The Palestine Chronology

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 7 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct 3 limited incursions to level land near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. During the late-night incursion near Khan Yunis, they also open fire on Palestinians in the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IAF drops leaflets across Gaza warning protesters not to approach the border fence during the planned demonstrations on 5/ 14. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1,000 right-wing Jewish activists visit Haram alSharif in the morning, commemorating the Israeli conquest of Jerusalem and sparking minor confrontations between the Israeli police and Islamic Waqf guards; there are no serious injuries. Outside the sanctuary, Israeli police arrest 6 Palestinians gathering at an Islamic cemetery in the Old City to protest ongoing Israeli excavations at the site. In the afternoon, tens of thousands of right-wing Jewish activists march through the Old City in the annual Flags March, commemorating the Israeli conquest of Jerusalem in 1967; a number of Palestinians are arrested when they throw stones at the demonstrators at the Damascus Gate. Late at night, Israeli settlers vandalize 28 Palestinian-owned cars and spray-paint racist graffiti on nearby walls in Shu‘fat. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 5/13; HA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for a 2d day. (AHR 5/14)

The IAF conducts airstrikes on Palestinian agricultural land near Bayt Hanun, causing moderate damage. The IDF later states that it was targeting a tunnel that had not yet been built into Israeli territory. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border fence open fire on a Hamas observation post near alMaghazi refugee camp, and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp (3 Palestinians are injured, including 1 minor). In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 5/12; PCHR 5/17)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/11. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 44. (HA, WAFA 5/12)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 4 planned days. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Following the attack on a pipeline in Gaza on 5/11, Israeli DM Lieberman announces that the Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza has been closed and will remain closed indefinitely while the damage is repaired. Meanwhile, the IDF musters troops along Gaza’s border in preparation for an escalation of the Great March of Return on 5/14. (HA, JP, YA 5/12)

Thousands of Palestinian protesters gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for a 7th consecutive Friday. The march’s organizing committee says that the theme of the demonstrations this week is “preparation and warning of what’s to come,” referring to the mass protests set for 5/14 to coincide with the formal opening of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations along the border fence near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is killed and hundreds of Palestinians are injured. The killing today brings the death total stemming from the Great March of Return to 43. Meanwhile, Palestinians set fire to a pipeline leading from Israel to Gaza at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing major damage. In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 16 Palestinians are injured. Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian home in Duma near Nablus, causing moderate damage. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinian minors throwing stones at IDF posts in al-Bireh and Jericho; 2 Palestinians are injured. An unidentified driver allegedly rams and slightly injures an IDF soldier at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently disperse Palestinians gathering outside Haram al-Sharif to protest Israeli excavation work at an Islamic cemetery nearby; 3 Palestinians are injured and 6 are arrested. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/11; PCHR 5/17)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian landfill near Dayr al-Balah and at a group of farmers and shepherds near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters near Rafah; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching through Bethlehem to commemorate the Nakba and protest the U.S. embassy’s impending opening in Jerusalem; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Qalqilya and Hebron, and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. (WAFA 5/10; PCHR 5/17)

Breaking with Israeli policy not to take responsibility for any strikes in Syria, Israeli officials acknowledge the extensive attacks on Iranian infrastructure on 5/9. “If Iran hits us with rain—we will hit them with a deluge,” says Israeli DM Lieberman. He also says that the IAF destroyed “nearly all” of Iran’s military infrastructure in Syria. (JP, NYT, TOI 5/10)

The U.S. Treasury announces new sanctions on 9 Iranian individuals and entities deemed complicit in an “extensive currency exchange network” that funneled millions of U.S. dollars to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (AFP, TOI 5/10)

Approximately 20 Grad and Fajr-5 rockets are fired from Syria toward northern Israel. Four of them are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the rest explode over Syrian territory, causing no major damage or injury. The IDF accuses Iran of being behind the attack and retaliates, bombing dozens of alleged Iranian weapons storage, logistics, and intelligence sites in Syria; 27 people are killed, including 19 Iranians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (JP 5/9; CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 5/10; HA 5/11; AP 5/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the border fence near Khan Yunis. Later, they open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp and Great March of Return protesters near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a makeshift Palestinian home near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jericho, Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces establish a checkpoint in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian minors; 1 Israeli border police officer and 7 Palestinians are injured (3 Palestinians are arrested as well). (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on small groups of Palestinians approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya and alBureij refugee camp, injuring 2 minors. Separately, Palestinians fly incendiary kites across the border fence into Israel, where they land and set fire to Israeli farmlands, causing damage. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (They arrest 19 Palestinians in the neighborhood within this week.) They also demolish a commercial facility and a gas station in Issawiyya. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron. (WAFA, YA 5/8; HA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

U.S. president Trump announces his decision to pull the U.S. out of the 7/14/15 Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling it “disastrous.” Trump reportedly plans to reimpose all sanctions waived in the context of the deal, and to impose new ones. (ALM, BBC, HA, JP, NYT 5/8)

Hours after Trump’s announcement, the IAF conducts air strikes on a military base near Damascus used by Iranian forces, killing at least 15 people, including 8 Iranian soldiers, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The IDF also goes on high alert and instructs local authorities in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to prepare bomb shelters in case of an Iranian attack from Syria. (HA, JP, YA 5/9)

Israeli forces install 3 new road signs indicating the location of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, which is set to open officially on 5/14. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Abu Dis, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Salfit, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Nablus. A raid in Jenin refugee camp sparks minor clashes with stonethrowing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian property near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 4 Palestinian minors are arrested. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are injured. (HA 5/7; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and kill 3 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near Khan Yunis. The IDF accuses the men of attempting to damage “security infrastructure.” Later, IDF troops shoot and injure another Palestinian approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar near Hebron overnight, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 12 Palestinians during additional late-night raids near Salfit, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Bethlehem; arrest 1 Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint when she is found with a knife in her bag; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/6; MNA 5/7; PCHR 5/10)

Thousands of Palestinian protesters gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for a 6th consecutive Friday. This week’s actions, commencing 3 days after International Workers Day, are dedicated to Palestinian workers. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations along the border fence near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; at least 70 Palestinians are injured (3 critically). The IDF later states that its soldiers blocked 2 separate attempts to cut through the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests in Hebron and al-Bireh; there are no serious injuries. They also assault and injure 1 Palestinian during an arrest raid in Hebron, deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Bethlehem, arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli settlers set fire to a swathe of Palestinian farmland near Hebron, causing major damage. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA 5/4; HA 5/5; WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man attempting to cross into Israel. According to the IDF, he is armed with a knife and a box cutter. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians 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, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural supplies building near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Salfit, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, HA, TOI, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/27, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 42. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/3)

On their 4th and final day of meetings in Ramallah, the PNC discusses possible reforms to the PLO and chooses new members of the PLO Executive Committee. They also elect PA president Abbas to another term as head of the State of Palestine and president of the PLO Executive Committee. (WAFA 5/3; REU, WAFA 5/4)

Along Gaza’s border, Palestinians send a flaming kite across the border fence, sparking a fire that burns dozens of acres of Israeli grassland and agricultural land. IDF troops open fire on a Great March of Return tent camp near Rafah, injuring a crane operator moving supplies. They also violently disperse small groups of protesters approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis; 5 Palestinians 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 and around Hebron in the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a number of water tanks and solar batteries and demolish a Palestinian shop, several residential rooms, and a shed. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and Biddu. In central Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction and a shop in Taybeh. (TOI, WAFA 5/2; PCHR 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

For a 3d consecutive day, the PNC meets in Ramallah to discuss issues facing the Palestinian people. (WAFA 5/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 2. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 3-story Palestinian building in Issawiyya and arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in al-Suwana. (WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/3)

For a 2d consecutive day, the PNC convenes in Ramallah for closed meetings on various issues. Inter alia, they elect 103 new colleagues to replace those who died since the last meeting in 1996. (WAFA 5/1; WAFA, YA 5/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during a raid near Jenin. They arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis and later near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. (WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/3)

The Palestinian National Council (PNC), the legislative wing of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), convenes in Ramallah for its first regular session since 1996. Some factions boycotted the meetings. Over the next 4 days, they are set to elect new members to the PLO Executive Committee and other top PLO positions. In the evening, PA president Abbas gives a speech calling for the PNC to adopt the initiative he presented at the UNSC in 2/2018, and reiterates his commitment to ending the division with Hamas. (JP, WAFA 4/30; YA 5/1)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 5/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians who allegedly crossed the border fence and threw “explosive devices” at an IDF patrol, according to an Israeli spokesperson. Separately, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure 2 more Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel near Rafah; 1 of the Palestinians dies soon after the incident. Later, they arrest another Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers slash the tires of a number of Palestinian cars and spray-paint racist graffiti on walls in Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah. They also raze a swathe of Palestinian farmland near Salfit and assault a reporter attempting to document the incident. IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during raids near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians building a road near Hebron. Raids in Nablus and Jenin spark minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/30; EI 5/1; PCHR 5/3)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 days. (OCHA 5/10)

The IAF conducts air strikes on Syrian army facilities near Hama and north of the Aleppo International Airport late at night, killing 26 people and causing major damage. There are reports that the majority of the deceased are Iranian troops. (DPA, HA, JP, NYT, REU 4/30; MEMO 4/30; NBC, HA 5/2)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel for unclear reasons. They also violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering along the border fence near Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Ramallah, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating against U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (PCHR 5/3)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 3 planned days. (OCHA 5/10)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/27, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 41. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/28)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for the 5th consecutive Friday. This week’s protests, dubbed the “Friday of Rebellious Youth,” are dedicated to the 37 Palestinians killed since the March began on 3/30. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations in multiple locations; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 150 are injured. After hours of Israeli sniper fire, the IDF considerably escalates its crackdown on the protests with artillery shelling and air strikes on 6 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage and injuring 4 Palestinians. An IDF spokesperson later says the strikes were a response to the “terrorist actions and extensive attempts to breach Israeli territory earlier today.” In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers slash the tires of a number of Palestinian vehicles near Nablus overnight, and chop down 12 olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside ‘Urif near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with stonethrowing Palestinians in al-‘Izzariya; 1 Palestinian is arrested and 1 is wounded. A Palestinian demolishes his own car park in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; YA 4/28; PCHR 5/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. They also violently disperse Palestinian protesters continuing the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during latenight raids in Biddu. (MNA, WAFA 4/26; PCHR 5/3)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands near al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 130 Palestinian olive trees outside the Jordan Valley village of Bardala. Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in a car near Hebron. It’s unclear why they opened fire. The IDF also arrests 2 Palestinians during latenight raids in Qalqilya and near Bethlehem, and patrols near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 3 Palestinian cars and leave racist graffiti on a 4th in Jalud village near Nablus. Unidentified Israelis then set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles south of Nazareth in the 2d price-tag attack of the day. (HA, JP, WAFA 4/25; PCHR, WAFA 4/26; PCHR 5/3)

A Palestinian journalist succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protests along Gaza’s border on 4/13, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 37. He is the 2d journalist killed since the protests began on 3/30. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/25; PCHR 4/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and confiscate a mobile home near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Qalqilya, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel armed with a grenade and a knife. They also violently disperse small groups of Great March of Return protesters near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands near al-Bureij refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI, WAFA 4/24; PCHR 4/26)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. IDF troops then arrest 4 Palestinian minors attempting to cross into Israel near the site of the incursion, and violently disperse Palestinian protesters throwing stones at the border fence near the main Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis (1 Palestinian is 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, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Jenin home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the 1/9/18 killing of an Israeli settler. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers damage 20 Palestinian vehicles and spray-paint “Death to Arabs” on a nearby wall in Bayt Iksa. Some of the same settlers vandalize more Palestinian property in Rammun village near Ramallah later in the day. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/23; PCHR 4/26)

A deaf Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained on 4/1 when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border. A Palestinian witness to the shooting says that the deceased was walking away from the border fence when an Israeli sniper shot him in the back of the head. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 36. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23; EI 4/24; PCHR 4/26; HQ 5/5)

A mortar fired from Syria lands in the Israelioccupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. IDF artillery then shell the area from which the mortar was fired, causing an unclear amount of damage or injuries. “The IDF sees the Syrian civil regime as responsible for all that happens on its territory, and will not tolerate any attempt to harm the sovereignty of the State of Israel or the security of its citizens,” the IDF states after the exchange. (HA, YA 4/23)

Palestinian diplomats file a formal complaint against Israel with the UN office in Geneva responsible for monitoring the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The complaint alleges that Israel has violated the convention in a variety of ways, including the parallel justice systems for Palestinians and settlers in the West Bank. “Not only is the purpose of the settlement regime discriminatory in itself, it is further maintained by a system of discriminatory measures, severely depriving Palestinians of their fundamental rights,” one diplomat says. (MNA 4/24)

Along Gaza’s border, a Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse near Dayr al-Balah, according to local Gaza media. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse groups of Palestinians approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya; 3 Palestinians 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 shoot and injure a Palestinian during minor clashes in Hebron, and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. They also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish part of a Palestinian shop in Bayt ‘Aynun and confiscate some of its merchandise, and arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Shu‘fat refugee camp They also establish a closed military zone near Al-Quds University, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing students; 4 Palestinians are injured. (TOI, WAFA 4/22; PCHR 4/26)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/20, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 35. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/23; EI 4/24)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation and U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Qalqilya, Hebron, and Jenin. Israeli settlers verbally and physically assault a Palestinian family in central Hebron; 1 home is lightly damaged. (PCHR 4/26)

Unidentified persons shoot and kill Palestinian professor and researcher Fadi al-Batsh outside a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Malaysian government suggests that “foreign agents” may have been involved. It is widely suspected that Israeli agents were responsible for the attack. (HA 4/21; HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 4/22; MNA 4/23; HA, NYT 4/26)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for a 4th straight Friday. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are killed, including 1 minor, and at least 40 are injured. The protesters killed today bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 34. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall in al-Bireh, Qalqilya, and nearby Kafr Qaddum; 5 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 30 Palestinian vehicles and spray-paint racist graffiti on walls in Burqa village near Ramallah overnight, chop down approximately 100 Palestinian olive trees outside Nablus, and throw stones at a Palestinian school bus near Hebron (1 Palestinian minor is injured). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue 1 arrest summons during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/20; MNA 4/21; PCHR 4/26)

After the release of a video depicting the killing of a minor along Gaza’s border today, the EU demands a “full investigation” and UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov calls on Israel to “stop killing children.” The IDF then announces that it will investigate the killing. (The IDF initially stated that there would be no investigation, and that the boy was shot after breaching the border area.) (HA, JP 4/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers verbally and physically assault a number of Palestinian students returning home from school in Hebron; there are no injuries. The settlers later leave price-tag graffiti on the scene late at night. A separate group of settlers cuts down 25 Palestinian olive and almond trees near Nablus. IDF troops assault and lightly injure 3 Palestinian journalists amid minor clashes in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron. They also arrest a Palestinian man armed with a knife at the Qalandia checkpoint, and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah and violently disperse protesters gathering near Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI, WAFA 4/18; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 4/19; PCHR 4/26)

Marking Palestinian Prisoners Day, thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt for rallies and marches in solidarity with the thousands of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. IDF troops violently disperse them along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 9 Palestinians are injured. Hours after the protests along Gaza’s border dissipate, IDF troops open fire on 5 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross the border or, according to some reports, to plant an explosive along the border fence near Khan Yunis, injuring all 5 (1 seriously). Separately, Israeli artillery shell a Hamas site near Khan Yunis, causing damage. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border near Khan Yunis. 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 conduct a raid in Nablus, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is shot and injured. They also patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, unidentified Israelisslash a number of tires and leave price-tag graffiti on nearby walls in Issawiyya and Luban al-Sharqiyya. (HA, TOI, WAFA 4/17; MNA, TOI, YA 4/18; PCHR 4/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/19)

The Israeli authorities shut down border crossings in and out of Gaza and the West Bank “in accordance with instructions from the government and a situations assessment by the IDF,” according to an IDF statement. The borders are set to remain closed until after Israel’s 70th anniversary celebrations are complete at midnight on 4/19. (TOI 4/16; HA, JP 4/17)

Along Gaza’s border, a number of Palestinians tie firebombs to kites and fly them into Israeli territory, causing several small fires. IDF troops then violently disperse Palestinians protesting near the border fence outside Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. 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. In the West Bank, IDF troops seal off the main entrance to Bayt Umar near Hebron while they conduct raids in the village. The raids spark minor clashes; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in Yatta village near Hebron and bar Palestinian laborers from working on water infrastructure outside Bethlehem. IDF troops confiscate some surveillance footage and arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp, Abu Dis, and al-Tur. (WAFA 4/15; HA 4/16; PCHR 4/19)

The IDF announces it destroyed a tunnel leading into Israel from the Jabaliya refugee camp area on 4/14, bringing the number of Gazan tunnels demolished since the beginning of 2017 to 8. DM Lieberman says that this was the “longest and deepest [tunnel] exposed so far” and calls on the Palestinians in Gaza to stop Hamas from “burning your money on tunnels going nowhere.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 4/15)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli artillery shell a Palestinian rickshaw transporting PIJ fighters near Rafah, killing 4 and injuring several others. Israel’s Army Radio reports that the men were transporting explosives. PIJ says that the 4 died during unspecified “preparations.” Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, and a small number of Palestinians at a Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians 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 evacuate and dismantle an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus (settlers erected it on 4/13). When some of the settlers throw stones and otherwise resist the IDF, the soldiers arrest 3 of them. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 4/27)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for the 3d consecutive Friday. A number of protesters throw explosives and Molotov cocktails toward the border fence. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 200 are injured. The protester killed today brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 30. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and late at night near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests near Ramallah, Nablus, al-Bireh, Qalqilya, and Hebron; at least 12 Palestinians are injured. They also issue an arrest summons during a raid near Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers break into a mosque near Nablus overnight and set fire to the interior, causing moderate damage. A separate group of settlers damages 7 Palestinian olive trees near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during a raid in the Old City. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, PNN, WAFA, YA 4/13; MNA 4/ 14; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 planned days. (OCHA 4/27)

Israeli DM Lieberman says that the decreasing attendance at the Friday protests along Gaza’s border over the past 2 weeks show that Israel’s “determination” has had an effect. “Each week there are fewer rioters on our border with Gaza. Our determination is well understood on the other side,” he says. (TOI 4/13)

U.S., UK, and French forces conduct air strikes on Syrian government research, storage, and military targets near Homs and in Damascus, fulfilling U.S. president Trump’s pledge to retaliate for an alleged chemical weapons attack in Damascus on 4/7. (AP, BBC, NYT 4/13)