The Palestine Chronology

Gaza’s sole power plant runs out of fuel for the 2d time this year, plunging the region into a renewed power cut crisis. As a result, GEDCO will only be able to distribute 133 MW of power per day, far less than the 450–500 needed. (AFP, TOI 4/16)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities ban 12 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for 80 days (they have now banned more than 50 Palestinians from the sanctuary in recent weeks). Meanwhile, 517 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; 3 are arrested for praying. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qutna. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/20)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site nr. Nablus overnight. Their IDF escort conducts raids in nearby Awarta village, closing its entrances. Later, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also assault and arrest an elderly Palestinian and her grandson during a raid in c. Hebron, and establish a mobile checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians. 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault 2 Muslim worshippers as they are leaving Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 2/3; MNA 2/4; PCHR 2/9)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops and tanks open fire on a Hamas military site nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no reported damage or injuries. The IDF says that the attack was ordered in response to shots fired at IDF patrols in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab them nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. Armed gunmen shoot and injure an Israeli settler nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car dealership in Sheikh Jarrah and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/19; MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/22)

The Israeli NGO Yesh Din files a motion with the Custodian of Absentee Property stating that the current relocation plan for the Amona settlement outpost, which the outpost’s residents approved on 12/18, is illegal because a section of the proposed relocation site, dubbed Plot 38, is privately owned by Palestinians. (MNA 12/19; HA, JP, MNA 12/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 3d of 3 planned days. (MNA 12/19)

Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid nr. Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/8)

At the Saban Forum at the Brookings Institute in Washington, Israeli defense minister (DM) Avigdor Lieberman says that the Knesset should postpone work on the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize all of Israel’s illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank, including Amona, until U.S. pres.-elect Donald Trump takes office. “The key to the future of the settlements is reaching understandings with the U.S. on this issue,” he says. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/3)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and 3 are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops issue 2 Palestinians arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City. There are no injuries in either incident. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Kafr Kanna and other villages to protest a bill, approved in a Knesset comm. on 11/13, that would bar mosques from broadcasting the call to prayer (see JPS 46 [2]). (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 5th of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/18; OCHA 12/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City and al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts a car-ramming and stabbing attack nr. Ramallah. Palestinian witnesses say that the soldiers fired on the man in his car unprovoked, injuring him. They fired on him again when he exited the vehicle, allegedly holding a knife. The IDF raids his Ramallah-area home late at night and interrogates his family. Meanwhile, IDF troops expel a number of Palestinian farmers from their land nr. Nablus, arresting 1. They conduct raids nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seal off a main street in Jabal Mukabir with cement barriers in an act of collective punishment after unidentified persons in the area fired fireworks at a nearby Israeli settlement, according to the Israeli authorities. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 10/28; HA, TOI, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/3)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities temporarily limit the number of trucks permitted to pass through the Kerem Shalom crossing bearing goods for Gaza. Around 70 trucks are denied access. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem and Jayyus nr. Qalqilya, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians in both. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and nr. Tulkarm and Nablus; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli forces bulldoze an agricultural road nr. Nablus, then block the road with a sand barrier. Unidentified vandals scrawl swastikas and the words “Death to Jews” on an IDF outpost nr. Hebron late at night. In response, the IDF suspends the Palestinian olive harvest in the area indefinitely. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; at least 12 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 3 Palestinians during further raids in Sur al-Bahir. (MNA, WAFA 10/27; HA 10/30; PCHR 11/3)

PA pres. Abbas meets with Hamas leader Khalid Mishal and his dep. Ismail Haniyeh in Doha. They discuss steps they could take toward Palestinian national reconciliation. Senior Palestinian officials say the meeting is the start of a new reconciliation process, but they add that Abbas and Mishal did not agree on the aims of the new process. (HA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/27; MNA 10/30)

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)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus early in the morning, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian residents; at least 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 5 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. (MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/20)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they demolish property and threaten demolitions during late-night raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian farmlands nr. Qalqilya, destroying 50 olive trees. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian from Silwan while he is walking n. of the city. (MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/20)

At Egypt’s request, the UNSC holds a special meeting to discuss Israeli settlement building in the oPt, particularly the obstacles it presents to a 2-state solution. Two major anti-occupation groups, B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now, address the UNSC. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/14; AP 10/15)

A Palestinian dies in a smuggling tunnel between Gaza and Egypt after being accidentally electrocuted. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians nr. Bethlehem in unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, Israeli troops deploy nr. a mosque n. of Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured and 10 are arrested. The IDF arrests 12 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Salfit and in and around Jenin; and patrols nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish a small tool shop outside Yatta village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians harvesting olives nr. Nablus, causing no serious injuries, before smashing the windows and slashing the tires of their car. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a school in the Old City, accusing several students of throwing glass at them from the school’s windows. Teachers and administrators block the Israeli troops from arresting their students. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (EI, MNA 10/10; MNA, WAFA 10/11; HA 10/12; PCHR 10/13)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, after he injures 6 Israelis in a drive-by shooting nr. an Israeli police headquarters (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The Palestinian was reportedly supposed to turn himself into the Israeli authorities today to begin serving a 4-mo. sentence for attacking a police officer in 2013. Israeli forces later conduct a series of raids in Silwan and al-Ram, interrogate the attacker’s family, and spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 7 Palestinians are detained, and 1 Associated Press photographer and 2 Israeli soldiers are injured (1 seriously). Israeli troops return to al-Ram late at night, arrest the attacker’s teenage daughter, and threaten punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/9; HA, MNA, NYT, YA 10/10; PCHR 10/13)

Around 1,200 right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians and damage 1 workshop during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Inside Israel, Israeli forces demolish multiple homes in the bedouin village of Bir Hadaj nr. Beersheba. The IDF also demolishes 22 residential and agricultural structures in the n. Jordan Valley, 8 homes in a bedouin community nr. Bethlehem, and a number of residences, agricultural structures, solar panels, and the main water pipeline in a bedouin village nr. Jerusalem. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. al-Maghazi r.c., causing no injuries; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. (MNA, WAFA 10/9; MNA 10/10; PCHR 10/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in 4 areas along Gaza’s border (nr. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Bureij r.c.); 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 of their vehicles is confiscated. After reports of stone-throwing in Huwwara village nr. Nablus, the IDF shuts down all the stores in the village and blocks off the main road. IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault a number of Palestinian farmers harvesting olives nr. Salfit, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and the Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, and then detain 2 fishermen and confiscate 1 boat. (MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/13)

Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint n. of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs an Israeli border guard, causing moderate injuries. The IDF then violently disperses around 200 Palestinians gathering to throw stones in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Shuja‘iya; at least 6 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. They also patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/30; MNA 10/1; PCHR 10/6)

PA pres. Abbas attends the funeral of former Israeli pres. Peres and shakes hands with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Responding to criticism from Hamas and many other Palestinians, a senior Hamas official says that Abbas’s attendance disproves Israeli claims of Palestinian dedication to violence and that it sent a “strong message of Palestinian peace” to the world. MK and Joint List chair Ayman Odeh refuses to attend, along with the rest of the Joint List, citing Peres’s treatment of the Palestinians. The Joint List and PA reportedly agree to refrain from publicly criticizing one another over their different views on this matter. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 9/30; HA 10/1)

In the heaviest day of violence since the beginning of 7/2016, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians and 1 Jordanian in East Jerusalem and the Hebron area. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Jordanian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. An eyewitness reports that the youth did not attack anyone, and that he only yelled “Allahu akbar” when the Israeli forces asked him to lift his shirt. Israeli forces later find a knife on his body. IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting a ramming attack outside Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other; 3 Israelis are injured in the alleged ramming. Separately, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. After the attacks, an officer with Israel’s COGAT says that the IDF will impose strict punishments on the attackers’ home villages, including Bani Na‘im. The IDF then shuts down a number of checkpoints in Hebron and the entrances to Bani Na‘im, declaring the village and c. Hebron closed military zones. Israeli troops conduct raids in Bani Na‘im late at night, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 9/16; HA 9/17; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Jalazun r.c.), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also disperse Palestinian stone-throwers nr. Nablus, arresting 1; arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 2 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Salfit, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron throughout the day. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus traveling between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement, injuring the driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search cars and detain a handful of Palestinians during patrols in Silwan, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 2 Palestinians are injured. A Palestinian man demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. (MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/22)

Unidentified Gazans fire a mortar shell into Israel, which lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Holding Hamas accountable for all rocket attacks emanating from Gaza, the IDF carries out air strikes on 3 Hamas military sites nr. Bayt Lahiya and in Gaza City, causing damage and destroying 2 nearby agricultural structures and a water well. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/15; PCHR 9/22)

During overnight raids nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian attempting to escape arrest. Later in the day, IDF troops arrest 2 more Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Hebron, and patrol nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces evict a Palestinian family from their home in the Old City to make room for Jewish-only housing in the area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in Hizma allegedly planning to carry out a stabbing attack. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. (MNA 9/15; HA, MNA, TOI 9/16; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and 1 is injured. The IDF will deny firing on protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile,IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, and in Hebron, sparking minor clashes nr. Jenin (there are no serious injuries); and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. (HA, MNA 9/9; PCHR 9/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. al-Bureij r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA, WAFA 9/3; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. They plan to open it again on 9/4. (OCHA 9/8)

IDF troops raid al-Sanabel radio station in Dura village nr. Hebron overnight, shutting it down on the grounds of alleged incitement and arresting 5 journalists. They also destroy and confiscate some broadcasting equipment. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 5 Palestinian youths as they leave a soccer field in the Old City, demolish a blacksmith shop in the southeast corner of the city, and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/8) 

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the 2d of 3 planned days. (PCHR 9/1; OCHA 9/8)

The High Planning Comm. of Israel’s Civil Admin. advances plans for the construction of 463 settler residences in the West Bank, including approval for 234 units in the Elkana settlement, 31 in Bet Arye, and 20 in Givat Ze’ev. The comm. also retroactively legalizes 178 units built in Bet Arye in the 1980s. (AFP, HA, MNA 8/31)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hungerstriking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s settlement, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 4 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries. They arrest 5 fishermen and confiscate their boats. (MNA 8/12; MNA 8/13; PCHR 8/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s occupation, settlement, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids in Bayt ‘Amr nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 7 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Hebron and nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. (MNA 8/5; MNA 8/6; PCHR 8/11)

Following the shooting nr. Bethlehem on 7/21, the IDF closes entrances to several Palestinian villages in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding areas that has been in place since 7/1. Amid heightened tensions in the Hebron region, IDF troops assault and injure a Palestinian in c. Hebron and patrol throughout the region during the day. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured and 5 are arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a raid in Shu‘fat. The Israeli authorities only allow 250 elderly Gazans to visit Jerusalem to pray at Haram al-Sharif today. They normally permit 300 to travel for Friday prayers. COGAT says that the reduction was a response to Hamas and other groups’ “choosing to use the crossing permits . . . illegally.” Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no injuries. (MNA 7/22; PCHR 7/28)

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)

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, patrolling the area throughout the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 of the 100 international and Palestinian activists cleaning an abandoned Palestinian factory in Hebron to prepare it for use as a cinema. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw rocks at Palestinian cars nr. Qalqilya, causing damage to 1. (MNA 7/15; JP, MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/21)

Hamas announces that it intends to participate in the planned municipal elections that the PA has set for 10/8. It is still unclear if the PA will organize ballots in Gaza as well as the West Bank. Hamas’s announcement is considered a surprise (the party did not participate in the 2012 elections). (MNA 7/16; JP 7/17; HA 8/7)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

In the 2d attack this week, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. No Israelis are injured. Meanwhile, around 4,000 Jewish settlers pray at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian residents; 10 Palestinians are injured (1 will succumb to his injuries on 6/6). Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Silwad and Kafr Malik villages nr. Ramallah, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons and sparking minor clashes in which a Palestinian is mildly injured. IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. For the 2d day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to traffic in both directions. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 6/2; MNA 6/3; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

Israel’s Justice Ministry releases a list of 27 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that might be affected by the so-called NGO Transparency Bill, which is currently under discussion in the Knesset. Twenty-five of the 27 NGOs are distinctly left-wing human rights groups, including B’Tselem and Yesh Din. This lends credence to accusations that the Transparency Bill is simply an attempt to silence opponents of the right-wing govt. (HA 6/3)

French FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces 2 main goals for the international peace summit in Paris on 6/3: the parties agree to meet again by the end of 2016, with Israeli and Palestinian participation, and they agree to form several working groups to facilitate resolutions on various final status issues, such as Israeli security and economic incentives for both sides. (JP, TOI 6/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and Silwad) and 1 nr. Qalqilya, as well as along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. For the first time in 11 years, the IDF refrains from using violent crowd control methods to disperse the Friday protest in Bil‘in nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces since the surge of violence began in 10/2015 (1 on 5/23 nr. Jerusalem and 1 in Hebron on 3/24). They also level Palestinian land nr. Salfit to clear the area surrounding a nearby settlement. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and in Hebron; and also patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Salfit, damaging 1. In Gaza, a small armed group fires a rocket toward Israel, but it falls short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 5/27; TOI 5/28; PCHR 6/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and Nabi Salih), 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces in Israel on 3/8. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron. They assault and injure 1 Palestinian, issue an arrest summons to another, and destroy and confiscate some personal property. During the day, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah. (MNA 5/20; JP, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/27)

Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon announces his resignation from the Defense Ministry and the Knesset, following PM Netanyahu’s public offer (5/18) for Yisrael Beytenu chair Lieberman to replace him as DM. Likud’s Yehuda Glick, the leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement, will replace Ya’alon in the Knesset. Later, Netanyahu says he “regret[s]” Ya’alon’s decision and says he wishes Ya’alon had “continued to be a full partner in the leadership of the state, in the role of FM.”(HA, MNA, TOI, YA 5/20; ALM 5/24)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Salfit. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian and her child in c. Hebron, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 5/13, 5/14; PCHR 5/19)

In the 1st such attack in 2 weeks, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian woman and her young brother at the Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah after they allegedly attempt to stab Israeli border police. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches nr. Ramallah, arresting 4 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1, and patrol nr. Hebron. Israeli police remove 5 right-wing Jewish activists from Haram al-Sharif when they attempt to pray and sing at the sanctuary, increasing Passoverrelated tensions. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, destroying 1 and causing no injuries. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/27; PCHR 4/28, 5/5)