The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Burin, setting fire to a vehicle and vandalizing 2 others. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injure 3 others in al-Jib. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a 12-year-old boy in Shu’fat refugee camp, seizing his body to withhold it from his family in order to dictate the size and location of the funeral as conditions for the return of the body. A video of the incident shows that the boy and his friends are playing with fireworks when he is killed by a sniper. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praises the soldier who shot the child, saying he deserves an award. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Maghazi, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 72 people. Israeli forces also shoot and kill at least 9 people and injure 20 others waiting for aid at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinian fishermen west of Dayr al-Balah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Bint Jbeil and the Beqaa Valley, killing 2 people near Baalbek. Hezbollah forces attack Israeli forces in Zar’it, Barakat Risha, Hadab Yarin, and Jal al-Alam. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/13; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 3/14)

More than 31,184 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 72,889 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 422 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 110 children. More than 4,665 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,475 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 134 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The U.S. and Jordan airdrop aid into Gaza. The World Food Programme delivers meals for 25,000 people in Gaza City. (AJ, REU, UNOCHA 3/12; NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 3/13)

The Gaza Media Office says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while waiting for aid since the Flour Massacre on 2/29. (AJ 3/12)

Haaretz reports that, based on testimonies from Israeli officials who have visited a medical facility for Palestinian captives from Gaza held at the Sde Teiman military base, the wounded Palestinians are shackled to their hospital beds and blindfolded 24 hours a day. There are no nurses at the facility and the Israeli soldiers refuse to feed the prisoners, so they are forced to drink liquid formula. (HA 3/12)

PA Supreme Judicial Council president Issa Abu Sharar resigns. PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki meet with Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly in Ramallah. Abbas also speaks with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.  (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says via video-link to the AIPAC conference in Washington D.C. that Israel “will finish the job in Rafah while enabling the civilian population to get out of harm’s way.” (AJ, HA, REU 3/12)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell tells the UN Security Council that Israel is using starvation as a “weapon of war.” (AJ 3/13)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan urges Hamas to accept a 6-week ceasefire and release women, wounded people, and elderly captives in order to build a more enduring ceasefire. Sullivan also says that Biden does not have any “red lines” for Israel’s conduct in Gaza. (HA, NYT, REU 3/12; NYT 3/13)

Hebrew University in Jerusalem suspends Palestinian law professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian because she called for a ceasefire and said Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. (HA 3/12; HA 3/13)

The New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union and Palestine Legal sue Columbia University for unlawful suspension of its chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. (AJ, AP, HA 3/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Israeli forces escorting Palestinians trying to locate stolen goats at the Hava settlement outpost. Israeli settlers also remove barbed wire fencing surrounding Palestinian farmland in Khlayel al-Louz. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Arab al-Milehat, threatening Palestinians. Israeli settlers also raid Huwwara, opening fire at homes; no injuries are reported. Israeli forces raid Za’atra, taking measurements of the family homes of 2 Palestinians who killed an Israeli on 2/22 for punitive demolitions. Israeli forces also prevent Palestinian farmers from working their land in Deir Istiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seal the entrance to Bizarya with earth mounds and rocks. Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Beit Furik, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Shati’ refugee camp, Maghazi, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 92 people. 2 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces attack Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah, damaging a boat. In Tel Aviv, Israeli police violently disperse anti-government protesters with water cannons and batons, at least 1 protestor is flogged by mounted police using a whip. In Lebanon, 20 rockets are fired at Kiryat Shmona, most of them are intercepted. Israeli forces bomb Rab El Thalathine, Ayta ash Shab, and Blida. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces bomb 18 sites, including a factory in Sanaa. U.S. forces also shoot down a drone launched from Yemen. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 2/25; HA, UNOCHA 2/26)

More than 29,606 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,737 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,545 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 237 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 86 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 2/24; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/26)

Ceasefire negotiations in Paris attended by representatives from Israel, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar reportedly lead to a proposal for a 6-week ceasefire but many other details remain elusive. (REU 2/23; AJ, AP, HA, REU 2/24; HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 2/25; HA 2/26)

Palestinian National Council speaker Rawhi Fattouh meets with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, briefing him on the situation in Gaza and settler attacks in the West Bank. (WAFA 2/24)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell condemns Israel’s 2/22 announcement that it will build 3,300 new settlement units. (AJ, WAFA 2/24)

Axios reports that the U.S. has asked Israel not to attack civilian police escorting aid trucks in Gaza, but that Israel rejected the request. (AJ, AX 2/24)

The New York Times writes a letter to the Israeli consulate in New York asking the Israeli Foreign Ministry to “cease perpetrating the provably false claim that the freelance photographer Yousef Masoud was embedded with Hamas terrorists on October 7.” (NYT 2/24; HA 2/25)

The documentary No Other Land by Palestinians Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal and Israelis Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor wins Best Documentary Film at the Berlin Film Festival. The movie focuses on the plight of Palestinians living in the Masafer Yatta area. During the acceptance speech, Basel Adra calls for a ceasefire and for Germany to stop sending arms to Israel while Yuval Abraham describes the Israeli system of apartheid. The German ministry of culture and media issues a statement saying that culture and media minister Claudia Roth only applauded “the Jewish-Israel journalist and filmmaker Yuval Abraham.” Berlin mayor Kai Wegner calls the speeches anti-Semitic. (HA, WAFA 2/25; HA, NA, X 2/26; GDN, TOI 2/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 man and damaged his vehicle in Husan. Israeli settlers also vandalized 70 olive trees in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians and 1 international activist with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tuqu’, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Huwwara, Hebron, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners east of Gaza City, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 3 with baton rounds, and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinians herders east of al-Maghazi and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/23; UNOCHA 3/4)

Bloomberg reported that Israel and Saudi Arabia have intensified talks on developing a closer military and intelligence sharing relationship. According to Bloomberg sources, the two countries held talks on the sidelines of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Working Group meeting in Riyadh and are expected to continue talks at the Munich Security Conference in Prague in the coming days. (BB 2/17; HA 2/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians at a market in Hebron City, injuring 1 and causing damage to a ceramic store; Israeli forces dispersed Palestinians with tear gas who attempted to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian herders with clubs in the Masafer Yatta area, causing injuries. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bethlehem, Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in al-Tur, displacing 20 Palestinians; 9 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces while protesting the demolition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. 2 Palestinians were arrested while trying to enter Israel via the Gaza fence. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/27)

Israel said it had sentenced an Israeli soldier who uploaded a video of himself firing shots into Gaza from Israel with 10 days in prison. The soldier uploaded the video to the social media platform TikTok. (MEMO 1/25)

Unidentified perpetrators attacked a UNIFIL patrol in Ramyah, injuring 1 UNIFIL soldier and damaging 2 vehicles. Lebanese forces intervened on behalf of the UNIFIL soldiers. (MEMO 1/26)

A bipartisan group of 42 members of the U.S. house of representatives wrote to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to lobby against the UN human rights council’s inquiry into human rights violations in Israel, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, set up after the Israeli attacks on Gaza in May 2021. The group, led by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), argued that the inquiry has a “disproportionate focus on Israel,” calling it “outrageous and unjust.” (HA 1/27; MEE 1/28)

It was reported that the U.S.-based venture capital firm Integrity Partners are in talks with the NSO Group to acquire the company in 2022–23. NSO Group is an Israeli spyware company responsible for the hacking of the accounts of rights activists and politicians around the world with its Pegasus spyware. Integrity Partners says they will restructure the company to only allow the governments of New Zealand, the U.S., Australia, the UK, and Canada to use its spyware. The 5 countries have an intelligence-sharing program called Five Eyes. (HA 1/25; REU 1/26; MEMO 1/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a group of Palestinian children near Silat ad-Dhahr, catching, abducting, and torturing 1 for 1 hour and 30 minutes at the Hermesh settlement outpost before Israeli soldiers picked him up after being notified by Palestinians. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Yatma. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in al-Bireh, Hebron, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, 1 at a checkpoint near Ya‘bad, and 1 at a checkpoint while seeking an entry permit to East Jerusalem for treatment of cancer. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided and shut down a ceremony for Palestinians who passed their high school exams in Isawiya, claiming it was sponsored by the PA. Israeli forces also demolished 1 nursery school and 1 house in Bayt Safafa. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled farmland east of Maghazi and al-Bureij refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (AA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; AA 8/18; PCHR 8/19; HA 8/26; JP 8/31; AP 9/10)

PA firefighters joined Israeli firefighters to combat wildfires raging west and southwest of Jerusalem. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz thanked Mahmoud Abbas for “his initiative” in a tweet. The PA sent 20 Palestinian firefighters and 4 fire engines to help combat the fires. President Abbas later received a phone call from Israeli public security minister Omer Bar Lev thanking Abbas for sending the firefighters. (HA, MEMO, WAFA 8/18)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, and foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with the Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Ramallah. In a statement, the PA said Foreign Minister al-Maliki called on Japan to recognize the State of Palestine. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17)

Issam Daalis, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, said that militant factions in Gaza will start violently resisting Israeli restrictions put on Gaza during May if those restrictions are not lifted by 8/21. The ultimatum was made after a meeting of senior Hamas members. Daalis also said that Egypt had asked Hamas to give Israel time and the Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett had said some restrictions would be gradually lifted. (MEMO 8/18)

Israeli Palestinian lawmaker Ahmad Tibi from the Joint List filed a complaint against an Israeli soldier who prevented him and 3 other lawmakers from reaching al-Ibrahimi Mosque on 8/14 during a protest against Israeli renovations to the structure. Tibi further asserted that the soldier assaulted him during the incident. (HA 8/18)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at areas within Quneitra province from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The extent of the damage or if there were any casualties was unclear. (AP, HA 8/17)

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 attacked 1 Palestinian shepherd in Mareeha, near Jenin, causing moderate injuries. Israeli forces temporarily evicted Palestinians in Khirbet Humsa, citing military drills. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at the Separation wall near Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 1 arrest. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Bethlehem and Jalbun. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israel reopened the Gaza fishing zone after closing it on 4/26. Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Dayr al-Balah and within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 4/29; PCHR 5/6)

Israeli forces said it was a mistake when it detained 5 Palestinian children between the ages of 8 and 13 in the south of Hebron on 3/10. An investigation found that there was no reason to detain the 5 children. (TOI 4/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas announced that the Palestinian elections scheduled for 5/22 were postponed, citing Israeli ambiguity regarding whether Palestinians in East Jerusalem would be allowed to partake in the elections. President Abbas said that “as soon as Israel agrees [to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to partake] we will hold elections within a week.” Besides the Jerusalem issue, there was speculation that Abbas and Fatah had an interest in postponing the elections as splintering within the Fatah party has made Hamas the likely winner of the elections. Several Palestinian political leaders criticized Abbas’s decision to postpone elections, demanding a new date set. Hamas released a statement, calling the decision “a coup against the path of national partnership and consensus.” (CNN, HA, NPR, WAFA 4/29; AJ, AJ, ALM, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; WAFA, WAFA 5/1; HA, HA, WAFA 5/2)

In Israel, 45 Israelis were killed and more 150 injured during a stampede at a Jewish religious event on Jabal al-Jarmaq/Mount Meron. Upwards of 100,000 were said to have participated in the event. PA president Mahmoud Abbas wrote a letter to Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin expressing his condolences. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA 4/30; AP 5/1; AJ, HA 5/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, for the 4th night in a row, Palestinians protested the Israeli-imposed restrictions on the Old City during the month of Ramadan; Israel limited the number of Palestinians from the West Bank who were allowed to partake in the 1st Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Haram al-Sharif to 10,000, requiring all to have been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Israel also closed the Damascus Gate plaza; 6 Palestinians were reported injured, including 4 who were hospitalized. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles, on 2 different occasions, west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/16; HA, HA 4/17; PCHR 4/22)

The speaker of the Iranian parliament said Iran had enriched uranium at 60 percent after Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said it would do so in response to the Israeli attack on the Natanz nuclear site on 4/11. (AP, HA, REU 4/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort toured shines in Kafr Haris and Sabastiyya, closing the areas to Palestinians. Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinian children aged 8-12 in al-Rakiz near an Israeli settlement outpost; a video shows that the children were foraging vegetables when Israeli settlers started chasing them, leading to the Israeli forces arresting them. Israeli forces also demolished Palestinian-owned shops near Nablus, leading to confrontations with Palestinians, and delivered a demolition notice for a house under construction in Wadi Hummus in Area B. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, Aida refugee camp, Jenin, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 66 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces arrested the former Mufti of Jerusalem Shaykh Ikrima Sabri at his home. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza, causing damage to 1 boat; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of al-Bureij and Dayr Balah. (AJ, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/10; AJ, AP, MEE, PCHR, WAFA 3/11; WAFA 3/12; NBC 3/13; HA 3/14)

Mohammad Dahlan, a political rival of PA president Mahmoud Abbas, said the UAE would send another 40,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine to Gaza. The UAE had previously sent 20,000 doses to Gaza in February. Dahlan, who is an advisor to the UAE crown price Mohammed bin Zayed, said the vaccines would arrive on 3/11. (TOI, TOI 3/10)

Yahya Sinwar won an internal Gazan election to retain his position as political leader of Hamas in Gaza. Sinwar narrowly defeated Nizar Awadallah, a founder of Hamas. Awadallah is said to represent the more conservative wing of Hamas. (AP 3/9; AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU, TOI 3/10; HA 3/11)

An investigation by the Fake Reporter project showed that many of the 5,000 followers of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Arabic language Facebook page were fake. On 2/1, Prime Minister Netanyahu launched an Arabic language Facebook page as part of his push to convince parts of the Palestinian-Israeli population to vote for him in the upcoming Israeli elections, but some 20% of the surveyed followers were reported to be fake. (HA 3/10)

The Israeli Museum for Islamic Art canceled plans to sell 268 items after the Al Thani Collection promised to provide sponsorship to the museum for 10 years. (AJ, AP 3/10)

An Iranian container ship was hit by an explosion said to be from an explosive device while in the Mediterranean. Iran later said Israel was behind the attack. Israeli officials denied commenting on Israeli involvement. (AJ, REU 3/12; HA, REU 3/13; HA 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces leveled land near Abu Dis to expand nearby settlements. 15 Palestinians were arrested, including 12 during a raid in and around Jenin, Tubas, Hizma, Bethlehem, Harmala, Bayt Umar, and al-‘Arub refugee camp, and 3 Palestinians were arrested at a checkpoint near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 2/23; PCHR 2/25)

In a report, Forensic Architecture concluded that a Palestinian man Ahmed Erekat was killed by Israeli forces in an “extrajudicial execution” on 7/23/2020. The Forensic Architecture report stated that Erekat was shot and killed while not posing a threat to Israeli forces and that the forces had prevented him from getting medical attention after he was shot. Israel claims that Erekat intended to ram Israeli forces at a checkpoint, but the report states that he did not accelerate his car while approaching the checkpoint, that he kept a low speed of 9.3 miles per hour, and that he held his arms in the air after exiting his vehicle after the accident. (GDN 2/23; +972, AJ, MDW 2/24; AP, HA 2/26)

Israel announced that it will share COVID-19 vaccination doses with Guatemala, Honduras, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, all countries that have enhanced ties to Israel in the last couple of years. Israel has been widely criticized for refusing to provide vaccines to Palestinians in the occupied territories, including by U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), who said it was “outrageous that [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu would use spare vaccines to reward his foreign allies while so many Palestinians in the occupied territories are still waiting.” The PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called Israel’s decision immoral. (AP, HA, REU 2/23; AP, NYT, 2/24; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; WAFA 2/28)

The World Bank threatened to suspend its financing of the COVID-19 vaccine campaign in Lebanon after reports that the vaccines had been given to politicians rather than people who should be 1st in line for a vaccine, such as health workers and the elderly. (AP 2/22)

U.S. state department officials attended a meeting at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. At the meeting, PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh welcomed the U.S. delegation and said that Israel was systematically destroying the possibility of a 2-state solution. (AP, WAFA 2/23)

6 Jewish American organizations wrote a letter to the new secretary of homeland security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to reverse the Trump administration’s policy change of labeling products made in West Bank settlements “made in Israel.” (J Street 2/23; HA, HUFF 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 100 olive saplings in Yatta. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near the separation barrier north of Qalqilya. Israeli forces also destroyed Palestinian-owned crops while conducting drills in the Jordan Valley. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp, Salim, and Kafr Rai. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces sprayed water from water cannons at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled al-Maghazi, al-Bureij, and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 Palestinian and damaging 1 house in al-Maghazi, after claiming 1 rocket fired from Gaza landed on an empty field in Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/19; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; PCHR 1/21)

The PA received 5,000 doses the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V after Israel cleared the shipment. (AJ 1/19)

An Israeli court reversed its decision to freeze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem. The bidding process was halted on 1/15 after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim, which complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. (HA 1/15; HA 1/20)

At an Israeli cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to legalize 3 Israeli settler outposts and establish 3 new settlements, but was stopped by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, who called the proposal “politically irresponsible . . . especially at such a sensitive time,” referring to either the upcoming Israeli elections of the transition of power in the U.S. (HA 1/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump pardoned the Israeli spy recruiter, Aviem Sella, who recruited Jonathan Pollard to spy on the U.S. for Israel in the 1980s. President Trump cited support for the clemency by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, and Sheldon Adelson’s widow Miriam Adelson. Israel never extradited Sella to the U.S. after he was indicted in 1987. (AP, HA, JP 1/20)

At the confirmation hearing for Antony Blinken, U.S. president-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of state, Blinken said he supported the normalization deals made between the U.S., Israel, and Morocco, and Sudan, Bahrain, and the UAE. Blinken also said that it is “vitally important” that the U.S. involve Israel in reentering the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, that he does not see an immediate way forward on finding a solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and that he and President-Elect Biden both oppose the BDS movement. He furthermore stated that he considers Jerusalem the capital of Israel and that the U.S. embassy to Israel would remain in Jerusalem. Blinken did not mention East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. (HA, MEE 1/19; HA, MEMO, REU 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted and stole 190 olive saplings in Qusra belonging to 4 Palestinian families. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Nablus, damaging 1. Israeli forces confiscated 1 Palestinian-owned cargo truck in Atuf. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a house under construction in Khirbet Ras al-Ahmar. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Hebron, Yatta, Jenin, and Atuf. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 protesting the razing of land in Silwan and 1 in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan, Dayr al-Balah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khuza‘a, and north of al-Sifa; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 1/10; WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

The PA said it will receive its 1st doses of COVID-19 vaccines in March from the company Astro-Zeneca. The PA foreign ministry also said in a statement that Israel is “ignoring its duties as an occupation power and committing racial discrimination against the Palestinian people, depriving them of their right to health care . . . The search by the Palestinian leadership to secure the vaccines from various sources doesn't exempt Israel from its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people in providing the vaccines.” Many human rights organizations, Amnesty International amongst them, have maintained that it is Israel’s responsibility to provide vaccines to the Palestinian people it occupies, a responsibility Israel denies, citing the Oslo Accords. Israel has been vaccinating Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem along with Israeli settlers in the West Bank. (AI 1/6; ALM 1/8; AJ, HA, JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; AJ 1/11)

In Lebanon, residents of Beirut complained about low-flying Israeli jets, which is said to become more frequent. On 1/8, an Israeli fighter jet flew over Lebanese air space for 6 hours. UNIFIL has said the Israeli violation of Lebanese air space is a near daily occurrence. (AA, BB, HA 1/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at vehicles and houses in Sarta and threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles traveling near Rawabi. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian-owned agricultural land in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Israeli forces punitively razed agricultural lands in Dayr Nidham after an Israeli settler was injured by a stone-thrower on 1/3. Israeli forces also blocked all entrances and exits to Dayr Nidham for the 2d day in a row. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians, including 2 with live ammunition and 1 with a rubber-coated bullet in ‘Aqabat Jabir during a raid; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided a hospital in Tulkarm, firing stun grenades. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work by the separation barrier west of Ya‘bad. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Khadir and demolished 1 agricultural structure, 1 water well, and 6 fences in Anabta. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Surayf, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers made roadblocks and vandalized Palestinian-owned cars near the Old City. 6 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; PCHR 1/7)

Iranian forces seized a South Korean tanker headed to the UAE from Saudi Arabia. An Iranian government official also said that Iran had resumed 20% uranium enrichment at the Fordow nuclear facility. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 1/4; HA 1/10)

Ahead of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit on 1/5, Saudi Arabia reopened its land border with Qatar, and Kuwait reopened air space and sea borders to the country. This comes after a 3.5-year dispute between Qatar and Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, where the quartet of countries claimed that Qatar is sponsoring terrorism, an allegation Qatar has denied. (AJ, ALM 1/4)

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 settlers assaulted 2 elderly Palestinians south of Jenin, leading to the hospitalization of both Palestinians. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians driving near Burqa, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized dozens of olive trees in Jalud and 25 olive trees in ‘Ayn Bus. Israeli forces demolished the Palestinian village Khirbet Humsa in the Jordan Valley, including 18 residential tents, displacing 74 people, including 41 minors. Agricultural structures and water tanks were also demolished, and 3 vehicles were seized. The village is located in what Israel deems a firing zone. Israeli forces also seized 9 tractors, 5 water tanks, 2 vehicles, and solar panels near Tubas. 12 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Ya‘bad, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces razed a plot of land in Bayt Hanina and demolished 1 horse shed in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level farmland east of al-Bureij. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; AJ, PCHR, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, +972 11/4; BBC, B’Tselem, CNN, EI, GDN, PCHR, REU 11/5; HA, WAFA 11/6; WAFA, WAFA 11/7)

The foreign minister of Malawi Eisenhower Mkaka and Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi released a joint statement saying Malawi would open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem by the end of 2021. (HA, MEMO, REU 11/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds near Yatta; cut more than 100 olive trees near Susiya; and set up a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land near Beita. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 2 buildings northeast of Bethlehem. Israeli forces also violently suppressed a Palestinian protest in Kafr Qaddum using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also stormed an engagement party near the Old City, assaulting several guests and arresting 3. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at southern Gaza east of Rafah and Khan Yunis causing damage, after claiming that 1 rocket was fired toward Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. In Israel, thousands of protesters continued their calls for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step down outside of his official residence. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/22; HA, HA 8/23; HA 8/24; PCHR 8/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish president Recep Tayyib Erdoğan discussed UAE’s decision to normalize ties with Israel, a move which Turkey has denounced. (WAFA 8/22)

In Lebanon, 1 Israeli drone crashed. It was shot down by Hezbollah, according to the group. (HA 8/22; AJ 8/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in al-Khadir. Israeli forces raided Jenin, dismantling a PA COVID-19 checkpoint and injuring 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jenin refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian using live ammunition during clashes at Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces seized a Byzantine-era baptismal font from a church in Tuqu‘. Israeli forces also seized 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for an Israeli national park near Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Yatta, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Shu‘fat ad Wadi al-Juz. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Bureij, no injuries were reported. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/20; PCHR 7/23)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukri in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

An Israeli court remanded the PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for 7 days. Governor Gheith was arrested on 7/19; it was the 17th time he has been arrested by Israeli forces since being named governor in 2018. Gheith had previously been released after 2 days but this time his lawyer told Agency French Presse that he is being probed over “planning an act of terrorism.” (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YAHOO 7/20)

Syrian state media reported that Israel fired missiles from Israel-occupied Golan Heights toward Damascus, but that the missiles were intercepted. Israeli media later reported that some missiles had not been intercepted and 5 people had been killed and 11 injured in the attacks. Hezbollah later said that 1 of their members had been killed in attacks. (HA, REU 7/20; HA, HA, JP 7/21; AJ, HA 7/23)

Austria contributed with $8.8 million for UNRWA programs. Separately, the EU donated $4.6 million to UNRWA to help deal with the agency’s COVID-19 response. (WAFA, WAFA 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 40 olive trees in Yatma. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Yatta, and Bethlehem; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint between Nablus and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israel’s outgoing public security minister Gilad Erdan ordered 1 nonprofit organization helping Palestinian children from single-family homes with schoolwork to close because of alleged ties to the PA. The institution in charge of the organization, Volunteer for Hope, denies that the organization received any funds from the PA. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Bureij and al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 person crossing from Lebanon. (HA, WAFA 5/17; PCHR 5/21; HA 5/22)

The new Israeli government was sworn in. The new government is headed by Benjamin Netanyahu and has 36 ministers and 16 deputy ministers from 9 different parties. Benny Gantz will be deputy prime minister and defense minister for 18 months, when the coalition deal stipulates that Gantz will become the prime minister for the 2d half of the government term. During his speech to the Knesset, Netanyahu said of annexing Israeli settlements in the West Bank, “[i]t’s time to apply the Israeli law and write another glorious chapter in the history of Zionism.” (AJ, HA, REU 5/17; NPR 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces told residents of Burqa to remove trees planted in the area. Israeli settlers set up tents in Tuqu‘. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 7 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed some 30 Palestinians commemorating the 2d anniversary of the Great March of Return protest east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; PCHR 4/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a forklift during a raid in ‘Ayn al-Bayda in the Jordan Valley. In Bayt Umar, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed after Israeli forces raided the town, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Separately, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Bayt Umar. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 in Bab al-Rahma at the Haram al-Sharif compound; 1 in his car east of the Old City; and 5 during a raids in Issawiyya and Ras al-Amud. Approximately 80 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat, causing damage to several of the boat’s searchlights; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 12/22; PCHR 12/26)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian farmer was injured after being attacked on his land by Israeli settlers from the Gush Etzion settlement south of Hebron. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Kober village north of Ramallah during a late-night raid. During the raid, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and local residents, leading to tear gas-related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a community club in the Old City 2 times to prevent it from hosting a soccer tournament for Palestinian families. During the 1st raid, 2 Palestinians were arrested at the club. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen in 2 separate instances near Bayt Lahiya. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land east of al-Bureij. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/5)

1 Palestinian died of wounds sustained during the Great March of Return protests on 8/30. (HA, WAFA 8/31)

In the West Bank, 2 apartments in Hebron belonging to the family of a Palestinian convicted for the murder of an Israeli in February were demolished by Israeli forces. In Salfit, Israeli forces raided and took measurements for demolition of a home belonging to the family of a Palestinian alleged to have attacked Israeli settlers in the settlement of Ariel on 3/17. The alleged perpetrator was killed by Israeli forces on 3/20. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and tear gas, injuring 6. One French activist was arrested during the protest. In East Jerusalem, a soccer tournament in Bayt Safafa was shut down by Israeli police, claiming that it was organized by the PA. In Gaza, Israeli forces attacked 2 Hamas posts east of al-Bureij refugee camp after shots allegedly were fired at Israeli soldiers near the Gaza fence, causing damage, but no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber-coated bullets at protesters partaking in the weekly Great March of Return protests, injuring at least 46 Palestinians. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. According to Israeli sources, an incendiary balloon was found on a beach near Ashqelon in Israel. Israeli authorities announced that it would institute a week-long closure between 4/19 and 4/27 of entry points to Israel from Gaza and the West Bank for the celebration of Passover. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 4/20)

In an interview with the Atlantic, the outgoing French ambassador to the U.S. Gérard Araud, in discussing the Trump administration’s “peace plan,” called Israel an apartheid state. He said, “They [Israel] have the West Bank, but at the same time they don’t have to make the painful decision about the Palestinians, really making them really, totally stateless or making them citizens of Israel. They won’t make them citizens of Israel. So they will have to make it official, which is we know the situation, which is an apartheid. There will be officially an apartheid state. . . . They are in fact already.” Araud also recounted a conversation between French president Emmanuel Macron and U.S. president Donald Trump, in which Trump said “I have given everything to the Israelis; the Israelis will have to give me something.” (AM 4/19; HA 4/24)

The U.S. envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt rebuffed in a tweet speculations that part of the Trump administration’s “peace plan” includes transferring parts of Egypt’s Sinai to the Gaza Strip. (HA 4/19)

For a 3d day in a row, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; there are no serious injuries reported. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting stones and gravel near Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging 2. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinians while she is leaving Haram al-Sharif. They also ban an Islamic Waqf guard from the city for a week. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/28)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/23. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 212. (MNA, WAFA 3/24)

After Hamas-affiliated prisoners stab and injure 2 Israeli security guards in Ketziot Prison, Israeli guards raid 3 sections of the prison and assault hundreds of Palestinians prisoners, injuring at least 9 (2 critically). Some prisoners say that the injured guards provoked the prisoners during a transfer between sections. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 3/24)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 more are injured. The IDF later says that an explosive device was thrown at a patrol, prompting the fatal shooting. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is injured. The IDF later says that the men were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The local authorities in Bethlehem declare a general strike in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian youth in Bayt Sira village near Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; and violently disperse Palestinian students gathering in al-Bireh to protest the Israeli occupation (there are no serious injuries reported). Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and dismantle 3 Palestinian makeshift residential structures south of Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler bus near Salfit, causing minor damage. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging several. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Muslim worshipper and an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are detained). Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Gazans gather near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. After unidentified Gazans fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near the protesters near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They discuss a range of issues, and in a press conference after the meeting Netanyahu calls on the international community to recognize Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at a checkpoint near Jericho. The IDF claims that he refused to pull over when border security ordered him to and that he attempted to ram his vehicle into several Israeli soldiers. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers chase Palestinians shepherds off their land near Jericho, sparking a minor confrontation between the settlers and Palestinian activists; IDF troops arrest 4 shepherds and 2 activists. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor approaching the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. It’s unclear why they opened fire. Late at night, after unidentified Palestinians launch a rocket and fly an incendiary balloon into southern Gaza, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in northern Gaza and Dayr al-Balah, causing extensive damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/9; HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/10; PCHR 3/14)

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)

After unidentified Palestinians fly 2 incendiary balloons from Gaza into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites near Gaza City, causing extensive damage. Hours later, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. 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 arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; MNA 3/5; PCHR 3/7)

The U.S. formally merges its consulate in Jerusalem and its new embassy in the city to “form a single diplomatic mission.” The embassy’s new “Palestinian Affairs Unit” will serve Palestinians in Jerusalem out of the old consulate building, where all diplomacy with the Palestinians was based out of previously. In response, the PLO releases a statement calling the merging of the two offices a “denial of international law.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA 3/4; MNA 3/5)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest the head of the Islamic Waqf and his chief deputy at Haram al-Sharif, following a week of clashes and heightened tensions at the sanctuary. The 2 men are accused of opening the al-Rahma Gate area of the sanctuary to protesters on 2/22. Along with 4 other Waqf officials, they are barred from Haram al-Sharif for a week. In the West Bank, Israeli forces destroy 2 solar panels providing power to Palestinian homes near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Salfit; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers surround a swath of Palestinian farmland near Tubas with an electric fence, claiming the land as their own. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp and arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, HA, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/24; MNA 2/25; PCHR 2/28)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to call for PA president Mahmoud Abbas to resign. They are protesting the punitive measures Abbas has ordered against Gaza in an effort to increase pressure on his political rivals in Hamas. (TOI 2/24)

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)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device into southern Israel using a balloon. The device sparks a small fire, causing minor damage. Israeli jets then conduct air strikes on 2 sites near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing extensive damage. An IDF spokesperson says the sites were used as staging grounds for incendiary balloon attacks. Late at night, dozens of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Khan Yunis to throw stones, light tires on fire, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 6. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City, injuring 3 fishermen (2 of the fishermen are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). In the West Bank, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 10 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; MNA, PCHR 2/21; PCHR 2/28)