The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hungerstriking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s settlement, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 4 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries. They arrest 5 fishermen and confiscate their boats. (MNA 8/12; MNA 8/13; PCHR 8/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s occupation, settlement, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids in Bayt ‘Amr nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 7 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Hebron and nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. (MNA 8/5; MNA 8/6; PCHR 8/11)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City. Two Palestinians are injured, and 3 Palestinians and 1 international are arrested. They also conduct late-night raids in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian closes his coffee shop in Sheikh Jarrah on Israeli orders; 3 Palestinian families who lived in the building are displaced. (MNA 7/29; WAFA 7/30; PCHR 8/4)

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, patrolling the area throughout the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 of the 100 international and Palestinian activists cleaning an abandoned Palestinian factory in Hebron to prepare it for use as a cinema. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw rocks at Palestinian cars nr. Qalqilya, causing damage to 1. (MNA 7/15; JP, MNA 7/16; PCHR 7/21)

Hamas announces that it intends to participate in the planned municipal elections that the PA has set for 10/8. It is still unclear if the PA will organize ballots in Gaza as well as the West Bank. Hamas’s announcement is considered a surprise (the party did not participate in the 2012 elections). (MNA 7/16; JP 7/17; HA 8/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwers in the area; there are no injuries. An IDF raid in Dura nr. Hebron sparks further clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured and a 2d is arrested. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 international activist is injured. Israeli soldiers conduct further raids and house searches in and around Hebron and Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 2; and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah throughout the day. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains the closure on Bani Na‘im village, and continues to restrict Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district in response to the 7/1 settler shooting. (WAFA 7/8; MNA, WAFA 7/9; PCHR 7/14)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian woman nr. Hebron after she allegedly rams her car into a group of Israelis, lightly injuring 2. It is unclear whether the ramming was intentional or accidental. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall, as well as protests over the recent water shortage, in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Tulkarm, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Jenin; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities bar all Palestinian men younger than 45 from Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/24; PCHR 6/30)

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)

Reps. of 29 countries gather in Paris for a French-organized conference aimed at establishing a framework for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Conference participants agree to push for another international conference by the end of 2016, release a joint statement reaffirming the 2-state solution as their goal, express “alarm” at the current situation, and state that“the status quo is not sustainable.” The nonbinding statement also acknowledges both Israeli settlements and acts of violence as obstacles to peace (see Update). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/3; HA, JP 6/4)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 2 arrest summons during raids in Bethlehem and Hebron; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen. (MNA 6/3; MNA, WAFA 6/6; PCHR 6/9)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing in Gaza closed. It had been open on 6/1–2.

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and Silwad) and 1 nr. Qalqilya, as well as along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. For the first time in 11 years, the IDF refrains from using violent crowd control methods to disperse the Friday protest in Bil‘in nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in confrontations with Israeli forces since the surge of violence began in 10/2015 (1 on 5/23 nr. Jerusalem and 1 in Hebron on 3/24). They also level Palestinian land nr. Salfit to clear the area surrounding a nearby settlement. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and in Hebron; and also patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Salfit, damaging 1. In Gaza, a small armed group fires a rocket toward Israel, but it falls short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 5/27; TOI 5/28; PCHR 6/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and Nabi Salih), 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed in a confrontation with Israeli forces in Israel on 3/8. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron. They assault and injure 1 Palestinian, issue an arrest summons to another, and destroy and confiscate some personal property. During the day, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah. (MNA 5/20; JP, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/27)

Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon announces his resignation from the Defense Ministry and the Knesset, following PM Netanyahu’s public offer (5/18) for Yisrael Beytenu chair Lieberman to replace him as DM. Likud’s Yehuda Glick, the leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement, will replace Ya’alon in the Knesset. Later, Netanyahu says he “regret[s]” Ya’alon’s decision and says he wishes Ya’alon had “continued to be a full partner in the leadership of the state, in the role of FM.”(HA, MNA, TOI, YA 5/20; ALM 5/24)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Salfit. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian and her child in c. Hebron, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 5/13, 5/14; PCHR 5/19)

Cross-border violence in Gaza continues for a 4th day. Hamas forces fire at least 2 mortar shells at an IDF position overnight nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces then shell Hamas positions in e. Rafah and an Islamic Jihad position nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Also in Gaza, 3 Palestinian children die in a house fire sparked by a candle they were using because power outages have lasted 18 hours per day. Hamas officials will blame the Israeli blockade for their deaths. Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez crossing; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 300 elderly Gazans visit Haram al-Sharif after the Israeli authorities lift a 2-week ban on Gazans’ Friday visits to the sanctuary. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, OCHA, TOI, YA 5/6; HA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

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)

For the 3d day in a row, Israeli forces conduct widespread raids across East Jerusalem, arresting at least 20 Palestinians ahead of the Passover holiday and threatening demolitions in Silwan. Additional Israeli police are deployed in the city. Israeli authorities suspend Gazans’ weekly visit to Jerusalem, and completely close down crossings in the West Bank and Gaza, with exceptions for humanitarian and medical cases (the closure began at midnight on 4/21 and will last through midnight on 4/23, unless the IDF decides the security situation requires its continuation). At Haram al-Sharif, 29 Palestinians are barred from the sanctuary and 10 right-wing Jewish activists are detained as they carry baby goats to the sanctuary for Passover sacrifices (Jewish religious rites are prohibited at Haram al-Sharif). IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 6 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols during the day in 4 villages nr. Qalqilya and 2 nr. Ramallah. (JP, MNA 4/22; MNA 4/23; HA 4/24; PCHR 4/28)

In a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York, PA pres. Abbas encourages gathered world leaders to support the French peace initiative, saying, “We are deliberating with international parties and relevant Arab ministerial committee to examine the content and timing for proposing a [UNSC] res. against settlement activity.” The Palestinian leadership had planned to have their antisettlement res. introduced in the UNSC during Abbas’s trip to New York; press reports say that they have decided to postpone the initiative at France’s request to give breathing room to the French peace initiative. (HA, MNA 4/22; JP 4/23)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities return the body of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 4/14, despite PM Netanyahu’s reported order to hold the body indefinitely. Israeli forces patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron, and arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in East Jerusalem. (MNA, TOI 4/15; MNA 4/16; PCHR 4/21)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. On Gaza’s border, an explosive device detonates under an armored Israeli bulldozer, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 2 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen, arresting 4, and then confiscating the boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse Palestinians conducting a sit-in in Silwan in protest of Israeli efforts to Judaize the city; 6 Palestinians are arrested and a tent is confiscated. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian for allegedly planning a stabbing attack outside the Old City, and temporarily detain a shaykh at Haram al-Sharif, accusing him of “incitement.” (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/8; PCHR 4/14)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson says that the Obama admin. has not decided whether or not to support the draft UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements that the Palestinians circulated earlier in the week (a U.S. veto would scuttle the effort). Separately, 394 mbrs., or 90%, of the House of Representatives sign onto a letter calling on U.S. pres. Obama to “oppose and, if need be, veto one-sided UNSC resolutions,” inter alia. (USSD 4/8; TOI 4/9; JP 4/10; JTA 4/15)

In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians participate in the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem (the Israeli authorities barred all 103 Gazan hopefuls from participating). Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem, and in 3 areas along Gaza’s border; 6 Palestinians are injured. In and around Hebron, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid and patrol in 3 villages. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Palestinians stage a sit-in protest at Haram al-Sharif calling for national reconciliation. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Rafah, causing it to catch fire and sink. (WAFA 3/31; HA, MNA 4/1; MNA 4/2; PCHR 4/7)

Alleged stabbing attacks continue across the oPt. Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron when a knife is found on her person, and arrest another Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli police officers in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths nr. the Old City of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 3d of 3 planned days and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers in c. Hebron verbally assault the human rights worker who captured video of the unprovoked killing nearby on 3/24. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Jenin, Tubas, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 5; patrol in Tulkarm and nr. Hebron. Israeli forces shut down a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, TOI 3/25; MNA 3/26; PCHR 3/31)

At the Jaffa Military Court, IDF prosecutors formally charge with murder the Israeli soldier who shot and killed an incapacitated Palestinian in c. Hebron on 3/24. (TOI 3/27)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem. Palestinian witnesses say that the alleged attacker got out of his car without anything in his hands when the Israeli soldiers opened fire, unprovoked. Israeli soldiers also arrest a journalist documenting the incident. Separately, Israeli soldiers arrest 2 Palestinians accused of preparing to carry out a stabbing attack outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 areas along Gaza’s border, 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 9; patrol in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, as well as 3 villages nr. Ramallah. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of the Bethlehem-area village of the 2 Palestinians suspected of carrying out a stabbing attack on 3/17, blocking both entrances and exits except for humanitarian cases. Israeli soldiers also conduct raids in the village, arresting at least 1 Palestinian. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian shepherd working nr. Khan Yunis. (HA, MNA, TOI 3/18; PCHR 3/24)

Following mos. of stalled talks, Jordan’s Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani says that cameras will be installed at Haram al-Sharif in the coming days, implementing the 10/24/2015 Israeli-Jordanian agreement. The Israeli govt. does not comment on the reports, leading to speculation that Al Momani was merely restating Jordan’s position in the ongoing negotiations. (JP 3/19; AP 3/20)

Unknown Gazans fire a number of rockets into Israel, and at least 3 land nr. Sderot, causing no injuries or damage. Israel Air Force jets launch retaliatory air strikes on 4 Hamas sites in n. Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian child, injuring 4, and causing substantial damage (a 2d Palestinian child will succumb to her injuries on 3/12). Meanwhile, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian outside the Old City after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw a firebomb at an Israeli settler’s vehicle nr. Hebron, causing damage, and open fire on Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, injuring 2. After the 2d attack, the IDF closes several roads and conducts raids in a nearby village. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, along Gaza’s border, and in 1 neighborhood in East Jerusalem (Abu Dis); 5 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing an arrest summons to another; patrol nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah and Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 3/11; HA, MNA, NYT, YA 3/12; PCHR 3/17; EI 3/18)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem after she allegedly attempts to ram an Israeli soldier (the soldier is injured in the collision). In the evening, a verbal argument between small groups of Palestinians and Israelis in the Old City of Jerusalem turns violent; 1 Israeli is stabbed and lightly injured. Meanwhile, the IDF violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside a settlement nr. al-Bireh), 1 nr. Qalqilya, in n. Bethlehem, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids nr. Bethlehem, arresting 7 Palestinians; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli forces level 2 small swaths of land nr. Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian workers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians in the Old City and 2 on raids in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 3/4; PCHR 3/10)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to stab them. The IDF later returns the body of the alleged Palestinian attacker to his family. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Masara, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and along Gaza’s border nr. Khan Yunis and al-Bureij r.c.; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 6; patrol in Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Salfit, and nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on 3 Palestinians walking nr. Khan Yunis, moderately injuring 1; arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross the border nr. Rafah to work in Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 2/26; MNA 2/27; PCHR 3/3)

Following weeks of reports on back-channel economic talks, the Israeli press reports that Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has decided to take steps to help improve the PA’s economic situation, including a transfer of NIS 500 m. (around $131 m.) in withheld tax revenues. PM Netanyahu reportedly approved Kahlon’s proposals after they met on 2/24. (YA 2/26; JP 2/29)

A Palestinian is found mortally wounded on the grounds of the Palestinian Embassy in Bulgaria and succumbs to his injuries in an ambulance on the way to hospital. He is later identified as Omar Nayef Zayed, who was wanted by Israel for his alleged killing of an Israeli in 1986. (EI, HA, MNA 2/26)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian just east of the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 2 Israeli police. A Palestinian bystander is injured in the crossfire. A video of the incident later broadcast by Al Jazeera shows that the Palestinian did not pose an immediate threat to the Israeli forces that killed him. Later, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver outside a village nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to ram them. No Israelis are injured in the incident. The IDF says that the alleged ramming occurred amid clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths, but Palestinian witnesses deny the claim. In the evening, the IDF returns the body of the Palestinian to his family. (AJ, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 2/19; HA 2/21; PCHR 2/25)

Across the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (al-Masara, Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Bethlehem, and along Gaza’s border e. of Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is killed (nr. Bethlehem), 9 are injured, and 1 is arrested. Meanwhile, the IDF continues its closure of a road nr. Ramallah where a settler was stabbed on 1/18. IDF troops also conduct late-night house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint in Silwan and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur and the Old City. (HA, MNA 2/19; MNA 2/20; PCHR 2/25)

The IDF maintains its closure of Nahalin village for a 4th day. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and the administrative detention of Palestinian prisoner al-Qiq in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), 1 village nr. Qalqilya, and in 4 areas along Gaza’s border; 13 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya, as well as Tulkarm and Tulkarm r.c., arresting 2 Palestinian journalists; patrol in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 6 nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no injuries. (AFP, MNA, SAM 2/12; PCHR 2/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu speaks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, effectively ending the suspension of peace process–related talks with the EU that Netanyahu ordered on 11/29. The Israeli govt. then confirms that the suspension is over. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 2/12; MNA 2/13)

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)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside Beit El settlement, and nr. Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 3 areas along Gaza’s border; 14 Palestinians and 1 Israeli activist are injured. Israeli forces confiscate construction equipment Palestinians were using to build a new road in the n. Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians; patrol during the day in 1 village nr. Salfit and 4 each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, around 300 Israeli troops conduct an overnight raid on the Islamic studies dept. and student union at al-Quds University in Abu Dis, confiscating equipment and docs. (MNA, PNN 1/29; MNA, WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/4)

French FM Laurent Fabius announces that France will begin preparing for an international peace conference in an effort to “preserve and achieve the 2-state solution.” He also says,“If this attempt to achieve a negotiated solution reaches a dead end, we will take responsibility and recognize the Palestinian state.” (HA, JP, NYT, YA 1/29; MNA 1/30)

Across the oPt, IDF troops injure 16 Palestinians when they disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), 1 village each nr. Nablus and Qalqilya, and 3 areas along Gaza’s border. Meanwhile, IDF troops evict the 80-some Israeli settlers from the 2 homes they broke into in c. Hebron on 1/21. The IDF then seals and closes off the homes. IDF troops patrol in Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwers in which 1 Palestinian is injured. They also conduct a latenight raid in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons; further patrol in 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 4 nr. Ramallah, 7 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Sur al-Bahir to avoid Israeli fines. (HA, MNA, TOI 1/22; MNA, WAFA 1/23; PCHR 1/28)

A total of 2 Palestinians are killed and 15 injured when IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside the Beit El settlement, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in 3 areas along Gaza’s border. Separately, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that a Hamas fighter was killed by an electric shock in a tunnel nr. Rafah this morning. Meanwhile, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli forces in 2 areas nr. Bethlehem (Aida r.c. and al-Khadir), sparking clashes in which 5 Palestinians are injured, including 2 paramedics and 1 journalist. The IDF conducts a late-night raid in a village nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is shot and injured. IDF troops conduct further late-night raids and house searches in Hebron, Bethlehem, and 2 villages and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrol in 7 villages nr. Hebron and 2 nr. Jenin, as well as Tulkarm and 1 village nearby. Israeli settlers disguise a large rock as a pile of garbage and place it in the middle of a road nr. Salfit; a Palestinian taxi driver later crashes his car into the rock, causing major damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an elderly Palestinian woman at Haram al-Sharif and confiscate NIS 1,800 (around $100) from her. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/15; MNA 1/16; PCHR 1/21)