The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in Hebron closes for the day after IDF troops shoot tear gas canisters onto school grounds amid minor clashes nearby. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Ramallah and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue an arrest summons to an Islamic Waqf guard during a raid at Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA 2/8; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 days. (JP 2/8; OCHA 2/15)

Unidentified persons in Syria open fire on an Israeli drone flying over the Israelicontrolled Golan Heights. Errant bullets hit a home in Majdal Shams, causing minor damage. (HA, YA 2/8)

An Israeli security guard shoots and kills a Palestinian minor after he stabs and lightly injures another guard at the entrance to Karme Tzur settlement near Hebron. After the incident, IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home in Halhul village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Jericho; 21 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Salfit, lightly injuring 1 driver and damaging 1 car. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian minors throw stones at a fence surrounding an Israeli settlement near Kafr ‘Aqab, sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli forces also demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/7; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 2/8; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 3 days. (WAFA 2/7; OCHA 2/15)

The IAF conducts air strikes on a military “research center” near Damascus, according to the Syrian army. Israeli forces have reportedly targeted the site 3 times in the past 3 months. (DPA, HA, REU 2/7)

IDF troops conduct a series of raids near Jenin, searching for the Palestinian who allegedly planned the 1/9 killing of an Israeli settler. After searching for hours, they surround a building in al-Yamun village where the man, Ahmad Nasser Jarrar, is hiding. When he does not surrender, they begin to demolish the building. According to the Israeli press, Jarrar is armed with a rifle and a bag of explosives when he eventually emerges. The Israeli soldiers then open fire, killing him and sparking clashes with residents of the area; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus, searching for the Palestinian citizen of Israel responsible for the 2/5 killing of an Israeli settler. A raid in central Nablus sparks major clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 19 Palestinians are injured, including 1 fatally (he succumbs to his injuries hours later). Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and assault 3 others during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging 1 windshield. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Juhur al-Dik, causing no injuries. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s northern coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 2/6; MNA 2/7; PCHR 2/8)

Following the PLO Executive Committee decision on 2/3, the PA forms a committee to explore ways the Palestinians could disengage from Israel. One proposal would have the PA adopt the Jordanian dinar as a replacement for the Israeli shekel. Meanwhile, PA pres. Abbas says, “Our hands are extended for peace through negotiations,” insisting that the Palestinians are still interested in a peace agreement with Israel, just not with the U.S. as its main broker. (TOI, WAFA 2/6)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel stabs and kills an Israeli settler outside the entrance to the settlement Ariel near Nablus. An Israeli soldier then chases down the alleged assailant in his car and rams him. After the alleged assailant eludes capture, the IDF conducts widespread raids in nearby Kafr Haris. In an apparent act of revenge, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Salfit, moderately injuring 1 Palestinian. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian journalist and his brother during a raid in Ramallah. They also arrest 20 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. A raid in Burqin village near Jenin sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline used for agricultural purposes in the northern Jordan Valley and confiscate a number of tents being used to shelter sheep near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/5; TOI 2/6; PCHR 2/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers verbally and physically assault Palestinians gathering in central Hebron in solidarity with Palestinian minors imprisoned by Israel; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus and 2 EU-funded schoolrooms in a Bedouin village near Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 2/4; EI 2/6; PCHR 2/8)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approves a proposal to establish a new settlement for the residents of Havat Gilad, the illegal settlement outpost of the settler killed by Palestinians on 1/9. DM Lieberman is authorized to explore the relocation of the residents to a new settlement and to evacuate Havat Gilad. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/4)

Israeli forces surround 2 Jenin-area homes of Palestinians suspected of participating in the 1/9 killing of an Israeli settler overnight, sparking a brief firefight and clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed, 7 are injured, and at least 4 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers working near Hebron, causing no major injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during latenight raids in Abu Dis and Hizma. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/3; PCHR 2/8)

The PLO Executive Committee meets in Ramallah and calls on the PA to immediately put together a plan for “disengagement” with Israel on all levels, including security coordination and economic cooperation. Meanwhile, Arab League asst. secy.-gen. Said Abu Ali says that the Arab League has adopted the Palestinian goal of pursuing a UN-mandated multilateral mechanism to administer a new round of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. He says that various Arab MKs are working with several international groups to build support for the idea. (WAFA 2/3)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel for a 2d day in a row. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF again conducts air strikes on Hamas military sites in Rafah, causing major damage to 2. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/3)

For the 9th consecutive Friday, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in East Jerusalem (Issawiyya and Abu Dis), Nablus, 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, Bayt Lahiya, and Khan Yunis. 30 Palestinians are injured. Later, when an Israeli drives into Abu Dis, approximately 200 Palestinian minors torch his car and throw stones at him, causing minor injuries. Israeli forces escort the man from the village and clash with the stone-throwers; 9 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Biddu. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray racist graffiti on walls in Nabi Salih village near Ramallah, the hometown of imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/2; PCHR 2/8)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket into Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, the IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas military sites in Bayt Hanun and Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and no injuries. (TOI 2/1; HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/2)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel armed with knives and a grenade. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling south of Nablus, causing minor damage to some. (MNA, WAFA 2/1; PCHR 2/8)

Twenty busloads of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian outside a settlement near Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife, arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus throughout the day. Israeli settlers uproot approximately 100 Palestinian olive trees in a grove near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night 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 land near Bayt Hanun, causing no major damage. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/1; PCHR 2/8)

Hamas announces that 1 of its members died this morning while working on a “resistance tunnel” in Gaza. The specific circumstances of his death are unknown. (TOI 1/31)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor amid clashes sparked by an IDF raid in al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Jenin refugee camp late at night, sparking minor clashes (2 Palestinians are injured and 2 more are arrested). They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and in Tubas; patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron; and deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian building under construction in Ya‘bad village near Jenin. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers near Nablus, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 15 commercial and agricultural structures in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/30; WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian residential buildings in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the site of the 1/9 killing of an Israeli settler, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 33 Palestinians and confiscate 100 cooking gas containers during a 3d day of arrest raids in Issawiyya. (JP, WAFA 1/29; WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/1)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel late at night; it falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI 1/29; YA 1/30)

PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinian leadership plans to ask the UNSC in 2/2018 to reconsider Palestine’s application for full UN membership. (JP, WAFA 1/29)

The Lebanese press reports that Lebanese intelligence services have identified 2 of the 4 people who attempted to assassinate a Hamas official on 1/14 in Sidon as Israeli agents. (HA 1/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian youth during clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Bayt Rima near Ramallah. Another IDF raid in Bayt Furik near Nablus sparks further clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids near Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces keep Issawiyya blocked off for a 2d day, following clashes on 1/27. They arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the village. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Juhur al-Dik, causing no injuries. (WAFA 1/28; WAFA 1/29; PCHR 2/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured and another is arrested. Israeli forces then conduct raids in the village, arresting 2 Palestinians and blocking off the main entrance. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 1/28; PCHR 2/1)

For the 8th consecutive Friday, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City; 6 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol in and around Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers torch a car and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Bayt Safafa overnight. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/26; PCHR 2/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction near Hebron. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian minors throwing stones at Israeli vehicles near Hebron (1 Palestinian is injured), arrest 12 Palestinians, and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron, Salfit, Jericho, and Nablus. (WAFA 1/25; PCHR 2/1)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather in Jabaliya refugee camp to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the recent U.S. decision to cut aid to UNRWA. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Burqa village near Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Another Palestinian is injured in clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Bayt ‘Aynun near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. Israeli forces demolish 3 residential shacks and a barn near Nablus and a home in Jiftlik village near Jericho; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Qatanna. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 124th time since 2010. (WAFA, 1/24; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 2/1)

Jawwal and Wataniya, the only 2 telecoms with more than 3 million customers each in the West Bank and Gaza, launch 3G network technology in the West Bank. (JP, REU, WAFA 1/24)

Palestinian shops, schools, government offices, banks, and other businesses across the oPt observe a general strike in protest of U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on the occasion of U.S. VP Pence’s visit to Israel. IDF troops violently disperse protests in al-Bireh, Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, central Hebron, and nearby Sa‘ir village; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli border police shoot and injure 2 Palestinians at the Za’atra checkpoint near Nablus, allegedly after they attempt to stab soldiers stationed in the area. The IDF closes the checkpoint after the incident. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/23; PCHR 1/25)

On his 2d and final day in Israel, U.S. VP Pence visits Yad Vashem, the Western Wall, and meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin. In an interview with Reuters, Pence discusses the U.S. peace initiative. “The White House has been working with our partners in the region to see if we can develop a framework for peace,” he says. “I think it all just depends now on when the Palestinians are going to come back to the table.” (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 1/23)

In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities evict a Palestinian farmer from his property near Bethlehem, claiming the land is stateowned. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina, Silwan, al-Tur, and Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farms near Juhur al-Dik, causing no major damage or injuries. (TOI, WAFA 1/22; PCHR 1/25)

U.S. VP Pence addresses a special session of the Israeli Knesset, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to forging a “lasting” Palestinian-Israeli peace deal and announcing that the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem will open by the end of 2019. (AA, GDN, HA, JP, NYT, YA 1/22)

Israeli forces maintain the closure of Hizma for a 3d day, following clashes in the village on 1/18. Israeli soldiers conduct raids in the village in the evening, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian guard at the sanctuary and 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem and in Salfit; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 1/21; MNA 1/22; PCHR 1/25)

In Amman, Jordan’s King Abdullah tells U.S. VP Pence that the only resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will come through a 2-state solution and insists that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. “We hope that the U.S. will reach out and find the right way to move forward in these challenging circumstances,” he adds. Pence then visits a U.S. military base near the JordanSyria border before flying to Israel in the evening. (HA, JP, NYT, REU, YA 1/21)

Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Kafr Qaddum village near Qalqilya and in central Jerusalem to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 8 Palestinians are injured. An IDF raid in Jaba‘ near Jenin sparks further clashes; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces maintain the closure of Hizma for a 2d day, following clashes in the village on 1/18. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 5 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 1/20; WAFA 1/21; PCHR 1/25)

A Palestinian prisoner incarcerated at Israel’s Ramla Prison succumbs to complications related to cancer. The Israeli authorities reportedly refused repeated calls for him to be released on humanitarian grounds. (MNA 1/20; PCHR 1/25)

In Cairo, U.S. VP Pence says that the Trump administration remains committed to restarting the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. After meeting with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi, Pence says he “heard out” al-Sisi’s concerns about U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (HA, REU 1/20)

For a 7th Friday in a row, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at protests across the oPt against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall. Clashes in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City lead to at least 10 Palestinian injuries. Meanwhile, an IDF raid in Luban alSharqiyya sparks further clashes; 1 Palestinian child is injured. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem and in Qalqilya. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman in central Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife. A Palestinian driver is arrested at a Jordan valley checkpoint, and Israeli soldiers claim he rammed a group of them with his car. Israeli forces block the main entrance to Hizma village in East Jerusalem overnight, following clashes in the village late on 1/18. (HA, JP, WAFA 1/19; MNA 1/20; PCHR 1/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma village late at night in response to reports of stones being thrown at an Israeli bus earlier in the day. The raids spark minor clashes, leading to no major injuries or arrests. Four Palestinians are arrested on further raids in the Old City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in and around Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah, Salfit, and Hebron. (WAFA 1/19; PCHR 1/25)

The U.S. State Dept. announces that the Trump administration will not be providing the $45 million in food aid to Palestinians that it pledged in 12/2017 in response to an UNRWA emergency appeal. Instead, the aid will be frozen indefinitely. The announcement comes 2 days after the State Dept. announced that the Trump administration would be withholding $65 million in aid for UNRWA. (JP, REU, WAFA, YA 1/18; TOI, WAFA 1/19)

IDF troops surround the Jenin refugee camp home of a Palestinian allegedly involved in the killing of an Israeli settler on 1/9, sparking a firefight; the suspect’s cousin is killed and 2 Israeli soldiers are injured (after initial reports that the suspect was killed during the firefight, his family later says that he escaped unharmed). Two other Palestinians suspected of participating in the 1/9 killing are arrested. The incident sparks broader clashes in Jenin refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. A number of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 1/17; HA, JP, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/25)

UNRWA announces an international funding campaign to raise enough money to make up for the shortfall created when the U.S. announced on 1/16 that it was withholding $65 million in aid indefinitely. (AFP, TOI, WAFA 1/17; AP 1/18; EI 1/19)

Early in the morning, the IAF conducts air strikes on a military airport near Damascus, allegedly targeting a Hezbollah arms depot, according to local reports. Neither the Syrian government nor the IDF comment on the attack. (HA, TOI 1/17)

IDF troops block off the main road in Jayyus village near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is killed. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Burqin village near Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus, and deliver stop-work orders to a mosque and a building under construction in Yatta village near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Biddu, al-Tur, and Silwan. (HA, JP, WAFA 1/15; MNA 1/16; PCHR 1/18)

For a 2d day in a row, the PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah to coordinate a long-term strategy for responding to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In a concluding statement, the council calls for international support for Palestinian statehood, directs the PLO Executive Committee to revoke the PLO’s recognition of Israel until the Israeli government recognizes the State of Palestine, and declares that the transitional period laid out in the Oslo Accords is no longer applicable to the current situation. (JP, TOI, WAFA 1/15; AFP, HA 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qalqilya; raze a tract of Palestinian land outside Burin village near Nablus; and patrol in and around Tulkarm and Qalqilya. (WAFA 1/14; PCHR 1/18)

The PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah to coordinate a long-term strategy for responding to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. All major factions are invited, but both Hamas and PIJ opt not to attend. In a heated speech opening the session, PA pres. Abbas accuses U.S. pres. Trump of insulting the Palestinians and says he will not accept the Trump administration’s peace plan. (NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 1/14; HA 1/15)

Hamas official Mohammed Hamdan is lightly injured in a car bombing in the southern Lebanese city Sidon. Hamas accuses Israel of an attempted assassination. (AP, HA, TOI, WAFA 1/14)

Off Gaza’s coast, Egyptian naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, killing 1 Palestinian fisherman. Nearby, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in central Jerusalem, Nabi Salih village near Ramallah, outside Jayyus village near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City; 8 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. Hours later, the IDF declares Nabi Salih a closed military zone. The village is home to the Tamimi family of activists, whose resistance to the IDF has garnered international headlines in recent weeks. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers destroy approximately 80 Palestinian-owned olive trees in a grove near Nablus and torch a Palestinian tractor in nearby ‘Urif village. (HA, MNA, TOI 1/13; TOI 1/14; PCHR 1/18)

Late at night, the IAF bombs and completely destroys a Palestinian tunnel south of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. There are no reported injuries. The IDF later rejects Palestinian claims that the tunnel was used for smuggling goods from Egypt, and alleges that it extended from Egyptian territory all the way to the area of the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The Israeli authorities also announce the indefinite closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing, starting on 1/14. (TOI 1/13; HA, TOI 1/14)

Iran’s Foreign Ministry says that Iran “will accept no changes” to the 7/14/2015 nuclear deal, responding to U.S. pres. Trump’s 1/12 call for a “follow on” agreement to address a number of provisions he finds problematic. (FARS, TOI 1/13)

For the 6th consecutive Friday, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as the killing of 2 Palestinians on 1/11, Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation in Abu Dis, al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Budrus village near Ramallah, central Hebron, northern Bethlehem, 2 villages near Nablus (Beita and Bayt Furik), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 65 Palestinians are injured and at least 2 are arrested. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian workers collecting plastic and other scraps from a landfill near Juhur al-Dik, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. Israeli forces raze a tract of land near the site of the 1/9 deadly shooting. They also arrest 5 Palestinians as they exit Haram al-Sharif. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian home south of Nablus, breaking a number of windows. Thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Iraq Burin and al-Maghazi refugee camp in funeral processions for the 2 Palestinians killed on 1/11. (MNA, WAFA 1/12; HA, MNA 1/13; PCHR 1/18)

U.S. pres. Trump announces that he is formally extending the waivers on U.S. sanctions on Iran, upholding the U.S. obligations under the 7/14/2015 nuclear agreement one last time. This last extension, he says, will give the U.S. time to negotiate a “follow on” agreement with its European allies before the next deadline for extending sanctions relief, 120 days hence. “In the absence of such an agreement, the U.S. will not again waive sanctions to stay in the Iran nuclear deal,” he says. “And if at any time I judge that such an agreement is not within reach, I will withdraw from the deal immediately,” At the same time, the U.S. Treasury imposes sanctions on 14 Iranian individuals, including the head of Iran’s judiciary, Sadeq Larijani. (AP, BBC, NYT, TOI 1/12)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths gathering along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 1 Palestinian is killed and 3 are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shut down a checkpoint between Tell village and Iraq Burin village near Nablus in the context of the ongoing search for the perpetrators of the 1/9 deadly shooting. The shutdown sparks protests and later clashes between the Israeli troops and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and 4 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and confiscate NIS 17,400 (approximately $5,100) during late-night raids near Nablus and Tulkarm, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/11; PCHR 1/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs the Defense Ministry to connect the illegal settlement outpost Havat Gilad to the West Bank’s electricity grid. The move comes 2 days after the killing of an Israeli settler who lived in Havat Gilad. (JP, TOI 1/11)

Following the deadly shooting near Nablus on 1/9, the IDF shuts down the Huwwara checkpoint, slowing traffic in the Nablus area. IDF troops clash with Palestinian youths in Madama village near Nablus; 5 journalists are blocked from covering the conflict. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian farmland outside the Yitzhar settlement near Nablus. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Around 500 Israeli settlers enter 2 villages near Qalqilya, sparking minor confrontations with the Palestinian residents; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Juhur al-Dik late at night, causing no major damage. (MNA, WAFA 1/10; PCHR 1/11; PCHR 1/18)

The Higher Planning Commission of Israel’s Civil Administration advances plans for the construction of 1,122 new homes in 20 West Bank settlements, including 204 in Oranit and more than 50 in the Jordan Valley. The commission also publishes tenders for the construction of 651 units. (HA, JP, JTA, PCN, TOI 1/11)

Unidentified persons shoot and kill an Israeli settler driving near Nablus. After the shooting, the IDF imposes a partial lockdown on the Nablus region, setting up mobile checkpoints and conducting raids in nearby villages. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in the area, lightly injuring 4 Palestinians. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in al-Bireh and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 1 Palestinian is injured. Two more Palestinians are injured in unrelated clashes in Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1 Palestinian (6 fishermen are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, the IAF sprays herbicides on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, and Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian near Rafah. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/9; EI, HA, MNA 1/10; PCHR 1/11)

Israeli forces conduct air strikes and fire ground-to-ground missiles at a Syrian army depot near Damascus overnight, according to the Syrian army. Syrian defense systems prevent a number of additional strikes, but the attack still causes moderate damage. (HA, TOI 1/9)