The Palestine Chronology

Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA to take control of Gaza, and call for a new round of elections for the PA presidency, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Palestinian National Council by the end of 2018. They do not reach a resolution on the issue of Hamas’s military wing, however. (TOI, WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes under construction in Batir village near Bethlehem, a residential structure and an animal barn in Jiftlik village near Jericho, and a residential building in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya and another in Shu‘fat, and arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on and then arrest 2 Palestinians as they are attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Lahiya (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/23; PCHR 11/30)

An Israeli youth succumbs to injuries she sustained in a bombing attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem in 3/2011. (HA, TOI 11/22)

The Arab press reports that PA pres. Abbas has refused a phone call from senior advisor to U.S. pres. Trump Jared Kushner, apparently implementing the Palestinians’ threat, reported on 11/21, to cut off communication with the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s threat to close the PLO office in Washington. Instead of taking the call, Abbas reportedly referred Kushner to the PLO office in Washington. (HA, TOI 11/22; HA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively seal shut the Yatta home of a Palestinian imprisoned on charges related to a 6/2016 attack on Israelis in Tel Aviv. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Ni‘lin overnight. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 121st time since 2010. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/23)

The IDF orders approximately 300 Palestinian Bedouins to evacuate their homes near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement ahead of the planned demolition of their village, Jabal al-Baba. Similar orders have been issued for a Bedouin village in the northern Jordan Valley and other villages near Jerusalem, but none has been enforced yet. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/17; TOI 11/18)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching through Bethlehem to mark the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. There are no serious injuries in the ensuing clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal the olives harvested from 280 trees in Palestinian orchards near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 11 more Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/2; PCHR 11/9)

At a ceremony at the Rafah border crossing, Hamas formally hands over control of Gaza’s border crossings to the PA, implementing a key provision of their 10/12 reconciliation agreement. A senior PA official calls the moment an “important step on the path toward reconciliation.” The PA is set to take full control of Gaza on 12/1. (MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/1)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli police have formed a special unit to oversee security and public order at Haram al-Sharif, following the upsurge in tensions at the site in 7/2017 (see JPS 47 [1]). The unit is expected to comprise about 200 officers when it begins operations in 2018. (HA 11/1)

PA pres. Abbas writes an op-ed for The Guardian lamenting the Balfour Declaration on its 100-year anniversary. “This British policy, to support Jewish immigration into Palestine while negating the Arab-Palestinian right to self-determination, created severe tensions between European Jewish immigrants and the native Palestinian population,” he writes. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu flies to the UK to participate in the 100th anniversary celebrations. (GDN, TOI 11/1)

The IDF orders some 300 Palestinian Bedouins to leave their homes in the northern Jordan Valley ahead of the planned demolition of their village. Similar orders have been issued for Bedouin villages near Jerusalem in the past, but none have been enforced yet. (HA 11/17)

Israeli jets launch air strikes on an alleged Syrian government weapons depot in an industrial zone near Homs along the Lebanon-Syria border. The site reportedly hosted joint Iranian-Syrian activities. (HA 11/1; YA 11/2)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza toward Israel. It lands in an open area short of the border, causing no damage or injuries. An IDF tank shells and destroys a Hamas observation post east of al-Maghazi refugee camp. Israeli artillery also target a site east of Gaza City, causing a fire to break out; there is no major damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops stationed along the border fence arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross from Gaza into Israel near Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian lands near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, approximately 524 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, commemorating the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Some of the settlers reportedly pray at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities shut down al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to Muslim worshippers to make way for Sukkot-related activities at the site. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jerusalem, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Salfit, and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In Israel, approximately 30,000 Palestinians and Israelis gather in Jerusalem to call for a resumption of IsraeliPalestinian peace talks. The Israeli NGO Women Wage Peace organized the demonstration. Hamas denounces the PLO for supporting the rally, accusing it of “normalizing” relations with Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issue stopwork orders to Palestinians building a road between agricultural areas near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Hebron. The raids in Qalqilya spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, Wadi al-Juz, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel, and open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 9/16; MNA 9/17; PCHR 9/21)

A senior U.S. official says that the Trump administration is not expecting any breakthrough in its efforts to restart PalestinianIsraeli peace talks during the UNGA this week in New York, despite Trump’s scheduled meetings with PA pres. Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians remains one of the president’s highest priorities, but the UN meetings will primarily focus on other issues and serve as check-in opportunities,” the official adds. (HA, TOI 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down a metal workshop and seize equipment from 3 others during raids in ‘Araba village near Jenin. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in central Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife, arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Nablus, and patrol near Nablus. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian outside the Homesh settlement near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/14)

Israeli and Palestinian officials say that U.S. pres. Trump has made plans to meet with both Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA pres. Abbas on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) at the end of 9/2017. (HA 9/6)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), central Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 5 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian youths near Jabaliya refugee camp along Gaza’s border, injuring 1. Meanwhile, IDF troops issue arrest summons to 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in central Hebron, causing no serious damage. (MNA, WAFA 8/18; MNA 8/19; PCHR 8/24)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers chase a Palestinian child and throw stones at her home in Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen working nr. Bayt Lahiya overnight. (MNA 8/11; MNA 8/12; PCHR 8/17)

Unidentified fighters fire a projectile from Gaza into s. Israel, which lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, Israeli forces carry out air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites in n. Gaza, injuring 4 Palestinians. (HA, MNA 8/8; TOI, WAFA, YA 8/9; PCHR 8/10)

A Palestinian woman dies of cancer in Rafah. On 8/10, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights will state that Israeli authorities are responsible for her death because they delayed granting her a permit to travel from Gaza to Jerusalem for treatment. (MEZ, WAFA 8/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate a Palestinian’s car during a raid nr. Hebron; arrest 21 Palestinians during further raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a large swathe of Palestinian land nr. Nablus, damaging hundreds of citrus trees. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Jabal Mukabir, displacing a Palestinian family of 4. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City, and shut down a main road leading to villages n. of the city, which will remain closed until 8/10. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Dayr al-Balah and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/8; MNA 8/9; PCHR 8/10; MNA 8/11)

Ahead of Friday prayers, the Israeli police announce that Palestinian men younger than 50 will be barred from Haram al-Sharif today. They also specifically bar 21 Palestinians from the site and deploy heavily across East Jerusalem. In response to these new restrictions, thousands of young Palestinian men and others pray on the streets of the Old City outside the sanctuary in the morning. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting the recent restrictions to access at the sanctuary across the oPt; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and at least 20 are injured. Amid reports of violence across the region, the Israeli police lift their restrictions on young Palestinian men entering Haram al-Sharif in the early afternoon. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/28)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem claiming that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier. No Israelis are injured in the incident. A Palestinian witness says that the victim had no knife or any other kind of weapon. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian farmer tending to his lands nr. Salfit. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Bethlehem and in Qalqilya, and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/28; HA, MNA 7/29)

In Amman, hundreds of Jordanians gather outside the Israeli Embassy to protest the fatal shooting of 2 Jordanians by an Israeli security guard on 7/21 and the Israeli embrace of the guard in the wake of the killing. Meanwhile, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that it has opened an investigation of the 7/21 incident. (HA, IFM, MNA, TOI 7/28; MNA 7/29)

Implementing the security cabinet’s 7/24 decision, Israeli forces overnight remove the metal detectors they installed at Haram al-Sharif after the deadly attack on 7/14. The Islamic Waqf then meets in the morning and announces its decision to “reject any changes [to the status quo at Haram al-Sharif], including technological measures,” such as replacements for the metal detectors that the Israeli cabinet approved on 7/24. The Waqf also calls for the sanctuary to be “opened to Muslim worshippers in a completely free manner to ensure freedom of worship.” A Waqf official says that a comm. will enter the sanctuary, review the situation, and issue a report before the Waqf decides whether to call on Muslims to resume prayers at the site or to continue the boycott. Later, PA pres. Abbas reiterates his plan not to resume relations with the Israeli govt., including security coordination, until all the new Israeli security measures at Haram al-Sharif “cease to exist”; he also reaffirms his support for the Waqf. In response to the Israeli security cabinet’s decision to replace the metal detectors with “advanced technology,” he says, “There are new developments, which we must study so that we can say our word and decide where to go from here.” Meanwhile, tensions remain high across East Jerusalem, with clashes erupting outside the sanctuary and in various other locations across the city (1 Palestinian is seriously injured and 5 are arrested). (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/25; PCHR 7/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Nablus, sparking clashes in and around the city; 2 Palestinians are injured. Further raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem lead to more clashes; 2 Palestinians are arrested. The IDF also arrests 8 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. Approximately 15 Israeli settler families take over a building in c. Hebron in the evening to protest the Israeli govt.’s “zigzagging” on Haram al-Sharif, according to a spokesperson for the group. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians rally in Gaza City to protest the new Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 7/25)

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)

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gather in the streets outside Haram al-Sharif for predawn prayers and to protest the new Israeli security measures at the sanctuary. They refuse to pass through the new metal detectors installed on 7/16, honoring the Islamic Waqf’s 7/16 call for a boycott. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse Muslims gathering outside the sanctuary for evening prayers, lightly injuring at least 15, including Palestinian National Initiative chair Mustafa Barghouti. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Za’ayem. They also conduct a raid in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, Israeli forces raid al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, attempting to arrest the Palestinian injured in Silwan earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tubas, Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/20)

The Israeli authorities seize 70 dunams (approx. 17 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem for “military purposes,” according to a local anti-settlement activist. (WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of a bill that would add the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which oversees efforts to counter the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, on the list of bodies exempt from Israel’s Freedom of Information Law that permits citizens to obtain information from the govt. Should the bill pass, the ministry’s ability to keep its anti-BDS activities and methods secret from the public would be ensured. (KNE, MNA 7/18; MDW 7/19)

After the Israeli police install new security cameras, turnstiles and metal detectors at 3 entrances to Haram al-Sharif (which was closed after the deadly attack on 7/14), the Islamic Waqf calls for a Muslim boycott of the sanctuary as long as the new security measures are in place. Muslim worshippers then refuse to enter the sanctuary throughout the day and pray outside; 10 protesters are injured and 3 are arrested during scuffles with Israeli forces late at night. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian officials convene in Ramallah and reaffirm that the status quo at Haram al-Sharif should not change after the deadly attack nr. the sanctuary on 7/14. Israeli PM Netanyahu insists that the new security measures do not change the status quo. “Changing the status quo would be a wrong move,” he says. “It would lead to unforeseeable consequences in the world and regional order.” (HA, MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA 7/16; MNA, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a raid on his home in Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah. An IDF spokesperson says the soldiers opened fire after the man trained a gun on them, alleging that the deceased was responsible for the shooting attack nr. Ramallah on 7/15. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 fishermen. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/16; PCHR 7/20)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill, dubbed the “United Jerusalem Law,” that would require a supermajority of the Knesset, 80 MKs, to agree to any concession of land within Jerusalem’s current city limits. It would also stipulate that a simple majority, 61 MKs, could approve a shift in Jerusalem’s borders, which would allow land outside the city to be ceded in the context of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The bill now goes to the full Knesset for a 1st reading. (HA, KNE 7/16)

Three Palestinian citizens of Israel open fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem, critically injuring 3 (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The attackers seek refuge at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces shoot and kill all 3. Israeli police deploy heavily across the Old City, block off all entrances to Haram al-Sharif, and cancel Friday prayers at the sanctuary, forcing Muslim worshippers to pray in the streets. They also detain and interrogate 58 Islamic Waqf employees. With tensions running high across the city, an unidentified assailant throws a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler family driving through Silwan; 3 of the settlers are injured, including an infant. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 25 are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is killed. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries or major damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/20)

PA pres. Abbas phones Israeli PM Netanyahu to condemn the morning’s attack in Jerusalem and to denounce violence on both sides, particularly at holy sites. He also calls for Netanyahu to reopen Haram al-Sharif. Netanyahu reportedly tells Abbas that he will uphold the status quo at the sanctuary, but that Israeli forces will maintain security at all costs. Abbas later calls on Jordan to intervene, and the Jordanian govt. releases a statement calling on Israel to reopen the sanctuary. (HA, TOI, WAFA 7/14; HA 7/16)

After shutting down on 7/12, the Gaza power plant resumes operations, with 3 of its turbines supplying 70 MW to the local grid. It’s unclear if the fuel required came from Egypt or somewhere else. (MNA 7/15)

An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian motorcyclist nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Israeli police describe the incident as a “road accident,” though it is not clear whether the collision was intentional. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians driving nr. Jenin, breaking the windshield of 1 vehicle. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Gaza City; 8 Palestinians and 1 Korean activist are injured. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, and patrols nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/13)

A Palestinian infant succumbs to injuries sustained amid clashes in Abud village nr. Ramallah on 5/19/2017, when IDF troops fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian homes during the clashes. The infant inhaled an ultimately fatal amount of gas. (MNA, WAFA 7/8)

A suicide bomber detonates a car at an Egyptian checkpoint in Rafah in n. Sinai, killing at least 10 Egyptian soldiers and injuring 26 others. In clashes sparked by their search for accomplices, Egyptian security forces kill 40 armed fighters affiliated with the Sinai Province of the Islamic State and other Islamist groups in the area, and destroy 6 vehicles. (MNA 7/7)

Despite Israeli and U.S. opposition, UNESCO’s World Heritage Comm. approves a res. inscribing Hebron’s Old City, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, on its List of World Heritage in Danger. Twelve countries vote in favor of the measure, 3 oppose it, and 6 abstain. (BBC, GDN, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/9)

In the West Bank, DFLP activists erect a new memorial in Jenin to Khaled Nazzal, the party leader assassinated by Mossad agents in 1986, hours after IDF troops came under fire while removing the original on 6/30. Late at night, IDF troops rearrest Khalida Jarrar, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) mbr., during a raid of her home in Ramallah. She was released from Israeli prison on 6/3/2016, having served 12 mos. on charges related to her PFLP membership. IDF troops arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes its own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya for the 2d day in a row, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian reportedly attempting to cross into Israel in search of a job. Meanwhile, Hamas forces bar a Fatah Central Comm. mbr., Ahmad Halas, from leaving Gaza. Fatah then accuses Hamas of acting “against national [Palestinian] values.” (MNA, WAFA 7/1; HA, MNA, TOI 7/2; MDW 7/4; PCHR 7/6)

For the 6th time this week, errant mortar fire from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage. The IDF returns fire at the source of the mortar. (MNA, TOI 7/1)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; at least 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops conducting a late-night operation in Jenin, causing no injuries. (The Israeli soldiers were removing a memorial for Khaled Nazzal, a Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP] leader assassinated by Israeli Mossad agents in 1986.) Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, a former resident of Gaza who moved to Israel 5 years ago under family unification law crosses back into Gaza. Hamas security forces take him into custody. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, a deceased Palestinian from East Jerusalem washes ashore at Lake Tiberias. The cause of his death is not known. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/30; PCHR 7/6)

For the 5th time this week, errant mortar fire from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage. The IDF returns fire at the source of the mortar. (MNA, TOI 6/30)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c.; at least 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. (MNA 6/23; TOI 6/25; PCHR 7/6)

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)

Amid heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli police enter the sanctuary to disperse hundreds of Muslim worshippers protesting the Israeli crackdown following the deadly attack on 6/16; 3 Israelis are injured and several Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Kafr ‘Aqab. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah for the 3d day in a row, arresting at least 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 11 Palestinians and issues 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/18; MNA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

Following days of complaints from Israeli ultranationalists, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his security cabinet will reconsider the plan, 1st reported on 6/14, to allow Qalqilya to expand into Area C with 5,000 new housing units. He claims to not remember the cabinet’s approval of the plan back in 2016. (JP, TOI 6/18)

Israeli police shoot and kill 3 Palestinian youths outside the Old City of East Jerusalem after they attack Israeli guards at Damascus Gate with knives and guns: 1 Israeli police officer is lightly injured and 1 is fatally wounded, succumbing to her injuries later in the day. After the attack, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attackers’ village of Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah, imposing a lockdown on the village and sparking clashes with residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli PM Netanyahu then rescinds all 250,000 permits issued to Palestinians for Ramadan. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16)

While the Israeli authorities ramp up their crackdown, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif on the 3d Friday of Ramadan, and Israeli police deploy additional battalions throughout East Jerusalem. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Jerusalem from Bethlehem to pray at the sanctuary. Separately, IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., al-Bureij r.c., Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 7 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence; there are no serious injuries. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16; MNA 6/17; WAFA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 114th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/16; PCHR 6/22)

The Israeli press reports that the Israeli PM’s office approved a plan to increase the municipal boundaries of Qalqilya, which would allow the construction of approximately 14,000 new Palestinian homes in Area C of the West Bank. (It will be reported that only approximately 5,000 new homes could be built in the space allotted.) PM Netanyahu’s office later confirms that the plan was presented in 2016 and approved by the cabinet. The Samaria Regional Council pledges to file a formal petition against the plan. (HA, JP, TOI 6/14)

Israel’s Knesset advances a bill that would deduct from the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount that the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. It will now be sent to the Knesset Comm. on Foreign Affairs and Defense to prepare it for its 1st reading. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/14)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., Rafah, and al-Bureij r.c.; 1 is killed in Gaza and at least 18 other Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif, marking the 2d Friday of Ramadan. A group of Jewish settlers disguised in religious Muslim garb visit the sanctuary in a reported attempt to pray at the holy site. Islamic Waqf guards escort them out when they respond to questions in Hebrew. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, unidentified assailants slash the tires of 9 Palestinian cars and leave anti-Arab graffiti in Bayt Safafa overnight. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/9; PCHR 6/16)

Turkish and Palestinian officials reveal that Ankara has sent a cargo ship full of humanitarian aid, which will arrive in Gaza by the end of Ramadan. It will be the 3d shipment of Turkish aid since the IsraeliTurkish rapprochement of 6/2016 (see JPS 46 [1]). (MNA 6/9)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; at least 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at Qalandia checkpoint, claiming that she was planning to carry out an attack against Israelis; and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 10,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the first Friday of Ramadan. Among them are 100 elderly Gazans who were permitted to travel to East Jerusalem for the first time in 6 mos. (see JPS 46 [4]). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 6/2; PCHR 6/8)

The Palestinian critically injured in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jenin on 6/1 succumbs to her injuries. (MNA 6/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Beita nr. Nablus, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and al-Bureij r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian shops in c. Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 6/1)

In response to COGAT’s 5/25 announcement of a reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to Gaza, Hamas releases a statement threatening “consequences” if the reductions are implemented. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that the energy crisis in Gaza is affecting water supplies and health services, which could spark another war. (AFP, MNA 5/26)

Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel, and across the world join in a general strike in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners’ Dignity Strike. IDF troops violently disperse protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, outside Dayr Sharaf nr. Nablus, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; at least 10 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. No Israelis are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinian youths throwing stones at an Israeli settlement nr. Jericho; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Approximately 4,000 Jewish settlers, as well as former Arkansas gov. Mike Huckabee, visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis and agricultural areas nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah twice, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/25)

Upon his arrival in Israel, U.S. pres. Trump gives a short speech on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport to a crowd of Israeli leaders, including PM Netanyahu. (The Israeli PM reportedly orders his ministers to greet Trump on the tarmac after many, including several party heads, said they were not planning to attend). “We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region and to its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity, and peace,” Trump says, referencing the peace initiative he hopes to advance during his visit to Israel. “But we can only get there working together. There is no other way.” Trump then meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin and visits the Western Wall, the first time a sitting U.S. pres. has done so. In his major policy speech of the day, Trump links the fight against Iran with Israeli-Palestinian peace, saying that the Arab states are willing to work with Israel to normalize relations, if Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian lands. (HA, NYT, TOI 5/22; HA 5/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at an IDF post nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest a Palestinian girl at the Qalandia checkpoint allegedly found to be carrying a knife. They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Ramallah and nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escort Joint List member of Knesset (MK) Masud Ganaim from Haram al-Sharif after he violates the ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/20; PCHR 5/25)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with IDF troops on 3/15 nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

U.S. pres. Donald Trump meets with Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on the first day of his first international trip as president. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, among other regional issues, and sign a joint “strategic vision,” including $110 b. in U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia over 10 years. (AP, REU 5/20)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the settler killing of a Palestinian nr. Nablus on 5/18, and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), 2 nr. Nablus (Beita and Bayt Dajan), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, Bethlehem, Dayr Istya nr. Salfit, along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., and Gaza City; at least 11 Palestinians are injured and 12 are arrested. The IDF also arrests 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Ramallah; and patrols nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/25)

Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists gather across the West Bank to mark a “Day Of Rage” in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/16. IDF troops violently disperse protests outside Ofer Prison nr. Nablus, at the Qalandia checkpoint, and in and around Hebron; tens of Palestinians are injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles outside Sinjil village nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage. The IDF then detains a number of Palestinians and confiscates 12 vehicles in the village. IDF troops patrol nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/28; PCHR 5/4)

Israel’s Construction Minister Yoav Galant says that plans to build 25,000 new homes in Jerusalem, including 15,000 outside the pre1967 armistice lines, are back on the table. The plans were suspended while Obama was U.S. pres., and some Israeli officials say that a formal announcement may coincide with U.S. pres. Trump’s proposed visit to Israel in late 5/2017. (JP, TOI 4/28)

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces that the State Dept. has approved a “possible foreign military sale” of 13 76mm naval guns and a variety of naval maintenance tools to Israel for an estimated price of $440 m. “This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the press release reads. (JP 4/29)