about the U.S. peace plan. (HA, Twitter 5/13)

The UNRWA released a statement urging donors to contribute, as UNRWA needs an additional $60 million to continue providing food for 620,000 Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ 5/13)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian child was injured by a rubber-coated bullet fired by Israeli forces at the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; other protesters suffered from tear gas inhalation. In East Jerusalem, 2 medics from the Palestinian Red Crescent were assaulted by Israeli police near the Lions’ Gate while treating a patient. On the 1st Friday of Ramadan, some 180,000 Muslim worshippers were reported to have been praying in and around the Haram al-Sharif compound for Friday prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian using live ammunition and injured another 32 during the Great March of Return protest. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 221. Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian farmer using live ammunition while he was working his land east of Gaza City. (AJ, HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10)

Israel reopened the Gaza fishing zone and expanded it to 12 nautical miles in the southern half off Gaza’s shore and 6 nautical miles off the northern half. The fishing zone had been completely closed since 5/4. Israel also partly reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for commercial traffic. (AJ, HA, MNA, MNA 5/10)

The U.S. department of defense announced that it would send a Patriot missile defense battery and another warship to the Middle East as tensions between Iran and the U.S. have been rising in recent weeks. (DOD 5/10; HA 5/11; AJ 5/12)

The annual report by the Israeli state comptroller showed that Israeli government ministries have neglected housing problems in Palestinian communities in Israel. (HA 5/10)

A Jerusalem court ordered the eviction of Israeli settlers from a Palestinian home in Hebron that was acquired by the Israeli settlers on forged documents. The Palestinian family’s home was taken over by settlers in 2005 and the legal proceedings were ongoing since 2007. The Israeli settlers appealed the court’s decision which also stipulated that the settlers must pay the Palestinian family $161,000. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off the al-Ibrahimi Mosque for Muslim worshippers in preparation for Passover celebrations. Israeli forces also arrested 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Ramallah. In the raid near Jenin, Israeli forces fired tear gas, causing dozens of residents to suffer from tear gas inhalation. In East Jerusalem, 170 right-wing Israelis, led by Minister of Agriculture Uri Ariel, stormed Haram al-Sharif with Israeli police escort. In Gaza, a prosthetic hospital was inaugurated to help the many Palestinians in Gaza who have lost limbs. The hospital’s expenses are covered by the Qatar Fund for Development. A day after Israel denied access of Christian Palestinians in Gaza to the West Bank and East Jerusalem for Easter celebrations, Israeli authorities reversed its position, allowing 500 Christians to enter the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Elsewhere in Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire against Palestinian farmers near Rafah and on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 4/22; HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23)