The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops and tanks open fire on a Hamas military site nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no reported damage or injuries. The IDF says that the attack was ordered in response to shots fired at IDF patrols in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab them nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. Armed gunmen shoot and injure an Israeli settler nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car dealership in Sheikh Jarrah and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/19; MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/22)

The Israeli NGO Yesh Din files a motion with the Custodian of Absentee Property stating that the current relocation plan for the Amona settlement outpost, which the outpost’s residents approved on 12/18, is illegal because a section of the proposed relocation site, dubbed Plot 38, is privately owned by Palestinians. (MNA 12/19; HA, JP, MNA 12/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 3d of 3 planned days. (MNA 12/19)

An Israeli sniper shoots and kills a Palestinian youth during major clashes sparked by an IDF raid overnight in Bayt Rima village nr. Ramallah. The IDF temporarily shuts down entrances to the village after the clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces begin building a road leading to a settlement outpost nr. Nablus. Late at night, armed Palestinians allegedly shoot and injure an Israeli settler driver nr. Rantis village nr. Ramallah. Israeli forces then close the entrances to Rantis and 3 other villages in the area (Rantis and Shuqba village will be reopened on 1/13). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids nr. the Old City and in Shu‘fat r.c., arresting 4 Palestinian youths and shutting down several shops. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/18; MNA, WAFA 12/19; EI 12/20; PCHR 12/22; MNA 1/13)

Residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which had been ordered evacuated and demolished by 12/25, vote to accept a new version of a compromise relocation plan proposed by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Edu. Min. Bennett on 12/12, days after they had rejected a previous version. The proposal will allow 24 of the 40-odd families to relocate to nearby plots of land on the same hilltop. The new deal is contingent on Israel’s High Court permitting a 1-mo. stay of its evacuation order for Amona. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/18; JP 12/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 3 planned days. (JP, MNA 12/18; MNA 12/19)

Hundreds of Palestinians attend a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for a Palestinian whose corpse was returned by the Israeli authorities on 12/16. After the funeral, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at the village’s entrance, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, an argument between Israeli settlers and Palestinian youths escalates into a fistfight in Silwan. Israeli forces in the area violently disperse the fight, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids in the neighborhood after the incident. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage or injuries. (MNA 12/17; PCHR 12/22)

French amb. to the UN François Delattre confirms that Paris is postponing the peace conference originally planned for 12/21 to sometime in 1/2017. “After nearly a year of efforts, France will hold during [1/2017] an international conference bringing together all the states [seeking] peace,” he says (YA 12/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 12/17)

Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian activist during a raid in Issawiyya. They open fire when he refuses their order to stop photographing them. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, 82 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also confiscate personal property and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah and in Qalqilya and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces confiscate an irrigation network nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City; there are no injuries or damage. (MNA, WAFA 12/12; MNA 12/13; PCHR 12/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 3 days. (MNA, WAFA 12/12; MNA 12/13; OCHA 12/15)

Palestinian officials and their counterparts at the U.S. State Dept. meet in Washington and reaffirm their shared commitment to a negotiated 2-state solution, “which is the only way to achieve an enduring peace that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, end the occupation that began in 1967, and resolve all permanent status issues,” according to a joint statement. There is no official mention of the Palestinians’ push for a UNSC res. censuring Israeli settlements, but it is widely suspected that such a res. was the main topic of conversation. (JP, MNA, WAFA 12/13)

Israel’s Edu. Min. Bennett says that he has reached a new deal with PM Netanyahu and Atty. Gen. Mandelblit that will allow residents of the Amona settlement outpost to “remain on their hilltop,” although they will still be relocated to a nearby plot of land. They will only be given temporary permits to live on the new land, however, with options to renew every 2 years, and the govt. will ask for a 1-mo. postponement of Amona’s evacuation to make time for the relocation. (HA, JP, YA 12/12)

IDF troops attempt to enter Jenin without coordinating with the PASF. Upon their arrival at a roadblock at an entrance to the city, PASF prevent their entrance with guns drawn (under the Oslo Accords, the IDF is barred from entering Area A of the West Bank without the PA’s approval). The IDF arrests 10 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. IDF troops also arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron, alleging that he was planning a stabbing attack. Israeli forces confiscate a shipping container being used as a restaurant nr. Nablus. The owner had set it up after his nearby restaurant was demolished on 11/3. Israeli settlers cut down dozens of olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis causing no damage or injuries. (JP, WAFA, YA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

The Jerusalem Post reports that New Zealand is circulating a draft UNSC res. calling for a “firm timetable” for the Israelis and Palestinians to return to negotiations and asking that neither side set “preconditions” for the talks. The draft res. also calls for an end to the Israeli settlement enterprise and for the Palestinian leadership to end its “incitement to violence against Israeli civilians.” (JP 12/11)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 days. (MNA, WAFA 12/11; OCHA 12/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, the 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 killed in Gaza and 3 are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops issue 2 Palestinians arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City. There are no injuries in either incident. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Kafr Kanna and other villages to protest a bill, approved in a Knesset comm. on 11/13, that would bar mosques from broadcasting the call to prayer (see JPS 46 [2]). (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 5th of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/18; OCHA 12/2)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct an early morning raid in Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, the Israeli authorities prevent a truck from passing through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on the grounds that it contains materials that could be used to build rockets. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya refugee camp (r.c.), causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and Issawiyya. (MNA 11/16; PCHR 11/17; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/16; OCHA 12/2)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize Israeli settlement outposts in the West Bank. Meanwhile, in response to the Israeli High Court of Justice’s 11/14 reaffirmation of its evacuation order for the illegal Amona settlement outpost, the Jerusalem Municipality approves demolition orders for 14 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat says that thousands of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem lack proper permits and should be held to the same standard as Amona, adding that “the Amona verdict leaves us no discretion to legalize building offenses.” (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 11/16; JP, MNA 11/17)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 agricultural structures in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir and the foundation of a mosque in Sur al-Bahir overnight. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a residential structure and a community center in Umm al-Khayr village and a water well nr. Hebron, as well as a residential structure outside Bayt Jala nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus late at night, sparking clashes and a brief firefight between their PASF escort and armed Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is killed and 3 PASF troops are injured. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians and confiscates a number of appliances during further raids in Ramallah and nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities announce that they have approved a master plan for future development of Tinnik village nr. Jenin. Israel, which rarely permits Palestinian building in Area C, has been authorizing new projects in the context of DM Lieberman’s “carrot-and-stick” policy. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. They arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate their boat. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/15; JP, MNA, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/15)

In the West Bank, an explosive device detonates nr. IDF troops on a patrol nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries. Israeli forces block off 2 roads nr. Hebron, weeks after reopening them in 10/2016 and 9/2016. They were initially closed down in 10/2015 amid the early days of the habba. They also carry out the demolition of 28 stores and a Palestinian home in al-‘Awja village nr. Jericho, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 6 arrest summons during violent raids and house searches nr. Salfit (they also confiscate a car); and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler bus nr. Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural building in Silwan and arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya late at night. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 5 planned days. (WAFA 11/14)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif, marking the 7th and final day of Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 20 Palestinians on late-night raids in Shu‘fat, Issawiyya, Jabal Mukabir, and Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Jarir village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Israeli soldiers are injured. Hours after the clashes, the IDF returns to the village, declaring it a closed military zone and shutting down all exits and entrances. (They will reopen the village on 10/24.) IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus and Hebron. Israeli authorities extend the general closure on the West Bank and Gaza through 10/25 for the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for an unscheduled 5th day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/24)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse in the morning. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya. There are no injuries or damage in either incident. In the West Bank, Israeli forces level land nr. Nablus reportedly to prepare for the construction of new settler residences in the area. IDF troops open fire on 3 Palestinians outside Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 moderately. They also arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, as well as in and around Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/22; MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. They had planned to keep the crossing open only 4 days in a row, but decide to extend it an additional day through 10/23 (see Update). (MNA 10/23)

An Israeli police spokesperson announces that the IDF will impose a general closure on the West Bank and Gaza from midnight tonight through approx. midnight on 10/24, the 1st day of Jewish holiday Simhath Torah. Humanitarian cases will be permitted. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/23)

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), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus early in the morning, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian residents; at least 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 5 arrest summons during raids nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. (MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 10/20)

At sundown, Israeli authorities close Haram al-Sharif and Hebron’s al-Ibrahimi Mosque to non-Jewish visitors until 10/24 for the Sukkot holiday. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Qatabiya village nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians picking olives nr. Nablus, causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, a large number of Israeli forces deploy across Silwan after unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at a settler home in the neighborhood. In Israel, around 1,200 bedouins gather outside the Ramat Hanegev council building to protest Israel’s ongoing evacuation and demolition of their homes. Their village, Bir Hadaj, is partially unrecognized, and part of it is slated for destruction in the context of the Israeli plan to redevelop the Negev. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/16; WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. (MNA 10/16)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering at Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the killing of a resident of the camp; at least 10 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). The IDF also conducts late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians, demolishing a door and threatening demolitions; and patrols nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, a Palestinian armed with a knife allegedly assaults an Israeli border police officer outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem, causing minor injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland nr. Gaza City, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian nr. the Old City who was allegedly planning a stabbing attack. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Abu Dis; and impose a temporary closure on Bayt Surik village n. of the city, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/15; PCHR 10/20)

The IDF imposes a general closure over the West Bank and Gaza, barring all passage through border crossings, except humanitarian cases, for the Jewish Sukkot holiday. The closure is set to extend through 10/17. (MNA, TOI 10/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 2 planned days. (JP, MNA 10/15)

Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now of joining the “chorus of slander” against Israel because they participated in the UNSC meeting on Israeli settlements on 10/14. Netanyahu also says he is working to deny B’Tselem its right to a national service volunteer. The group only is allotted 1 such volunteer, and the post is currently unfilled. (HA 10/16)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth outside the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. Meanwhile, 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), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and multiple locations along Gaza’s border; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians and issue 5 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Salfit, as well as in and around Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. (EI, HA, MNA 9/23; PCHR 9/29)

For the 3d and final day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinian pilgrims to return from their trip to Saudi Arabia. (MNA 9/23; MNA 9/24)

Leaders of the Middle East Quartet, including U.S. secy. of state John Kerry, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, and UN secy.-gen. Ban Ki-moon, reiterate the group’s call for the creation of “conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations that will end the occupation that began in 1967 and resolve all final status issues,” and reaffirm conclusions from the report they released in 7/2016 (see JPS 46 [2]). Afterward, Kerry meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (YA 9/23; MNA 9/24; HA 9/25)

Around 700 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 6 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Jenin and Hebron, and in and around Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Off Gaza’s n. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/29)

For a 2d day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinian pilgrims to return from their trip to Saudi Arabia. (MNA 9/23)

PA pres. Abbas addresses the UNGA in New York City and pledges to present the UN Security Council (UNSC) with a res. condemning Israel’s settlements in the West Bank. Israeli PM Netanyahu also addresses the UNGA in New York, reaffirming his pledge to resist any UN attempt to dictate the terms of a res. to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and welcoming the “spirit” of the Arab Peace Initiative. He also invites Abbas to address the Israeli Knesset and promotes a regional framework for peace that the Palestinians can join or not. (HA, YA 9/22; MNA 9/23)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya as she is walking home from school. The Israeli soldiers reportedly thought she was planning a stabbing attack (she will be released from detention on 9/22). Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Bil‘in homes of several leaders in the activist groups that organize the Friday protests in the Ramallah-area village, confiscating a number of cell phones and computers. Late at night, 2 Israeli soldiers torch a Palestinian-owned lumber warehouse in Nablus, and IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., arresting 5 Palestinians during raids in the camp and in Abu Dis. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/21; MNA, PCHR 9/22; HA 9/25; PCHR 9/29)

Following a request from the public prosecutor’s office, the Palestinian High Court of Justice postpones until 10/3 its decision regarding the municipal elections that were initially set for 10/8. The elections had been postponed indefinitely on 9/8 because of challenges to their legitimacy. (AFP, MNA 9/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinian pilgrims to return from their trip to Saudi Arabia. They are set to open it again on 9/22 and 9/23. (MNA 9/23)

While in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. pres. Obama. They reportedly do not discuss the push for Israeli-Palestinian peace that the Obama admin. is rumored to be planning after the U.S. election in 11/2016. Netanyahu tells Obama he will always be welcome in Israel, and Obama responds, “We’ll set up a tee time.” (AFP, EI, NYT, REU, YA 9/21; HA 9/25)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze 40 dunams (around 10 acres) of farmland, destroy 800 trees, and demolish 2 wells in various locations nr. Hebron; and also demolish 3 homes, 6 livestock barns, and 2 water tanks in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Anata r.c. (MNA, WAFA 9/7; PCHR, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/22)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)

For the 2d time this week, IDF troops fire artillery shells and machine gun rounds at Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage to the sites and at least 3 neighboring homes. The IDF reports that the shelling was in response to gunfire emanating from Gaza earlier in the morning. (MNA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8)

The Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian to his family in East Jerusalem, having punitively withheld it since Israeli forces killed him on 2/19. His family is forced to pay a security deposit of NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,000), bury the body at al-Mujahidin Cemetery in c. Jerusalem, and limit the attendance at his funeral at 25 people. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes the walls of his own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Qalandia r.c., and Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin in unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 9 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus. Israeli undercover forces arrest 4 Palestinian customs officers who are conducting a surveillance operation outside Nur Shams r.c. overnight. The officers attempted to detain the Israelis without knowing they were undercover troops. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/6; WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian in an alleged ramming attack in Shu‘fat r.c. The police say that they opened fire on the vehicle, killing 1 man, a passenger, and injuring the driver, only after failing to stop it and make an arrest. The Israeli police will, on 9/6, retract their accusation that the incident was a ramming attack, and instead blame the deceased’s brother-in-law, the driver, for causing his death by driving erratically. (The driver will be charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence on 9/15.) Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at Haram al-Sharif when she is found to be carrying a knife, and arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in a village n. of Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 10 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Tulkarm during the day. Israeli forces cut down around 250 olive trees from a Palestinian’s land nr. Qalqilya overnight. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/5; EI 9/6; HA 9/7; TOI 9/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to hundreds of Muslim Palestinians embarking from Gaza on their pilgrimage to Mecca. (OCHA 9/8)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinian fighters open fire on IDF troops stationed nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In response, the IDF launches air strikes on at least 2 Hamas military sites in n. Gaza, injuring 3 Hamas fighters. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian homes nr. al-Maghazi r.c., causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and then nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops attempt to remove a Palestinian flag from a public space in a village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents throughout the day; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinian youths allegedly planning to carry out stabbing attacks in c. Hebron. Both boys were found to be carrying knives. Israeli forces destroy personal property and threaten to arrest a Palestinian infant during a raid on the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian who was killed on 11/1/2015 after attempting to stab an Israeli soldier. They also impose strict closures on 3 villages nr. Nablus after reports of stone-throwing in the area (the closures will be enforced through 9/10). The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, sparking clashes in Balata r.c. (1 Palestinian is injured); and patrols nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya during the day. Meanwhile, unknown assailants throw Molotov cocktails at the Nablus-area home of a Palestinian woman running for office in the 10/8 municipal elections, causing minor damage. She is affiliated with Fatah. In East Jerusalem, around 60 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/4; MNA 9/5; PCHR 9/8; MNA 9/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. (OCHA 9/8)

The PA and Israel sign an agreement to improve postal service in the oPt. The deal gives Palestinians more control over the transfer of mail in and out of the West Bank. (JP, MNA, TOI 9/4)

An errant mortar round fired from Syria lands in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF returns artillery fire on Syrian govt. positions along the border, causing an unknown amount of damage. (HA, MNA, TOI 9/4)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. al-Bureij r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA, WAFA 9/3; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. They plan to open it again on 9/4. (OCHA 9/8)

IDF troops raid al-Sanabel radio station in Dura village nr. Hebron overnight, shutting it down on the grounds of alleged incitement and arresting 5 journalists. They also destroy and confiscate some broadcasting equipment. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 5 Palestinian youths as they leave a soccer field in the Old City, demolish a blacksmith shop in the southeast corner of the city, and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/8) 

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the 2d of 3 planned days. (PCHR 9/1; OCHA 9/8)

The High Planning Comm. of Israel’s Civil Admin. advances plans for the construction of 463 settler residences in the West Bank, including approval for 234 units in the Elkana settlement, 31 in Bet Arye, and 20 in Givat Ze’ev. The comm. also retroactively legalizes 178 units built in Bet Arye in the 1980s. (AFP, HA, MNA 8/31)

Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian prisoner accused of participating in the shooting of an Israeli settler rabbi on 7/1, sparking minor clashes; there are no injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in Nablus and patrol nr. Nablus, Tubas, and Hebron. An Israeli settler turns his dog loose on an elderly Palestinian nr. Nablus, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces return the body of a Palestinian withheld since being killed in a confrontation with them in 10/2015. He is buried in a cemetery outside the Old City while a large number of Israeli police keep watch. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish 1 Palestinian home in Sur al-Bahir and 2 in Silwan on the grounds that they lack proper permits. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/30; PCHR 9/1)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 3 planned days to allow Muslims from Gaza to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj. (PCHR 9/1; OCHA 9/8)

The Israeli authorities allow the transfer of 300,000 textbooks into Gaza, following complaints from the Palestinians. (MNA 8/30)

Commemorating Jerusalem Day, thousands of Israelis march through the Old City; there are no major altercations with Palestinian residents of the Muslim Quarter (as there were in previous years). Earlier, around 208 Jewish settlers tour Haram alSharif and thousands more gather at the Western Wall; 4 of the settlers (3 for breaking the rule barring non-Muslim prayer, 1 for allegedly assaulting an Israeli police officer) and 2 Palestinian women are detained at the sanctuary around the same time for disturbing the peace, according to an Israeli police spokesperson. In the Old City overnight, Israeli settlers attempt to set fire to a Palestinian store; the proprietors quell the blaze in time, preventing any serious damage. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Biddu, Jaba‘, and the Old City. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 2 planned days. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces disassemble and confiscate 7 EU-funded residential structures in a bedouin village nr. Jerusalem, and issue stop-work orders to 2 homes under construction nr. Hebron. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Jenin throughout the day. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/5; PCHR 6/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 2 planned days ahead of Ramadan on 6/6. At the end of the day, around 800 Palestinians are stranded at the crossing due to the 7:00 P.M. curfew Egypt imposes on the n. Sinai Peninsula. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating against the occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during latenight raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Ramallah and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus throughout the day. (MNA 6/4; MNA 6/5; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

Responding to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 5/30 comments, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby says that the league will reject any alterations or piecemeal acceptance of the Arab Peace Initiative. (MNA 6/4)

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.

In the 2d attack this week, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. No Israelis are injured. Meanwhile, around 4,000 Jewish settlers pray at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian residents; 10 Palestinians are injured (1 will succumb to his injuries on 6/6). Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Silwad and Kafr Malik villages nr. Ramallah, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons and sparking minor clashes in which a Palestinian is mildly injured. IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. For the 2d day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to traffic in both directions. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 6/2; MNA 6/3; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

Israel’s Justice Ministry releases a list of 27 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that might be affected by the so-called NGO Transparency Bill, which is currently under discussion in the Knesset. Twenty-five of the 27 NGOs are distinctly left-wing human rights groups, including B’Tselem and Yesh Din. This lends credence to accusations that the Transparency Bill is simply an attempt to silence opponents of the right-wing govt. (HA 6/3)

French FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces 2 main goals for the international peace summit in Paris on 6/3: the parties agree to meet again by the end of 2016, with Israeli and Palestinian participation, and they agree to form several working groups to facilitate resolutions on various final status issues, such as Israeli security and economic incentives for both sides. (JP, TOI 6/2)

To facilitate travel to and from Gaza for Ramadan, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to traffic from both directions for the first of 4 planned days this week. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, and arrest a Palestinian armed with a knife attempting to cross the border into Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in Hebron and nr. Jenin and Tulkarm. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/1; PCHR 6/2; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

A PA spokesperson criticizes Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 5/30 pledge of support for the Arab Peace Initiative, saying “the Israeli statements regarding the 2-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative must be accompanied by actions on the ground and recognition [of] an independent Palestinian state.” (HA, JP, TOI 6/1)

For a 2d day in a row, the IDF maintains its “general closure” of the West Bank and Gaza surrounding Israel’s Independence Day. Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen working nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli border police arrest 6 Palestinian youths throwing stones and setting fires nr. the separation wall outside Jerusalem. IDF troops patrol in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse right-wing Jewish activists marching toward Haram al-Sharif in commemoration of Israeli Independence Day; 5 activists are arrested. They also arrest 10 rightwing Jewish activists after they assault Palestinians nr. Haram al-Sharif; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, thousands of PCI march through Rahat in the Negev calling for Palestinian refugees to be afforded their right of return. (HA, MNA, OCHA, TOI 5/12; PCHR 5/19)