The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed land and set up a caravan on Palestinian-owned land near Bayt Jala. Israeli forces demolished a mosque, a water well, and a house under construction south of Hebron. Israeli forces also handed a stop-work order and confiscated 5 tents in Nahalin. 10 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli state prosecution officials, including the state prosecutor, toured Haram al-Sharif with military escort; it was reported that the tour was done in coordination with the Islamic Waqf officials. Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in Issawiyya and the Old City. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 157th time since 2010. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injures or arrests were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; WAFA, WAFA 9/3; PCHR 9/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, sparking clashes with residents of the camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF also patrols near Hebron. Israeli settlers set fire to a pile of Palestinian construction materials outside Jalud village near Nablus, causing extensive damage. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Gaza City, causing no injuries. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 133d time since 2010. They also demolish a home in the Bedouin village Hura . (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/13)

After closing it indefinitely on 9/5, the Israeli authorities partially re-open the Erez border crossing, allowing a small number of humanitarian cases, journalists, and Palestinians from the West Bank into Gaza. Defense Minister Lieberman says the crossing will remain closed until at least 9/13. Separately, the Israeli authorities announce that all crossings in and out of Gaza and the West Bank are to be closed from midnight on 9/8 through midnight on 9/11 around the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. The crossings are also set for closure around Yom Kippur (9/17–18) and Sukkot (9/22–10/1, except the crossings in the West Bank are set to open on 9/25–9/28). (MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 9/6)

U.S. president Donald Trump says that he does not plan to resume any aid for the Palestinians until they begin negotiations with Israel. “The U.S. was paying them tremendous amounts of money,” he says, in a call with U.S.-Jewish leaders. “And I say, ‘You’ll get money, but we’re not paying until you make a deal. If you don’t make a deal, we’re not paying.” Trump has slashed almost all U.S. aid for the Palestinians, including that which is traditionally directed through UNRWA, since 1/2018. (IHY, JP, HA, TOI, TOI, YA 9/7)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Egyptian army demolishes a tunnel leading from the Sinai Peninsula into Gaza, trapping 8 Palestinian workers, according to eyewitnesses in Rafah. Later, the Egyptian army announces that its troops killed 3 alleged terrorists and destroyed a number of tunnels along the border in recent days. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along the fence near Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; 18 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. They also conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Gaza City. On Israel’s side of the border fence, firefighters quell 6 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/3; PCHR 7/5)

PLO secretary-general Erakat says that the Palestinians are considering a reduction in their political, economic, and security relations with Israel in response to the new Israeli law allowing for deductions to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA. Separately, PA officials say they have no plans to end the stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel in connection with serious crimes against Israelis. (JP, WAFA 7/3)

The IDF declares Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, a closed military zone ahead of planned evacuations and demolitions. Israel’s High Court of Justice approved the government’s plan to demolish the village on 5/24. (EI, WAFA 7/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu lifts his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif. He temporarily lifted the ban in early 2017 after imposing it amid the habba, which was a surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (AJ, JP, TOI 7/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian garbage truck during a raid nr. Nablus. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, at least 700 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning to commemorate Tisha B’Av. Israeli police remove 9 who attempt to pray at the sanctuary. Israeli forces conduct an arrest raid in Shu‘fat, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 116th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/1; MNA 8/2; PCHR 8/3)

PA pres. Abbas meets with a Hamas delegation in Ramallah to discuss national reconciliation. Earlier in the day, the Arab press reports that Abbas has put together a new framework, essentially a broad outline of an agreement in which the PA would increase the electricity supply in Gaza to precrisis levels, and allow banks in Gaza to trade in foreign currency again in exchange for Hamas dismantling its new administrative comm. and publicly renouncing its power-sharing agreement with exiled Fatah leader Dahlan. Hamas responds, demanding that the PA take responsibility for paying all employees of the Hamas-run govt. in Gaza and allowing a new leadership group, including representatives of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, to take control on an interim basis until a new round of elections can be held. (TOI 8/1; MNA, WAFA 8/2)

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif, as Palestinians hold a “day of rage” across the oPt. Muslim worshippers clash with Israeli forces after midday prayers at the Lion’s Gate to the Old City; 2 Palestinians are injured and arrested. Elsewhere, Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters clash with Israeli forces at Qalandia checkpoint, Shu‘fat, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Protests in Nablus and Tubas are without incident. Meanwhile, after a number of Jewish settlers perform religious rituals at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli police temporarily suspended Jewish visitation rights to the sanctuary. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate water pumps and tanks from Bedouin villages in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20; PCHR 7/27)

After consulting with top security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We want to solve this crisis in the quietest way possible and to bring back the calm.” Israel’s security agencies reportedly support removing the new metal detectors. Separately, a White House spokesperson says that the U.S. is “very concerned” about the situation and calls on “the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.” (TOI 7/19; SA, TOI 7/20)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 7/16. (KNE, MNA, TOI 7/19; HA 7/20)

IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces raze around 100 dunams (approx. 25 acres) of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Bethlehem and demolish 3 residential structures and 4 tents nr. Salfit. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 2 Islamic Waqf guards from Haram al-Sharif for 6 mos., and 3 other Palestinians from the sanctuary for 3 mos. They don’t give a reason for the bans. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat r.c. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces spray pesticides on Palestinian agricultural areas nr. Khan Yunis for the 2d day in a row; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 111th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/5; JP 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

The Israeli govt. and PA sign an agreement to allow Palestinian mobile service providers to offer 3G to their customers in the oPt. The IDF’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) releases a statement explaining that the deal is meant to strengthen the Palestinian economy. Prior to today’s agreement, the Israeli authorities were barring Palestinian companies from offering 3G due to security concerns. In 11/2015, Israel and the PA signed a similar agreement to enable 3G access in the oPt, but it was never implemented. (MNA 4/5)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no injuries or damage; uproot around 90 grapevine seedlings outside Bethlehem; and assault a Palestinian taxi driver nr. Jerusalem. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Dep. Knesset Speaker Moshe Feiglin tours Haram al-Sharif with a group of right-wing Jewish activists in the morning. In West Jerusalem, 2 Jewish Israelis assault and moderately injure a Palestinian taxi driver. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Bedouin community Umm Batin nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/16; MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Ahead of his 2d meeting with U.S. envoy Greenblatt this week, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction. Agreedupon for us, of course, not just for the [U.S.] side.” Netanyahu and Greenblatt then make progress on the issue, pledging to continue contacts next week, according to a joint statement. Separately, Greenblatt meets with leaders of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization for settlement municipalities. (HA, JP 3/16; JP 3/17)

Hamas announces the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. It will comprise mbrs. of the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council bloc and other senior officials. “Hamas has not formed a substitute govt. to replace the [PA] consensus govt.,” according to senior Hamas official Salah Bardawil. “A governmental administrative comm. was formed, not an actual govt. [The comm.] aims to organize the work of state institutions, and any minister from Ramallah is welcome to come to Gaza and do his job, and the comm. will be at his service,” he adds. (ALM 3/22)

Israeli DM Lieberman names the Palestinian National Fund a terrorist organization due to its “continuous and sustained support of entities responsible for serious terrorist activity against Israel.” The PA fund is primarily used to disburse payments to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel on terrorismrelated charges, and to assist prisoners’ families. PA pres. Abbas calls the move “an Israeli attempt to impede, destroy, and belittle” the ongoing U.S.-led peace-making effort. (JP, TOI 3/16)

At sundown, Israeli authorities close Haram al-Sharif and Hebron’s al-Ibrahimi Mosque to non-Jewish visitors until 10/24 for the Sukkot holiday. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Qatabiya village nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians picking olives nr. Nablus, causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, a large number of Israeli forces deploy across Silwan after unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at a settler home in the neighborhood. In Israel, around 1,200 bedouins gather outside the Ramat Hanegev council building to protest Israel’s ongoing evacuation and demolition of their homes. Their village, Bir Hadaj, is partially unrecognized, and part of it is slated for destruction in the context of the Israeli plan to redevelop the Negev. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/16; WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. (MNA 10/16)

Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops assault the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian, allegedly a mbr. of PIJ involved in the killing of an Israeli on 7/1. After declaring the village a closed military zone, they cut the Internet and electricity, fire anti-tank missiles and other artillery at his 3-story residential building for 7 hours, and eventually demolish it, killing the man and injuring a 2d Palestinian. The operation sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. (BBC, MNA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 8/4)

After the major IDF operation nr. Hebron overnight, the PA announces that the IDF has agreed to begin lifting its general closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, which it put in place in the wake of a Palestinian’s shooting of a settler on 7/1. Tension remains high in Hebron, as the IDF patrols the region throughout the day. (JP 7/27)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 mbrs. of the Islamic Waqf after they allegedly assault 2 Israeli archaeologists at Haram al-Sharif, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront a Palestinian fishing party late at night, damaging 1 boat and arresting 5 Palestinians. Meanwhile, a Gazan succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces on 11/23/2001. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish several structures in the bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 101st time since 6/2010. The demolitions spark minor clashes, and several Palestinians are arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 7/28; PCHR 8/4)

Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that the Israeli govt. has opened tenders for the construction of 323 housing units in Israeli settlements nr. Jerusalem, including 89 in Gilo, 36 in Neve Ya’acov, 68 in Pisgat Ze’ev, and 130 in Har Homa. Meanwhile, the Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation gives preliminary approval to a bill that would make some West Bank settlements eligible for special tax breaks in connection with the severity of their security situation. (MNA, PNOW 7/27; HA, TOI 7/28)

Commemorating Jerusalem Day, thousands of Israelis march through the Old City; there are no major altercations with Palestinian residents of the Muslim Quarter (as there were in previous years). Earlier, around 208 Jewish settlers tour Haram alSharif and thousands more gather at the Western Wall; 4 of the settlers (3 for breaking the rule barring non-Muslim prayer, 1 for allegedly assaulting an Israeli police officer) and 2 Palestinian women are detained at the sanctuary around the same time for disturbing the peace, according to an Israeli police spokesperson. In the Old City overnight, Israeli settlers attempt to set fire to a Palestinian store; the proprietors quell the blaze in time, preventing any serious damage. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Biddu, Jaba‘, and the Old City. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 2 planned days. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces disassemble and confiscate 7 EU-funded residential structures in a bedouin village nr. Jerusalem, and issue stop-work orders to 2 homes under construction nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Jenin throughout the day. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/5; PCHR 6/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Jericho, arresting 4 Palestinians, and patrol during the day in Tulkarm, nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s s. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats overnight, injuring 1 fisherman (3 others are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a group of Palestinian youths in Ras al-Amud, injuring 1. In Israel, Israeli forces destroy the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 97th time. Meanwhile, around 2,000 Israelis gather in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to demonstrate in support of Azaria, the Israeli soldier who shot and killed a detained Palestinian on 3/24. (EI, MNA, WAFA 4/19; PCHR 4/21)

Following Jordan’s 4/18 announcement that it is no longer planning to support the installation of cameras at Haram al-Sharif, an Israeli official says that “Israel’s support [for the initiative] remains unchanged.” (TOI 4/19)

Marking the 40th anniversary of Land Day, Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) conduct a general strike throughout the Galilee and Negev, and hold a protest in the bedouin village Umm al-Hiran, which the Israeli govt. is planning to raze. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations commemorating Land Day in Ramallah, Jenin, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez border crossing; there are no serious injuries. They also shoot tear gas canisters at Palestinian mourners marching in a funeral procession in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem; conduct a late-night house search in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians; and patrol during the day in 4 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces carry out a partial punitive demolition of the interior walls of the Hebron home of a Palestinian killed on 12/7/2015 in a confrontation with Israeli troops. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth at Haram al-Sharif after he raises a Palestinian flag at the sanctuary. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/30; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 3/31; PCHR 4/7)

The head of Gaza’s fishermen’s union says that the Israeli authorities recently agreed to expand the unilaterally defined fishing zone allotted for Gazans by 3 mi. in some places, starting in 4/2016. An IDF spokesperson does not comment on the report. (MNA 3/30)

The Hebron area is hit hard throughout the day, as IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at the entrance to al-Fawar r.c. after he stabs and seriously injures an Israeli soldier (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries later in the day); Israeli forces place a closure on the camp. IDF troops are heavily deployed across Hebron, after a Palestinian gunman allegedly shot at an Israeli settler’s vehicle in the Old City. Israeli forces conduct raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and patrol throughout the Hebron area, arresting 10 Palestinians total. Elsewhere in the West Bank, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF nr. Ramallah 2 weeks ago, on 11/11. IDF troops violently clash with protesters at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm for the 2d day, injuring 4 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in Jenin and 4 villages nearby, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians. Israeli forces demolish a road in a bedouin community in the Jordan Valley; confiscate stonecutting equipment from a quarry nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a sports club in al-Tur, confiscating data from surveillance cameras. A number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya to level land and build up earth mounds that will obstruct Palestinian farmers; open fire on Palestinian lands along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/25; PCHR 11/26, 12/3)

For the 10th day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinian protesters, injuring 1 e. of al-Bureij r.c. Separately, off the coast nr. Khan Yunis and twice nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)

Stabbing and small-scale attacks continue amid the ongoing wave of violence in Israel and the oPt. In s. Israel, Israeli police shoot and kill a bedouin Palestinian in Beersheba after he grabs a soldier’s gun and opens fire on a crowd at the city’s central bus station, killing 1 soldier and injuring 11 Israeli civilians. During the attack, an Israeli security guard shoots an Eritrean asylum seeker, allegedly misidentifying him as the shooter, then a group of Israeli civilians assault the man, seriously injuring him (he succumbs to his injuries later in the day). (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/18; EI 10/19; PCHR 10/22)

Throughout the day in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinian protesters across 5 areas in the region, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. IDF troops fire tear gas canisters into a secondary school in Jenin, causing no serious injuries; conduct house searches, raids, and patrols in 8 areas across the West Bank, arresting 11 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2. Israeli settlers attempt to kidnap 2 Palestinians in a village nr. Nablus; throw stones at Palestinian homes in e. Hebron, causing no serious damage. Early in the morning, around 30 Israeli settlers attempt to pray at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians and the PASF; 5 settlers are arrested. In East Jerusalem, an elderly Palestinian woman dies of complications related to tear gas inhalation, which she suffered during clashes nr. her home in Issawiyya earlier in the week. Her family was driving her to the hospital at the time of her death, but they were delayed at an Israeli mobile checkpoint. The Israeli police will say that the family’s vehicle was only detained briefly. Israeli forces begin installing a planned 300 m concrete wall to separate Jabal Mukabir from the nearby Israeli settlement East Talpiot; assault 3 Palestinians and arrest 1 at a checkpoint in Silwan; arrest 7 Palestinians on late-night raids in Sur al-Bahir and al-Thawri. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/18; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/19; EI 10/20; PCHR 10/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel rejects France’s rumored proposal for international observers to be deployed at Haram al-Sharif, responding to the 10/17 reports in French press. (HA, JP 10/18)

Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the Gaza coast on 3 occasions, causing no damage. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers on 3 occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night patrols in Hebron and a nearby village, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 2 nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver a stop-work notice to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 50 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces arrest 1 Jewish activist and 6 Palestinians. Israeli forces also conduct house searches and raids in Issawiyya, Silwan, and the Old City, arresting 13 Palestinians. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/28)

PA PM Rami Hamdallah pledges $50,000 to the bedouin community of Abu Nawwar nr. East Jerusalem, which is 1 of 46 bedouin communities in the E1 area that the Israelis plan to relocate to 3 planned townships nr. Jericho to expand Israeli settlements. (MNA 5/24)

In Gaza, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Rafah to level land. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage to 2 boats. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 65 olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah; perform religious rites at a site nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with local Palestinians; enter Isaac’s Hall in al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron. After suspected Palestinian assailants set fire to an Israeli settler’s trailer nr. Nablus, the IDF imposes a curfew on a nearby Palestinian village and conducts raids and house searches in the area, sparking light clashes with residents. The IDF also conducts house searches in and around Hebron and Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jenin. IDF troops set up roadblocks and raid a school in a village nr. Jenin, sparking clashes with residents. Israeli forces destroy 300 olive trees and demolish 600 m of walls nr. Nablus; confiscate 2 water tanks nr. Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Anabta village and in al-Tur, assaulting 1 Palestinian and arresting 2; arrest 4 Palestinian women at an entrance to Haram al-Sharif. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish several Palestinian bedouins’ homes in 3 villages in the Negev, and they surround a home in a 4th village, preparing to demolish it. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 3/19; AFP, MNA 3/20; PCHR 3/26)

In an interview with NBC, Israeli PM Netanyahu rolls back his 3/16 assertion that he will block the creation of a Palestinian state if chosen for a 3d consecutive term as PM. Later, U.S. Pres. Obama calls Netanyahu to officially congratulate him for his 3/17 victory, but also to discuss his controversial comments. Obama reportedly says that the U.S. will be reassessing its positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in light of the PM’s new position. (AFP, HA, JP, NBC, REU, TOI 3/19; AFP, TOI, YA 3/20)

On the 4th day of bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Wall Street Journal reports that the P5+1 is refusing to compromise on its demand for staggered sanctions relief. (AP, JP, WSJ 3/19; AFP 3/20)

In the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Comm., chair Corker (R-TN) and ranking mbr. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) agree to delay a comm. vote on the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 until after the P5+1 and Iran’s deadline for reaching a political accord at the end of 3/2015. They schedule a vote for 4/14

In Gaza, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries or damage. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians attend the funeral of the Palestinian who was killed in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem on 2/23. Nr. Hebron, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian’s home under construction; bar Palestinian shepherds from grazing their livestock outside another village. Also nr. Hebron, the IDF conducts house searches in 1 village, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages. Nearby, an Israeli settler hits a Palestinian with his car, moderately injuring him. Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque nr. Bethlehem late at night, leaving racist “pricetag” graffiti. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 4 homes belonging to a bedouin Palestinian family. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, arresting 4 Palestinians; they detain 5 Palestinian women as they exit Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 2/24; HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/25; PCHR 2/26)

PA Dep. PM and National Economy Min. Mustafa Mohammed Mustafa announces that PA ministers have agreed to nullify the preliminary agreement signed by the private firm Palestine Power Generation Company (PPGC) on 1/5/2014 to import $1.2 b. worth of natural gas from Israel over 20 years. A PPGC source tells news site al-Araby al-Jadeed that the deal was suspended last summer due to disagreements over certain terms with the consortium formed by Noble Energy and the Delek Group. Mustafa adds that the PA will instead focus efforts on developing natural gas fields off the coast of the Gaza Strip. (AJD 2/25; MEE 2/27; EI 3/8)

The boycott of 6 Israeli consumer products companies in the West Bank goes into effect, with enforcement teams visiting shops in Ramallah. Senior Fatah official and chair of the National Comm. against Israeli Punitive Measures Mahmoud al-Aloul says that any seized products will be destroyed on 2/25. Al-Aloul announced the boycott on 2/9. It is not sanctioned by the PA. (WAFA 2/25; HA 3/9)

In the Gaza Strip, a bomb explodes in an Egyptian troop transport in the n. Sinai Peninsula along the border with Gaza. Then, Egyptian soldiers open fire on 2 Palestinian military posts across the border nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. The Hamas-run govt. in Gaza says that it was not involved in the initial bombing, while Egyptian authorities blame Hamas for the bombing. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian refugees gather in front of the Ministry of Labor, protesting the lack of jobs in the Strip. In the West Bank, around 250 Palestinian and international activists set up a tent camp, named “Gate of Jerusalem,” in Abu Dis to protest the Israeli govt.’s settlement policies and its plans to displace Palestinian bedouins in the E1 area. Late at night, Israeli soldiers raid the camp and later return to demolish it and forcibly remove the activists. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c.; patrols nr. Hebron, Jenin, Jericho, and Qalqilya. They also deliver demolition notices to the Palestinian owners of 3 tents and 2 barns nr. Ramallah. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers, accompanied by IDF troops, break into a Palestinian residential complex nr. Bethlehem and erect Israeli flags. In East Jerusalem, over 20 right-wing Jewish activists accompanied by 12 Israeli police enter Haram al-Sharif and tour the area. During a patrol in the Old City, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian. (AFP, REU, WAFA 2/3; MNA, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/5)

In the Gaza Strip, civil employees continue their strike for a 2d day, protesting the fact that they haven’t been paid a full salary since 6/2. Separately, almost 200 Palestinians gather nr. the French Cultural Center in Gaza City to protest the recent publication of cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad by Parisbased satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Gaza’s police arrest 7 of the protesters. Late at night after the protests, unknown assailants set off a homemade bomb under the car of an administrative official with Hamas’s military police, which was parked outside his home in Shaykh Radwan. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. Additionally, Israeli naval forces capture a boat sailing from the Sinai to Gaza with materials for building rockets and detain the 3 Palestinians aboard, according to the IDF. (The incident will not be reported until 2/11, due to an IDF gag order.) In the West Bank, IDF troops expel 2 Palestinian women from their home in c. Hebron, then seal the property. In nearby villages, Israeli forces close 2 Palestinian-owned stores; destroy a well and an animal barn. They also deliver a stopwork order to a site nr. Jenin where Palestinians are building a new park. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and at Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem neighborhoods, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes and a residential building. As a result, 1 Palestinian woman is injured with a rubber-coated metal bullet during clashes with IDF troops in Issawiyya. Nearby, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians, including 1 pregnant Palestinian journalist and 4 other women at Haram al-Sharif. Across Israel, 100s of Palestinians gather to protest the killing of 2 Palestinian bedouins in Rahat on 1/14 and 1/18. After a funeral for the man killed on 1/18, clashes break out between residents of Rahat and Israeli police, but police refrain from using crowddispersal measures on orders from a district cmdr. Meanwhile, residents of Rahat continue their strike. (MNA, WAFA 1/19; JP, MNA, WAFA 1/20; HA, MEE 1/21; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23; YA 2/11)

In Brussels, EU FMs agree to appeal the Gen. Court of the EU’s 12/17 decision to remove Hamas from the body’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. (AFP, JP 1/19)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on 2 Palestinian fishing boats, damaging 1 and sinking the other. In the West Bank, IDF troops enter Bil‘in at dawn and deliver warnings about the weekly, nonviolent protests. Clashes break out between stone-throwing Palestinian residents and the Israeli soldiers, and several Palestinians are injured by concussion bombs, tear gas, and rubber-coated metal bullets. Clashes erupt after IDF troops raid 2 villages nr. Ramallah, injuring an IDF soldier. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers bulldoze farmlands w. of Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with a group of Palestinian women outside Haram al-Sharif who are protesting the ID card restrictions that sparked a similar incident on 11/16; 2 women are arrested. In the Negev, Israeli military and police enter the bedouin village al-‘Araqib and demolish 3 homes, as well as several other structures. (IMEMC 11/17; MNA 11/18; PCHR 11/20)

Egyptian officials announce that the width of the buffer zone being constructed on the border with the Gaza Strip is to be doubled to 1,000 m, and as many as 2,000 in some places along the 13 km border. The announcement comes after the discovery and demolition of 12 tunnels. (MEE, REU 11/17; HA 11/18; TOI 1/6)

European Union (EU) foreign ministers express concern in a press statement about the recent tension in East Jerusalem and formally condemn recent Israeli settlement developments. EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini describes a leaked EU doc. proposing new sanctions against Israeli settlements as “hypothetical and internal.” (HA, JP 11/17)