The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians open fire on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) patrols near Jabaliya refugee camp causing no injuries. Israeli tanks then shell several Hamas posts near the border fence, causing damage. Later, Palestinians fire machine guns across the border into Israel, this time causing minor damage to an Israeli home near Sderot. The IDF then bombs Hamas sites in northern Gaza, including an alleged weapons production facility, causing an unclear amount of damage. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along the border fence to protest and throw stones near al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the 5/14 opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem at the Beit El checkpoint; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol in Hebron and near Nablus. Israeli settlers cut down approximately 400 grapevines in a Palestinian vineyard near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. (WAFA 5/16; HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/17; PCHR 5/17; PCHR 5/24)

Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu attend the inauguration of the new Guatemalan embassy in Jerusalem. “My next trip through Latin America goes through Guatemala," Netanyahu says. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/16)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the fourth consecutive day, despite their initial plans to keep it closed today. (AP 5/18)

Palestinians across Israel and the oPt observe a general strike in commemoration of the Nakba and in mourning for the 58 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 5/14. Thousands march in their funeral processions, and thousands more gather along the border fence for a 2d consecutive day of Great March of Return protests. Israeli forces violently disperse these demonstrations, as well as smaller protests in East Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and at the Qalandia checkpoint; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Unidentified assailants cut down 300 Palestinian-owned grapevines outside Bayt ‘Aynun village near Hebron and leave racist graffiti in the area. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/15; HA, MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

Two Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained during the deadly violence in Gaza on 5/14. The 4 deaths today bring the death toll stemming from Israel’s response to the protests on 5/14 to 60 and the overall death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 106. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 4th consecutive day. (AP 5/18; OCHA 5/24)

The Israeli authorities temporarily reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing, having kept it closed since 5/12, after Palestinians set fire to a nearby pipeline. There are reports of Palestinian activists turning back 4 truckloads of medical supplies provided by the IDF. The organizers of the Great March of Return later confirm that they rejected medical supplies from “the executors of Monday’s massacre against the innocent.” (AP, TOI 5/15; MNA, JP, TOI 5/16)

PA president Abbas recalls PLO envoy in Washington Husam Zomlot in protest at the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. decision to block the UNSC from making a statement condemning the Israeli violence on 5/14. (WAFA, YA 5/15; HA, WAFA 5/16)

The Turkish Foreign Ministry orders Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh to leave Turkey in protest of the killings in Gaza on 5/14. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry orders the Turkish consul in Jerusalem to return home. Turkey recalled its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in the wake of the killings on 5/14. (ANA, HA, JP, TOI 5/16)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli artillery shell a Palestinian rickshaw transporting PIJ fighters near Rafah, killing 4 and injuring several others. Israel’s Army Radio reports that the men were transporting explosives. PIJ says that the 4 died during unspecified “preparations.” Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, and a small number of Palestinians at a Great March of Return tent camp outside Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops evacuate and dismantle an illegal settlement outpost near Nablus (settlers erected it on 4/13). When some of the settlers throw stones and otherwise resist the IDF, the soldiers arrest 3 of them. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, al-Bireh, and Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/19)

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

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

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

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

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

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians throwing stones at the border fence near Khan Yunis, killing 1 and injuring a number of others. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities allow Palestinian shop owners to reopen 15 shops in central Hebron. The shops were closed in 2000. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a patrol in Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/12; PCHR 4/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 3 planned days. (AFP, TOI 4/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, and open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no injuries. After the IDF mistakes a Hamas military drill for an attack. Israeli artillery shell 2 Hamas sites north of Bayt Lahiya, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers working near Hebron and Qalqilya, lightly injuring 2. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure 3 Palestinian farmers working near Hebron and Qalqilya. During a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp, IDF troops shoot, injure, and then arrest a Palestinian. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Anata refugee camp, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/25; PCHR 3/29)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d and final day in a row. (OCHA 3/29) 

Along Gaza’s border, 4 Palestinians enter Israel in the evening and attempt to torch heavy engineering equipment used to construct Israel’s underground border barrier. When IDF troops approach the men, they return to Gaza. The IAF then conducts late-night air strikes on 3 Hamas sites near Rafah; there are no reported injuries. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the border open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bethlehem and near Hebron, and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/25; PCHR 3/29)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (TOI, WAFA 3/23)

A PA official says that the Palestinian authorities recently filed official requests for membership in 8 international treaties and conventions, including the International Convention against Apartheid in Sports. “Becoming members of these international conventions and treaties strengthens the Palestinian issue on the international level and demonstrates our commitment to upholding international standards in our state institutions,” the official says. The move comes 3 months after PA president Abbas pledged to join new international treaties and conventions in response to U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (C2, JP, TOI 3/24)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 4 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Abu Dis, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun and Jabaliya refugee camp; 21 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/29)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (TOI, WAFA 3/23)

IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during an overnight raid in Jericho; he succumbs to injuries sustained in the confrontation later in the day. The IDF contends that he suffered fatal seizures after being exposed to large amounts of tear gas during the raid. (An autopsy performed on 2/23 will find that he suffered a fatal gunshot to his abdomen.) Meanwhile, Israeli settlers build a fence around a plot of land near Nablus, reportedly with the intention of building a new illegal settlement outpost. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Salfit, and patrol near Hebron, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Khan Yunis and on a group of Palestinian minors protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital near al-Bureij refugee camp, injuring 1. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/22; HA 2/25; PCHR 3/1)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) announces that it will be forced to shut down Gaza’s sole power plant soon due to a lack of diesel fuel. A GEDCO spokesperson says that “the premature closure of the Rafah border crossing on 5/21 restricted essential fuel shipments.” (HA, TOI 2/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer Prison near Ramallah in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners; there are no serious injuries (4 Palestinians are arrested). They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in al-Bireh; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 12 Palestinians during raids near Salfit, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; violently assaults and injures a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint near Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces raze almost 50 dunams (approximately 12 acres) of Palestinian land planted with olive trees, clearing space for the extension of the separation wall near Jenin. Israeli settlers slaughter 20 sheep and steal approximately 70 more from a Palestinian shepherd working near Nablus. They also visit religious sites outside a village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents in the area; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a small Palestinian shop in Bayt Hanina and an agricultural structure and a house in Shu‘fat. They also arrest 5 Palestinian children as they are leaving school in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters congregating near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/21; MNA, PCHR 2/22; PCHR 3/1)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in border clashes with the IDF in Gaza on 2/16. (TOI, WAFA 2/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions. Although they initially stated that the crossing would remain open through 2/23, they close it after only a few hours. (JP, WAFA 2/21)

In a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, IDF Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot says it was a “mistake” to return 2 Palestinian corpses to their families last week. He says that the protocol for returning such corpses has since been changed, but does not offer any details. (TOI 2/21)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces the construction of 3,000 new housing units for Israeli settlers between Gilo and the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. (WAFA 2/22; MEMO 2/23)

For the 10th consecutive Friday, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation, in al-Mazra‘a and al-Bireh near Ramallah, 3 villages near Nablus (Beita, Dayr al-Hatab, and Madama), the Huwwara checkpoint, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 41 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Meanwhile, Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian in central Hebron, claiming he is carrying a knife. The IDF temporarily shuts down the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus following clashes in the area earlier in the day. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Tubas, and patrol near Salfit and Hebron. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/9; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d and final day. (OCHA 2/15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in al-Ram, Silwan, Wadi al-Juz, and al-Suwana. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital near Jabaliya refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces also conduct limited incursions along the border to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis, and open fire on agricultural lands near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. (MNA 12/19; MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th and final day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/19; PCHR 1/4)

For the first time since U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, there are no major Palestinian demonstrations in the oPt. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures 2 Palestinians, arrests 14, and issues arrest summons to 1 during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Anata refugee camp, Issawiyya, and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/21)

The UNSC votes on a resolution that Egyptian diplomats circulated on 12/16. The resolution states that any decisions about Jerusalem’s status have no legitimacy under international law. Every member votes in favor, except the U.S., which exercises its veto. U.S. ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley calls the resolution an “insult” that won’t be forgotten. Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Haley on Twitter: “You lit a candle of truth. You dispel the darkness. One defeated the many.” (AP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/18; HA, TOI, YA 12/19)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 4 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/18)

For an 11th consecutive day, Palestinians across Israel and the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze 500 dunams (approximately 123 acres) of Palestinian land near Nablus and cut down dozens of Palestinian trees near Hebron. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian carrying pipe bombs into an Israeli military court near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/17; PCHR 12/21)

Unidentified parties fire 2 rockets into Israel; 1 lands in an open area and the other explodes in the yard of a home near Ashqelon, causing minor damage. The IAF conducts air strikes on 6 Hamas sites in northern Gaza, causing damage and no injuries. (HA, WAFA, YA 12/18)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 4 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/17)

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories reopens the Kerem Shalom crossing. The Israeli authorities closed it and the Erez border crossing on 12/13. (TOI 12/17)

For a 10th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. After attendance spiked on 12/15, the size and number of these protests decreases substantially. Israeli forces violently disperse protestors along Gaza’s border and in Tulkarm and East Jerusalem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Anata refugee camp and Gaza City in funeral processions for 2 of the Palestinians killed in the clashes on 12/15. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/21)

Egyptian diplomats circulate a draft resolution to the UNSC that “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void, and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the [UNSC]” and “calls upon all states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the Holy City of Jerusalem.” The U.S. is expected to veto the resolution. (HA, REU, YA 12/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 4 planned days. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian and 1 German activist are injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a patrol near Jenin, and conducts further patrols near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/30)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson announces that the PLO office in Washington will be allowed to remain open for at least another 90 days, after which Pres. Trump will decide whether or not to allow it to stay open indefinitely (see Update). The Trump administration has “advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the spokesperson explains. (HA, MNA, TOI 11/25)

Approximately 25–30 gunmen launch an attack on a crowded mosque in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 300 Egyptian civilians. In response, the Egyptian army kills at least 30 of the militants in a series of strikes on known hideouts in the area. A Palestinian official says that the attack prompted the Egyptian authorities to cancel a planned 3-day opening of the Rafah border crossing on 11/25–27. (AFP, HA 11/24; AP, HA, REU, TOI 11/25)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids in Silwan, Bayt Hanina, Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, Hizma, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/23)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d and final consecutive day, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 11/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. Along Israel’s southern border, errant gunfire from the northern Sinai Peninsula strikes an Israeli soldier, lightly injuring him. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (HA, TOI, YA 11/20; PCHR 11/23)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for a 2d day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 11/19)

For a 2d day in a row, an Israeli tank fires a warning shell at Syrian forces near the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, YA 11/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and in Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Approximately 200 Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site near Hebron (the burial site of the prophets Gad and Nathan), sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis, Juhur al-Dik, and alBureij refugee camp, causing no serious damage. (MNA, WAFA 11/18; PCHR 11/23)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. This opening is the first with the Gaza side of the crossing under PA control. (TOI, WAFA 11/18)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will not give in to U.S. “extortion,” following the 11/17 report of a U.S. threat to close the PLO diplomatic mission in Washington. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/18)

An Israeli tank fires a warning shell at Syrian forces congregating near the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI 11/18)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching through Bethlehem to mark the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. There are no serious injuries in the ensuing clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal the olives harvested from 280 trees in Palestinian orchards near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 11 more Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/2; PCHR 11/9)

At a ceremony at the Rafah border crossing, Hamas formally hands over control of Gaza’s border crossings to the PA, implementing a key provision of their 10/12 reconciliation agreement. A senior PA official calls the moment an “important step on the path toward reconciliation.” The PA is set to take full control of Gaza on 12/1. (MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/1)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli police have formed a special unit to oversee security and public order at Haram al-Sharif, following the upsurge in tensions at the site in 7/2017 (see JPS 47 [1]). The unit is expected to comprise about 200 officers when it begins operations in 2018. (HA 11/1)

PA pres. Abbas writes an op-ed for The Guardian lamenting the Balfour Declaration on its 100-year anniversary. “This British policy, to support Jewish immigration into Palestine while negating the Arab-Palestinian right to self-determination, created severe tensions between European Jewish immigrants and the native Palestinian population,” he writes. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu flies to the UK to participate in the 100th anniversary celebrations. (GDN, TOI 11/1)

The IDF orders some 300 Palestinian Bedouins to leave their homes in the northern Jordan Valley ahead of the planned demolition of their village. Similar orders have been issued for Bedouin villages near Jerusalem in the past, but none have been enforced yet. (HA 11/17)

Israeli jets launch air strikes on an alleged Syrian government weapons depot in an industrial zone near Homs along the Lebanon-Syria border. The site reportedly hosted joint Iranian-Syrian activities. (HA 11/1; YA 11/2)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters fire 2 rockets from the north Sinai Peninsula into Israel, where they land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Sources on the ground in Sinai report seeing Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a number of targets in response to the rockets. The attacks come after a day of heavy violence in Sinai and weeks of tension between Hamas and local Islamist groups in Gaza. Hours before the attack, SPIS fighters assaulted Egyptian soldiers at a vacant church in al-Arish with rocket-propelled grenades and car bombs, and also rob a bank nearby, sparking a firefight with Egyptian security personnel (at least 3 civilians and 4 soldiers are killed and at least 20 people are injured). The Egyptian army then launches a counterassault on insurgent hideouts near Rafah, al-Arish, and Shaykh Zuwayd, killing at least 24 fighters affiliated with SPIS and other armed groups. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities announce that they will not be opening the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for 4 days as planned. (AA, AP, HA, JP, REU, TOI, WAFA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian children on their way to school in Hebron. They also throw stones and bottles at a mosque in al-Tuwani village near Hebron, causing minor damage and sparking clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area (there are no serious injuries). Settlers steal olives harvested from more than 65 trees in orchards near Nablus and Ramallah (IDF troops arrest a number of them later in the day). Other settlers attempt to assault Palestinians picking olives outside the Eli settlement near Hebron, but the Palestinians drive them off. IDF troops conduct a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian family gathering in Issawiyya to welcome a relative home from prison, moderately injuring 3 of them. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest 4 fishermen and confiscate 2 boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 10/15; MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

At the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu says U.S. pres. Trump’s 10/13 decision not to certify the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal presents an opportunity to “fix” the deal. “I believe that any responsible government, and whoever seeks to promote peace and security in the world, needs to take advantage of the opportunity that Pres. Trump’s decision has created to improve the agreement or abrogate it and, of course, stop Iran’s aggression,” he says. (TOI 10/15; JTA 10/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian child in central Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife. They also confiscate a number of cattle and water tanks from Umm al-Ubur, a village in the northern Jordan Valley, and arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas and Hebron. Palestinians throw stones at IDF troops in Tubas, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. Dozens of Palestinians rally in central Hebron to demand that Israel release the remains of Palestinians killed in recent confrontations with Israeli forces. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/12; PCHR 9/14)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing for a 2d day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

Along Gaza’s border late at night, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish parts of the outer wall of a Palestinian cemetery outside the Old City. In the West Bank, an IDF raid in Tuqu‘ near Bethlehem sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin throughout the day. Israeli settlers confront Palestinians at the elementary school in Jubbet al-Dhib inaugurated on 9/10, but Palestinians drive them away nonviolently. Separately, racist anti-Arab graffiti pops up overnight in east Nablus. (MNA, PNN, WAFA 9/11; MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/14)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

 After a 2d day of meetings in Cairo, Hamas’s top officials release a statement expressing willingness to “immediately” sign a new national reconciliation agreement with Fatah and disband the administrative committee set up in Gaza earlier this year. They reportedly tell Egyptian intelligence officials that they would allow the PA to take charge in Gaza and carry out new elections only if all Palestinian factions participated in a follow-up conference to elect a new national government. (HA 9/11; MNA, TOI 9/12)

The PASF issues a press release explaining that the 9/4 arrest of Youth Against Settlement founder Amro stemmed from his engagement in “actions that would cause internal strife” and his “contacting foreign parties to undermine the work of the PA.” Amro was released on bail on 9/10. (WAFA 9/11)