The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces took measurements for possible demolition of the houses in Bayt Kahil belonging to the 2 Palestinian suspects for the killing of the Israeli settler on 8/8. They also arrested 1 Palestinian in Hebron during a late-night raid. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Muslim worshippers and Israeli forces erupted after morning prayers at the Haram al-Sharif compound on Eid al-Adha. 61 Palestinians were wounded, including 15 who were taken to nearby hospitals. 4 Israeli officers were lightly wounded, and 7 Palestinians were arrested. 1 Palestinian woman was also attacked by an Israeli man after leaving the compound; the Israeli man was then beaten by a Palestinian bystander. Following the clashes, hundreds of Israeli Jews entered the Haram al-Sharif compound with police escort. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces in the vicinity of the Gaza fence; according to media reports, the man was armed. Israeli forces also bombed targets near Bayt Hanun. (AJ, HA, HA, HA 8/11; HA, WAFA 8/12; PCHR 8/22)

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a water container used for agricultural irrigation east of Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin. Clashes erupted during the raids in Shu‘fat and Jalazun refugee camps near Ramallah. 1 vehicle was seized during the raid in Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem. In Israel, a 31-year-old Palestinian man from the West Bank who was arrested during a raid in Bayt Fajjar on 6/19 died in Nitzan prison while he was in solitary confinement. The Israeli prison services did not say what caused his death. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; WAFA 7/17)

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon protested throughout the country against the Lebanese government’s crackdown on businesses using foreign workers that do not have a work permit. They also protested discriminatory Lebanese labor laws that ban Palestinians from working in some 70 different professions. (AJ 7/16)

U.S. president Donald Trump invoked Israel for the 2d day in a row in Twitter attacks on 4 U.S. congresswomen, writing that they were “ . . . Horrible anti-Israel, anti-USA, pro-terrorist . . . .” (Twitter 7/16)

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on several structures, including a mosque, and punctured the tires of 3 vehicles in Kafr Malik near Ramallah. Israeli settlers also uprooted 30 olive trees near Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces arrested 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli authorities also approved cutting down around 2,000 olive trees south of Bethlehem. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians were hospitalized after suffering from tear gas inhalation east of Rafah. In the Israeli city of Afula, local Jewish Israelis, including the city’s mayor, protested the sale of a home to a Palestinian-Israeli family. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/16; HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/17)

The Israeli Jerusalem municipality approved naming streets in the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem after Jewish rabbis. (HA 6/17)

The chairman of Qatar’s National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza Mohammed al-Emadi met Israeli and Palestinian officials in Israel and Gaza to discuss the implementation of the cease-fire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in May. The Qatari delegation also delivered $20 million for vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and for humanitarian projects. Some 108,000 families will receive $400 in 4 $100 payments. (HA 6/16; HA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a sign for a planned community in the Golan Heights called Trump Heights, named after U.S. president Donald Trump. Netanyahu decided to dedicate a settlement construction project to President Trump after Trump unilaterally recognized Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights. (HA 6/16)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt told The Jerusalem Post that the U.S. administration may delay the unveiling of the U.S. peace plan until November 2019 because of the upcoming Israeli elections in September. In the interview, Greenblatt also said that he supports U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman’s statement from 6/8 that Israel has a right to annex parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA 6/16)

In the West Bank 1 Palestinian teen was killed by Israeli forces at a checkpoint east of Bethlehem. Another Palestinian was wounded in the incident. 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; other Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces after an alleged stabbing attack in the Old City. 2 Israelis were reported to be wounded by the Palestinian. Thousands of Muslim worshippers prayed at the Haram al-Sharif compound for the last Friday of Ramadan. Males between 13 and 40 were prohibited from entering East Jerusalem from the West Bank. In Gaza, at least 7 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets fired by Israeli forces at protesters during the weekly Great March of Return demonstrations. (AJ, HA, HA, QUDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/31)

In the West Bank, 21 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, and Jericho. During the raids, 1 Palestinian was hospitalized and 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle was seized. (WAFA 5/23)

Israeli authorities announced that they were limiting the Gaza fishing zone to 10 nautical miles from 15 after the Israeli fire service said that they had put out 11 small fires believed to be ignited by incendiary balloons from Gaza. (HA 5/22)

Israel’s attorney general delayed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pre-indictment hearing until 2 and 3 October upon Netanyahu’s request. (HA 5/22)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt said in a meeting at the UN Security Council that the UNRWA had failed and should be dismantled, calling it a “Band-Aid solution.” UNRWA chief Pierre Krähenbühl said after Greenblatt’s remarks that, “Palestinian refugees should remember that the mandate is protected by the General Assembly [of the UN], and of course, we will engage with member states to ensure what we hope is a safe renewal of the mandate.” (FOX, MDW 5/22; AJ 5/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers using bulldozers razed Palestinian-owned land in Madama south of Nablus. Israel arrested 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Safafa, Qalqilya, and Jenin. In Gaza, 2 bodies were found under the rubble of an apartment building destroyed by Israeli missiles in Bayt Hanun; this brings the comprehensive death toll to 32 Palestinians from the weekend’s violence. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; MNA, WAFA 5/7)

The Israeli army announced that all Gaza and West Bank crossings into Israel will be closed from midnight (Israeli time) 5/6 to midnight 5/9 for the Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. Palestinians will be prohibited from entering Israel except for medical and other emergencies. (HA 5/6)

After the cease-fire reached between Hamas and Israel in the late hours of 5/5, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, “the battle is not over and requires patience and level-headedness. We are prepared to carry on.” The comment indicates that the Israeli bombing campaign is not over. A Hamas spokesperson said in response to Netanyahu’s statement: “Netanyahu’s declarations are ridiculous. The resistance factions have succeeded in deterring and humiliating his military. Our message is that this round is over, but the conflict will not be until we get our rights.” (HA 5/6)

The Israeli supreme court overturned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to prevent 181 Palestinians from the West Bank to partake in a joint Memorial Day ceremony in Tel Aviv. However, only 100 Palestinians will be allowed to attend the Memorial Day ceremony. The event is organized by Combatants for Peace, a group of Israelis and Palestinians working for reconciliation. Netanyahu’s decision was 1st made public on 5/1. (HA 5/6)

U.S. acting secretary of defense Patrick Shanahan said that the U.S. was sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East because of indications of a “credible threat by Iranian regime forces.” (AJ 5/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces dismantled and confiscated a residential tent housing 10 Palestinians in Susiya near Hebron for the 3d time since 4/16. Israeli forces also demolished the home of a Palestinian family near Yatta south of Hebron. Israeli settlers under protection of Israeli forces chopped down at least 150 olive trees in Burqa east of Jerusalem. 17 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Hizma, Nablus, Jenin, Tubas, Ramallah, and Hebron. In Gaza, Israeli forces conducted limited incursions to perform land leveling east of Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire of Palestinian fishermen, injuring 1 and detaining 2 others off the shore of al-Sudaniyya. Late at night, Israeli forces fired 5 missiles at targets in Bayt Lahiya, causing damage but no injuries were reported. Israeli authorities claimed that the strikes were in response to incendiary balloons sent from Gaza and landing on Israeli fields, igniting a fire. After the Israeli missiles fired at Bayt Lahiya, Islamic Jihad in Palestine, fired 2 missiles at Israel; no injuries or damage were reported. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/1; AJ, HA, MNA, MNA, PNN, WAFA, WAFA 5/2)

The PA rejected a proposal put forward by the EU on 4/30 to accept the Israeli offer of reduced PA tax revenue. Israel is withholding parts of the PA tax revenue, the part that Israel believes the PA spends on Palestinian prisoners and their families. The PA have on several occasions rejected any Israeli transfer that is not the full tax revenue. (HA, 5/1)

Haaretz reported that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally ordered a ban on 181 Palestinian applications from the West Bank wanting to attend a joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony in Tel Aviv. The event is organized by Combatants for Peace, a group of Israelis and Palestinians working for reconciliation. (HA 5/1)

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)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians in late-night raids in and around Far‘un, Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Qalqilya. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 greenhouses near Bethlehem and a residential structure under construction in Khirbat Jabara south of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also sealed off a road between al-Tuwwana and al-Karmel east of Yatta. In East Jerusalem, a day after the Israeli supreme court rejected local residents’ appeal to protect their East Jerusalem homes from demolition, Israeli forces began demolishing the 60 residential structures housing 500 Palestinians. Several Palestinians were wounded trying to protect their homes. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian home was demolished by Israeli forces in Bayt Hanina, displacing 7 Palestinians that also were fined $11,000. Israeli forces also arrested 6 Palestinians in East Jerusalem; 2 of the arrested were Palestinian minors who reportedly had thrown Molotov cocktails at an Israeli police station. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/17; MNA, MNA, WAFA 4/18)

The Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said that Israel would not start annexing parts of the West Bank until the Trump administration’s peace plan is unveiled. U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner told a group of ambassadors that the peace plan will not be released until after the end of Ramadan in early June. (HA 4/17; HA 4/18)

Thousands of Palestinians held rallies in Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Jericho, Tubas, Hebron, and Bethlehem in support of the over 6,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons for Prisoners Day. (WAFA 4/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being shot in his mouth by a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Ni‘lin village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians driving on Route 60 near Burqa; no injuries were reported. Parts of Route 60 south of Bethlehem were closed for a marathon arranged by Israeli settlers. An Israeli settler critically injured a 15-year-old Palestinian by ramming into him with his car by Tuwanah near Hebron. Palestinians were detained at a flying checkpoint east of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested: 1 during a late-night raid in the Old City of Jerusalem and 2 at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was critically wounded by an Israeli sniper using live ammunition during the weekly Great March of Return protest. Over 10,000 Palestinians protested and at least 80 were injured. (HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA 4/6)

A new settler bypass road in the Nablus district of the West Bank was approved for construction by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The road will bypass the Palestinian town Huwwara and parts of the road will be built on Palestinian-owned land previously seized by Israel. (MNA 4/5)

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas departed for Jordan for a 3-day trip to partake in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa by the Dead Sea. (WAFA 4/5)

The South African foreign minister Lindiwe Sisulu announced that South Africa would not reinstate its ambassador to Israel who was recalled in 2018 due to Israel’s lethal response to the Great March of Return. (HA 4/6)

IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; at least 20 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, Israeli artillery shell a Hamas post near Juhur al-Dik, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settler vehicles near Ramallah, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no serious injuries are reported. They also clash with Palestinian minors in Beitunia near Ramallah; there are no serious injuries reported. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Hizma to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/29; MNA, MNA, MNA 3/30)

Palestinian sources say that the main factions in Gaza, including Hamas, have reached agreements with the Israeli authorities ahead of the planned protests in Gaza on 3/30. In the context of the reported agreements, one source says that Israel intends to re-open the border crossings into Gaza and ease restrictions on the entry of certain goods, among other concessions. The factions, for their part, reportedly plan to limit the size of tomorrow’s protests. (HA, TOI 3/29)

After a relatively calm day in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts dozens of air strikes on Hamas sites near Rafah and Khan Yunis late at night, causing extensive damage. The IDF says that the strikes were retaliation for previously unreported incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel earlier in the day. A senior Palestinian official says that the IAF has destroyed 30 residential buildings and damaged at least 500 others since the recent campaign of air strikes began on 3/25. After the air strikes resume, unidentified Gazans fire a projectile into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. A number of protesters sneak across the border fence and set fire to an IDF post before returning to Gaza. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations, injuring 1 Palestinian minor. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to enter 2 Palestinian elementary schools in Tuqu‘ village near Bethlehem. Palestinian teachers and staff block them, but they are forced to dismiss their students early. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah; arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during further raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/27; PCHR 3/28)

A senior Israeli official says that despite the reports of an Egypt- and UN-brokered cease-fire late last night, the Israeli assault on Gaza that began on 3/25 is “not over.” The official also says that the IDF struck “very harsh blows” on Hamas. “We’re ready to deal even more.” Separately, Palestinian sources in Gaza say that the Israelis are demanding an end to all resistance activities along the border fence, including the planned Great March of Return protest this Friday, in exchange for a cease-fire. (HA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/26)

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

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

For the 2d day in a row, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to protest the high cost of living and the restrictions on imports to Gaza. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Hanun. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers tear the doors off a building in the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bi‘lin near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an IDF patrol in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/15; TOI 3/16; MNA 3/17)

The organizing committee behind the Great March of Return announces that today’s planned demonstrations along Gaza’s border have been cancelled in light of the extensive Israeli air strikes in Gaza last night. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials say that they and their colleagues with the UN have brokered a cease-fire to end the cross-border violence.  (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI 3/15)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 48 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 207. Late at night, after a projectile is fired from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites across Gaza, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians armed with knives and attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (4 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Bayt Sira near Ramallah; 8 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, after the Israeli authorities decided to re-seal al-Rahma Gate at Haram al-Sharif, approximately 40,000 Palestinians gather to pray and protest at the sanctuary. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA, MNA, MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/14)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 17 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities order a Palestinian restaurant in the Old City to close for 10 days as punishment for hiring a West Bank resident who did not have permission to enter East Jerusalem. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by a raid in Balata refugee camp near Nablus. They also patrol near Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/1; MNA, MNA 3/2; PCHR 3/7)

Texas comptroller of public accounts Glenn Hegar places the U.S.-based home-sharing company Airbnb on Texas’s “List of Companies that Boycott Israel,” triggering a suspension of all state dealings with the company. The move is reportedly an implementation of the law Texas passed in 2017 barring state contracts with companies that boycott Israel. (HA, JTA 3/4)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian minor is killed and at least 23 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 205. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Hebron to mark the 25th anniversary of the 2/25/94 massacre at al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 1 Palestinian is injured. The also disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah (3 Palestinians are injured); arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 200 olive tree seedlings from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Palestinians gather at Haram al-Sharif to protest the recent Israeli incursions at the sanctuary. Ahead of the mid-day prayer, Muslim leaders lead the protesters into the al-Rahma Gate area of the sanctuary for the first time since 2003. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 38 Palestinians in raids across the city. (AP, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; MNA 2/23; PCHR 2/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Salfit, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage. (PCHR 2/7)

The Fatah Central Committee convenes in Ramallah to discuss the prospect of forming a new PA government and the situation in Gaza. They are reportedly working to form a new government comprising representatives of the major PLO factions and several independent figures, but not any representative of Hamas. There are no reports of progress or any major decisions. (MNA, WAFA 2/3)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 32 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and al-Mughayyir) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 21 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers assault a group of Palestinian minors walking near Ramallah, lightly injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes parts of his own Jabal Mukabir home to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (AP, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; MNA, TOI 2/2; PCHR 2/7)

In a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reportedly agrees to put a stop to the recent cross-border violence in Gaza in exchange for the Egyptian authorities permanently re-opening the Rafah border crossing in both directions. Haniyeh does not comment on the report, but later calls the meeting “unprecedented.” (TOI, YA 2/2)

A U.S. official confirms that USAID has ended all its aid programs in the West Bank and Gaza as of today. U.S. support for the PA security forces (PASF) also ends today, following the PA’s decision not to accept the new conditions on U.S. aid, which were codified in the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018 (see *S. 2946 of 5/24/18 at congressionalmonitor.org). That law would have required that the Palestinians open themselves up to lawsuits from individual U.S. citizens in exchange for continued support for the PASF, which has in recent years amounted to approximately $60 million annually. Both Israeli and PA officials have indicated that they expect PASF-IDF security coordination to continue in some form despite the cut in U.S. aid. (JP, MNA, MNA 2/1)

An EU spokesperson criticizes the recent Israeli decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), saying that it “risks further deteriorating the already fragile situation on the ground.” Separately, the five countries who contributed members to the TIPH—Norway, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey—release a joint statement criticizing Israel’s decision, “strongly object[ing] to any claims that TIPH acted against Israel.” A UN spokesperson says that UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres “hopes that an agreement can be found by the parties to preserve the TIPH’s long-standing and valuable contribution to conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians in Hebron.” (HA, TOI, WAFA 2/2; AP, MNA, TOI 2/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds near Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and lightly injure a number of Palestinian farmers working near Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a number of structures on Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem and seize a tractor from a farm near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. An unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates in the northern Jordan Valley, killing 4 Palestinian-owned cows. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) leads a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Hizma. (JP, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; MNA, MNA, TOI 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour says that the effort to submit the State of Palestine for full membership at the UN is on hold until “obstacles” are no longer in the way, alluding to the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council. Earlier this month, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said he intended to file the paperwork for another full membership bid before the end of 1/2019. (AP, TOI 1/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that his government does not intend to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), an international civilian group that has been monitoring “efforts to maintain normal life” in Hebron since it was established as part of the Hebron Protocol in 1997. The TIPH’s mandate, which has been renewed every 6 months since then, is set to expire on 1/31. A PA spokesperson calls the move “unacceptable.” “We call on the countries sponsoring this agreement to take a clear stance from this grave Israeli position and to immediately act to pressure the Israeli government to continue implementation of the agreement as agreed and not to treat Israel as a state above the law.” (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; MNA, TOI 1/29; FMEP 2/1)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers harass a group of Palestinian minors in Silwan, sparking a minor physical confrontation; 4 Palestinians are injured when Israeli forces intervene. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Bayt Duqqu. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Ramallah and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron and Jenin. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s coast, IDF troops violently disperse a few hundred Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is injured. (WAFA 1/19; PCHR 1/24)

The Israeli and Palestinian press reports that the Israeli authorities are planning to shut down all UNRWA-run schools in East Jerusalem before the 2019–20 school year. The Israeli government reportedly decided to revoke UNRWA’s permits to operate the schools back in 12/2018. Later, an UNRWA spokesperson says that the agency has received no official notice from the Israeli authorities about a planned shutdown. “UNRWA’s existence in Jerusalem is not a gift from Israel,” he says. “There are bilateral agreements binding on Israel to respect the agency’s installations, jurisdiction and immunity in Jerusalem. In addition, Israel is a party to the 1946 Refugee Convention, and such attempts are in violation of this convention.” (TOI 1/19; MNA, MNA, WAFA 1/20)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 14 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. They also arrest a Palestinian who crossed the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp. The IDF later states that the man claims to be a member of Hamas’s military wing. 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, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured, including 1 photojournalist, and 1 is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in Tuqu‘ village near Bethlehem, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking clashes; there are no reported injuries. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron and Jenin. Israeli settlers chop down 23 olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/18; MNA 1/19; PCHR 1/24)

Approximately 13,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. There are some reports of protesters flying incendiary balloons and kites into Israel, but no reports of fires or any damage. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 25 are injured (1 Israeli soldier is injured as well). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 196. Hours after the protests, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas sites east of Gaza City, completely destroying them, according to Palestinians in the area. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian photojournalist covering the protests is injured. They also shoot and injure a Palestinian as he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler outside the Kiryat Arba settlement near Hebron; arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Jenin; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian taxi northwest of Nablus, causing minor damage. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA, YA 1/11; HA, WAFA 1/12; PCHR 1/17)

Late at night, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on more than 8 allegedly Iranian and Hezbollah-affiliated targets in and around Damascus, causing extensive damage. According to the Syrian press, Syrian air defenses intercept a number of Israeli missiles targeting additional sites. (JP, TOI, YA 1/12; JP, YA 1/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in southern Ramallah, confiscating surveillance footage and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors (4 Palestinians are injured). Another Palestinian is injured in similar clashes in Bil‘in near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during additional raids near Jenin and Ramallah; and patrol near Bethlehem and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot more than 30 olive, grape, and almond trees from a Palestinian farm near Hebron. Settlers also assault and injure an elderly Palestinian in Hebron. The IDF then arrests the Palestinian for unclear reasons. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities issue an eviction notice to a Palestinian residential building in Shaykh Jarrah, forcing 5 Palestinian families from their homes. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, Bayt Lahiya, and Rafah, causing 1 boat to catch fire (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire at Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City, causing no injuries. (MNA, WAFA 1/10; MNA, MNA 1/11; PCHR 1/17)

The Israeli authorities open a new highway, dubbed Route 4370, northeast of Jerusalem. Critics call it the “Apartheid Road” because it features a concrete wall that divides Israeli settler traffic from Palestinian traffic. Israel’s Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan calls it “an example of the ability to create coexistence between Israelis and Palestinian while guarding [against] the existing security challenges.” (AP, HA, TOI, YA 1/10; AJ 1/11)

Senior Egyptian officials say that senior Israeli security officials have expressed concern that a sustained closure of the Rafah border crossing could spark an escalation of violence in Gaza. The Egyptians have kept the crossing mostly closed since the PA withdrew its crossing guards amid escalating tensions with Hamas on 1/7. (JP, TOI, YA 1/10; AFP 1/11)

A senior Hamas official says that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s planned trip to Moscow next week has been indefinitely postponed due to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov’s “busy state of affairs.” Lavrov was set to discuss a new Russian effort to facilitate the Palestinian reconciliation process. This announcement comes after a week of rising tensions between Hamas and Fatah, sparking rumors that the postponement had more to do with the Russians no longer seeing an opportunity to break the impasse. (JP, TOI 1/10)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 15 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. Five unidentified assailants raid the Gaza City office of the PA-run Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation and destroy much of the technical equipment on site. The assailants flee before the police arrive on the scene. Later, a PA official says, “We hold the Hamas authorities fully responsible for this crime.” In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinians is injured and another is arrested (AFP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/4; MNA 1/5; PCHR 1/10)

Following a complaint from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IDF formally censures Colonel Avi Bluth for failing to pass along the Netanyahu’s order to postpone the evacuation and dismantlement of 2 makeshift residential structures at the site of the former illegal settlement outpost Amona on 1/3. In the context of a disciplinary hearing, IDF Chief of Staff Eisenkot reportedly “made it clear to Colonel Bluth that he had erred in handling the incident and that it would have been expected that he would have conducted himself more professionally.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 1/4)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 6 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 195. In the evening, unidentified Gazans launch a rocket into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Hours later, the Israeli Air Force responds with an air strike on a Hamas site in Dayr al-Balah, causing moderate damage to the site and several surrounding buildings. Separately, Israeli police find and dismantle several balloons and kites lashed with incendiary devices in Sdot Negev Regional Council, marking the first attack of its kind since Hamas cracked down on the incendiary balloon and kite attacks weeks ago; no damage or injuries are reported. Around the same time, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah; there are no injuries reported. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/28; HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/29; PCHR 1/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 18 Palestinians during further raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads more than 100 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/27)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that the decision, announced on 12/22, to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council “goes hand in hand with efforts of transition from the period of the Palestinian Authority to into the State of Palestine period.” (MNA 12/23)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 47 are injured (1 of the injured Palestinians will succumb to his injuries the following day). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 193. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the border fence near Bayt Lahiya open fire on Palestinian fishermen working near the coast; there are no injuries or damage reported. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured, including 1 photojournalist. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron; and patrols near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian farmland outside Battir village near Bethlehem. They are reportedly clearing the way for construction of a new road to a nearby settlement. (AFP, EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; TOI 12/22; PCHR 12/27)