The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm and Bethlehem. In Bayt Umar, Israeli forces injured 1 Palestinian firing live ammunition at his abdomen. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained 4 Palestinian journalists from Palestine TV. They were all released later in the same day. The Israeli police spokesperson said that the 4 were arrested because of network ties to the PA which Israel does not allow to operate in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, 46 Palestinians were injured during the 83d weekly Great March of Return protest, including 4 by live ammunition. Separately, 1 Palestinian truck driver was hit by Israeli live ammunition when Israeli forces opened fire on his truck east of Jabaliya. (AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; PCHR 12/12)

Israel launched a rocket to test a rocket propulsion system. The Israeli defense ministry did not provide any further details. (HA 12/6)

The U.S. house of representatives passed a resolution H.R. 326 opposing Israeli annexation of the West Bank. The resolution passed 226-188 with 4 Democrats voting against and 5 Republicans voting in favor. 1 of the Democrats voting against the resolution, Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who was a cosponsor of the original resolution, explained on Twitter that she opposed the resolution because the word “occupation” was removed and it was amended to include an “ironclad” commitment to Israeli military aid. (HA, JVP, Twitter 12/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Bayt Dajan, Qabalan, Majdal Bani Fadl near Nablus, and Kafr al-Dik near Salfit, and vandalized more than 50 Palestinian-owned vehicles, setting several on fire; settlers also wrote racist graffiti on several buildings. In Hebron, an Israeli settler assaulted 12 Palestinians. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries he sustained during Israeli airstrikes on 11/14. This brings the comprehensive death toll in the Israeli attack on Gaza starting on 11/12 to 34. Despite the Great March of Return protest being canceled, several Palestinians protested by the Gaza fence; 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces using live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces separately opened fire on Palestinian farmland east of Jabalia; no injures were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/22; HA 11/23; PCHR 11/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians, including a minor during a late-night raid in Bayt Liqya, and a former prisoner during a raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-Fawar refugee camp; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, 144 Palestinians were injured during the 81st weekly Great March of Return protest, including 73 by live ammunition and at least 31 by rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Later, some 10 rockets were fired at Israel; Israel bombed several places in Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian and wounding 3 others. Damage was reported in Gaza and Israel, where rocket shrapnel hit a house. Separately, a bullet fired from the Israeli side of the Gaza fence hit a window of a Palestinian house in Khuza‘a. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 miles off the coast of Jabalia. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/1; AJ, HA, PCHR, WAFA 11/2; HA 11/3; PCHR 11/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly protest in Bil‘in west of Ramallah. 1 Palestinian was also injured after Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest with rubber-coated bullets and tear gas in Kafr Qaddum. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli settlers raiding the village of Burin south of Nablus. The Palestinian was rushed to a hospital in Nablus for treatment. In Hebron, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by a rubber-coated bullet by Israeli forces and another suffered from tear gas inhalation in clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli forces. Israel’s Council for Higher Education passed a vote approving a medical school in the settlement of Ariel in the West Bank and connected to Ariel University. In Gaza, a 15-year-old Palestinian was shot dead and 66 others injured by Israeli live fire during the weekly Great March of Return protest east of Jabaliya refugee camp. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 218. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/12; WAFA 4/13)

In a press release by the World Health Organization, a call was made for Israel to protect health workers in Gaza and said it had recorded 3 deaths and 731 injuries among health workers since the Great March of Return began on 30 March 2018. (WAFA 4/13)

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

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

The Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike on a group of Palestinians allegedly launching incendiary balloons into southern Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are lightly injured. Late at night, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 11 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. (MNA, MNA 3/28; MNA 3/29)

The Egyptian delegation that arrived in Gaza yesterday to discuss the terms of a possible cease-fire departs for Israel to deliver Hamas’s proposed terms to the Israeli authorities. (MNA 3/28)

The UK announces a $2.6 million pledge to provide medical and surgical supplies to hospitals in Gaza. (MNA 3/29)

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 violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp late at night to set tires on fire, throw stones and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 4 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian collecting stones and gravel near Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water well Umm al-Nir near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones and glass bottles at Palestinian homes and vehicles in Kafr Haris near Salfit and outside Nablus, injuring 2 Palestinians and breaking several windows. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif for a 2d day in a row. (MNA, MNA, TOI 3/18; MNA, MNA 3/19)

An Israeli settler succumbs to injuries sustained in the shooting attack near Salfit on 3/17. Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the site of the 3/17 shooting and announces the construction of 840 new housing units in the nearby Ariel settlement. “Tomorrow, we will begin building 840 housing units in Ariel in a new neighborhood as was approved two years ago,” he says. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/18)

Unidentified assailants assault and seriously injure a Fatah spokesperson in Gaza near his home in Bayt Lahiya. Later, a senior Fatah official in Gaza says that the assailants broke the man’s arms and legs and that Hamas was behind the “assassination attempt.” Hamas, for its part, denies the accusation and pledges to conduct a full investigation into the incident. The attack comes amid ongoing popular protests against Hamas and the high cost of living in Gaza and rising tensions between Hamas and Fatah. (HA, JP 3/19)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device into southern Israel using a balloon. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 2 fishermen are arrested and their boat is damaged. In the West Bank, Israeli forces bulldoze a road leading to Palestinian farmland outside Kobar village near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also deliver stop-work orders to 4 Palestinian structures under construction near Salfit. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and injure a Palestinian activist in Hebron; shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Nabi Salih near Ramallah; arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-‘Izzariya, al-Tur, and the Old City. (MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/11; MNA, MNA 3/12; PCHR 3/14)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 3/1. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 209. (AFP, MNA, TOI 3/12; EI 3/13)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage. They also arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (1 fisherman is arrested and his boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian land to set up an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus. Also near Nablus, settlers also uproot 33 olive trees from a Palestinian grove and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing no reported damage or injuries. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian barn and uproot a number of nearby trees outside al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron. They also deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during raids in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/10; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/14)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas appoints senior Fatah official Mohammed Shtayyeh prime minister, replacing outgoing prime minister Rami Hamdallah. Abbas calls on Shtayyeh to form a new government that can work toward reuniting Gaza and the West Bank and prepare for a new round of elections. Meanwhile, PA finance minister Shukri Bishara announces that the PA will only be paying 50% of its civil servants’ salaries for 2/2019 due to budget constraints stemming from Israel’s decision to withhold a fraction of the tax revenues transferred monthly to the PA. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/10; MNA 3/11)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 2/22. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 208. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/11; EI 3/13)

Hours after the Israeli Air Force bombed several Hamas sites across Gaza, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Hamas should not expect Israel to abstain from a full-scale assault on Gaza because there is an Israeli election coming up on 4/9. “I suggest to Hamas—don’t count on it,” he adds. “We will do everything necessary to restore security and quiet to the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip and to the south in general.” (TOI 3/10)

In response to an Israeli television personality saying that Israel is a country for all its citizens, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says that Israel is a state for Jews alone. “Israel is not a state of all its citizens. According to the Nation-State Law that we passed, Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish People—and them alone.” (HA 3/11)

Japan announces a $7 million contribution to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and Syria. (MNA, WAFA 3/10)

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)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to set tires of fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are injured. After armed Palestinians open fire on an IDF post from the other side of the border fence late at night, an Israeli tank shells a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage. 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, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Ramallah-area home of a Palestinian accused of killing 2 Israeli soldiers on 12/13/18. The demolition sparks clashes between the Israeli troops and Palestinian residents of the area; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home under construction near Nablus and 2 makeshift Palestinian housing structures near Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police enter the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, provoking tensions at the sanctuary. Later, they arrest 7 Palestinians in the Old City on their way to the sanctuary and 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian bedouin village al-Araqib for the 141st time since 2010. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/14)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian demonstrations along Gaza’s border fence on 3/6. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 206. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7)

Afghanistan contributes $1 million to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees. A senior UNRWA official calls the contribution an “immense gesture of dignity.” (MNA, WAFA 3/7)

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

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

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them in the evening, injuring 1. After an incendiary balloon flown from Gaza sparks a small fire and damages a home in southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza late at night, causing major damage. In East Jerusalem, MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) leads a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 50 olive trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/27; HA, MNA, MNA, PCHR, YA 2/28)

The EU announces an €82 million (approximately $93.3 million) to support UNRWA’s core budget in 2019. (WAFA 2/27)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Rafah to light tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, causing no serious injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp. They also assault and injure a Palestinian journalist in Hebron; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside Huwara village near Nablus. Settlers also assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian teacher during a raid in Issawiyya. They also arrest 4 Palestinians accused of organizing at the recent protests at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 2/23; MNA, MNA, MNA 2/24; PCHR 2/28)

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, an Israeli drone bombs a Palestinian motorcycle near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF does not comment on the strike. In the evening, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Rafah to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations, injuring 5 protesters. In 2 separate incidents 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, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 10 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Ras Karkar near Ramallah. Settlers also assault 2 Palestinian shepherds near Hebron and throw stones at a Palestinian school in nearby Urif village, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces fire tear gas at Palestinian students at a school in central Hebron; no serious injuries are reported. It’s unclear why the IDF attacked the school. They also deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in western Hebron; confiscate heavy equipment from a construction site in southern Hebron; and uproot approximately 300 olive tree seedlings from a Palestinian grove north of the city. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians gather outside Haram al-Sharif to protest the recent Israeli incursions at the sanctuary; 4 are arrested when Israeli forces disperse the protests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 60 Palestinians across the city ahead of planned protests at Haram al-Sharif on 2/22. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; HA, JP, MNA, MNA 2/22; PCHR 2/28)

PA minister of finance Shukri Bishara says that the PA intends to pay all its employees on time in the coming months, but that some of the higher salaries might be reduced due to the 2/17 Israeli decision to make deductions from the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA. “We are coming on difficult days in the coming weeks, and we will handle the issue of salaries as wisely and fairly as possible,” he says. Meanwhile, senior Fatah official Mahmoud al-Aloul says that a committee has been formed to put together a list of Israeli products to ban from Palestinian markets in response to the Israeli deductions in tax revenue transfers. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 2/21)

Hosen L’Yisrael Party chair Benny Gantz and Yesh Atid Party chair Yair Lapid announce that they have agreed to run on a joint ticket ahead of the Israeli election on 4/9. Under their agreement, Gantz would serve as prime minister for two and a half years, then Lapid would take over the top job. Gantz is widely seen as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top challenger in the election, and this agreement is expected to strengthen his chances of becoming the next prime minister. (HA, JP, JP, YA 2/21)

Two days after sealing it, Israeli forces re-open al-Rahma Gate to Haram al-Sharif. A senior Islamic Waqf official says that Jordanian officials were actively engaging with the Israeli authorities to re-open the gate throughout the closure. Later in the day, Israeli forces assault a number of Palestinian protesters congregating outside after the mid-day prayer; 19 protesters are arrested and several are injured. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return and cheer on approximately 20 Palestinian ships sailing in a symbolic challenge to Israel’s blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; 33 Palestinians are injured. Also off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, Bayt Lahiya, and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces evacuate and dismantle 2 makeshift Palestinian residential structures, 3 sheep barns, and a water tank in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops conduct raids in Sabastiya near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries reported. They arrest 22 Palestinians and assault a 23d on further raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, Hebron, and Nablus. (HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/19; MNA, MNA, TOI 2/20; PCHR 2/21)

Two days after Israel’s security cabinet ordered a deduction to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA, PA president Mahmoud Abbas says, “We reject the tax, we don’t want it.” The deductions are set to total NIS 502,697,000 (approximately $138 million), which is purportedly equal to the amount that which the PA distributes in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in connection with serious crimes against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed in connection with such crimes. The monthly transfers of tax revenues typically total NIS 800 million (approximately $220 million), which amounts to about a third of the PA’s budget. “Frankly, if we are left with only 20 or 30 million shekels, which is the sum paid to families of martyrs, then we will pay them to the families of martyrs,” Abbas adds. (JP, REU, YA 2/19; TOI 2/20)

Unidentified Palestinians launch an incendiary balloon from Gaza into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Later, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters (1 Israeli soldier is reportedly injured when a Palestinian throws an explosive across the border fence). Israeli artillery then shell 2 Hamas observation posts in the area, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian shepherd and steal 2 of his sheep in the northern Jordan Valley. Settlers also assault a Palestinian vegetable vendor in Jenin, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. One raid in Tulkarm sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries or arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police seal al-Rahma Gate leading into Haram al-Sharif. The move reportedly comes in response to certain Palestinian officials praying at the gate last week. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/17; HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

Implementing legislation passed in 7/2018, Israel’s security cabinet approves a deduction to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA equal to that which the PA distributes in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in connection with serious crimes against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed in connection with such crimes. The cuts are expected to total NIS 502,697,000 (approximately $138 million) over a 12-month period. In response, a PA spokesperson calls the Israeli decision “arbitrary” and says that it will be “given a priority” in the Palestinian leadership’s discussions in the coming days. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/17)

Hamas security forces forcibly prevent PA security forces from staffing the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, according to the PA (Hamas claims that the PA troops left of their own free will). A senior Hamas official says that Hamas is carrying out “necessary security measures.” Sources in Gaza say that Hamas suspects the PA security forces are allowing Israel to transfer espionage equipment into Gaza. Hamas is reportedly demanding that PA staffers in Gaza submit to questioning and background checks. (HA, TOI 2/17)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 20 Palestinians are injured. One Israeli soldier is injured when a Palestinian protester throws an explosive across the border fence. In the West Bank, Israeli forces return to Urif near Nablus after clashes in the area on 2/14. They raze a swath of Palestinian-owned farmland outside the village and construct barriers on a road leading from the village to the newly razed farmland. Later, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering in Urif to protest the Israeli incursions and remove the new barriers; 2 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah (there are no serious injuries); arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, and Tulkarm. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/15; MNA, MNA 2/16; PCHR 2/21)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem and remove a stretch of pipeline supplying water to Yatta near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; MNA, PCHR 2/14; PCHR 2/21)

Representatives of 60 countries, including Israel, convene in Warsaw for a U.S.- and Poland-sponsored conference on security in the Middle East. The conference was initially intended to focus solely on Iran, but has been broadened to focus on other security issues across the region, including the wars in Syria and Yemen, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Before getting on a plane to Warsaw, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “I think that holding this conference, in which Israel, the U.S., various countries around the world and from the region sit down in one place and discuss one topic—which, in my opinion, is the most important for our national security—is a very important achievement.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence represent the U.S. (REU, YA 2/13)

Japanese ambassador Takeshi Okubo signs an agreement for Japan to provide $15.93 million in aid to the PA, specifically for the improvement of the PA’s solid waste collection and transportation system. (MNA, WAFA 2/13)

Dozens of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to launch fireworks at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Amid the demonstrations, unidentified Palestinians attempt to fire a mortar into southern Israel. It lands short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to swim from Gaza to Israel. They also open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers break into a Palestinian high school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinian minors are lightly injured. Separately, settlers smash the windshields of a number of Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara village near Nablus; assault a Palestinian journalist and a Palestinian activist in central Hebron (no serious injuries are reported). IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; JP, MNA, MNA 2/11; PCHR 2/14)

PA minister for civilian affairs Hussein al-Sheikh says that the Trump administration has asked U.S. and international banks to stop working with the PA in an effort to pressure the Palestinian leadership into accepting their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the [PA],” he says. “The sanctions began with preventing the transfer of an Iraqi grant worth $10 million, which was handed over to the Arab League recently. The League has not been able to transfer it because all banks have refused to accept it for transfer to the [PA’s] finance ministry or the national fund.” (AFP, TOI 2/11)

Haaretz reports that Israeli government officials have informed the Jerusalem District Court of their intention to invoke a legal justification approved by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in 12/2018 to retroactively authorize several settlement housing units build on Palestinian land near the Ariel settlement. Mandelblit’s justification allowed for such retroactive authorizations if the initial allocation of Palestinian land was done in “good faith.” (HA 2/10)

U.S. representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of the first members of the U.S. Congress to openly support the BDS movement, sends a tweet in response to a story about Israeli influence in U.S. politics: “It’s all about the Benjamins baby.” Her tweet draws criticism and allegations of anti-Semitism from many Democrats and Republicans. (NYT, WP 2/11)

Approximately 8,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinian minors are killed and at least 17 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 203. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. 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, after Israeli settlers confront Palestinian farmers working outside Bayt Fajjar near Bethlehem, IDF troops violently disperse the Palestinians with tear gas; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinians outside al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; there are no reports of serious injuries. Near Hebron, settlers claim ownership of a Palestinian home outside al-Arub refugee camp, sparking a violent confrontation between their IDF escort and the Palestinian family that lives there; 1 Palestinian is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh, damaging a mosque and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces remove a Palestinian flag and the photo of a Palestinian prisoner from a mosque in Issawiyya. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/8; MNA, MNA 2/9; PCHR 2/14)

A Palestinian prisoner in Israel is found dead in his cell, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. (WAFA 2/8)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that Polish officials recently invited the Palestinians to attend the upcoming security conference in Warsaw, where U.S. officials are reportedly set to unveil some details about their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Our position remains clear,” he says. “We are not going to attend this conference and reiterate that we have not mandated anyone to talk on behalf of Palestine.” (TOI 2/8; MNA 2/10)

A senior Dutch official says that his government has decided to allow Palestinians living in the Netherlands to register the West Bank or Gaza as their birthplace on official documents. “The Dutch viewpoint that Israel has no sovereignty over these areas,” he says. (HA 2/8; YA 2/11)

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

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

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

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

Approximately 1,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern shore to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on 20 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; 23 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza states that the critically injured Palestinian was a farmer working in the area, and not a protester. 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, Israeli settlers chase a number of Palestinian shepherds off their land near Jericho. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Bethlehem. Israeli forces dismantle and confiscate 2 makeshift Palestinian residential structures near Bethlehem. (WAFA 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 1/25. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 200. (MNA, WAFA 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah submits on behalf of his government his resignation to PA president Mahmoud Abbas. “[Hamdallah and his government] will continue to serve our people wherever they are and shoulder all its responsibilities until a new government is formed,” according to a PA statement. Abbas later accepts Hamdallah’s resignation, requesting that he continue to serve until a new government is formed. It’s unclear when that will be. (JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/29; MNA 1/30)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the first of 2 planned days. They have largely kept the crossing closed since 1/5. (ALM 1/31)

One day after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention not to renew the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH)’s mandate, PLO secretary-general Saeb Erakat calls on the UN to deploy a permanent international force in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The UN should “guarantee the safety and protection of the people of Palestine” until “the end of Israel’s belligerent occupation,” he says. Separately, Norway’s Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide says that Netanyahu’s “one-sided” decision to not renew the TIPH’s mandate is “worrying” and that if could “mean that the implementation of an important part of the Oslo Accords is discontinued.” (AP, YA 1/29; TOI 1/30)

Widely seen as one of the greatest challenges to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former head of the IDF Benny Gantz officially launches his campaign ahead of the 4/9 Israeli elections. “Under my leadership, the government will strive for peace and will not miss an opportunity to bring about regional change,” he says, pledging to strengthen the “settlement blocs and Golan Heights” and build a “united Jerusalem.” Netanyahu later criticizes Gantz’s speech as just “another speech by [Yesh Atid leader Yair] Lapid. Whoever says he’s neither right nor left, is left.” (HA 1/29; YA 1/30)

A senior Japanese official pledges $341,348 in support of 4 humanitarian projects in Gaza. (MNA 1/31)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and 146 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 199. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians who crossed the border fence into Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor accused of throwing stones at vehicles driving outside Silwad village near Ramallah. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (al-Mughayyir and Ras Karkar); 3 Palestinians are injured. Israeli troops shoot and injure 2 more Palestinians during clashes in Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Late at night, Israeli settlers smash the windows of 3 Palestinian vehicles in Turmus ‘Ayya village near Ramallah. Settlers also throw stones at a Palestinian home on the outskirts of Hebron, lightly injuring 2 Palestinians. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/25; HA, MNA, MNA, MNA 1/26; PCHR 1/31)

After Hamas refused to allow the next tranche of $15 million from Qatar into Gaza on 1/24, a senior Qatari official says that Doha plans to transfer money to families in urgent need and humanitarian and infrastructure projects in Gaza. “The main goal of the Qatari grant is to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he says. “Some parties have interpreted the humanitarian aid as ‘calm in return for dollars’ and this is not true.” He also criticizes Israel: “There are other parties that are exploiting the humanitarian aid for the internal elections and to score political points.” The official says that Doha is working with the UN to distribute as much as $20 million. The original $15 million was planned to help pay the salaries of the civil servants of the Hamas-run government and to support families in urgent need in Gaza. Later, a senior Hamas official welcomes the Qatari plan to maintain humanitarian aid to Gaza. (JP, TOI 1/25; REU, YA 1/26)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return near Gaza City. Amid the protests, armed Palestinians shoot and injure an Israeli soldier. Israeli artillery and air forces then strike a number of Hamas sites near al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring at least 4 others. The incident comes hours after a similar exchange near Jabaliya, during which armed Palestinians fired on IDF positions along the border fence and Israeli tanks shelled and destroyed a Hamas post in the area. No injuries are reported in that earlier incident. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City and Rafah, causing no damage. In 2 separate incidents 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 conduct raids in al-Khadir village near Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no reported injuries. The IDF then temporarily seals off all the entrances to the village. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during similar clashes in Tell and Burin near Nablus; arrest a Palestinian minor in central Hebron when he is found to be in possession of a knife; arrest 5 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces uproot 60 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Jerusalem and 30 more in a Palestinian grove outside Bayt Umar near Hebron. (HA, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/22; EI, MNA, MNA 1/23; PCHR 1/24)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspends the planned transfer of $15 million in Qatari funds to Gaza in response to the shooting of an Israeli soldier along Gaza’s border earlier today (see above). The transfer was originally set to go forward last week, but it was temporarily postponed in response to another incident of violence along the border fence. Meanwhile, Haaretz reports that Islamic Jihad in Palestine fighters were responsible for both shooting attacks and that they were motivated, in part, by an ongoing disagreement with Hamas. Later, a Hamas official says that Netanyahu’s order to suspend the transfer constitutes a “crime” that could spark an “explosion” of violence. (TOI 1/22; HA, JP, MNA 1/23)

One day after reports of violent protests at Ofer Prison, the Israeli press reports that a number of Palestinian prisoners at Ofer are refusing meals in protest of conditions in the prison. Later in the day, Israeli prison guards raid a number of cells in Ofer, sparking a 2d day of violence; more than 100 Palestinians are injured. (EI, MNA, TOI 1/22)

UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reports that UNIFIL peacekeepers have not been given access to any of the tunnels the IDF uncovered in the context of its Operation Northern Shield in late-12/2018 and earlier this month. He does not say whether or not the Lebanese government or Hezbollah is responsible for the delay. (JP 1/22; AP, HA 1/23)

The Italian government pledges €1.5 million (approximately $1.7 million) to UNRWA to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.  (MNA 1/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers cut down 2 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s coast, IDF troops violently disperse a few hundred Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row; 1 Palestinian minor is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (1 fisherman is arrested). In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home for the 2d time in Lod. (MNA, WAFA 1/20; MNA, MNA 1/21; PCHR 1/24)

A Qatari diplomat says that the $15 million that was supposed to be transferred to Gaza last week is set to go through this week, following a relatively quiet day of protests on 1/18. “Due to the violence on the border, the Israeli government postponed it,” he says. “The agreement is subject to there not being too much violence, so last Friday they approved to do the third tranche.” (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 1/20)

YNet reports that PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah formally informed U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo that the Palestinians have decided to reject future U.S. financial assistance, including that which supports the PA security forces, in response to the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, which the U.S. passed into law in 10/2018 (see *S. 2946 of 5/24/18 at congressionalmonitor.org for details). That law, which is set to go into effect at the end of the month, forced the Palestinians to either accept future U.S. aid or open themselves up to terrorism lawsuits from individual U.S. citizens, inter alia. (JP, TOI, YA 1/20)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in Chad to renew the diplomatic ties between Israel and Chad that were severed in 1972. At a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Chad’s President Idriss Déby says, ‘The purpose of your visit is to bring our two countries closer and to cooperate.” Netanyahu calls it the renewal of ties a “breakthrough” and a sign of Israel’s “rising standing” in the Muslim world. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI 1/20)

After unverified reports of Syrian air defenses intercepting an Israeli air strike near Damascus, several ground-to-ground projectiles are fired from Syria into northern Israel. They are all intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Late at night, Israeli forces strike approximately 10 government weapons depots, intelligence sites, and other targets in Syria, killing 21 people, including 12 member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. An IDF spokesperson says that Iranian forces were responsible for the projectile launched into Israel earlier in the day. “This was planned in advance as an attempt to deter us from continuing to act against them,” he says. (HA, JP, TOI, YA, YA 1/20; JP, TOI 1/21; HA 1/22)

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

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