The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Mukhmas. Israeli forces shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian boy and injure 2 others during a raid in Qabatiya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 23 Palestinians in the Old City near the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 82 people. Israeli forces also open fire at Palestinians waiting to receive aid at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City, killing at least 17. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to raid and besiege al-Shifa Hospital. In Sakhnin, Deir Hanna, and Kafr Kanna, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel mark Land Day under the slogan “Stop the war on Gaza.” In Tel Aviv, Israeli police violently disperse Israeli anti-government protesters. In Lebanon, a UNIFIL peacekeeping foot patrol is bombed, wounding 4 UN personnel from Chile, Norway, Australia, and Lebanon; Israel denies responsibility. Israeli forces bomb Naqoura, Taybeh, Hanin, Tayr Harfa, Yarin, and Dhayra. Hezbollah forces attack an Israeli military base in Ya’ara with a drone and fire missiles at Kafrchouba, Khirbet Maar, and Raheb. In Jordan, police violently disperse protesters outside of the Israeli embassy for the seventh day in a row. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb 2 aerial surveillance systems. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; AJ, NYT 3/31; HA 4/1; UNOCHA 4/3)

More than 32,705 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,190 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 253 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 78 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 3/30; UNOCHA 4/3)

The Gaza Media Office reports that Israeli forces have killed more than 400 people and destroyed and damaged more than 1,050 homes in and around al-Shifa Hospital during the 13-day siege of the hospital. (AJ 3/30)

The Alliance of Palestinian Forces, which includes Hamas and Islamic Jihad, releases a statement opposing a reported Israeli plan to establish an Arab military force in Gaza. (AJ 3/30; HA 4/1)

Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah meets with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, telling reporters that he promises that “we will be the victors in the war.” (AP 3/30)

Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry, and French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne call for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” after a meeting in Cairo. Sejourne also says his government will put forward a draft resolution at the UN Security Council setting out a political settlement of the war in Gaza. (WAFA 3/30; AJ 3/31)

The Arab Parliament of the Arab League issues a statement marking Land Day, saying Israel is waging “a war of genocide and forced displacement.” (AJ 3/30)

Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel demands in a tweet on X that Israel ends “the genocide” in Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 3/31)

A video circulating online shows U.S. representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) saying that no aid should be provided to Palestinians and that Gaza “should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima” referring to the U.S. nuclear bombings of the 2 Japanese cities during World War II. (AJ, NYT 3/31)

The Guardian reports that the UK government has received legal advice that Israel is breaking international law in Gaza. (AJ, GDN 3/30; AJ, HA, HA 3/31)

50 members of the UK House of Lords and parliament call on the government to reinstate UNRWA funding. (AJ, HA 3/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian shepherd in Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 man protesting soldiers beating his son who was arrested during a house raid in Qalandia. The Palestinian man’s wife said her husband had gone outside to stop the soldiers’ assault on their son when he was shot and killed. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 7 others during a raid in Qabatiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Duma. Israeli forces also issued an eviction notice to a family in Hajja in preparation for a punitive demolition. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, al-Baqa‘a, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers wrote hateful graffiti aimed at Christians on the walls of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate building in the Old City. Israeli forces raided the home of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith, informing him that his ban on contacting PA officials and entering the West Bank had been extended for 6 months. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; AP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 1/13’ ; UNOCHA 2/16; PCHR 1/19; UNOCHA 2/3)

Peace Now and Bimkom said that a clause in the Likud Party and Religious Zionism Party coalition agreement could see Israel seize 13,000 dunams (3,250 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in the West Bank and 70 buildings in Hebron transferred to settlers as Israel claims that the land and buildings were owned by Jewish people before 1948. The land Israel intends to seize is located near Bethlehem, Nabi Samwil, Battir, and Beit Furik, including land in Area B. (HA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh urged the U.S. to act quickly to end Israeli measures to weaken the PA and undermine the 2-state solution. (WAFA 1/12)

The head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh met with UN Middle East peace process envoy Tor Wennesland in Doha, Qatar. (MEMO 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians using live ammunition during a late-night raid in Nablus; 19 others were injured and 1 house was severely damaged. The PA condemned the killings. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian man near the Tapuah Junction, claiming he had approached a soldier with a knife; no injuries were reported in relation to the incident. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Qabatiya; 3 were arrested. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 homes and 1 agricultural structure south of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were assaulted and arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen, causing 1 boat to catch fire. (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEE, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/24; MDW, MEE, TOI 7/25; PCHR 7/28; UNOCHA 8/5)

Kan News reported that a unit of the Israeli military spent the weekend at an Israeli settlement outpost in the Jordan Valley. (TOI 7/24)

75 Palestinian prisoners started hunger-striking in solidarity with 2 Palestinian prisoners who have been hunger-striking for more than 100 days in protest over their administrative detention. (WAFA 7/23; WAFA 7/24)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA 7/24)

The Intercept reported that Google is offering the Israeli government advanced artificial intelligence products as part of its Project Nimbus contract with Israel. (INT 7/24)

It was reported that Bahrain’s head of Authority for Culture and Antiquities Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa was fired for refusing to shake hands with the Israeli ambassador to the country during a social gathering at a U.S. envoy’s home on 6/16. (JP 7/23; DN, MEE, MEMO 7/24)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler attempted ramming 1 Palestinian photojournalist working for Agency France Presse with their car at the Huwwara checkpoint. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man who had allegedly attempted to stab Israeli soldiers near the Shomron Regional Brigade military base by Nablus; the Palestinian man was taken to a hospital while none of the Israeli soldiers were injured. Israeli forces also notified Palestinians in Wadi Fukin that Israel is seizing 40 dunams (10 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near the village. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dura al-Qari, Husan, Misilyah, Barta‘a, Silat al-Harithiya, al-Fara‘a refugee camp, Qalqilya, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Dheisheh refugee camp, Halhul, Beit Umar, and Qabatiya. In Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted the family of 1 Palestinian who was seriously injured on 5/16 during a funeral procession in East Jerusalem at a hospital while trying to arrest their seriously injured relative. 1 of the family members was beaten unconscious by the Israeli police and treated at the hospital. Later, Israeli police informed the family that the seriously injured man was not under arrest and they were still allowed to visit him. Israeli forces also razed 1 dunam (0.25 acres) of Palestinian land and demolished 1 fence in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Damascus Gate plaza. In Israel, Israel said it had shot down a drone entering Israeli air space from Lebanon, claiming it was operated by Hezbollah. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/17; HA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett visited the Elkana settlement in the West Bank a week after his government approved 500 new settlement units there. It was Prime Minister Bennett’s 1st visit to an Israeli settlement outside of East Jerusalem since he took office. The PA denounced Bennett’s trip. (HA 5/17)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh met with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow. Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov met with a Hamas delegation in Moscow earlier this month. (WAFA 5/18)

Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev decided to allow Israeli settlers and right-wing activists to march through the Damascus Gate plaza and the Muslim quarter of the Old City on “Jerusalem Day” on 5/29. The march will close off parts of the city to Palestinians. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; HA 5/19; HA 5/20)

Prime Minister Bennett spoke to French president Emmanuel Macron. According to the official French readout of the conversation, President Macron expressed concern about Israel’s decision to advance 4,000 settlement units and urged Israel to swiftly investigate the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11. The Israeli readout did not mention the French concern about the Israeli settlement expansion. (AJ, HA, REU 5/17)

The Lebanese interior ministry released results from the 6/15 Lebanese parliamentary elections, showing that the Hezbollah-led bloc had lost the majority in the parliament. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 5/17; AJ, REU 5/18; AJ, REU 5/19; AJ 5/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off parts of the Old City in Hebron and forced Palestinian shops to close. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work order for 2 houses in Kafr ad-Dik. 16 Palestinians were arrested, including 15 during late-night raids in Dura, al-Arroub refugee camp, Aqraba, Beita, Tulkarm, Qabatiya, and Sa‘ir, and 1 was arrested at the Container checkpoint near Bethlehem; Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian protesting the raid in Aqraba, claiming he had opened fire on the Israeli soldiers. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the vicinity of the Gaza fence. (MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; MEMO 3/18; PCHR 3/24; UNOCHA 3/25)

Haaretz reported that Israel is allowing Israelis to do their national service through pro-settler organizations that police settlement outposts to protect Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The Israelis doing their service in settlement outposts have been reported to prevent Palestinians from cultivating their nearby lands. (HA 3/17)

Jewish Currents and the Guardian published a memo from top-level Anti-Defamation League (ADL) staff to the organization’s CEO Jonathan Greenblatt from June 2020, which recommended that the ADL ends its police exchange program between the U.S. and Israel. The memo said that the program was “highly controversial” and that the trips to Israel could lead to police misconduct in the U.S. (GDN, JC, 3/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Israeli forces near the Givar Ronen settlement outpost south of Nablus, injuring 1 soldier and vandalizing military vehicles. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians in the Old City, Jabel Mukaber, and Isawiya for throwing snow. 14 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur for throwing stones at Israeli police in protest over a demolition on 1/26. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 2/3)

In an interview with the Jerusalem Post, Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, saying, “I think it would be a terrible mistake to create a Palestinian diplomatic entity in our land.” Prime Minister Bennett said he would not prevent his ministers from meeting with Palestinian representatives, as long as they did not talk diplomacy. Bennett also said that he had rejected U.S. pressure to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. The PA condemned Bennett for rejecting negotiations with the PA. (JP, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; WAFA 1/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 1 garbage truck belonging to the town council of Qusra. Israeli settlers also uprooted some 300 olive trees in al-Mazra‘a al-Garbieh. European diplomats partook in the olive harvest in Qusra, 1 of the Palestinian areas where Israeli settlers frequently attack Palestinians and their property. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Burin, Tell, Qabatiya, Beit Fajjar, and al-Khader. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/28)

2 Israeli settlers, both minors, were indicted for partaking in an attack on Palestinians and their property in Khirbet al-Mufkara on 9/28. The younger of the 2, a 15-year-old, was charged with attempted assault and rioting that damaged property. The older, a 17-year-old, was charged with aggravated assault of a public servant, an Israeli soldier. Palestinian residents said that around 100 settlers raided the village for some 30 minutes. (HA 10/21)

Peace Now reported that Israeli settlers in Hebron had started construction of a new neighborhood that will include 31 housing units near the Old City. Israel’s Higher Planning Committee approved the building permits for the settlement expansion in 2017 but no construction had been allowed as Peace Now and the Hebron municipality sued to have the permits revoked. That petition was rejected recently. Peace Now said they would appeal to the Supreme Court. (PCN, TOI 10/21; WAFA 10/24)

It was reported by Turkish media that Turkey had arrested 15 people on 10/7 for spying on the country for Israel’s intelligence service Mossad. According to reporting, all 15 arrested were Arabs, with at least 7 said to be Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. They had been monitored by Turkish intelligence for a year. (ALM, HA, HA, TOI 10/21; JP, MEMO 10/22; HA 10/25; HA 10/27)

The EU signed an agreement to contribute $105 million to the UNRWA budget. The agreement was made as the EU parliament voted to approve the EU’s continued support of UNRWA. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in al-Zubeidat. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor using live ammunition during a confrontation in al-‘Arub refugee camp. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Husan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Jenin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Palestinian protests were also held in Qabatiya and Rumana. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al, Jenin, Jericho, and Bayt Rima; 1 was arrested while in a park in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers raided the Bab al-Rahma cemetery at the Haram al-Sharif compound. 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, the Old City, and Silwan. In Gaza, 13 Palestinians were killed, including 2 children, and dozens were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 203 to 216, including 62 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 1 in an air strike on a house in Jabaliya; 1 while driving a car near Gaza City; 4 by an Israeli air strike near a seaside café west of Gaza City; 2, including 1 child, in an air strike on an apartment building in Gaza City; 1 child, and 1 child was wounded during an air strike at a house in Dayr al-Balah; 1, and 1 injured in an air strike in Abasan; 2, and 2 injured in a drone strike in Bayt Lahiya; 1 succumbed to wounds sustained on 5/13 during an air strike on the American Hospital west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 Palestinian was found in rubble from a massive air strike that killed 43 in Gaza City on 5/16, raising the death toll from that strike to 44. Israel also conducted large-scale air attacks on al-Bureij, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, causing extensive damage and injuries; among the buildings damaged was the Gaza COVID-19 vaccination center and a large bookstore. It was reported that several power lines had been destroyed, making the electricity supply to Gaza even worse. In Israel, 1 Jewish-Israeli man was killed by Palestinian-Israeli stone-throwers in Lydda. Israel said 6 rockets were fired from Lebanon toward Israel, but landed in Lebanese territory; Israel subsequently attacked areas of Lebanon. (AP, HA 5/16; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/17; PCHR 5/18; HA, MEE 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

The Fatah central committee called for a general strike to protest evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the Israeli attacks on Gaza on 5/18. A similar call was made by the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel on 5/16. (MEE, WAFA 5/17)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh, general intelligence chief Majid Faraj, and advisor for the president on diplomatic affairs Majdi Khaldi met with U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. The trio urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to stop its attack on Gaza and evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Deputy Assistant Secretary Amr also met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/17)

U.S. president Joe Biden called for a ceasefire during a phone call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AJ, AX, NPR, REU 5/17; AJ, AP, HA 5/18; AP 5/19)

Amnesty International said Israel’s attacks on Gaza must be investigated as war crimes, given their targeting of residential homes. (AI 5/17; WAFA 5/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Jarir, injuring the village’s major and 1 other with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Qabatiya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces took measurements of the house of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler on 12/21 for a punitive demolition. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya and Dayr al-Ghusun. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural fields east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/25; PCHR 12/31)

The PA foreign ministry urged the UN Security Council to address the spike in Israeli settler violence against Palestinians. (WAFA 12/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Moroccan king Mohammed VI spoke via phone for the 1st time since the 2 countries’ normalization deal was announced on 12/10. Prime Minister Netanyahu said he had invited King Mohammed VI to Israel and later said that a Moroccan delegation would land in Israel soon. (AJ, HA 12/25; REU 12/26)

Israeli forces attacked the Syrian city of Masyaf near Lebanon, killing 6 people and causing damage. According to the Syrian military, it had intercepted a “barrage of Israeli missiles.” Low-flying Israeli fighters were filmed over Beirut shortly before the attack. (AJ, DT, HA, TOI 12/25)

Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told reporters in Istanbul that he wants relations with Israel to be better but that “[t]he Palestine policy is our red line. It is impossible for us to accept Israel’s Palestine policies. Their merciless acts that are unacceptable.” (AJ, HA, MEE, REU 12/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned property in al-Sawiya, slashing tires on 12 cars and writing racist graffiti on houses. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 park, 1 unpaved road, retaining walls, 1 playground, and 1 storage space in Haris; for several residential structures, 1 barn, and 1 water well south of Hebron; demolished and seized residential shacks and tents south of Hebron; and demolished and seized 1 greenhouse in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. Thousands of Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s planned annexation of parts of the West Bank. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Izzariya, al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur, Wadi al-Juz, Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City; during a raid in al-Tur, Israeli forces seized 1 vehicle. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/11)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat, in an op-ed in Haaretz, called on the international community to begin imposing sanctions on Israel to force Israel to back away from annexing parts of the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

In an interview with the New York Times, Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the PA’s general authority of civil affairs, said that if Israel moves ahead with annexing parts of the West Bank the financial repercussions for the PA would mean it would have to cut its $105 million a month in payments for salaries and medical expenses in Gaza. Al-Sheikh also said that the PA forces no longer would extradite Israelis arrested in PA controlled areas and that these would be tried in PA courts. (NYT 6/8)

An Israeli border police officer was convicted of assault and reckless use of a weapon after a court found that she had shot a Palestinian man using a rubber-coated bullet in the back “for fun.” (HA 6/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 2 excavators south of Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Taqqua, causing tear-gas related injuries. Separately, several Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries after clashes with Israeli forces in Qabatiya. Israeli forces also ordered tents and animal barns removed near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; PCHR 3/18)

A total of 5 Palestinians are killed across the oPt today. First, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in ‘Araqa village nr. Jenin after they allegedly shoot at the soldiers. IDF troops later cordon off the roads leading to and from Araqa and patrol the area. IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a 3d Palestinian youth at a checkpoint n. of Bethlehem after he allegedly attempts to stab in Israeli soldier (he succumbs to his injuries later in the day). In the evening, Israeli forces shoot and kill a 4th and 5th Palestinian after they allegedly attempt to open fire on Israeli border police and civilians nr. Jerusalem’s Old City. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier in c. Hebron. Palestinian witnesses report that the young woman did not attempt a stabbing. A video of the alleged stabbing is later dispersed in the media depicting Israeli soldiers pushing a disabled Palestinian witness from his wheelchair. No Israelis are injured in any of the incidents described above. (JP, TOI, YA 2/14; MNA 2/15; PCHR 2/18)

Elsewhere in the oPt, the Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the 2d of 2 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. They say in the evening that they will extend the opening a 3d day on 2/15. The IDF maintains, for a 6th and final day, its punitive closure of Qabatiya, where an Israeli settler was stabbed and injured on 2/9. IDF troops patrol in a village nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also conduct house searches and raids late at night in Tulkarm, Tulkarm r.c., Nablus, 4 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 10 Palestinians; patrol further in Qalqilya, 7 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Salfit. The Israeli authorities return to his family in East Jerusalem the body of a Palestinian who was killed by Israeli police on 10/15 (the family reportedly agreed to allow only 14 people to attend his funeral and paid NIS 20,000 [around $5,150] as collateral to secure the release of his body). This is the 1st body returned to East Jerusalem since the wave of violence began in 10/2015. Meanwhile, Palestinians verbally confront 5 right-wing Jewish activists who are attempting to pray at Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces escort the activists out of the sanctuary before the incident can escalate. Israeli forces also arrest 6 Palestinians on raids in al-Tur. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/14; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/15; OCHA, PCHR 2/18)

The IDF maintains, for a 3d day, the closure of Qabatiya. Israeli forces shut down the major road to the village with bulldozers, sparking intermittent clashes with stonethrowers wherein 9 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians on raids in the village and return the bodies of the 3 Palestinians suspected of perpetrating the 2/3 shooting in the Old City (a joint funeral is held in the evening). (PCHR 2/11)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian youth and arrest a 2d in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF says they were planning to throw Molotov cocktails at passing vehicles. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and recent violence against Palestinians in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwan, ‘Ayn Yabrud, and Jalazun r.c.), 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Nablus, as well as in 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 10 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 nr. Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; patrols 2 villages nr. Jericho and 3 nr. Hebron. Also along Gaza’s e. border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian on a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 2/5; TOI 2/7; PCHR 2/11)

The Israeli authorities extend the closure of part of Hebron’s Old City through 3/1. It was 1st closed on 11/1/2015, and Palestinians and internationals have been banned from entering since. (MNA 2/5)

The IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of Qabatiya where the 3 Palestinians suspected of perpetrating the 2/3 shooting in the Old City were from. In the village, an Israeli armored vehicle rams and seriously injures a Palestinian youth, and 3 other Palestinians are injured in intermittent clashes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/11)

In Ramla, Israel, 2 Palestinian youths are detained after allegedly stabbing and lightly injuring an Israeli security guard at a bus station. In Silwan, unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli bus, causing substantial damage and no injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian youths gathering in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, to call for the return of the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces (there are no serious injuries).Israeli forces also demolish a building in al-‘Izzariya; conduct a raid in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (there are no serious injuries); arrest 3 Palestinians on further raids in Silwan, Qalandia r.c., and Biddu. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 homes and 4 other Palestinian structures in the Jordan Valley, as well as 3 agricultural structures in a village nr. Ramallah overnight. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in 1 village each nr. Salfit, Nablus, and 3 villages nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians and issuing 1 family a notice to vacate their home; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 7 nr. Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/4; MNA 2/5; PCHR 2/11)

Palestinian hunger striker al-Qiq rejects an Israeli High Court of Justice decision to suspend his administrative detention until his health improves. Al-Qiq argued that the ruling upheld his administrative detention in a different form. (MNA 2/4)

Israeli PM Netanyahu files an ethics complaint against 3 MKs from the Joint List for their 2/2 visit to the East Jerusalem families of Palestinians who have allegedly committed serious crimes or attacks in recent mos. (HA, JP, YA 2/4; JP, TOI 2/5)

In response to IDF attacks on 2/5, Palestinians fire at least 20 rockets and mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, injuring 2 Israeli girls (ages 1, 12) playing outside in Kibbutz Beeri. The IDF then steps up air strikes and shelling of Hamas targets around Bayt Hanun, Gaza City, Jabaliya r.c., and Khan Yunis, wounding at least 3 Hamas mbrs. and an 80-yr.-old woman. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, bedouin tents, and 2 merchandise stalls in Jiftlik in the Jordan Valley, displacing 29 Palestinians; demolishes 4 tents, 9 animal pens, 2 other structures belonging to bedouin families nr. Tubas, displacing 30 Palestinians; bulldozes a room of a home nr. the separation wall in Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Nablus and in Hebron (again targeting the homes of the alleged 2/4 bombers), Qabatya, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Israeli authorities demolish 1 Palestinian home in the Old City of Jerusalem (leaving 30 Palestinians homeless). (PCHR, WP 2/7; OCHA 2/13; PCHR 2/14)

Overnight and into the predawn hours, the IDF conducts at least 13 air strikes on n. Gaza, destroying a bridge outside Bayt Hanun, damaging roads, hitting a PA naval police building, injuring 2 officers. Israel allows the Palestinians to increase the hours of operation at the Rafah crossing fr. 4 hrs./day to 8 hrs./day. The IDF also exchanges fire with Palestinian gunmen in Nablus’s old city, wounding 2 gunmen; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah and in al-Khadir, Qabatya. An IDF undercover unit enters Burkin nr. Jenin, abducts, beats, detains a Palestinian. (IMEMC, PCHR 12/19; PCHR 12/22)

Ben-Eliezer says Israel may pull forces out of Hebron by 10/18 if the situation there remains calm. The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian in Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids, partially destroys a Palestinian home in Jenin; demolishes a Palestinian home in Qabatya; occupies, searches a hospital in Yatta for 5 hrs. Israeli police detain, question Jerusalem's chief Muslim cleric Shaykh Ikrima Sabri regarding an interview with a Dubai-based newspaper in 6/02 in which he allegedly "incited violence" by saying he did not see any religious prohibition against suicide bombings. Sabri denies making the comment, is freed after several hrs. Israeli police also raid a Palestinian home in Jerusalem's Old City; detain, question, release 1 Palestinian. (XIN 10/15 in WNC 10/16; LAW, NYT, PCHR, PM, PR, WP, WT 10/16; MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; REU 10/22)