The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized water pipelines in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a raid in Zawata. Israeli forces also seized 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles in al-Hadidya in the Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assaulted 3 Palestinians in a public park. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities forced 1 Palestinian family to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniya, causing damage to boats. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, QDS, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; HA, UNOCHA 8/11; PCHR 8/17; UNOCHA 8/28)

An Israeli military court released 4 Palestinians arrested in relation to the Israeli settler attack on Burqa on 8/4. The 4 were released on condition that they stay in Burqa for 1 week and pay bail of $550 as they remained charged with aggravated assault. MK Ahmad Tibi was present at the hearing, saying the 4 Palestinians were victims of an invasion and should not be on trial. (HA, REU 8/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the PA governors of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tubas, Hebron, Jericho, Gaza City, North Gaza, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, leaving only the governors of Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit in their positions. Abbas also issued a decree to form a committee to select candidates for the vacant governorships. (AP, HA, QDS, WAFA 8/10; AJ, ALM, MEMO 8/11; MEMO 8/14; HA 8/20)

President Abbas also spoke with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on the phone. The 2 leaders agreed to speed up the establishment of committees for political reconciliation that was agreed during the reconciliation conference on 7/30 in Egypt. (MEMO 8/11)

Director of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Dorothee Klaus, said fighting in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp had destroyed 400 homes and left half of the camp off-limits as the Lebanese military is barring access. (AP 8/10)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid told a delegation of U.S. Democrats that he opposes a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia that would see the country enrich uranium. Saudi Arabia is reportedly demanding a nuclear program in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel. Lapid later said in an interview with Channel 12 that he does not have a problem with Saudi Arabia having a nuclear program, but that Israel cannot allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on their own soil. (HA 8/10; ALM 8/11)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers with a military escort broke in to 2 Palestinian homes in Tuba and El-Abid, intimidating the homeowners and searching their belongings. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, claiming that 1 of them had opened fire at Israeli soldiers near Nablus; Israeli forces prevented a Palestinian ambulance from reaching the scene. The PA called the killings a war crime. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Deir Istiya, assaulting journalists and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor and 1 other vehicle in Bardala. Israeli forces also demolished agricultural structures and uprooted olive trees in az-Za’ayyem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family was forced to demolish their own home in Bayt Hanina. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; PCHR 7/27; UNOCHA 7/29; UNOCHA 8/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. Erdoğan urged Abbas to work on reconciliation with Hamas. (ALM, MEE, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; REU 7/26)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh spoke to U.S. congressman Richard McCormick (R-GA) via video link. (WAFA 7/25)

The Knesset voted to expand the Admissions Committees Law, effectively allowing communities in Israel with up to 700 households to reject non-Jewish people from moving in. MKs from the Hadash-Ta’al and United Arab List parties voted against the law along with 2 members of Labor. (HA, WAFA 7/25; JP, MEMO 7/26; AJ, HA, MEE 7/27; MDW 7/31)

Israel and Vietnam signed a free trade agreement. (REU 7/25)

12 members of the U.S. Congress called in a letter on the State Department to prevent Israeli demolitions and property seizure in Wadi Fukin. The letter was signed by Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jan Schkowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Greg Casar (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Raul Grijalva (D-AR), and Jesus Garcia (D-IL). (MDW 8/5)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin urged his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to “address extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians” during a phone call. (ALM, AN, MEE, REU 7/25)

In the West Bank, 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-‘Awja, Hebron, Beit Umar and Beitin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bayt Hanina. (WAFA 4/13; UNOCHA 4/20; PCHR 4/27)

The Israeli state prosecutor closed a probe into the Israeli police’s killing of 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel near the Haram al-Sharif compound on 3/31. Israeli police claimed that no cameras caught the incident as the police officers’ body cameras were turned off and that the incident happened in a blind spot for surveillance cameras. Palestinians have contested the police’s narrative and several organizations have questioned the notion that no camera would have caught the incident given that the area is heavily surveilled. (AP, HA, WAFA 4/13)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel’s interior minister does not have the authority to revoke residency status and citizenship from relatives of Palestinians who are accused of attacking Israelis as a means of deterrence. (HA 4/13)

Human Rights Watch reported that the PA refused to renew the registration of the rights organization Lawyers for Justice that represent Palestinians detained by the PA. (HRW, TOI 4/13; AP 4/14)

Syria and Saudi Arabia reestablished diplomatic ties, reopening embassies and resuming flights between the two countries for the first time since 2012. Syria also reestablished ties with Tunisia on 4/12. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 4/12; AJ, AP, HA 4/13)

13 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, headed by Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT) in the Senate wrote a letter to U.S. president Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging them to shift U.S. policy on Israel-Palestine. The letter mentioned the worsening violence, Israel’s “further annexation of land, and denial of Palestinian rights.” The group also said that U.S. taxpayer money should not be used for Israeli settlement projects and the U.S. should investigate if U.S. military aid violates the Leahy Law. (AJ, HA, MDW, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/16)

In the West Bank, Palestinians in several cities observed a general strike in solidarity with residents of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which have been closed by Israel since 10/8. Palestinians in Nablus also observed a general strike in protest against Israeli closures of all the entrances to the city. Israeli settlers attacked 1 vehicle transporting patients to an-Najah Hospital, damaging the vehicle. Israeli settlers with military escort also visited Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians resisting the incursion near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, attacking businesses and people and blocking a road, 1 Palestinian was injured. Israeli settlers also set fire to a poultry facility and truck in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other while violently dispersing Palestinian protesters at al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 1 with a baton round and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian man after forcing him out of his vehicle at a checkpoint near Bayt Lid. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Coinciding with the tour, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 3 at the compound, including 2 Waqf guards. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Isawiya, Silwan, al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Jabel Mukaber, Sur Baher, and Bayt Hanina, using tear gas and stun grenades. A general strike was also observed by Palestinians in East Jerusalem in solidarity with Shu‘fat and ‘Anata. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; ALM, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; UNOCHA 11/1)

The Israeli cabinet approved the maritime border agreement with Lebanon, sending it to the Knesset for final approval in 2 weeks. (AP, HA 10/12)

The U.S. White House released its National Security Strategy. The strategy included language referring to expanding normalization deals for Israel and a commitment to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic” state. The strategy paper also restated president Joe Biden’s position in support of a 2-state solution “along the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed swaps.” The paper did not mention any effort to restart negotiations. (White House 10/12; MEE 10/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles and attempted to break into a house in Sinjil. Israeli settlers also blocked a main road in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against settler violence in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya, assaulting 4 protesters and causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 3 homes, an agricultural structure, and a retaining wall in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 3 commercial structures in Jabel Mukaber. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Bayt Hanina, displacing 7. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at the Damascus Gate plaza and 2 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Israel, Israeli prison forces assaulted Palestinian prisoners in their cells in 2 sections of Rimon Prison. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at a landfill east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 2/28; PCHR 3/3; UNOCHA 3/11)

The World Zionist Organization said it plans to make 1,000 portable structures available for Ukrainian immigrants in the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and Israel. Israel is expecting a large wave of immigration of Ukrainians with Jewish heritage as Russia attacked Ukraine on 2/24. The Israeli government will have to approve the placement of the portable structures for the Ukrainian immigrants. (AJ 3/4)

Israeli officials told Axios that U.S. president Joe Biden was disappointed that Israel refused to co-sponsor a UN security council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 2/27. Israel, however, did vote in favor of a resolution at the UN general assembly condemning Russia’s invasion on 3/2. Israel is said to have asked the U.S. to understand its vague position regarding Russia’s invasion, given Israel’s cooperation with Russia on matters relating to Syria. The PA expressed “concern” about the situation but did not condemn Russia’s invasion. (HA 2/24; ALM 2/25; HA 2/26; AX, HA, NYT, TOI 2/27; HA 2/28; HA 3/1; HA, HA, HA 3/2; HA 3/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in Ya‘bad, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also injured 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet during a daytime raid in Tuqu‘ near a secondary school; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in Dura and Beitunia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel forces ordered Palestinian shop owners to close shops in the Old City and erected roadblocks around the city. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/23)

All crossings between Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank were closed for the Israeli Yom Kippur holiday. (PCHR 9/23)

1 Palestinian prisoner from Bayt Hanina stopped taking his insulin injections in protest over his Israeli administrative detention. The man has been held by Israel without a trial since 5/17. (AJ 9/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used pepper spray on 3 Palestinians at the Wadi Qana nature reserve near Salfit and vandalized 5 vehicles. Israeli forces closed all the entrances to Dayr Nidham, closed roads leading to Ya‘bad with concrete blocks and set up a metal gate, and closed access to 7 villages near Salfit. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Kafr Dan, Qabatiya, Ya‘bad, Nablus, Balata refugee camp, al-Twana, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Shaykh Jarrah, injuring 1 with a sound bomb. Israel began allowing Jewish worshipers at the Haram al-Sharif compound for the 1st time since the beginning of Ramadan on 4/12; some 250 Jewish worshipers with military escort visited the compound; 9 Palestinians were arrested for protesting the settler incursion. 10 other Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bayt Hanina, al-Tur, and the Old City. In Israel, 1 Israeli woman succumbed to injuries sustained in a fall while seeking shelter on 5/15, raising the Israeli death toll from the Hamas-Israel escalation to 13. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/23; PCHR 5/27)

PA presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh warned that Israel’s lockdown of Shaykh Jarrah and continued attacks on the Haram al-Sharif compound could lead to an end of the ceasefire, which went into effect on 5/21, and asked the U.S. to intervene to keep the calm. (WAFA 5/23)

Leader of Hamas’s politburo Ismail Haniyeh met with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, thanking him for Qatar’s support of Palestine. (MEMO 5/24)

Israeli police released a statement saying it had arrested 1,550 people since 5/9 who have taken part in violent and non-violent protest throughout Israel. Over 70% of the people arrested were Palestinian citizens of Israel, prompting Adalah to call it a “war” against Palestinian demonstrators. Israeli police have named the mass arrest campaign “Operation Law and Order.” (AJ, INT, MDW, NYT, WAFA 5/24)

The Jordanian foreign ministry condemned Israel’s continued violations of status quo agreements in East Jerusalem, specifically the continued raids on the Haram al-Sharif compound and policy reversal in allowing Jewish worshipers at the compound. (WAFA 5/23)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said that the Biden administration is committed to “giving Israel the means to defend itself,” despite growing calls among democrats and activists to condition U.S. military aid to Israel. (AJ 5/23)

The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings said that the UN would launch an urgent appeal to countries to help rebuild Gaza after Israeli air strikes caused massive destruction during the latest escalation, which ended on 5/21. U.S. president Joe Biden said his administration would work with the UN to send humanitarian aid to Gaza in a way that prevents Hamas from benefiting. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said he will condition any aid that is not for humanitarian relief on the release of Israeli prisoners and the bodies of 2 Israelis to Israel. Defense minister Gantz also said that Gaza should be kept on the “basic humanitarian threshold.” (AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/23; HA 5/24)

Kuwait said it will send 40 tons of aid to the Palestinian Red Crescent to help with its response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (MEMO 5/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a field planted with wheat crops near al-Mughayyir, causing extensive damage. Israel deployed more forces to the West Bank, increasing the number of military forces by 50%. Israeli forces seized 1 excavator east of Yatta. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters by the Damascus Gate plaza, injuring 3. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Hebrew University near Issawiyya, injuring 2 and arresting 3; 3 Israeli police officers were reportedly lightly injured. Earlier, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian in the area, leading to several other Palestinians coming to his defense. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed off Shaykh Jarrah to prevent Palestinians from entering the neighborhood and violently dispersed Palestinians in the area, leading to 19 injuries, including 5 that required treatment at a hospital. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around the Haram al-Sharif compound, Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, Israel said incendiary balloons from Gaza started several fires in Israel. 2 rockets were also reportedly fired from Gaza toward Israel; no damage was reported. Israeli forces subsequently attacked Dayr al-Balah, causing damage. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protests against Israeli aggression in East Jerusalem near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis, injuring 1 protester with live ammunition and 2 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israel’s aggression against Palestinians in East Jerusalem in Haifa and Nazareth. (HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/9; AP, HA, HA 5/10; PCHR 5/11)

The Israeli high court of justice postponed the eviction hearing for the Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah under the most immediate threat of eviction. The hearing, which has already been postponed a number of times, was scheduled for 5/10. The postponement was made after a request by the Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit, whom the attorneys representing the Palestinian families have requested be part of the proceedings. (GDN, HA, NYT 5/9; HA, REU 5/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “[w]e firmly reject pressure not to build in Jerusalem. And sadly, these pressures have been increasing recently. I say to our closest friends: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Just as every nation builds its capital and builds in its capital, we also reserve the right to build Jerusalem and build in Jerusalem. This is what we have done, and this is what we will continue to do.” His comments came after days of international condemnation of Israeli efforts to evict Palestinians in East Jerusalem, replacing them with Israeli settlers. (AJ, BBC, HA 5/9)

Jordan summoned the Israeli envoy to the country to express its condemnation over Israeli behavior in East Jerusalem in recent days. Jordan’s king Abdullah II also called PA president Mahmoud Abbas to express his support. Jordan called the Israeli violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem “barbaric.” Protests outside the Israeli embassy in Amman called for Jordan to end its peace treaty with Israel. President Abbas also discussed the situation with Tunisian president Kais Saied. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 5/9)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Israeli national security advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, expressing concern over the recent violence in East Jerusalem and the Israeli eviction threat over the Palestinian families in Shaykh Jarrah. According to Axios, Security Advisor Ben-Shabbat told U.S. security advisor Sullivan that the U.S. and the international community should stay out of Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem. The spokesperson for UN secretary-general António Guterres urged Israel to “exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly” and to stop demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem. Pope Francis also called on the parties to stop the violence. Pakistan and Switzerland were also among the countries to criticize Israel’s aggression. (AX, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/9; AX, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA 5/10)

Tunisia led a group of 9 nations requesting an emergency meeting at the UN security council for the violence in Jerusalem. (WAFA 5/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Nablus, east of Bethlehem, and near Ya‘bad, damaging several cars and causing at least 3 injuries. 1 of the Israeli settlers was killed when Israeli forces chased after them and the car flipped over; 4 other settlers suffered injuries and were released without charges. Israeli settlers subsequently attacked a police compound in East Jerusalem, leading to clashes and 50 arrests. Later, 1 Palestinian bus driver from East Jerusalem was attacked near the settlement where the Israeli settler, who died earlier, was buried; 2 Israeli settlers used pepper spray and stones and threatened him with a gun as they yelled “Death to Arabs.” Israeli settlers also slashed the tires of Palestinian cars near Hebron and blocked roads near Kafr Qaddum. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man near Nablus, causing him to need treatment at a hospital. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians using live ammunition during raids in Nablus. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses, 1 water well, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Samou, displacing 20 Palestinians, and delivered 1 stop-work order for a water well in Dhariyya. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin refugee camp, Jenin, Nablus, al-Mughayyir, and Dahaysha refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor, who had opened fire on Israeli forces near the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was killed as he was fleeing the scene and 1 Israeli soldier was injured as he fell during the pursuit. Israeli forces also raided 3 Palestinian-owned stores in Bayt Hanina, seizing tobacco products with PA labels. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Silwan to avoid an Israeli-imposed demolition fee of 70,000 NIS ($22,000). 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands on 3 separate occasions east of Bayt Hanun and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and levelled 48 acres of farmland planted with peas and potatoes belonging to 7 Palestinian families. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested Israeli police inaction in addressing violence in their communities. More than 100 Palestinian citizens of Israel have been killed in communal violence and Israeli police are largely inactive in solving the issue. The protesters drove a caravan from Kafa Qara to the Knesset. (WAFA 12/19; HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/21; AJ, WAFA 12/22; HA 12/23; PCHR 12/24)

Special advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump Jared Kushner met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of a joint trip by Israeli and U.S. officials to Morocco on 12/22 as part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. (HA 12/21)

As part of the normalization deal between Israel and Sudan, President Trump signed a bill giving immunity to the state of Sudan for future U.S. lawsuits by victims of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa. The bill also provides Sudan close to $1 billion in aid and loans. (AJ, AX 12/22)

Canadian foreign minister Karina Gould said Canada would provide the UNRWA with $70 million over the next 3 years. (AJ 12/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed the entrances to the villages Nabi Salih and Abud near Ramallah. The sealing of Nabi Salih led to clashes between residents and Israeli forces; no injuries were reported. During late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Israeli forces killed a 23-year-old Palestinian man; 3 other Palestinians were injured and taken to a hospital in Ramallah. Eyewitnesses say that the Palestinians did not pose a threat to the Israeli soldiers. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalandia, al-‘Izzariya, Beitunia, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Hanina by spraying racist graffiti, slashing tires and braking windows. In the Old City of Jerusalem, an employee of the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf was detained by Israeli police for opening the door to Bab al-Rahma. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Commission said that two Palestinian kids were severely beaten by Israeli forces while in detention after being arrested at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, Israeli forces announced that it had expanded the fishing zone for Gaza fishermen to 15 nautical miles off the southern part of Gaza. The middle zone of the Gaza shore will be 12 nautical miles and the northern zone will be 6 nautical miles. Israeli forces said that the expansion was due to the show of “restraint” at the Great March of Return protests. (AJ, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; HA, HA, MNA, MNA, PNN, WAFA, WAFA 4/2)

The PA announced that government employees for the 2d month in a row would receive only 50 percent of their salary. The PA said that the deduction in the government employees’ salaries was due to its decision not to accept $200 million in tax revenues collected by Israel as Israel deducted $11.5 million from the planned transfer to the PA because some of the money is scheduled to be paid to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and their families. (MNA, WAFA 4/1)

During a visit to Israel, Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro toured the Western Wall with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Bolsonaro was in Israel from 3/31-4/3. (HA 4/1)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters. After some protesters reportedly hurl an explosive device over the border fence, Israeli forces shell a Hamas outpost near Bayt Hanun, causing damage. Separately, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned carwash in Bayt Hanina and assault and detain a Palestinian outside the Old City. They also deliver an order to the chairman of the Islamic Waqf council, banning him from Haram al-Sharif for 40 days, and arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Silwan, and Bayt ‘Anan. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians and injure a 3d after their vehicle collides with an IDF vehicle outside Ramallah, injuring 2 Israeli soldiers. The IDF claims that it was a purposeful ramming attack, while Palestinian eyewitnesses say the collision was an accident. Separately, the Israeli authorities temporarily close the checkpoint at the southern entrance to Hebron’s al-Ibrahimi Mosque, blocking of the area to make room for Israeli settlers holding demonstration. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by a patrol in Nablus; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers chase Palestinian shepherds off their lands near Jericho. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian carwash, a merchant’s cart, and 2 other steel structures near Salfit. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/7)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, during a raid in Bayt Hanina. They accuse him of an undisclosed “violation” in the West Bank. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Kafr 'Aqab. Meanwhile, approximately 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Wajala village near Bethlehem; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/25)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders the Kerem Shalom and Erez border crossings with Gaza to be re-opened, days after he ordered them closed in response to escalating violence along Gaza’s border on 10/17. He also says he will consider re-allowing transfers of Qatari-funded fuel for Gaza’s only power plant (he ordered them to halt after a bout of violence on 10/12). Today’s decision reportedly comes after Lieberman conferred with top security officials and verified Hamas’s efforts to limit the violence along Gaza’s border in recent days. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/21)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu postpones for “a short time” the planned evacuation and demolition of Jerusalem-area Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar. According to sources in Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister wants to give more time for the ongoing negotiations on relocation sites, including a new proposal from the residents. The residents reportedly offered to move 500 meter north to the outskirts of Anata refugee camp “The amount of time to achieve this consent will be determined by [Israel’s cabinet],” he says. “I will convene it today. It will make a decision. The timetable will be short. I believe the evacuation will also be consensual.” Israeli defense minister Lieberman says that the Netanyahu made this decision “despite [his] strong objections.” (HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/21)

Jordan’s King Abdullah announces that earlier today he informed the Israeli government that he does not intend to renew 2 annexes of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty. The annexes specifically stipulated that Jordan would lease 2 areas of land along the Israel-Jordan border to Israel for a period of 25 years. Netanyahu responds that he intends to negotiate with Jordan on extending the lease. “There is no doubt the agreement is an important asset,” he adds. (HA, JT, TOI 10/21; JP 10/22)

Israeli MK Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif with an escort of heavily armed Israeli security forces. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with dozens of Palestinian students at al-Quds University; there are no reported injuries. They also demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Anata refugee camp and a 3d in Bayt Hanina. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinian journalists amid clashes in Ras Karkar village near Ramallah; arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; PCHR 9/13)

A senior officer in Hamas’s military wing, Abdel Rahim Abbas, dies in what is reported to be an accidental explosion in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 9/6)

Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni announces that Paraguay will be returning its embassy in Israel to Tel Aviv, reversing former president Horacio Cartes’ decision to move it to Jerusalem in 5/2018. “Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East,” he says. In response, the Israeli government announces the closure of the Israeli embassy in Paraguay and a recall of the Israeli ambassador. (WAFA 9/5; HA, MNA, REU, YA 9/6)

The Israeli authorities announce the indefinite closure of the Erez border crossing, following the damage done to the crossing amid protests along the border fence on 9/4. An official statement explains that the closure is to allow for maintenance work. Exceptional humanitarian cases are still allowed to cross. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/5)

Denying a petition from the residents, Israel’s High Court of Justice gives its final authorization for the Israeli government’s plan to evacuate and demolish Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem. “We have exhausted all legal means at this point and there is nothing more we can do other than be present in the area to protect it and prevent its demolition,” says a PA official who has been working on the case. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/5)

The Jerusalem Local Planning and Building Committee advances a plan to build 150 housing units in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem. The current plan earmarks 75 of the units for Palestinians, but it is unclear if that earmark will remain as the plan proceeds through the authorization process. (HA 9/6; FMEP 9/7)

IDF troops surround the Jenin refugee camp home of a Palestinian allegedly involved in the killing of an Israeli settler on 1/9, sparking a firefight; the suspect’s cousin is killed and 2 Israeli soldiers are injured (after initial reports that the suspect was killed during the firefight, his family later says that he escaped unharmed). Two other Palestinians suspected of participating in the 1/9 killing are arrested. The incident sparks broader clashes in Jenin refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. A number of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 1/17; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/25)

UNRWA announces an international funding campaign to raise enough money to make up for the shortfall created when the U.S. announced on 1/16 that it was withholding $65 million in aid indefinitely. (AFP, TOI, WAFA 1/17; AP 1/18; EI 1/19)

Early in the morning, the IAF conducts air strikes on a military airport near Damascus, allegedly targeting a Hezbollah arms depot, according to local reports. Neither the Syrian government nor the IDF comment on the attack. (HA, TOI 1/17)

In c. Israel, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and seriously injures an Israeli in Yavne. The IDF then raids the alleged attacker’s Yatta home and imposes a lockdown on the village, blocking all entrances and exits. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces raid a civil investigations office in c. Hebron, confiscating equipment and detaining the 30-odd employees. The office reportedly opened following a recent agreement between local Palestinian and Israeli authorities. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly armed with a knife at the Gush Etzion junction; arrest 8 more Palestinians, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Tubas. During raids in Wadi al-Juz, Ras al-Amud, Bayt Hanina, and al-Tur in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians in connection with the violence at the sanctuary (48 Palestinians are still reportedly being held in connection with the clashes). They also ban an Islamic Waqf employee from Haram al-Sharif. Palestinian youths throw stones at an Israeli police officer outside Damascus Gate, lightly injuring him. Meanwhile, approximately 1,000 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/2; HA, MNA, PCHR, TOI 8/3; PCHR 8/10)

The Israeli press reports that the IDF has completed construction of a 26-mile segment of the separation wall nr. Hebron, which they had resumed in 2/2017 after Palestinians from nearby Yatta village carried out a deadly shooting in 6/2016 in Tel Aviv. (MNA 8/3)

IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian in Hawara village nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab a soldier with a screwdriver. Late at night in the West Bank, Israeli forces use concrete to seal the entrance to the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian accused of assisting in the killing of 4 Israelis in Tel Aviv on 6/8. They also confiscate a tractor from Ras al-Amud village in the n. Jordan Valley and reopen the entrance to Aqraba village nr. Nablus, which was closed on 9/20 as collective punishment for reported stonethrowing in the area. The IDF arrests 14 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a car wash in Bayt Hanina overnight. They also conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Around 100 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/9; PCHR 11/10; PCHR 11/17)

A Palestinian from Jalazun r.c. succumbs to a head injury he sustained in clashes with the IDF in the camp in 1992. (IMEMC 11/9)

An errant mortar shell fired from Syria lands in an uninhabited area of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds later in the day, firing artillery at Syrian army targets. There are no reported injuries. (JP, TOI 10/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF reopens the entrance to Bayt ‘Aynun village nr. Hebron, having kept it closed for nearly a year following a surge of violence in the Hebron area in 10/2015. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Jenin and in Nablus, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in Bayt Hanina and a multi-unit building in Silwan. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level lands nr. Gaza City and al-Bureij r.c. In Israel, Israeli forces deliver demolition orders to several homes in Bir Hadaj village nr. Beesheba, sparking clashes with the residents of the bedouin village; several bedouins are arrested. (MNA, WAFA 10/26; MNA, PCHR 10/27; PCHR 11/3)

Unidentified assailants driving along the Israel-Lebanon border in s. Lebanon open fire on Israeli forces across the border, injuring 1. The Israeli soldiers return fire, causing an unknown amount of damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 10/26)

UNESCO’s World Heritage Comm. passes a res. condemning Israel’s discriminatory administration of Haram al-Sharif and reaffirming the sanctuary as a Muslim holy site. The wording is similar to that in the res. passed by UNESCO’s executive board on 10/18, but does not refer to Israel as an “occupying” power and also includes Jewish names for the Western Wall/al-Buraq Plaza. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/26)

Israeli forces raid Yatta village nr. Hebron late at night and carry out the punitive demolition orders for the homes of the 2 Palestinians who shot and killed 4 Israelis in Tel Aviv on 6/8. In accordance with a court order, 1 of the homes is only partially destroyed. The IDF temporarily closes the major Beit El checkpoint nr. Ramallah after soldiers find a suspicious object nearby; arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Hebron, and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. IDF troops briefly clash with Palestinians participating in a sit-in in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Ramallah, detaining 1 temporarily and causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police detain 4 Islamic Waqf employees doing minor repair work at Haram al-Sharif while a group of Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary. The Waqf employees are accused of doing repairs without permission from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina for the 6th time since 1995, when the family first started seeking a permit for the newly built structure, and also demolish 3 livestock structures in al-Nabi Samuel. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qatanna. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and later nr. Jabaliya r.c., destroying the engine of 1 boat and causing no injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/3; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 8/4; PCHR 8/11)

U.S. and Israeli officials conclude a 3-day round of negotiations on a new military aid agreement. They reportedly settle all remaining discrepancies, except for gaps on some technical issues. A U.S. official says, “We’ve made progress and closed many of the remaining gaps,” adding, “We hope soon to be able to reach final agreement”. (HA, JP 8/4)

The Israeli press reports that Israel’s Defense Ministry has issued tenders for the construction of an underground wall to encircle Gaza. The wall is being designed to deter Hamas’s tunneling efforts. Construction is set to start in 10/2016. (TOI, YA 8/3)

Israeli forces conduct raids in al-Ram village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian child is struck in the chest with an unidentified projectile and killed. Palestinian witnesses say he was killed by live ammunition. The Israeli authorities later dispute the nature of the child’s death, arguing that no live fire was used in the clashes. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Bayt Hanina and 4 commercial buildings and a residential structure in Silwan; arrest a West Bank Palestinian 2 days after his release from prison, alleging that he was planning a “terrorist” attack; arrest 3 other Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya; and demolish several Palestinian graves nr. Haram al-Sharif for undisclosed reasons. In the West Bank, the IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district that was put in place on 7/1. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during house searches and raids nr. Hebron, as well as nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Jenin, Salfit, and Hebron throughout the day. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home in Duma nr. Nablus, causing damage and 1 light injury. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 1 fisherman. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; WAFA 7/20; PCHR 7/21)

Israel’s Knesset passes into law, 62–45, the so-called Suspension Bill, allowing 70 MKs, including 10 from the opposition, to initiate a procedure that would suspend 1 of their colleagues. The new draft would still require 90 MKs’ support to effect a suspension. (HA, NYT 7/19; HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/20)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Also, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers on patrol in a village nr. Bethlehem open fire on Palestinian students returning home, injuring 1. IDF troops raid a PA-run charity in Tulkarm and a university in Jenin, destroying and confiscating equipment, and conduct further raids and house searches in and around Jenin, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm, arresting 8 Palestinians. Israeli forces begin razing 40 dunams (around 9.8 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Hebron; destroy 3 residential structures and a number of health facilities, tents, and an animal barn nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man nr. Nablus with sticks and stones, inflicting moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a store in Jabal Mukabir and a small mobile home in Bayt Hanina, and arrest 17 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Also, a Palestinian shopkeeper demolishes his own store in Jabal Mukabir after Israeli forces surround it (he says he carried out the demolition himself because he did not want them to damage the adjacent store). Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities bar all Palestinian men under the age of 50 from entering Haram al-Sharif today, ahead of the Jewish Purim holiday on 3/24. Later, they close al-Aqsa Mosque after detaining 17 Palestinians attempting to enter the sanctuary. (MNA, WAFA 3/22; MNA 3/23; PCHR 3/24)

Israel’s political leadership decides to bar West Bank Palestinians from entering or exiting Israel, except in humanitarian cases, during the Jewish Purim festivities. The ban begins late tonight and extends through midnight on 3/26 local time. In recent years, the Israeli govt. has not imposed a ban on Palestinian movement during Purim. (TOI 3/22; HA, JP 3/23)

The PA cabinet decides to ban the products of 5 Israeli food companies—Tnuva, Strauss, Tara, Soglowek, and Tapuzina—from entering the West Bank in response to Israel’s 3/9 order to ban 5 Palestinian food companies from distributing their products in East Jerusalem. Although the order is effective today, it will take some time for the Israeli products to be cleared from shelves. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/22)

Israeli forces demolish a 2-story home in a village nr. Bethlehem, an agricultural building nearby, and a clothing warehouse and 2 homes in East Jerusalem. Also in East Jerusalem, they arrest a Palestinian youth who was allegedly planning to conduct a stabbing attack in Shu‘fat r.c., and arrest 5 Palestinians on late-night raids in Bayt Hanina and Bayt Duqqu. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid a village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. They conduct further house searches and raids nr. Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron, arresting 7 Palestinians and ordering several shops to close; patrol in 6 villages nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish 6 stores in s. Nablus late at night. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/16; MNA, PCHR 3/17; PCHR 3/24)

The Israeli authorities announce that, beginning 3/18, they are temporarily suspending elderly Gazans’ weekly visits to Haram al-Sharif, citing recent alleged violations. Since the cease-fire that ended Israel’s summer 2014 assault on Gaza, Israel has permitted as many as 200 Gazans over the age of 60 to travel weekly to Jerusalem for Friday prayers. (MNA 3/16; TOI 3/17)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt amid the ongoing wave of violence continues. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside a settlement nr. Ramallah and along Gaza’s border e. of Khan Yunis, injuring 4. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jerusalem and Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (2 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition); conducts raids around Jenin and patrols across the West Bank. Masked assailants assault Palestinian Legislative Council mbr. Mustafa Barghouti in Ramallah, shouting “let the intifada protect you” and causing minor injuries before fleeing the area. The PA then launches an investigation into the attack. Israeli settlers continue assaults on Palestinians and their property, damaging a Palestinian greenhouse nr. Jenin; setting fire to a car in East Jerusalem and leaving price-tag graffiti nr. the scene. A Palestinian family demolishes its own home in Bayt Hanina, responding to the Israeli police’s 4/2015 order giving them until today to destroy the building or accept a fine of NIS 60,000 (around $15,430). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians on raids in the Old City, al-Tur, al-Suwana, Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Issawiyya. In Israel, an Israeli rabbi succumbs to injuries sustained on 11/18/2014 when 2 Palestinians attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem, bringing the number of Israelis killed in the attack to 6. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/24; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/25; PCHR 10/29)

After meeting with PA pres. Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman, U.S. secy. of state Kerry announces that they and Israeli PM Netanyahu have reached a series of understandings, including an Israeli-Jordanian agreement to install cameras at Haram al-Sharif to broadcast live 24 hours a day. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/24; HA, JP 10/25)

Overnight in the West Bank, 4 Jewish extremists set fire to 2 Palestinian family homes in the village of Duma, nr. Nablus, killing an 18-mo.-old child and severely injuring the 3 other mbrs. of his family (the father and mother will succumb to their injuries on 8/8 and 9/7, respectively). The extremists leave price-tag graffiti nr. the site of the attack. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and the morning’s arson attack in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., Silwad, and outside Ofer Prison) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Hebron and 1 village nearby to protest the morning’s arson attack, injuring 6. In the evening, clashes break out at Atara checkpoint nr. Ramallah, and Israeli soldiers shoot a Palestinian in the back, critically injuring him (he will succumb to his injuries on 8/1). During the day, Israeli forces patrol in 5 villages nr. Hebron and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah; assault a Palestinian driver at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. An Israeli settler rams a Palestinian firefighter with a car while he is putting out a fire nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers also damage 35 olive tree seedlings nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere, a Palestinian opens fire on an Israeli vehicle nr. Ramallah, causing damage. Late at night, unknown assailants throw a molotov cocktail at a Hamas leader’s car in Jenin. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Lahiya open fire on a small group of Palestinians approaching the border fence to protest the morning’s arson attack nr. Jenin, killing 1 and moderately wounding another. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities bar men under 50 from entering Haram al-Sharif in the wake of the morning arson attack. Clashes break out across the city, with Israeli forces firing rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinian protesters in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, Bayt Hanina, al-Suwana, al-Tur, and Silwan; 2 Israeli police officers and 13 Palestinians are injured, including 1 seriously. Meanwhile, unknown assailants throw rocks and firebombs in the Old City, injuring 1 Israeli police officer. An Israeli settler rams a Palestinian with a car in Ras al-Amud, injuring him. During the day, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians on raids and patrols in the Old City and Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/31; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/1; PCHR 8/6)

In Ramallah, 5 new ministers are sworn into the PA consensus govt. after being announced on 7/30. (MNA 7/30; HA, YA 8/4; MNA 8/5)

Nr. Gaza, Israeli military radar spots a small drone flying from Gaza across the border into Israel. IAF jets are deployed to monitor its activity, then the drone falls to the ground on the Israeli side of the border fence. Hamas later claims responsibility. IDF troops on the border e. of Jabaliya open fire on agricultural lands along the border fence, causing no injuries. After its opening on 6/23, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night house searches and raids in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrols during the day in 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers destroy a water well nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detain 6 Palestinian women, including 1 journalist, at Haram al-Sharif; conduct late-night raids and house searches in Bayt Hanina, Ras al-Amud, and al-Khalla, arresting 5 Palestinians. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 6/25; PCHR 7/2)

In The Hague, PA FM Riyad al-Maliki presents an extensive file of case material to the International Criminal Court (ICC) supporting the Palestinians’ allegations that Israelis are responsible for 23 criminal counts in the oPt. PA amb. to the Netherlands Nabil Abu Zneid says, “It will take the ICC a long time to take action, possibly 5–10 years as this is 1 out of 100 steps.” (HA, NYT, YA 6/24; AFP, MNA, MDW, REU, TOI 6/25)

The Freedom Flotilla III sets sail for Gaza today from Greece, with 4 ships laden with humanitarian supplies. Last-minute repairs were made to 1 ship after “unknown forces” damaged the propeller in a way “only professionals could do,” Israeli-born activist Dror Feiler reported. Israeli MK Ghattas (Joint List) joins the activists today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 6/25; MNA, YA 6/26)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers and agricultural areas nr. the border fence, causing damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Jenin, and Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians at a checkpoint nr. Jerusalem and 2 more at an entrance to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tubas; demolish a well, a wall, and 10 olive trees in a village nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian woman as she is exiting Haram al-Sharif and 6 youth playing in the sanctuary. They also conduct house searches and raids in al-Jdayra, arresting 4 youth and sparking light clashes; arrest 2 Palestinian youths in Bayt Hanina. Israeli authorities issue demolition orders for 5 Palestinian-owned buildings in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; MNA 3/24; PCHR 3/26)

Swiss amb. to the PA Paul Garnier visits Gaza to discuss a possible long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. UN Special Coordinator Serry conducted similar meetings in Gaza on 3/2. (MNA 3/23; ALM 4/14)

Fearing that the continued tax revenue freeze could spark an uprising in the West Bank, Senior IDF officers say that the IDF has issued 10,000 permits for Palestinian laborers in the West Bank and has directed its troops to engage in clashes with Palestinian protesters less frequently. (TOI 3/23; YA 3/24)

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough clarifies the Obama admin.’s response to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s campaign rhetoric and subsequent attempts to defend himself from international criticism in a speech at the annual J Street conference. “After the election,” McDonough says, “the PM said that he had not changed his position, but for many in Israel and in the international community, such contradictory comments call into question his commitment to a 2-state solution, as did his suggestion that the construction of settlements has a strategic purpose of dividing Palestinian communities and his claim that conditions in the larger Middle East must be more stable before a Palestinian state can be established.” (YA 3/23; HA, TOI 3/24)

In Geneva, the UNHRC holds its scheduled debate on Israeli violations of Palestinian rights in the oPt. Israel is absent, pursuant to its longtime boycott of the council, but so is the U.S. Israel’s FM denies a Reuters report claiming that the U.S. absence stems from the Obama admin.’s recently announced reassessment of its policy on defending Israel in international institutions. Later, U.S. amb to the UNHRC Keith Harper confirms that the U.S. has joined the Israeli boycott due to the UNHRC’s focus on Israel. (JP, REU, TOI 3/23; JP 3/24)

In Gaza, Israeli authorities close both the Kerem Shalom and the Erez border crossings. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops stationed e. of Gaza City fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing damage. Later, IDF troops stationed along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian farmers, causing damage to a car but no injuries. They also arrest 2 Palestinians nr. the border fence e. of al-Maghazi r.c. Unknown assailants set fire to a car belonging to the spokesperson of Gaza’s union of civil servants in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron, and in and around Tulkarm; evacuates and demolishes the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 11th time, forcing hundreds of Palestinian and international activists to leave the area and detaining 7. Israeli forces demolish a marble factory nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers poison a Palestinian family’s water tank in Hebron, but it is discovered before anyone is hurt; assault 2 Palestinian farmers outside a town nr. Jenin, injuring both; throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside a village nr. Jenin, causing damage. A Palestinian drives his car into a group of IDF troops in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 1; the man is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians in Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct house searches and raids in Bayt Hanina, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and al-Tur, arresting 8 Palestinians. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/19)

National elections are held in Israel to determine the makeup of the 20th Knesset. Despite early exit polls predicting a close result, the Likud Party wins 30 seats, making it the largest bloc. During the day, Israeli PM Netanyahu attempts to increase voter turnout among his supporters by saying that Palestinian citizens are voting in “droves” and that their participation will lead to a victory for the left-wing factions. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 3/17; HA, JTA, WAFA 3/18)

The PA announces that it will operate under an emergency budget for 2015 starting on 4/1, as the economic crisis precipitated by Israel’s ongoing tax revenue freeze continues (over $400 m. is currently being withheld). Employees will continue to receive only partial salaries and govt. offices will receive 50% less funding than in 2014. (REU, TOI 3/17)

Reps. of the U.S. and Iran continue their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program for a 2d day in a row and reportedly discuss the open letter that 47 Republican senators sent to Iran’s leaders on 3/9. (AFP, AP, JP, TOI 3/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsshoot and kill a Palestinian farmer approaching the border fence e. of Jabaliya. Separately, IDF troops open fire on 3 Palestinians approaching the Kerem Shalom crossing, injuring 1 and arresting 5 in 2 separate incidents. In the West Bank, a Palestinian shepherd is seriously injured when he steps on an explosive left by the IDF. (He succumbs to his injuries on 11/24.) During a peaceful demonstration in Hebron, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian photojournalist. At a checkpoint outside al-‘Arub r.c., IDF troops detain 1 Palestinian man and lightly injure him. IDF troops raid homes nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli woman breaks into a Silwan home and attacks a sleeping Palestinian woman with pepper spray. Separately, a Palestinian woman is arrested at the Shu‘fat r.c. checkpoint after, according to Israeli police, attempting to stab an Israeli officer with a sharp object. Later in the evening, clashes break out in Shu‘fat r.c. Seventeen Israelis attack a Palestinian taxi driver in the Bnei Brak neighborhood after 2 of them accuse the driver of trying to run them over. Israeli forces raid several homes and stores in al-Bustan, and they issue fines for violations of construction laws. Dozens of Israelis carrying Israeli flags and chanting “death to Arabs” gather in the Old City and demand that the Israeli govt. open Haram al-Sharif. (AnA, AJ, IMEMC, MEMO, MNA, REU, WAFA 11/23; IMEMC, MNA, WAFA, 11/24; PCHR 11/27)

Israeli settlers enter a village n. of Ramallah to set fire to a Palestinian home and to deface another with price-tag graffiti. In West Jerusalem, settlers attack several Palestinian workers at a vegetable stand. Nr. Nablus, settlers assault 3 Palestinian shepherds. A group of 3 Israeli settlers assaults a Palestinian youth in Bayt Hanina, moderately injuring him. (MNA 11/23; WAFA 11/24)

Following heated arguments between several ministers, Israeli PM Netanyahu’s cabinet passes a preliminary reading of the controversial “nation-state” bill that would govern the reconciliation of competing drafts in the Knesset. (GDN, HA, WAFA 11/23; JP, NYT 11/24)

After a day of negotiations in Vienna between reps. of Iran and the P5+1, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry urges Iranian FM Mohammad Zarif to consider an extension to the talks. A senior Iranian official says that Iran is open to extending the talks between 6 mos. and 1 year. (BBC, HA, MNA 11/23)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air, killing 66 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups fire more than 80 rockets into Israel, with 16 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Palestinian fighters kill 2 Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Across the West Bank, there are large demonstrations against the attack on Gaza in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Salfit, Tulkarm, and other locations. IDF troops kill 7 Palestinians as clashes break out during the protests. In one of the clashes, at Hawara checkpoint, an Israeli settler kills a Palestinian, bringing the day’s total to 8. In addition, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 is injured by a bullet, and Ni‘lin, where 2 are injured by bullets. In addition, Jewish settlers attack 2 Palestinians in Bayt Hanina, seriously injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians after worshippers under the age of 50 are banned from entering Haram al-Sharif, injuring around 40. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/25; PCHR 7/26)

Meanwhile, in the early afternoon the Israeli cabinet rejects a draft of cease-fire principles proposed by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, which he based partly on consultations with reps. of Qatar and Turkey. A senior Israeli official reportedly later described the proposal as a “strategic terrorist attack.” Later, Secy. Kerry meets with the UN’s Ban and Arab League Secy.-Gen. al-‘Arabi to discuss the latest developments in Gaza. Kerry also meets with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, JP 7/25; HA 7/28)

In the evening, the UN, U.S., Egypt, and the Arab League call for an extendable 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. PM Netanyahu tells Secy. of State Kerry that Israel will observe the humanitarian pause the following day, but the IDF will continue working to locate “terror tunnels.” Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that al-Qassam Brigades and other factions will observe the humanitarian pause. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, YA 7/25)

IDF spokesman Maj. Guy Inbar acknowledges that Israel plans to relocate some 2,000 Bedouin fr. 20 encampments in the hills e. of Jerusalem (in area C) to clear the way for the expansion of Ma’ale Adumim settlement into the E1 zone to link it with Jerusalem. Officially, the government says the relocation plans are part of its broader initiative to “provide the bedouin across the West Bank with sites where they can build legally with access to water, electricity, and government services.” Construction in the E1 zone and settlers’ preparations for expansion of Ma’ale Adumim into the area have been planned since 2009, but this marks the 1st admission that the government has started logistical planning to remove the Bedouin population fr. the area. Meanwhile, Israeli DM Ehud Barak approves establishment of a new 40-unit settlement neighborhood and farm nr. Efrat settlement to expand the Gush Etzion settlement block s. of Bethlehem; the new settlement, to be called Givat Hadagan, was approved for development in the 1990s, with plans to build 500 housing units. Israel closes the old wooden Mughrabi footbridge (deemed unsafe) used by non-Muslims to reach the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount; the PA and Waqf officials protest, saying Israel plans to build a larger permanent structure to assert its control over the site, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews. Also in East Jerusalem, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Qalqilya twice in the afternoon; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem and Jenin. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus vandalize nearby Palestinian homes and cars twice during the day, including throwing a Molotov cocktail at a home. Jewish settlers fr. Karnei Shomron nr. Qalqilya stone passing Palestinian vehicles, injuring 3 Palestinians. (HA 12/12; NYT, WP 12/13; PCHR 12/15; OCHA 12/16; HA 12/18)

Israel’s new amb. to Egypt, Ya’akov Amitai, arrives in Cairo. Israel withdrew its former ambassador for safety reasons on 9/9/11, when Egyptian protesters ransacked the Israeli embassy (see QU in JPS 162). (WP 12/13)