The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor was killed and 4 others wounded by Israeli forces using live ammunition during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Nabi Salih and Ya‘bad throughout the day, leading to 1 Palestinian being wounded by live ammunition and others suffering tear-gas related injuries; 1 Israeli soldier was killed during a raid in Ya‘bad on 5/12. Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Bil‘in. 22 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, Bethlehem, Hebron, Bayt Furik, and Jericho. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel, who suffered from mental illness, was killed by hospital security guards. The man had pulled out a knife while at the hospital for an examination but did not use it; when he got in a car, hospital security guards pulled him out and he lightly injured 1 guard, to which guards responded by shooting him 5 times while he was lying incapacitated on the ground. (AJ, HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; HA, PCHR 5/14; HA 5/18)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo visited Israel, where he met with Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi, and Director of the Mossad Yossi Cohen. The new Israeli government is set to be sworn in on May 14 with Netanyahu as prime minister, Benny Gantz as defense minister, and Gabi Ashkenazi as foreign minister. It was reported that Pompeo discussed Iran, COVID-19, and the Trump administration’s peace plan, as Israel is gearing up to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank in June. (AJ, HA 5/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian protesters throwing stones in Kafr Qaddum by using a bulldozer to push large stones downhill toward the protesters, 1 Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by 1 of the stones. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the U.S. administration’s peace plan in and around Beita, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, al-Fawar refugee camp, and Bil‘in, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli armed settlers attacked Palestinians in al-‘Awja, injuring 2 Palestinians who were taken to a hospital in Jericho. Israeli settlers also toured 2 Palestinian villages near Tubas; before the settlers arrived, Israeli forces had sealed off a main checkpoint in the area to prevent the movement of Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian woman was arrested after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli settler. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; PCHR 2/27)

Qatar announced that it would increase its aid to Gaza by $15 million after a meeting between Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi. Part of the aid package provides some 120,000 Palestinian families in Gaza $100 by the end of February and $24 million would be spent on building a new hospital in Rafah. (HA 2/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 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. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and moderately injuring the other, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron after they allegedly throw firebombs at Israeli settlers’ cars nearby. Elsewhere 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) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Israeli activists are injured. They also patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. The IDF conducts further patrols in and around Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers uproot around 75 olive tree seedlings nr. Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at 3 Israeli settlers who enter Qalandia r.c.; the IDF then escorts the settlers out of the camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Israeli police close several roads and deploy massively across East Jerusalem on the 2d Friday of Ramadan; sealing off Issawiyya with cement barricades after reports of a firebomb attack in the neighborhood. Around 200,000 Palestinians from Israel, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza pray at Haram al-Sharif throughout the day. However, only men above the age of 45 or those with special permits are allowed to enter the sanctuary. Palestinians entering Jerusalem from the West Bank comprise those accounted for in the standard weekly quota, according to a COGAT spokesperson; “Larger numbers were supposed to enter for Ramadan,” she says; “that has been canceled.” Across the oPt, 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) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Yatta; and patrol nr. Jericho, Ramallah, Hebron, and Salfit. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/17; PHCR 6/23)

Two days after the deadly attack in Tel Aviv, the IDF seals all border crossings between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza overnight, except for humanitarian and medical cases. The largescale closure will continue through midnight on 6/12. Elderly Gazans are barred from attending Friday prayers in Haram al-Sharif today. The IDF also maintains its closure of Yatta village, home of the 6/8 attackers, arresting 3 Palestinians during raids in the area throughout the day. (MNA, TOI, YA 6/10; MNA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and injure a mentally disabled Palestinian man after he allegedly attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. No Israelis are injured. The IDF arrests 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm and Hebron, sparking minor clashes, but no serious injuries; and patrol nr. Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams a flock of Palestinian sheep nr. Jericho, killing 25. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities only permit Palestinian men over the age of 45, as well as Palestinian women of any age, to visit Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli police deploy heavily across the city and assault, injure, and arrest 5 Palestinians outside the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. In Israel, 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles are vandalized in price-tag attacks in the Galilee. Israeli police arrest 12 Palestinians at construction sites in Petah Tikva on the grounds that they did not have the proper work permits. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/16)

For the 2d week in a row, Israeli authorities bar Gazans from traveling to Haram al-Sharif. Tensions at the sanctuary remain high: Israeli forces detain dozens of Palestinian youths at 1 entrance on suspicion that they were throwing stones in the area. Some Palestinians briefly clash with Israeli forces at another gate; there are no serious injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and Jalazun r.c.), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches in Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol in and around Hebron and nr. Jericho. (MNA, TOI 4/29; PCHR 5/5)

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

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

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

Amid escalating tensions in East Jerusalem, Palestinians march through the Old City in protest of the Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif that have been in place since 8/24. Meanwhile, Palestinian youths set fire to an Israeli settler’s car in al-Tur, causing substantial damage and sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces in the area. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and recent restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and in Kafr Qaddum; 7 Palestinians are injured. Later, IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians in clashes in Silwad. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and nr. Hebron and Jericho; conducts late-night raids in Bethlehem, issuing an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian. (HA, MNA 8/28; MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/29; PCHR 9/3)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets conduct an air strike targeting a vehicle in the Syrian Golan Heights between 10 and 15 km from the Israeli border, killing at least 4 of the PIJ mbrs. allegedly responsible for the 8/20 rocket attack on Israel. In Gaza, 2 Palestinian children are injured when an unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates in n. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison) and Kafr Qaddum; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. Israeli forces also conduct house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Hebron; patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli officials deliver demolition notices to a mosque, house, and apartment in Silwan, where there has been a recent increase in Palestinian home demolitions and evictions in order for Israel to increase the neighborhood’s Jewish settler population. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting against the Israeli occupation in Abu Dis, causing no serious injuries. (MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 8/21; JTA, MNA 8/22; PCHR 8/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron, issuing an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. Unidentified assailants set fire to a gas station nr. the Israeli settlement Eli, causing damage. (AFP, MNA, TOI 8/14; NYT 8/16; PCHR 8/20)

Hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Allan is placed in a medically induced coma after his condition deteriorates. Later, Islamic Jihad’s military wing, Sarayat al-Quds Brigades, says that if Allan dies, they will not continue upholding the cease-fire with Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 8/14)

The Arab Bank reaches a settlement in a case brought by hundreds of U.S. citizens accusing the bank of facilitating Hamas attacks in Israel. The terms of the settlement are not disclosed. A U.S. court ruled in 9/2014 that the Jordan-based Arab Bank was liable for knowingly supporting Hamas in its attacks. (TOI 8/14; JP 8/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. The IDF conducts late-night raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols during the day in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Ras al-Amud and another n. of the city. Later, a Palestinian attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a different checkpoint n. of Ras al-Amud; he is arrested. (MNA 7/10; MNA 7/11; PCHR 7/15)

The EU and U.S. State Dept. announce that the P5+1 and Iran have extended their deadline for reaching a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program to 7/13. (AP, HA, REU, TOI 7/10)

In the West Bank, an Israeli officer shoots and kills a stone-throwing Palestinian youth during clashes nr. the Qalandia checkpoint s. of Ramallah. There are no other serious injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. The IDF also patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, causing damage. Following yesterday’s crackdown on Hamas mbrs., the PASF arrests 21 Palestinian youths affiliated with Hamas’s student organization at an-Najah National University nr. Nablus. (MNA 7/2; HA, MNA, NYT 7/3; TOI, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/9; EI [video] 7/13)

In Egypt, SPIS fires 3 Grad rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, MNA 7/3; HA 7/4)

The UNHRC votes, 41–1, with 5 abstentions, to adopt a res. welcoming the report produced by the Council’s commission of inquiry, which was published on 6/22. The U.S. casts the lone vote in opposition and India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Paraguay, and Macedonia abstain. (HA, JTA, MEE, MNA, REU, YA 7/3; JP 7/4; YA 7/5; TOI 7/6; JTA 7/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian man with live ammunition at a checkpoint in the n. Jordan Valley after the man opens fire on Israeli forces; no Israeli soldiers are injured. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. The IDF conducts late-night house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Jericho, including the home of the Palestinian killed this morning, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Ramallah. (HA, MNA, NYT, YA 6/26; PCHR 7/2)

Hamas authorities order Gaza’s only mobile phone company, Jawwal, to shut down, accusing it of dodging taxes. (AFP 6/26; HA 6/29)

The Vatican signs a treaty officially recognizing the State of Palestine. Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s equivalent to a FM, says that he hopes the treaty might “in some way be a stimulus to bringing a definitive end to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” (The Vatican will deny Israel’s requests to review the treaty.) (AFP, MNA, NYT, REU 6/26; HA 7/7)

In Gaza, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah border crossing after keeping it open since 6/13. IDF troops on the border e. of Khan Yunis open fire on 3 Palestinians nr. the border fence, injuring 1. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man shoots and wounds 2 Israelis from Lydda who are traveling nr. an Israeli settlement outside Ramallah; 1 of the Israelis succumbs to his injuries later in the day. (The IDF will arrest 5 Palestinians allegedly responsible for the shooting attack on 7/15, including 3 mbrs. of Fatah’s military wing.) Later, the IDF conducts a violent raid in a village nr. Ramallah, destroying personal property, detaining several Palestinians, and confiscating recording equipment. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 2 each nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. the Beit El settlement, breaking 1 windshield. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 6/19; MNA, NYT 6/20; PCHR 6/25; NYT 7/15)

Cypriot pres. Anastasiades calls PA pres. Abbas to discuss the possibility of Abbas addressing an upcoming EU meeting in Brussels in an effort to restart the peace negotiations with Israel. Anastasiades discussed a similar possibility with Israeli PM Netanyahu on 6/15. (HA 6/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 IDF officer and 5 Palestinians are injured, including 2 seriously in Jalazun r.c. IDF troops on a late-night raid in Silwad clash with Palestinians, injuring 2 Palestinians. Overnight, Israeli forces allow hundreds of Israeli settlers to access a holy site nr. e. Salfit, blocking Palestinians from the area; patrol during the day in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jericho. (MNA, TOI 6/12; WAFA 6/13)

In Gaza, an IQB fighter dies in a tunnel collapse and 2 others are injured. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of Shuja‘iya, searching the area for undisclosed reasons; level land e. of Jabaliya nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations commemorating the 48th anniversary of the 1967 war in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 6 are seriously injured with live ammunition. The IDF patrols in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. and 1 village nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinian and international activists gather at Haram al-Sharif and in Shaykh Jarrah to commemorate the anniversary of the 1967 war and support Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan’s hunger strike (since 5/5) and other hunger-striking prisoners; 1 Palestinian and 2 internationals are arrested. Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Abu Dis, Issawiyya, and al-‘Izzariya, injuring 10 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, MNA 6/5; MNA 6/6; PCHR 6/11)

For the 1st time since 2007, Israeli authorities grant 90 Palestinian businessmen in Gaza “BMG” permits to enter Israel and stay for up to 6 mos. Israel had previously only granted “BMC” permits, which allow Gazans to stay in Israel for a few days. (MNA, YA 6/5; HA 6/7)

Reps. of the Middle East Quartet meet at the Russian Mission to the UN in Geneva and discuss reviving negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, according to a statement released after the meeting. (SI 6/6)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 5 are injured and 2 are arrested. The IDF conducts a late-night raid nr. Jenin, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Late at night, Israeli settlers steal sheep-farming equipment from a bedouin village nr. Ramallah. (MNA 5/22; PCHR 5/28)

The month-long Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference concludes today in New York. Egypt’s proposal for a conference on nonproliferation in the Middle East, focused on Israel’s nuclear program, failed to garner enough support after opposition from the U.S., Canada, and the UK. (HA, REU, TOI 5/22; HA, MNA, TOI 5/23)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama signs the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act into law, giving Congress the opportunity to disapprove of any agreement made by the P5+1 and Iran. Speaking at a Washington synagogue, Obama reaffirms his support for Israel, but says that he refuses to “paper over our differences.” Referring to the P5+1’s ongoing negotiations with Iran, he says, “Our commitment to Israel’s security, and my commitment to Israel’s security is, and always will be, unshakable.” (JP, NYT, TOI 5/22)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Gaza City and e. of Khan Yunis open fire with live ammunition on Palestinians nonviolently commemorating Nakba Day nr. the border fence, injuring 3. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at Nakba Day demonstrations in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 9 are injured. The IDF also clashes with Palestinians commemorating Nakba Day outside Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah and in Nablus; 17 Palestinians are injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF troops conduct a late-night house search in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; detain 52 Palestinians nr. Ramallah who are trying to cross into Israel to work. They patrol in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and al-Bireh, and 1 nr. Jericho. (MNA, TOI 5/15; MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/21)

Reps. of the P5+1 and Iran conclude a round of talks in Vienna on Iran’s nuclear program ahead of their 6/30 deadline for a comprehensive final deal. They will continue their negotiations next week. (REU 5/15)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Lahiya fire warning shots at Palestinians walking nr. the border fence, critically injuring 1. Off the coast nr. Gaza City and then nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 2 fishermen and causing damage. A small armed group, with self-proclaimed affiliations to ISIS, fires mortar rounds at a Hamas military base; no injuries are reported. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 9 Palestinians are injured, including 3 photojournalists. The IDF also searches a home in a village nr. Hebron late at night, issuing a summons to a Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 4 nr. Ramallah, 3 nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Jericho. Israeli settlers cut the branches off 3 olive trees nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Silwan and Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; the Israeli soldiers respond with stun grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets. (AFP, JP, MNA, TOI 5/8; MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/14)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Rafah fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians suffer moderate bullet wounds. The IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 each nr. Jenin and Jericho. Late at night, Israeli soldiers conduct house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians, issuing 2 arrest summons, and sparking minor clashes. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Wadi al-Juz, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth. (MNA 5/1, 5/2; PCHR 5/7)

In an interview with Haaretz, ICC prosecutor Bensouda says she is considering war crimes investigations into Palestinians and low-ranking Israeli soldiers. Her comments indicate an expanded scope from previous speculation that only high-level Israeli officials would be targeted. However, she repeats that she is still preliminarily examining evidence and that no investigations have been formally opened. (AFP, HA 5/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops block a large funeral procession in a village nr. Hebron for the Palestinian man who died on 4/9 from health issues he developed in Israeli prison. The soldiers violently disperse stone-throwing mourners, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 13 with live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly nonviolent demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and outside an Israeli settlement nr. al-Bireh; 15 Palestinians are moderately injured and 4 are arrested. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians and assaulting 1; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and 3 nr. Jericho. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/10; PCHR 4/16)

The Palestinian Medical Examination Union decides to halt the transfer of medical tests to Israeli labs, effectively signing the group on to the boycott of Israeli goods and products. (MNA 4/10)

Breaking the Palestinians’ nonintervention policy on the Syrian conflict, Senior Fatah official Tawfiq al-Tirawi calls for Palestinian fighters in Syria and Lebanon to defend Yarmouk r.c. against ISIS, which launched attacks in the camp on 4/1. Later, UN Dep. Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy flies to Damascus for consultations with the Syrian govt. about Yarmouk. (GDN, MNA 4/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring 3. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians and 1 international are moderately injured and dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Jericho, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians in the Old City. After Israeli forces bar a group of rightwing Jewish activists from entering a school in Haram al-Sharif, a leader of the activists writes a letter to the Israeli authorities calling for the school to be officially recognized as a synagogue under the Protection of Holy Places Law and for Jews to be allowed to worship there. (MNA 4/3, 4/4; WAFA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to discuss the 4/2 agreement between the P5+1 and Iran, and the cabinet unanimously opposes the deal. Netanyahu says, “This is a bad deal not just for Israel, this is a bad deal for the region and for the world,” and calls for any final deal to require Iran to recognize Israel’s right to exist. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 4/3; REU, TOI 4/4)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire on a group of Palestinians approaching the border fence, causing 3 to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Separately, IDF troops stationed e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural lands nr. the border fence, causing damage. In 2 incidents off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations to commemorate Land Day, upcoming on 3/30, and protest Israel’s occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 10 Palestinians are moderately injured. The Israeli soldiers also cut off a main waterline into Kafr Qaddum, denying the village water for several hours. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Abu Dis at the site of the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; conducts patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 each nr. Jenin and Jericho. (MNA 3/27; PCHR 4/2)

The Israeli PM’s office announces that it is unfreezing tax revenue transfers to the PA that it has held as a punitive response to the Palestinian accession to the ICC since 1/2015. A statement announcing the move says that the total will be reduced by an undisclosed amount to pay portions of the PA’s debts to Israeli utility providers, such as the IEC. The PA FM criticizes the announced deductions, saying in a statement that they are “an unjustified and illegal procedure that could cause complications.” (AP, HA, JP, NYT, TOI 3/27; AFP, WAFA 3/28; JP 3/29)

French FM Fabius announces that, now that the 3/17 Israeli election has passed, he plans to explore the prospect of introducing another United Nations Security Council (UNSC) res. laying out parameters for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Meanwhile, an EU spokesperson announces that Hamas will remain a designated terrorist organization pending a decision on an appeal of the General Court’s 12/17/2014 removal of Hamas from the list. Similarly, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which the U.S. claims funneled money to Hamas, has been removed from the list since it was last published in 7/2014. (AFP, AP, HA, REU, TOI 3/27; AFP 3/28)

The PA unity govt. delegation led by PM Hamdallah meets with Fatah and Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip, concluding its 3-day trip. (MNA 3/26) The Egyptian attorney, Samir Sabri, who filed the original motion to designate Hamas a terrorist organization in Egypt withdraws his case, saying he hopes to remove “obstacles which Egypt’s political leadership might face in serving its role in the Palestinian reconciliation.” The Court of Urgent Matters, which designated Hamas a terrorist organization 2/28, is expected to reconsider its initial ruling, though it was only in part based on Sabri’s motion. (AHR, MNA 3/27)

The 28th regular session of the UNHRC concludes today after a mo. of meetings, with the council having agreed on 3 res. on the Palestinians. They reaffirm the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, confirm Palestinian rights to sovereignty over their natural resources, and condemn ongoing settlement growth in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (TOI 3/27; MNA 3/28)

PA Pres. Abbas arrives in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, to participate in an Arab League summit on 3/28 and 3/29. Ahead of the summit, the Arab League agrees to send a delegation to Washington to lobby the U.S. Congress and promote the Arab Peace Initiative. (WAFA 2/25; MNA 3/27; HA 3/28)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, hundreds of Jewish Israelis visit a religious site in a Palestinian village nr. Salfit after IDF troops raid the village, shut down all the entrances, and force all the stores to close. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in c. Hebron, 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Jalazun r.c.), and 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum and ‘Izbat al-Tabib); 4 Palestinians are detained and 9 are seriously injured, including 1 photojournalist, and 3 Palestinians from live ammunition. IDF troops also dismantle and evacuate the rebuilt “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 10th time. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 nr. Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing summons to 3; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm, as well as 2 nr. Jericho. (MNA 2/27, 2/28; PCHR 3/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls PA Pres. Mahmoud Abbas and asks him to refrain from undertaking any further unilateral measures that might jeopardize a return to peace negotiations until after Israel’s 3/17 election. (JP 3/1)

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies passes a nonbinding res., 300–45, calling on the Italian govt. to recognize the state of Palestine. (TOI 2/27; MNA 2/28)

Ahead of Israeli PM Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on 3/3, Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Labor) publishes an op-ed in the New York Times criticizing Netanyahu for jeopardizing the U.S.-Israel relationship with a partisan controversy over the speech. (BB, NYT, TOI 2/27; HA, TOI, YA 2/28)

U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) introduces the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which would give Congress a 60-day period to review and approve or disapprove any agreement the Obama admin. makes with the rest of the P5+1 and Iran. (AFP, AP 2/28)

In 2 separate incidents in the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis and along the n. border open fire with live ammunition on Palestinian farmers working nr. the fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities release 14-year-old Palestinian Malak al-Khatib from prison after arresting her on 12/31 for throwing stones and possessing a knife, the latter being a charge added after the arrest. The IDF violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Jalazun r.c., Silwad, Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum); 1 Palestinian is seriously injured with live ammunition in Kafr Qaddum and 1 is arrested in Bil‘in. The IDF also patrols nr. Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. PA security forces conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages around Hebron, detaining 27 people. (MEMO, MNA 2/13; AFP, HA, MNA 2/14; PCHR 2/19)

On a visit to Luxembourg, PA Pres. Abbas says that he will be forced to “take harsh steps” if Israel does not unfreeze the transfers of tax revenues collected on behalf of the PA for the last 2 mos., denying the PA over $200 m. (MNA, WAFA 2/14)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Jabaliya open fire on a group of Palestinian youth nr. the border fence, injuring 1. Off the s. coast, Egyptian naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat, injuring 1 fisherman and arresting the other. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), injuring 4 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and gas canisters in Bil‘in. Israeli soldiers also violently disperse protests outside Ofer detention center and Silwad nr. Ramallah, injuring 4 Palestinians, as well as in Susiya village nr. Hebron, where they assault Mustafa Barghouti, secy.-gen. of the Palestinian National Initiative. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Ni‘lin; patrols nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho. An Israeli settler attempts to hit a Palestinian child with his car nr. Tulkarm. Separately, unknown assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ cars nr. the Ofra settlement, lightly injuring 2 women. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz, al-Tur, al-‘Izzariya, and Abu Tor, firing tear gas and stun grenades and detaining 5 Palestinian youths. The Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinian women as they exit Haram al-Sharif and ban 4 others from entering the area for 3 days, following their release from detention late on 1/22. (MNA, TOI 1/23; MNA, WAFA 1/24; PCHR 1/29)

In the Gaza Strip, flooding caused by winter storm Huda forces 100s more Palestinians to leave their homes. A Palestinian infant, whose family’s home was partially destroyed during OPE, dies from the cold weather in Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts a raid on a home in c. Hebron and arrests a Palestinian suspected of throwing stones at soldiers; patrols in a village nr. Jericho. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers chop down 345 olive trees in several locations s. of Hebron late at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians in the Old City, including 2 children playing in the snow. (MNA 1/9; MNA, WAFA 1/10; PCHR 1/15)

A bipartisan group of 4 U.S. sens. releases a statement reaffirming their dedication to existing U.S. law that bars all U.S. aid to the PA if the Palestinians initiate an investigation of Israelis at the ICC, or support such an investigation. (JP 1/10)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the n. border open fire on 2 Palestinian men trying to enter Israel, injuring and detaining 1. In the West Bank, the IDF arrests 15 Palestinians nr. Qalqilya on charges relating to the 12/25 Molotov cocktail attack. Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 4 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. Later, Israeli settlers clash with stonethrowing Palestinians in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 Israeli. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin) and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), injuring 4. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jalazun r.c.; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, and Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers accompanied by IDF troops enter a village nr. Jenin to perform religious rites. PA security forces shoot and injure a Palestinian teenager during overnight clashes with stone-throwing residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man stabs 2 Israeli border police guards nr. the Old City, injuring them both. Separately, Israeli forces arrest a Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) leader at a mobile checkpoint between Jerusalem and Jericho, and a Palestinian youth in Ras alAmud. Israeli forces also conduct a raid in Wadi al-Juz, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/26; IMEMC 12/27; PCHR 12/31)

In the Sinai Peninsula, Egyptian authorities complete a survey of the 1,200 homes between 500 and 1,000 m of the border with Gaza and prepare to begin demolitions, as announced on 11/17. (MNA 12/27; DNE 12/29; ALM 12/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel in the Eshkol region. Israel holds Hamas responsible and the IDF launches a latenight air strike at a Hamas military training site nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage to the site and a nearby UNRWA school. It is the 1st Israeli bombing in Gaza since the 8/26 cease-fire ended OPE. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather in Turmus ‘Ayya, Silwad, and Ofer detention center to protest the death of a senior PA official on 12/10, sparking clashes with IDF troops in which 9 Palestinians are injured with rubbercoated metal bullets and 2 are detained. In Silwad, Israeli soldiers deliberately fire at electricity transformers, causing a power outage. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), Bethlehem, and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), shooting 1 in Bil‘in with a rubber-coated metal bullet and 1 in Ni‘lin. The IDF conducts an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, dozens gather in Balata r.c. to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the PFLP. In East Jerusalem, nearly 60,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, then march through the streets of the Old City in protest of Israeli policies regarding the site. Later, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City, al-Wad, Silwan, and al-Bustan. Clashes break out between Israeli police and stone-throwing Palestinians late at night in Wadi al-Juz, Anata, and Silwan. Police injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 5. (AP, HA, MNA, 12/19; AFP, HA, MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/25)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, which includes increased intelligence and military cooperation and new congressional oversight procedures. (TOI 12/20; IHY, JP, JTA 12/21)

The UNGApasses 2 nonbinding res. regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian affairs: the 1st calls on Israel to pay Lebanon $856.4 m. in damages related to an oil spill Israeli forces caused during the 2006 war; the 2d recognizes Palestinian sovereignty over the natural resources in the oPt. (AFP, WAFA 12/20)

A leaked report from the IAEA concludes that Iran is upholding commitments made to the P5+1 related to its disputed nuclear program. (JP, REU 12/18)