The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Palestinians gather near the Erez border crossing to protest the U.S. decision to cut all aid to UNRWA. After some protesters throw stones at the crossing, IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse them all; several Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers take over a Palestinian home in central Hebron, claiming ownership of the building. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian journalists gathering for a sit-in protest against the Israeli detention of their colleagues outside Ofer Prison near Ramallah. Israeli forces dismantle a makeshift Palestinian residential structure outside Yatta village near Hebron (the family living there rebuilt it after Israeli forces demolished it on 9/3). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian animal barn in Anata refugee camp (MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/4; YA 9/5)

The Israeli press reports that PA president Mahmoud Abbas recently rejected an offer to meet with U.S. president Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month. He reportedly conditioned such a meeting on certain confidence-building measures that Trump was unwilling to enact, including the dismissal of Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt. The same sources say that the Trump administration is currently planning to roll out its long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan after the U.S. midterm elections in 11/2018 (a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council will deny the reports on 9/5). (TOI 9/4; TOI 9/5)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out 5 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown from Gaza. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands along the border fence near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. One raid in Dahaysha refugee camp sparks minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian home near Nablus, causing minor damage; puncture the tires of 15 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti in Sinjil village near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees on Palestinian land in Shaykh Jarrah. They are reportedly clearing the area for the construction of a new settler residence. (MNA 8/28; PCHR 8/30)

The Israeli authorities re-open the Erez border crossing for the first time since 8/19. Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman reportedly cited sufficient calm in Gaza in recent days as the reason for the re-opening. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 8/27)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel, sparking 2 small fires. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze an area of Palestinian farmland near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Settlers also cut down 74 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Ramallah and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus (4 Palestinians are injured). IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/30)

            The Israeli authorities close down the Erez border crossing, with an exception for emergency medical cases, in response to the ongoing Great March of Return. A senior Israeli official says that the closure is meant as a warning to Hamas to quell the ongoing demonstrations. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 8/19)

Late at night, the IAF conducts 3 waves of air strikes targeting 25 Hamas sites across Gaza; the strikes cause massive damage and injure 3 Palestinians (2 near Rafah and 1 near Khan Yunis). The strikes reportedly come in response to the spate of incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza in recent weeks. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bulldoze several dunams of Palestinian land near Hebron, with the intent to expand neighboring settlements. They also level approximately 40 dunams (approximately 10 acres) of Palestinian land near Jericho. IDF troops conduct raids in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (WAFA 6/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 6/20; PCHR 6/21)

An ailing Palestinian dies at the Erez border crossing. The Israeli authorities summoned him for an interview that could have led to him being granted a permit to travel to Israel for medical attention. The deceased submitted two previous applications for an interview, but both were rejected, with the Israeli authorities citing security concerns. (PCHR 6/21)

Egyptian security sources say that Egyptian president al-Sisi has decided to keep the Rafah border crossing open for another two months, until after the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha in late 8/2018, for “humanitarian reasons.” The crossing has already been open for 1 month, far longer than any opening since 2014. (TOI 6/19; YA 6/20)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley announces that the U.S. has formally withdrawn from the UNHRC, reiterating the Trump administration’s complaints about the council’s chronic anti-Israel bias. She says the move is “not a retreat” and that the Trump administration would still like to help reform the UNHRC. Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomes the move, condemning the “biased” and “hostile” UNHRC. (HA, JP, TOI 6/19)

After Netanyahu decides again to postpone the planned evacuation and demolition of 7 buildings in the Palestinian village of Susiya near Hebron, Israeli settlers accuse him of succumbing to U.S. pressure. “The Israeli government’s folly is indescribable,” one settler leader says, pointing to the upcoming visit from U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law Kushner and U.S. special representative Greenblatt. (JP, TOI, YA 6/19)

In Amman, Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets with Kushner and Greenblatt, who are on a tour of the region to promote their Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. (HA, TOI 6/20)

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 9th 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. Attendance spikes today, as the protests coincide with weekly Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations across East Jerusalem, Halhul village near Hebron, 2 areas near Ramallah (outside the Beit El settlement and in Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tubas, Tulkarm, Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are killed and approximately 150 are injured. (A video showing a 16-year-old Palestinian girl, Ahed Tamimi, shoving and slapping an Israeli soldier amid clashes in Nabi Salih near Ramallah, will go viral over the weekend. She will be arrested on 12/19). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians and issue arrest summons to 2 during raids near Bethlehem and in East Jerusalem, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli vehicles near Jerusalem, injuring 1 settler. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/15; PCHR 12/21)

The Israeli authorities announce that the Erez border crossing has reopened for Palestinians to enter and exit, but that the Kerem Shalom crossing is to remain closed indefinitely. Both were closed on 12/13. (TOI 12/15)

For a 7th 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 (attendance continues to steadily decline). Israeli forces violently disperse protestors in Hebron and 3 nearby villages (Dura, Bayt Umar, and Halhul), outside the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 26 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist, and 5 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently detain 2 Palestinian youths inside an ambulance in Halhul; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian students outside a school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/13; MNA, PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel in the evening; 2 are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system and 1 falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on at least 5 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. The Israeli authorities announce that both the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings will be closed indefinitely as collective punishment for the week of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. (HA, TOI 12/13; HA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)

At an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, reps. of the 57 OIC members jointly declare East Jerusalem to be the capital of the State of Palestine and urge all countries to recognize Palestine. Addressing the attendees, PA pres. Abbas says that Israel’s violations and of international law free the Palestinians from prior commitments made in context of the peace process, threatens to abandon the PA’s security coordination with the IDF, and announces the Palestinians’ intention to go to the UNSC for full UN membership. (AFP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a late-night raid of his home in c. Hebron. An IDF spokesperson says that the man pulled a gun on the soldiers, prompting them to open fire. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Bethlehem when she is found to be carrying a knife. The IDF conducts raids in Bil‘in village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin, as well as in Tulkarm. Israeli settlers set fire to an olive grove outside Burin village nr. Nablus, destroying approximately 400 olive trees. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. and open fire on agricultural lands nr. the Erez border crossing, causing no major damage. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/28; WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/6)

Hamas announces that it is constructing a new security barrier along Gaza’s border with Egypt, including new guard posts, lighting, and cameras. A Hamas official says that the barrier was specifically provided for in a recent Hamas-Egypt agreement. “These continuing measures are for the sake of achieving control of the s. border and to completely prevent infiltration and smuggling,” he adds. (MNA, TOI 6/28; HA 6/30)

The IDF reopens the area in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights it declared a closed military zone on 6/27. Hours later, errant fire from Syria crosses the border for the 4th time this week. The IDF launches air strikes on Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage and a number of injuries. (HA, TOI, YA 6/28)

A Palestinian driver allegedly rams his car into 2 IDF troops at Ofra junction nr. Ramallah, killing 1 and injuring the other. IDF troops open fire on the vehicle, injuring the driver. The IDF then freezes the work permits of the driver’s family and, late at night, raids the Silwad homes of some other relatives, detaining 4. Israeli soldiers also measure the driver’s home, threatening punitive demolition. Israeli settlers, meanwhile, congregate on a road nr. the site of the alleged ramming, calling for revenge and blocking traffic. Elsewhere in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an IDF post nr. Ramallah late at night, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct 2 limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/13)

Hamas executes 3 Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel outside a police compound in Gaza City. They were sentenced to death mos. ago, long before the killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24 and the ensuing investigation. (AP, JP, MNA, TOI 4/6)

The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza lifts the restrictions on the Erez border crossing, the Rafah border crossing, and Palestinian fishermen that it imposed on 3/26 in the wake of the 3/24 killing of Fuqaha. (JP, MNA 4/6; MNA 4/7)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths at a checkpoint outside Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are lightly injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a residential structure nr. Jericho. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF vehicle that reportedly entered Sa‘ir village nr. Hebron by accident. PASF and IDF troops then enter the village to escort the vehicle out. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif after they prevent an Israeli archaeologist from removing several stones from the sanctuary. The Israeli police escort the archaeologist and his colleagues out of the sanctuary and arrest 6 more guards during late-night raids across the city. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/27; HA, MNA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

After closing it on 3/26, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza conditionally re-opens the Erez border crossing this morning. Medical patients, families visiting prisoners in Israel, women of all ages, and men between the ages of 15 and 45 are allowed to exit Gaza, and all are able to enter, as long as they possess the appropriate permissions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Atty. Gen. Ismail Jaber issues a gag order on the publication of any information relating to the investigation into the killing of senior military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/27)

Israeli PM Netanyahu has decided to reassess his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, according to reports in the Israeli press today. Any change in the current policy would come after a 3-mo. assessment period. Netanyahu instituted the ban in 10/2015 during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (JP, TOI 3/27; MNA 3/29)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 53 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 3/26; PCHR 3/30)

Amid the ongoing investigation of the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha, the Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza indefinitely shuts down the Erez border crossing, except for humanitarian cases; orders all fishermen to return to the shore; and shuts down the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. (Most of these restrictions will remain in place through 4/6.) The Kerem Shalom border crossing remains open. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/26; MNA 4/6)

A spokesperson for the residents of the Amona settlement outpost warns that if the Israeli govt. does not build them a new settlement, as PM Netanyahu promised before Amona’s evacuation and demolition in 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3]), they will “have to unilaterally move onto the [designated] land” and build it themselves. The spokesperson is likely responding to reports in the Israeli press about Israel-U.S. talks in Washington last week, and specifically an unconfirmed report that the U.S. may condone the Amona replacement in exchange for other limitations on settlement growth. (JP 3/26; JP 3/27)

Fighters launch 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel, which fall short of the border, causing no damage or injuries. The Fatahaffiliated al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claims responsibility for the attack, the group’s first since Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza. In response, the IDF fires artillery shells at several sites in s. Gaza late at night, causing damage. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot dozens of olive trees and spray herbicides on Palestinian crops outside Yatta village nr. Hebron. IDF troops patrol nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah during the day. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 110th time since 2010, and arrest 15 Palestinians who allegedly crossed into Israel illegally during raids in the Galilee. (MNA, WAFA 3/9; JP, MNA, TOI 3/10; PCHR 3/16)

The Israeli authorities close the Erez border crossing into Gaza for the Jewish Purim holiday, which ends on 3/12. This marks the 2d year in a row the Israeli authorities have closed Erez for Purim. (HA, MNA, TOI 3/9)

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Comm. approves U.S pres. Trump’s nominee for amb. to Israel, David Friedman, for a confirmation vote in the Senate by a vote of 12 to 9. (EI, HA 3/9)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters launch rockets into Israel from n. Sinai late at night. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense batteries intercept 3 of them; others land in open areas nr. Eilat. No Israelis are injured. SPIS last launched rockets into Israel in 7/2015 (see JPS 45 [1]). Later, 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 5 are injured in an air strike targeting the smuggling tunnel they are working in nr. Rafah. The IDF denies carrying out the strike. Palestinian eyewitnesses say they saw an Israeli aircraft launch it, and Palestinian security sources say it was a retaliation for the rocket barrage. (HA, JP 2/8; HA, MNA, WAFA 2/9)

An Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Palestinian dies later in the day. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinianowned land nr. Nablus overnight. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a 2d Palestinian building in Bayt Hanina in as many days. They also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. the Erez border crossing. IDF troops also open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah and Bayt Hanun, causing no serious damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village of al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 109th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 2/8; PCHR 2/9; PCHR 2/16)

In Washington, PA intelligence chief Majid Faraj leads a Palestinian delegation in their first face-to-face talks with Trump admin. officials. According to a Palestinian source, they discuss diplomatic issues, particularly Trump’s pledge to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. (AP 2/9; HA, TOI 2/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian man nr. the Erez border crossing in unclear circumstances. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya overnight, damaging 1 boat and injuring and arresting 1 fisherman. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, destroying the doors to a cultural center and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They conduct further raids and house searches nr. Nablus and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. PASF troops conduct raids overnight in Nablus, arresting 1 man wanted in connection with the killings on 8/18. They say he is the last man wanted in relation to the incident. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (MNA 8/25; MNA 8/26; PCHR 9/1)

The Popular Resistance Comms. announces that it will not be taking part in the municipal elections set for 10/8. The group does call on the Palestinian people to participate, however. (MNA 8/25)

In the 2d such incident in as many days, Israeli forces arrest several Islamic Waqf employees accused of planning maintenance work at Haram al-Sharif without permission from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth, accusing him of planning an attack on Jerusalem’s Light Rail after finding a knife in his possession. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stonethrowing Palestinians during raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during further raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish several residential structures, 2 offices, and 3 water tanks nr. Jericho and 2 agricultural structures nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian shepherd nr. Ramallah, injuring her and killing several of her goats. Late at night, around 400 settlers enter Awarta village nr. Nablus to perform religious rituals, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area (there are no serious injuries). (JP, MNA, TOI 8/4; MNA 8/5; PCHR 8/11; +972 8/13)

Israel’s Shin Bet accuses the Palestinian manager of the Gaza branch of World Vision, a Christian aid group, with redirecting around $43 m. of the group’s money to Hamas over the past 6 years. The manager, Mohammad Halabi, was arrested at the Erez border crossing on 6/15. Hours later, the Australian govt. suspends its funding of World Vision. The charity responds, saying that programs in Gaza “have been subject to regular internal and independent audits, independent evaluations, and a broad range of internal controls,” and that they “have no reason to believe the allegations are true.” (NYT, TOI 8/4; TOI 8/5; AJ 8/9)

Egypt’s military announces that it has killed the leader of the Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) with a recent air strike nr. al-Arish in n. Sinai. The strike was one of many that reportedly killed 45 other SPIS fighters and destroyed a lot of their supplies and munitions. (HA, REU 8/4)

Marking the 40th anniversary of Land Day, Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) conduct a general strike throughout the Galilee and Negev, and hold a protest in the bedouin village Umm al-Hiran, which the Israeli govt. is planning to raze. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations commemorating Land Day in Ramallah, Jenin, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez border crossing; there are no serious injuries. They also shoot tear gas canisters at Palestinian mourners marching in a funeral procession in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem; conduct a late-night house search in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians; and patrol during the day in 4 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces carry out a partial punitive demolition of the interior walls of the Hebron home of a Palestinian killed on 12/7/2015 in a confrontation with Israeli troops. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth at Haram al-Sharif after he raises a Palestinian flag at the sanctuary. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/30; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 3/31; PCHR 4/7)

The head of Gaza’s fishermen’s union says that the Israeli authorities recently agreed to expand the unilaterally defined fishing zone allotted for Gazans by 3 mi. in some places, starting in 4/2016. An IDF spokesperson does not comment on the report. (MNA 3/30)

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)

A violent outburst in Hebron punctuates a period of relative calm in the West Bank. IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in Hebron’s Old City after they allegedly stab and moderately injure an Israeli soldier. A video of the incident later shows that an IDF soldier killed 1 of the alleged assailants after he had been detained and disarmed. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 2d of 3 planned days, and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to another 2; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, over 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif while 4 Palestinians are detained outside the sanctuary. Palestinian men under 50 are still banned from entering. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/24; HA, TOI 3/25; HA 3/27; HA 3/29; PCHR 3/31; VN 4/28)

Jordan’s FM Nasser Judeh meets with PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the ongoing Jordanian-Israeli negotiations on new surveillance infrastructure at Haram al-Sharif. Judeh relays a message to Abbas that Jordan plans to go ahead with the 10/24/2015 agreement to do so. (JP, TOI 3/24)

The UN Human Rights Council approves a res., 32–0, with 15 abstentions, condemning Israel’s settlements and calling for the creation of a “blacklist” of all Israeli and international firms operating directly or indirectly in Gaza, the West Bank, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 3/24; HA 3/25)

In the West Bank, hundreds of Jewish Israelis visit religious sites across the West Bank in the morning, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, ahead of Purim on 3/24. When around 500 Israelis arrive at Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus under an IDF escort, clashes break out with stone-throwing Palestinians from nearby Balata r.c.; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities shut down all checkpoints leading out of the West Bank as well as the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings along Gaza’s border overnight, barring all Palestinians from crossing, except for humanitarian cases. A COGAT spokesperson confirms that the closure of the West Bank is set to extend through 3/26; the Erez border crossing is set to stay closed through 3/25. Israeli forces also erect a number of flying checkpoints around Hebron and close the w. entrance to the city. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in Nablus and nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron, arresting 8 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 3, and confiscating some electronics. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Palestinian men under the age of 50 continue to be barred from the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s n. border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land. The Israeli authorities, meanwhile, return the engines of 59 previously confiscated fishing boats and release an injured Palestinian fisherman who has been detained for 4 mos. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/24, 3/31)

The Israeli National Council for Planning and Building approves a plan proposed by the settler organization Elad to build a 16,000 m2 archaeological center in the City of David National Park adjacent to the Old City. This approval reverses an earlier ruling restricting the size of the proposed center to 10,000 m2 . (MNA 3/23; HA 3/25, 3/26)

In Gaza, a Hamas mbr. is killed in a tunnel collapse nr. Khan Yunis. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post reports that some Hamas mbrs. fear that Israel is responsible for the recent tunnel collapses. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian soccer player as he attempts to cross through the Erez border crossing. In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth nr. Jericho after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures an Israeli officer; demolish a fuel station in a village nr. Jerusalem. They also patrol nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli settlers smash the windshield of a Palestinian car nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seal off Issawiyya for 3 hours after some police officers on patrol in the neighborhood come under gunfire. They also conduct raids in the neighborhood, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no injuries and 2 Palestinians are arrested. In Israel, around 300 residents of 2 bedouin villages slated for destruction—Atir and Umm al-Hiran—demonstrate in Beersheba, calling for the govt. to avert its plan to displace them and build a new Jewish Israeli town on their land. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/3; PCHR 3/10; EI 3/18)

Cross-border violence continues in Gaza as IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting nr. the Erez border crossing and e. of al-Bureij r.c., injuring 14 Palestinians. The Israeli authorities then temporarily close the crossing. Later, IDF troops armed with sniper rifles open fire on a group of Palestinians in an agricultural area along the border fence nr. al-Bureij r.c., killing 1 and injuring 2. The IDF releases a statement describing the incident as an operation designed to “eradicate” a group of armed Palestinian fighters allegedly responsible for several attacks on IDF patrols along the border in recent weeks. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/21)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue amid the ongoing wave of violence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during early morning clashes in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF says that the soldiers used live ammunition only after the man attempted to stab 1 of them. In the evening, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinian youths in c. Hebron as they are walking home amid a minor protest (the IDF says that they stabbed a soldier in the area). A Palestinian driver rams and kills an Israeli settler nr. Hebron. The Palestinian driver reports the incident later in the day to Palestinian police as an accident. Later, another Palestinian driver rams an Israeli soldier and a settler outside a settlement nr. Jerusalem, injuring both. IDF troops shoot and kill the Palestinian when he exits his vehicle, allegedly holding a knife. After the incident, the IDF raids the Palestinian driver’s home nr. Hebron, issuing an arrest summons to his brother. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/21; EI 10/22)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters across the West Bank, injuring 18 Palestinians. Israeli forces also obstruct the entrance to Ni‘lin village nr. Ramallah with cement blocks, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and injuring 2 Palestinians with live ammunition. The IDF conducts late-night raids throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem, arresting 41 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians and their property in the Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit areas. Palestinian schools and businesses in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem, conduct a general strike in protest of the Israeli authorities’ recent restrictions on access to the neighborhood. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/20; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 10/21; HA, PCHR 10/22; OCHA 10/23)

For the 9th day in a row, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border open fire on Palestinians protesting and throwing stones, injuring 10 Palestinians. The Israeli authorities temporarily close the Erez border crossing after the clashes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/17; PCHR 10/22)

The IDF shoots and kills 5 suspected Palestinian assailants throughout the day as stabbing incidents and the Israeli crackdown continue, particularly in and around Hebron. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler shoots and kills a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab the settler, according to the IDF. IDF troops then raid the home of 2 witnesses, confiscating recording equipment that was used to capture a video of the incident. Later, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth after she allegedly stabs an Israeli soldier outside the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron. After the 2d incident, Fatah’s local Hebron branch declares a day of mourning and dozens of Palestinians throw stones at IDF troops in the area, sparking minor clashes throughout the day. Later, IDF troops raid the Palestinian youth’s home in c. Hebron and assault her family. In the evening, Israeli forces shoot and kill a 3d Palestinian in c. Hebron after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli soldier. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli border police officer. After the incident, the IDF conducts late-night raids in nearby Qalandia r.c., arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths (3 Palestinians are injured). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli police officer in the East Talpiot settlement. After the incident, Israeli forces arrest the Palestinian’s parents and 2 brothers in raids in Jabal Mukabir. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/17; HA, MNA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting throughout the region, injuring 24 Palestinians. The IDF also patrols during the day and conducts late-night raids and house searches in the area, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1. More than 200 Israeli settlers throw stones and firebombs at Palestinian homes nr. Hebron, injuring 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli forces; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/17; HA, MNA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/22)

Stabbing and other small-scale attacks continue in Israel and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians attack a group of Jewish Israelis on an Israeli bus in Jabal Mukabir, killing 2 and injuring at least 10 (a 3d Israeli will succumb to injuries sustained in the attack on 10/27). Israeli police shoot the 2 Palestinians, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other. In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver rams an Israeli pedestrian, then gets out of his car and stabs 5 other Israelis (1 Israeli will succumb to his injuries later in the day). Israeli police shoot and critically injure the Palestinian before arresting him (the Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day). In Israel, Israeli police shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli in Ra’anana, n. of Tel Aviv. Later, a Palestinian stabs and injures 4 Israelis in the same city. Several Jewish Israelis assault and detain him as he attempts to flee, including 1 Israeli driver who rams the man with his vehicle. An Israeli man attacks a Palestinian citizen of Israel in Netanya, lightly injuring him. In Kiryat Ata nr. Haifa, a Jewish Israeli stabs and moderately injures another Jewish Israeli, mistakenly identifying him as a Palestinian. Following the morning’s attacks, Israel’s security cabinet meets and decides not to return the bodies of Palestinians shot and killed by Israeli forces after carrying out attacks on Israeli citizens. Instead of returning the bodies to their families, they will bury them secretly. The cabinet also decides to revoke the residency status of Palestinian attackers, bar any homes punitively demolished from being rebuilt, and allow the police to “impose a closure on, or to surround, centers of friction and incitement in Jerusalem, in accordance with security considerations”. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI 10/13; EI, HA, MNA, NYT 10/14; HA 10/27)

For the 5th day in a row, IDF troops open fire on hundreds of Palestinians protesting along Gaza’s border fence e. of al-Bureij r.c. and nr. the Erez border crossing, injuring 51. They also disperse and drive back around 30 Palestinians who cross the s. border. The Israeli authorities close the Erez crossing shortly after the clashes. Later, Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces patrolling along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, causing no damage. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/13; HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones throughout the region, killing 1 Palestinian in Bethlehem and injuring at least 33. Israeli forces raid the Jenin home of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed and injured an Israeli soldier in Afula on 10/8, preparing for a possible punitive demolition. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian drivers nr. Nablus and nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian in the former and sparking minor clashes in the latter. Israeli settlers also assault and moderately injure a Palestinian youth outside a settlement e. of Jerusalem; assault 4 Palestinian farmers working nr. Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

In Israel, many schools, public institutions, and businesses in predominantly Palestinian cities go on strike, and around 20,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel and solidarity activists march through Sakhnin protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif and violations in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; EI, HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Three errant mortar shells launched from Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF fires artillery shells at 2 Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage. (HA, JP, TOI 10/13)

For a 3d day in a row in Gaza, Israeli forces open fire on hundreds of Palestinians protesting and throwing stones nr. the Erez border crossing and e. of al-Bureij r.c., injuring 17 Palestinians (1 will succumb to injuries on 10/24). Separately, unknown persons fire a rocket into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Palestinians open fire on Israeli construction vehicles working on the border fence, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/15)

Small-scale attacks continue amid the ongoing wave of violence in Israel and the rest of the oPt. In Israel, a Palestinian citizen is arrested after he rams an Israeli woman with his car nr. Hadera, then stabs her and 3 other Jewish Israelis, injuring all 4. In West Jerusalem, 3 Israeli settlers pepper-spray a Palestinian youth, causing minor injuries. In the West Bank, a car catches fire at the al-Za’ayem checkpoint, severely injuring the Palestinian driver and lighly injuring an Israeli police officer. Witnesses report that it was an electrical fire while the IDF describes it as an attempted car bombing. Outside Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli drivers, injuring 1 settler. Nearby, the IDF violently disperses the funeral procession of the Palestinian who succumbed, on 10/10, to injuries sustained in clashes with Israeli soldiers on 10/8. Throughout the day, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, killing 1 Palestinian youth and injuring 129 others, including 1 photojournalist. The IDF also continues raids and house searches throughout the region, arresting 45 Palestinians. In Israel, dozens of Palestinians gather in Kafr Kanna and 3 other Palestinian municipalities to protest the recent Israeli crackdown. In East Jerusalem, several groups of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, the Higher Follow-Up Comm. for Arab Citizens of Israel calls for a general strike and a mass demonstration on 10/13 in protest of the recent Israeli access restrictions at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/11; HA, MNA, YA 10/12; MNA 10/13; PCHR 10/14)

A Palestinian administrative detainee suffers a stroke, and Israeli doctors in Soroka Medical Center declare him “brain dead.” The Palestinian Prisoners Society responds, accusing the Israel Prison Service of medical negligence. He will die of related complications on 10/14. (HA, MNA 10/12)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approves a series of measures designed to deter stone-throwing, including mandatory minimum sentences and the imposition of penalties on parents of minors convicted of such crimes. The security cabinet previously approved the measures on 9/24 (they will pass a 1st reading in the Knesset on 10/12). (HA, JP 10/11; HA, JP 10/12; JP 10/13)

Amid ongoing tensions in East Jerusalem, around 60 Israeli settlers move into an empty building in Silwan overnight, sparking clashes between their escort of Israeli forces and Palestinians (dozens of Palestinians are hurt). In Gaza, a small Islamist group fires a small rocket toward Israel; it falls short of the border fence. The group takes responsibility later in the day, saying that it was retaliation for the IDF’s raid in Jenin on 8/31. The Israeli authorities then close the Erez border crossing for 2 hours in response. Meanwhile, Israeli forces level land in a limited incursion across the border fence e. of Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a PA security forces (PASF) officer at a checkpoint s. of Nablus; patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron; conduct late-night house searches and raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and outside Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians. They also search homes in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and arresting 4 Palestinians; demolish a home in Jenin. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 9/1; HA, MNA, PCHR 9/3)

In Gaza, the IDF bars a Palestinian journalist from passing through the Erez border crossing, despite the fact that he was issued a permit on 6/20. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian structures nr. Salfit. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, confiscating property and arresting 3 Palestinians. Israeli settlers spray price-tag graffiti on walls in Tiberius; assault Palestinians in c. Hebron; cut down 70 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs and seriously injures an Israeli border policeman nr. Damascus Gate of the Old City. The policeman then shoots the Palestinian man multiple times, leaving him in critical condition. Israeli forces consequently raid the Palestinian man’s home nr. Hebron. Israeli forces later clash with Palestinians gathering nr. Damascus Gate and separately with Palestinians leaving Haram al-Sharif; 4 Palestinians are injured. They conduct late-night raids in Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya, arresting 3 Palestinians. In n. Israel, thousands of Christians attend a protest rally to condemn the 6/17 arson attack on a nearby church. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/21; MNA 6/22)

In response to the 6/19 shooting nr. Ramallah and today’s stabbing in East Jerusalem, Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Ya’alon annul the 6/16 announcement permitting 500 Palestinians to fly abroad via Ben Gurion Airport during Ramadan. Additionally, they instruct the Defense Ministry to revoke the work permits of all Palestinian residents of the village nr. Hebron where today’s perpetrator is from, and say they will consider further punitive restrictions. (HA, TOI 6/22)

In Ramallah, French FM Fabius meets with PA pres. Abbas to discuss the French initiative to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including a French-drafted UNSC res. Fabius then meets with Netanyahu in Israel to discuss the same issues. Ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu opposes the French initiative, saying “we will forcibly reject any attempt to force upon us international dictates”. (JP 6/17; HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/21)

The Egyptian govt. announces the appointment of a new amb. to Israel, Hazem Khairat, who will travel to Tel Aviv in the coming mos. Egypt has not had an amb. to Israel since 2012, when Atef Salem was recalled in the midst of Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense. (HA, YA 6/21)

Israeli mbr. of Knesset (MK) Basel Ghattas (Joint List) announces his plans to join the Freedom Flotilla III, an international activist effort to deliver aid to Gaza and call attention to the Israeli blockade (the flotilla will set sail on 6/25). He calls on Netanyahu and the IDF to allow the flotilla to reach Gaza without their interference. (HA 6/21; MEE, MNA, WAFA 6/22)

Iranian parliamentarians approve amendments to the bill introduced on 6/17 to increase oversight on implementation of any agreement made with the P5+1. The amendments shift oversight responsibilities, and the power to end the deal, from parliamentarians to the Supreme National Security Council, which is chaired by Pres. Hassan Rouhani and controlled by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The bill must still be approved by the parliament and ratified by the Khamenei-controlled Guardian Council to become law. (AFP, REU 6/21)

In Gaza, Israeli authorities close both the Kerem Shalom and the Erez border crossings. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops stationed e. of Gaza City fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing damage. Later, IDF troops stationed along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian farmers, causing damage to a car but no injuries. They also arrest 2 Palestinians nr. the border fence e. of al-Maghazi r.c. Unknown assailants set fire to a car belonging to the spokesperson of Gaza’s union of civil servants in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron, and in and around Tulkarm; evacuates and demolishes the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 11th time, forcing hundreds of Palestinian and international activists to leave the area and detaining 7. Israeli forces demolish a marble factory nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers poison a Palestinian family’s water tank in Hebron, but it is discovered before anyone is hurt; assault 2 Palestinian farmers outside a town nr. Jenin, injuring both; throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside a village nr. Jenin, causing damage. A Palestinian drives his car into a group of IDF troops in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 1; the man is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians in Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct house searches and raids in Bayt Hanina, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and al-Tur, arresting 8 Palestinians. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/19)

National elections are held in Israel to determine the makeup of the 20th Knesset. Despite early exit polls predicting a close result, the Likud Party wins 30 seats, making it the largest bloc. During the day, Israeli PM Netanyahu attempts to increase voter turnout among his supporters by saying that Palestinian citizens are voting in “droves” and that their participation will lead to a victory for the left-wing factions. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 3/17; HA, JTA, WAFA 3/18)

The PA announces that it will operate under an emergency budget for 2015 starting on 4/1, as the economic crisis precipitated by Israel’s ongoing tax revenue freeze continues (over $400 m. is currently being withheld). Employees will continue to receive only partial salaries and govt. offices will receive 50% less funding than in 2014. (REU, TOI 3/17)

Reps. of the U.S. and Iran continue their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program for a 2d day in a row and reportedly discuss the open letter that 47 Republican senators sent to Iran’s leaders on 3/9. (AFP, AP, JP, TOI 3/17)

In Gaza, Israeli troops arrest a Palestinian at the Erez border crossing. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians gather in Gaza City and Khan Yunis to protest the Egyptian court’s 2/28 designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing residents in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem during a raid; 2 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition and 2 are arrested. The IDF conducts a house search nr. Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah, as well as ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. and Fasayil r.c. nr. Jericho. Israeli troops detain 2 Palestinian shepherds and 2 international activists nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts a large-scale drill nr. Hebron, mobilizing around 13,000 reserves to prepare for a possible eruption of unrest in the West Bank. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities order a Palestinian family to evacuate their home in Shaykh Jarrah, pursuant to legal proceedings that began in 2011. Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids nr. the Old City, arresting 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA, YA 3/1; AFP, MNA, WAFA 3/2; PCHR 3/5)

Similar to his 2/27 call, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry phones PA Pres. Abbas and asks him to refrain from taking “harsh” decisions ahead of the Israeli elections on 3/17. (JP, TOI 3/1; MNA 3/7)

A delegation representing Islamic Jihad arrives in Cairo for negotiations with Egyptian officials on the Rafah border crossing. They will negotiate until 3/7. Meanwhile, Hamas officials lobby Saudi leadership to apply pressure on the Egyptian govt. to reverse the 2/28 designation of the group as a terrorist organization. (HA 3/4)

The annual American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) conference begins today, with a record-breaking 16,000 in attendance. The organization’s lobbyists will be on Capitol Hill on 3/3 to lobby for the passage of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act and the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act. (HA, TOI 3/1, 3/2)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities detain a Palestinian businessman as he is passing through the Erez border crossing. In the West Bank, after Palestinian and international activists rebuild the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest camp over the last few days, IDF troops raid the camp and pass along a 24-hour evacuation notice, demolishing the camp for a 5th time late at night. IDF troops raid the home of a deceased Palestinian in Hebron, confiscating NIS 50,000 (around $13,000) and issuing a summons to his father. The man was killed in a firefight with Israeli soldiers on 9/22 after he and 2 others kidnapped and killed 3 Israeli settler teenagers in 6/2014. Israeli forces raze 30 dunams of land nr. Bethlehem, preparing the area for the expansion of nearby Efrat settlement. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Silwan, displacing 14 Palestinians; deliver 3 demolition orders to families in Silwan. They also arrest a Palestinian at the Shu‘fat checkpoint. In c. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian family’s home in Lydda. (MNA, WAFA 2/10; EI, JP, MNA, WAFA 2/11; PCHR 2/12)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with the Swedish PM Stefan Lofven in Stockholm, then inaugurates a new Palestinian embassy. Lofven announces a new aid program that will see 1.5 b. kronor (around $180 m.) spent on projects that help fight corruption, promote gender equality and human rights under the PA. (AFP 2/9; REU, WAFA 2/10)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian man at the Erez border crossing. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian man in Hebron after he tries to grab a soldier’s gun. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. At night, they conduct a raid in the village nr. Jenin and arrest 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces also detain 2 Palestinians collecting steel outside a settlement nr. Qalqilya. Israeli settlers spray olive trees nr. Qalqilya with chemicals, completely destroying 5; establish a new settlement outpost s. of Nablus, erecting movable houses, water tanks, and a fence. An Israeli settler hits a Palestinian youth with his car in s. Hebron, causing minor injuries, then flees the scene. PA security forces patrol in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking a firefight with armed Palestinian residents; 3 PA officers are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police remove a prominent right-wing Jewish activist from Haram al-Sharif after he confronts a group of Muslim worshippers. In n. Israel, Jewish Israelis assault a Druze Palestinian IDF soldier in a nightclub nr. Haifa after they overhear him speaking Arabic. (JP, MNA, TOI 2/5; TOI 2/7; MNA 2/10)