The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops raid a secondary school in Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem. They remove allegedly inciting posters and shoot pepper spray at some of the teachers, lightly injuring 3. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, Nablus, Jericho, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned home in Kafr Kassim. (MNA 2/26; PCHR 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces close the entrance to ’Usarin village nr. Nablus after reports of a Palestinian attack on settler infrastructure in the area. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during raids nr. Salfit, Ramallah, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. (MNA, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/2)

Three Palestinians are killed and 5 are injured while repairing a smuggling tunnel in s. Gaza. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City, injuring 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, c. Hebron, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Two Palestinian youths are injured when a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance detonates in c. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in Issawiyya while many residents are attending a funeral, sparking minor clashes with a number of mourners; there are no serious injuries. (MNA, 2/24; MNA, TOI 2/25; PCHR 3/2)

In the West Bank, the IDF imposes heightened precautions at checkpoints in the Ramallah area, causing traffic jams across the region. It’s unclear why security is tightened. IDF troops also weld shut the door to a home and arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and in Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline nr. Tubas and a residential structure in Khan al-Ahmar village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 74 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Shu‘fat refugee camp (r.c.). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and again nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/23)

Israel’s Knesset passes a new law requiring private businesses that choose not to sell products or services to Israel’s settlements in the West Bank or East Jerusalem to display signage indicating that on their premises. Businesses that fail to display proper signage will be fined. Member of the Knesset (MK) Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home), who proposed the legislation, says, “businesses that choose to discriminate against consumers who live in Judea and Samaria, in outlying areas or in Arab communities will be obligated to inform their customers in advance. If they fear being put on customers’ blacklists, they should them treat all equally.” (HA 2/20; MNA, TOI 2/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops on patrol in Bizarya village nr. Nablus open fire on Palestinian youths walking home from school, injuring 1. It is unclear why they opened fire. IDF troops deliver demolition orders to more than 40 homes and a makeshift school in the Bedouin community Khan al-Ahmar n. of Jerusalem, arrest 11 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya; shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during an arrest raid nr. Ramallah; and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. Israeli forces seal the entrances to 4 villages nr. Ramallah without explanation. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. (MNA, WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/23)

The Egyptian army announces that it has discovered and destroyed a “central tunnel” leading from the n. Sinai Peninsula into Gaza that it claims was being used by a “terrorist group.” (MNA 2/20)

At Israel’s weekly cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu says that the new Trump admin. shares Israel’s view of regional threats to Israel, and strategies for Israel to improve its relations with select Arab states. Netanyahu also says that the govt. will need to find a new housing solution for the 40-odd families that were evacuated from the illegal Amona settlement outpost, since Trump might oppose the plan to build a new settlement. (HA, JP, TOI 2/19; HA 2/20)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threaten to harm a group of Palestinian shepherds over an ongoing land dispute in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops patrol in Qalqilya, firing tear gas canisters that injure a Palestinian baby. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Nablus and Ramallah throughout the day. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/18; MNA 2/19; JP 2/20; PCHR 2/23)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinians in Egypt to enter Gaza. (MNA 2/18; MNA 2/19)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in c. Hebron; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, damage property at a library during raids nr. Salfit and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian family’s flock of sheep, killing 1 animal, in the n. Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA 2/17; HA 2/18; PCHR 2/23)

Upon his return to Israel from Washington, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his 2/15 meeting with U.S. pres. Trump was “excellent” and that “it will have a large impact on our security.” Meanwhile, Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman calls on other Israeli officials to “cool down” talk of annexing the West Bank and building settlements, saying “we cannot progress without understandings with the U.S.” (JP, TOI 2/17)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a latenight raid in Qalqilya and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. (WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/23)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. vice-pres. Mike Pence in Washington. They discuss a mechanism to put limits on Israeli settlement growth, possibly in response to U.S. pres. Donald Trump’s comment on 2/15, when he told Netanyahu, “I’d like to see you hold back on settlements for a little bit. We’ll work something out.” (TOI 2/16)

In response to Trump’s ambiguous comments on the subject on 2/15, U.S. amb. to the UN Nikki Haley says that the Trump admin. still supports a 2-state solution, “but we are thinking outside the box as well”. (HA, REU, TOI 2/16; HA 2/17)

The IDF imposes several punitive measures on Husan village nr. Bethlehem in response to reports of stone throwing in the area. They bar residents from entering nearby Beitar Ilit settlement, where many work, and confiscate several vehicles. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Palestinian youths throw a Molotov cocktail at an IDF patrol in Shuqba village nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes and a room in a 3d in Hizma, and arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Bayt Hanun. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Negev bedouin village of al-Za‘arurah. (MNA, WAFA 2/15; MNA, PCHR 2/16; PCHR 2/23)

A Palestinian in Gaza succumbs to injuries he sustained in a confrontation with IDF troops in 2005. (MNA 2/16) 

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. pres. Trump in Washington for the first time. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran, and other issues related to the Middle East. In a joint press conference, Trump says that both the Israelis and Palestinians must make concessions to reach a final deal. He also says that, although he would prefer a 2-state solution, he “could live with” either a 1-state or a 2-state solution. The White House later issues a statement about the meeting, saying that Trump and Netanyahu “agreed to continue [discussions about settlement construction] and to work out an approach that is consistent with the goal of advancing peace and security.” (AP, EI, HA, JP, NYT 2/15; HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/16; ALM 2/19)

Israeli forces shut down a landfill in Rujayb village nr. Nablus. They also arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya, and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in Issawiyya, including 2 that are under construction. (MNA, WAFA 2/14; PCHR 2/16)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. CIA dir. Mike Pompeo in Ramallah. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing conflict in Syria. No further details are released. (HA, JP, TOI 2/15)

An errant missile fired from Syria lands in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 2/14)

An Israeli stabs and injures 2 Palestinian street cleaners in Beersheba in the morning. The police say the motive behind the attack was “criminal” and do not offer further details. In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver stop-work orders to 16 Palestinian buildings under construction in the n. Jordan Valley. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during arrest raids in and around Qalqilya and Hebron, and patrol nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, the Old City, and Issawiyya. A Palestinian family demolishes their own store in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Rafah, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, a fighter with the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) is injured by shrapnel from an Israeli artillery shell, according to the DFLP. The IDF does not comment on the incident, and no further details are available. (MNA, WAFA 2/12; MNA 2/13; PCHR 2/16)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days. (MNA 2/12)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint in c. Hebron when she is found to be carrying a knife, and patrol throughout the day nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, and Ramallah. They also issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during latenight raids nr. Hebron. Israeli forces seize a Palestinian’s car and water hoses nr. Tubas. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles driving nr. Bethlehem, injuring 2 settlers. (MNA, TOI 2/11; WAFA 2/12; PCHR 2/16)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions (see Update). (MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/11)

A Palestinian being held in Israeli custody succumbs to injuries sustained on 11/9 when he was shot at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier with a screwdriver. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers and 2 Israeli soldiers attack 3 Palestinian shepherds tending their flocks nr. Nablus; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinian journalists are injured. (MNA 2/10; MNA 2/11; HA 2/12; PCHR 2/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Khan Yunis. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Bayt Hanun and Dayr al-Balah. There are no injuries reported in any of these incidents. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 Palestinian agricultural structures in Kardala village in the Jordan Valley. IDF troops raid a community center in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, confiscating computers and security footage. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian photojournalist with rocks nr. Ramallah. They also damage his car. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian building in Bayt Hanina. (MNA, WAFA 2/7; PCHR 2/9)

Unidentified fighters launch a rocket from Gaza into Israel, which lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then launches 3 rounds of air strikes on open areas and Hamas posts nr. Bayt Lahiya, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing extensive damage (1 chicken farm is completely destroyed in Gaza City, killing 1,000 chickens). IDF troops stationed along the border fence also open fire on Hamas posts nr. Bayt Hanun, causing bird hunters and farmers to flee the area. Earlier, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence in s. Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian road under construction nr. Tubas. They also confiscate 3 drills. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. They also detain a Palestinian TV crew covering settlement growth nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, Palestinians living nr. Nablus discover that Israeli settlers have cut down 600 of their almond and olive trees. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/6; PCHR 2/9)

The Israeli Knesset passes, 60–52, the so-called regulations bill into law, retroactively authorizing settlements built “in good faith or at the state’s instruction” on privately owned Palestinian land. France, Jordan, Turkey, the EU, the UN, the Palestinians, and the UK all denounce the new law, but the U.S. does not offer a direct comment. Instead, a White House spokesperson says that the Trump admin. needs to “have a chance to fully consult with all parties on the way forward.” (AJ, EI, JP, NYT, TOI 2/6; HA, JP, TOI 2/7)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, sparking a nonviolent confrontation with Muslim worshippers. Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Jabal Mukabir, al-Tur, Ras alAmud, Shu‘fat r.c., and the Old City. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qarawat Bani Hassan village nr. Salfit in the evening, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus, and patrol nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Qalqilya during the day. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/5; JP, MNA 2/6; PCHR 2/9)

Israel’s High Court of Justice delays by 1 mo. the demolition of 9 buildings in the Ofra settlement nr. Ramallah. The demolition was set to go forward by 2/8, but the court relented, arguing that a demolition this mo. would put undue burden on the residents, and promising to evacuate them peacefully in exchange for the delay. Meanwhile, thousands of settlers gather in Ofra to protest the planned demolition. (TOI 2/5)

A Hamas fighter suffers fatal injuries in an “accidental explosion” in n. Gaza, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. After he dies on 2/5, Hamas will say he was injured during unspecified “preparations.” Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, Rafah, and twice nr. Jabaliya r.c. No injuries are reported in any of these incidents. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Qalqilya, Hebron, and nr. Nablus, and patrol nr. Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Salfit, and Hebron. Dozens of Israeli settlers enter Huwwara village nr. Nablus and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles. When they start targeting homes, Palestinian residents drive them from the village. In Israel, around 5,000 Palestinians and Israelis demonstrate in protest against the recent demolitions in Qalanswa and Umm al-Hiran. (MNA, WAFA 2/4; HA, MNA 2/5; PCHR 2/9)

The Israeli authorities return to his family the corpse of the Palestinian killed on 1/25 during an alleged vehicular attack nr. Ramallah. (MNA 2/5)

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

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze agricultural lands and shut down a Palestinian car wash nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and confiscate 2 laptops during late-night raids nr. Nablus and in Tubas, and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Jenin during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in al-‘Izzariya. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; PCHR 2/2; PCHR 2/9)

The Israeli authorities return the corpse of a Palestinian youth held since he was killed in an 11/25 confrontation with Israeli forces. (MNA 2/2)

The IDF begins evacuating the illegal Amona settlement outpost overnight, sparking clashes with residents and hundreds of protesters gathering in solidarity; 13 settlers are arrested, and 2 protesters and 24 soldiers are injured. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu announces that he has taken preliminary steps to establish a new settlement to house the Amona settlers by the end of 3/2017. He has reportedly formed a comm. comprising DM Lieberman and reps. from Amona and the PM’s office to advance the plan. Amona’s residents reportedly accept the plan, although some are still defying the Israeli forces attempting to evacuate them from their homes. Separately, Israel’s High Court of Justice rejects the Israeli govt.’s plan to relocate the settlers from Amona to nearby plots of land, citing Palestinian ownership claims. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 2/1)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya. There are no injuries in either incident. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home and a water pipeline under construction in Kardala village nr. Tulkarm. They also weld shut a car wash nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th and final day in a row. (MNA 1/31; MNA 2/1)

The PA cabinet announces that municipal elections will be held in the West Bank and Gaza on 5/13 (they were originally set for 10/8/16; see JPS 46 [2]). A Hamas spokesperson criticizes the announcement, saying that “elections should take place after disagreements are ended, reconciliation is achieved, and Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the West Bank are united.” (AP, JP, MNA, TOI 1/31)

The IDF delivers a notice to the illegal Amona settlement outpost overnight, ordering residents to evacuate within 48 hours (midnight on 2/1 is the deadline). Israel’s High Court of Justice previously ordered the outpost demolished by 2/8. During the day, hundreds of settler youths flock to Amona to demonstrate in solidarity with its residents. Many of Amona’s residents are planning to resist the IDF’s order because the govt. has failed to implement its side of their 12/22 deal trading a pledge to peacefully evacuate for sanctioned relocation to a nearby plot of land. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 1/31)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 3,000 residences in Israel’s West Bank settlements. Hours earlier, a joint Knesset comm. approves the so-called regulations bill, clearing it for a 2d and 3d reading in the full plenum on 2/6. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/31; MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 2/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching them at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm. They also conduct raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalqilya, and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving between Ramallah and Nablus, damaging 10 and injuring 1 driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Dayr al-Balah. (MNA, PNN 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row. (MNA 1/31)

Israel’s ruling coalition postpones until 2/6 a Knesset vote on the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP 1/30; TOI, YA 1/31)

The White House announces that U.S. pres. Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu have arranged to hold their first official meeting on 2/15. Netanyahu later says that he plans to coordinate policy on Iran’s ballistic missile program with Trump, responding to reports of Iran conducting a missile test on 1/29. (HA, JP, TOI 1/30)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth and injure 4 others during clashes sparked by an IDF arrest raid in Jenin r.c. Elsewhere in the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers detain 2 Palestinian youths at gunpoint outside a settlement nr. Qalqilya. They accuse the youths of planning a stabbing attack. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian nr. Ramallah when he is found with a knife. They arrest 7 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Tubas, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians approaching the border fence nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Then they arrest the 2 men. An unknown explosive detonates in Nuseirat r.c., injuring 2 Palestinians. In Israel, Israeli forces conduct raids in Umm al-Hiran in the Negev and prepare to demolish the 2 mobile homes donated to the community on 1/28. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/29; HA, MNA 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d day in a row. (MNA 1/29; MNA 1/30)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank and which he previously opposed, will be returning to the Knesset on 1/30 for a vote. The bill needs to pass 2 more readings before it becomes law. (MNA, TOI, YA 1/29)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah; and patrol during the day nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler’s vehicle nr. Ni‘lin, causing minor damage. (HA, MNA, 1/27; PCHR 2/2)

The Israeli authorities return 2 corpses of Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces on 1/17 and 6/24/16. (MNA, TOI 1/27)

IDF troops conduct raids in Nablus, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are shot and injured. They also conduct overnight raids in Jenin r.c., arresting 2 Hamas affiliates and sparking a brief firefight; 1 Israeli soldier and 3 Palestinians are injured. Additional IDF raids in Abud village nr. Ramallah spark more clashes. No one is seriously hurt, and the IDF closes the village’s main entrance. After reports of stone-throwing outside Beita village nr. Nablus, the IDF seals the village’s main entrance (they will unseal it on 1/30). The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah, and patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli forces uproot 500 olive trees nr. Hebron. An armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops nr. Qalqilya, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qalandia r.c. and demolish 13 residential and agricultural buildings in bedouin communities nr. al-‘Izzariya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Qarara. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/26; WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Jerusalem Municipality advances plans for 153 settler residences in Gilo, East Jerusalem. A municipal official says that the plans were held up for political reasons until U.S. pres. Obama left office on 1/20. (TOI 1/26)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis for the 2d day in a row. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting Israeli settlement growth in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In Israel, thousands of Palestinians and solidarity activists gather in Wadi ‘Ara to protest the recent demolitions in Qalanswa (1/10) and Umm al-Hiran (1/18). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/21; PCHR 1/26)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse in s. Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., injuring 1 fisherman. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Khan Yunis, injuring 1 youth. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot around 10 olive trees nr. Ramallah. Dozens of Palestinians confront 3 off-duty IDF soldiers and 1 armed Israeli settler in Qusra village nr. Nablus, preventing them from assaulting any residents. PASF troops intervene and escort the Israelis from the village. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. Palestinians and solidarity activists also set up a protest tent village nr. the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, which some Israeli lawmakers want to annex now that Donald Trump is the U.S. pres. The IDF violently dismantles and evacuates the village hours later. Late at night, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron and Tubas, and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit. (MNA,TOI, YA 1/20; PCHR 1/26)

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th pres. of the U.S. Thousands gather outside the U.S. Capitol to protest or support Trump during his inaugural address, including a handful of Israeli settlers who flew to Washington for the occasion. (HA, JP, YA 1/20)

Israeli forces conduct raids in the bedouin village of Umm al-Hiran nr. Beersheba overnight to prepare for demolitions during the day. The raids spark clashes with residents and solidarity activists, including Joint List MKs; 1 bedouin and 1 Israeli police officer are killed. (The Israeli police shoot and kill the bedouin after his vehicle strikes the police officer, killing him. An autopsy of the driver will reveal that he was struck in the leg by a police bullet, causing him to depress the accelerator pedal and strike the officer.) Later, Israeli forces demolish 8 homes and 7 agricultural buildings in the village, leading to renewed clashes throughout the day; a number of Palestinians are injured, including Joint List chair Odeh. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 1/18)

Dozens of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli settlers also damage 12 olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah, leaving racist graffiti at the site. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City and agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City. There are no injuries reported in any of the day’s incidents. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/18; MNA, PCHR 1/19; PCHR 1/26)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 6 are injured. Palestinian witnesses say that IDF soldiers dragged the injured Palestinian away from the clashes unnecessarily, exacerbating his injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces begin uprooting 2,000 olive trees nr. Qalqilya to clear space for a settler bypass road in the area. Dozens of Palestinians and Israeli activists protest the project, and IDF troops arrest 3 people. IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian, setting fire to a home, and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 4 Palestinians on further raids nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate 2 tractors nr. Tubas. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and later nr. Jabaliya r.c.; 5 fishermen are arrested. (IMEMC, MNA, WAFA 1/16; PCHR 1/19)

The UK blocks the EU Foreign Affairs Council from adopting the 1/15 Paris peace conference’s joint declaration, according to European and Israeli diplomats. The UK also refused to sign the statement on 1/15. Hungary and Lithuania also reportedly have reservations about endorsing the statement. (HA 1/16)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces doing maintenance work on the border fence nr. Rafah, hitting a military vehicle and causing minor damage. In response, IDF troops and artillery fire on a Hamas post along the border, causing an unspecified amount of damage. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently suppress a Palestinian demonstration in Bethlehem calling for the Israeli authorities to return the corpses of slain Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir and Hizma, and assault and arrest 2 Palestinian youths in Silwan. Israeli settlers smash furniture and other personal property outside a Palestinian home in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/15; PCHR 1/19)

Representatives from more than 70 countries, including U.S. secy. of state Kerry, gather in Paris for a conference aimed at restarting Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. After reportedly intense negotiations, the conferees unanimously agree to a joint declaration calling on both the Palestinians and Israelis to officially restate their commitments to a 2-state solution and to demonstrate that commitment through policies and actions. Conferees also welcome the prospect of closer cooperation between the Middle East Quartet and the Arab League; and agree to meet again within a year; inter alia. (BBC, GDN, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WP, YA 1/15; HA 1/20)

The Israeli govt. and the PA agree to restart the Joint Water Comm. after 6 years of inactivity. The comm. will discuss allocating additional water to the West Bank and Gaza, increasing water sources with new drilling, environmental issues, agricultural water use and other hydrological matters. The agreement also gives the PA autonomy to deal with select water projects in the West Bank. (JP, YA 1/15; JP 1/17)

Israel’s security cabinet grants Israeli banks dealing with Palestinian banks immunity from terrorism-related lawsuits in Israel and indemnity from similar suits filed abroad. Two Israeli banks have threatened to end partnerships with Palestinian banks because of the prospect of litigation in the U.S. (HA, TOI 1/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Hizma village, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured. In Israel, thousands of Palestinians and solidarity activists gather in Qalanswa to protest the Israeli govt.’s demolition of 11 buildings in the town on 1/10. (HA, MNA, YA 1/13; PCHR 1/19)

The Syrian army accuses Israel of launching an airstrike on a military airport nr. Damascus overnight. “Syrian army command and armed forces warn Israel of the repercussions of the flagrant attack and stresses its continued fight against (this) terrorism and [will] amputate the arms of the perpetrators,” the army says in a statement. Video footage of massive damage at the airport circulates on social media. It’s unclear if the attack resulted in any casualties. (HA, JP, YA 1/13)