The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces opened fire at a van carrying 6 Palestinians in the Masafer Yatta area, causing it to overturn; 1 was injured by live ammunition while the 5 others suffered minor injuries from the crash. In Gaza, Palestinian militants fired 4 rockets at Israel, 1 of which was intercepted and 3 fell in open areas. Israel forces later conducted air strikes in Gaza, firing 10 missiles near Gaza City and 2 near Nuseirat refugee camp, causing damage but no injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of the coast; no injuries were reported. (AP 7/15; AJ, AP, F24, MEE, NBC, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; TOI 7/17; PCHR 7/21; UNOCHA 7/22)

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. president Joe Biden partook in the Jeddah Security and Development Summit with the heads of state of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. A final communique from the meeting mentioned the importance of ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict though a 2-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative. (AA, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, MEE, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/16; HA, JP, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA 7/17; AJ 7/18; MEE 7/19; HA 7/20)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 3 Palestinians in Jenin, leading to gunmen opening fire at a PA office in the city; the 3 Palestinians were released shortly after by the PA. Armed Israeli settlers raided Susiya, chanting racist slogans and throwing stones, injuring 1 Palestinian man. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh, injuring 1 journalist with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 12 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 4 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Qalqilya, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets. Separately, Israeli forces confiscated 1 excavator in Kuseis near Dura. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Beita and Aida refugee camp and 3 at a checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in Ras al-Amud. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Damascus Gate plaza. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; HA, JP, TOI 1/8; PCHR 1/13)

The Directorate of the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem said Israel is preventing the implementation of a Waqf decision to increase the number of Waqf guards at the Haram al-Sharif compound. The Waqf said it needs to increase the number of guards due to the increase in Israeli settlers touring the compound. (MEMO 1/8; WAFA 1/10)

Norwegian representative to the UN Mona Juul said that she will use her time as president of the Security Council to prioritize the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by elevating a meeting on the issue on 1/19 to the ministerial level. (WAFA 1/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir al-Hatab. Israeli settlers also stole olives harvested in Khirbet Yanun. Hundreds of Palestinians worked their land in Jabal Sabih for the 1st time since Israeli settlers erected the Evyatar settlement outpost on the hill. The outpost was cleared in July, but Israeli forces have repelled Palestinians trying to reach the top of the hill since it was erected. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Jala and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a construction site near al-Yusufiya Muslim cemetery at the Old City walls, where human remains have been found after parts of the cemetery were razed; 10 Palestinians were injured. Israeli forces also summoned former grand mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Ekrima Sabri for questioning after raiding his home. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian land east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 10/11; TOI, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/14)

An Israeli military court in the West Bank charged 2 Palestinians from Jenin with aiding 2 of the Palestinians that escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6 by providing them shelter and food. (HA 10/12)

Hamas and Fatah officials told Haaretz that the U.S. and Egypt are encouraging the 2 Palestinian parties to form a unity government. The officials who talked to Haaretz said such an outcome was unlikely. According to Palestinian politicians in the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas told U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr that he potentially would agree to a unity government with Hamas officials, but that it could not be made up by technocrats. Abbas is also said to have insisted that Hamas recognize cooperation between the PA and Israel. (HA 10/10)

Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić told PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki, during a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, that Serbia will not move its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WAFA 10/11)

German chancellor Angela Merkel met with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem. During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Bennett said that Israel was not ignoring its conflict with Palestinians but said that “we’ve learned from experience that a Palestinian state would highly likely mean a terror state a seven-minute [drive] from my own home, and from just about any place in Israel.” Chancellor Merkel told Bennett that she supports Israel despite the Israeli government’s opposition to a 2-state solution. (AP, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/10; ABC, ALM, AP, MEMO, WAFA 10/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinians near Salfit; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also planted crops on Palestinian-owned land in Taqqua. Israel approved the seizure of 147 dunams (36 acres) of land in Nahalin and Husan. Israeli forces handed temporary eviction orders for Palestinian residents of Khirbet Ibziq, saying they had to leave their homes for 4 days due to a military exercise. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in and around Ramallah and Hebron; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint in Bayt Jala. In East Jerusalem, a mob of several hundred Israeli settlers and right-wing Israelis attacked Palestinians in several parts of East Jerusalem, injuring at least 105 Palestinians, 22 of whom were hospitalized; Israeli police said that 50 people were arrested, including Palestinians and Israelis; 1 Israeli settler was reported injured by Palestinians. The mob was summoned by the Israeli organization Lehava and was chanting “death to Arabs” as they were ravaging the city. 1 Israeli settler was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound for planning to stab Palestinians. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Rafah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Israel, 1 Palestinian from the West Bank was arrested at his workplace. (AP, HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/22; AP, BBC, HA, TOI, WAFA 4/23; PCHR 4/24; HUFF 4/25; HA 4/26; PCHR 4/29)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh urged UK cabinet office minister Michael Gove to pressure Israel in allowing Palestinians in East Jerusalem to partake in the upcoming Palestinian elections, during a meeting in Ramallah. (WAFA 4/22)

Syria fired anti-aircraft missiles at Israeli fighter jets, which missed and landed near Dimona in the southern part of Israel. Israel subsequently attacked a location near Damascus, wounding at least 4 and causing damage. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, REU 4/22)

21 senate Republicans called on U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken to condition aid to the UNRWA on reforming the organization. The leader of the group, Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), claimed that the UNRWA textbooks include anti-Semitic content and that the UNRWA employs people affiliated with Hamas. The group also criticized that descendants of Palestinians displaced in 1948 are categorized as refugees, a talking point also used by Israel and the Trump administration. 331 members of the House of Representatives also signed a letter to the chairwoman of the appropriations committee, saying they oppose any conditions on U.S. aid to Israel. (JP 4/22; ALM, TOI 4/23; FOX 4/25)

Estonia, France, Ireland, Belgium, and Germany issued a statement after a UN security council meeting on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, saying that Israel must “facilitate the holding of elections across all of the Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem, in line with commitments made in the Oslo Accords as well as to facilitate the participation of international observers across all of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.” During the meeting, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland also said that Palestinians in East Jerusalem must be allowed to partake in the Palestinian elections and called on Israel to stop arresting candidates and disbanding election-related meetings. The UK, Irish, and French ambassadors to the UN expressed similar sentiments. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/22; JP 4/23)

The Danish government said it had expressed concern about settler vandalism on Danish-funded agricultural projects to the Israeli government. Danish development minister Flemming Møller Mortensen said that “[a]ny form of violent acts committed by settlers in the West Bank is unacceptable,” and that the Danish government frequently reminds Israel of that. (HA 4/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 100 olive saplings in Yatta. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians trying to enter Israel for work near the separation barrier north of Qalqilya. Israeli forces also destroyed Palestinian-owned crops while conducting drills in the Jordan Valley. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp, Salim, and Kafr Rai. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces sprayed water from water cannons at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled al-Maghazi, al-Bureij, and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 Palestinian and damaging 1 house in al-Maghazi, after claiming 1 rocket fired from Gaza landed on an empty field in Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/19; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; PCHR 1/21)

The PA received 5,000 doses the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V after Israel cleared the shipment. (AJ 1/19)

An Israeli court reversed its decision to freeze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem. The bidding process was halted on 1/15 after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim, which complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. (HA 1/15; HA 1/20)

At an Israeli cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to legalize 3 Israeli settler outposts and establish 3 new settlements, but was stopped by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, who called the proposal “politically irresponsible . . . especially at such a sensitive time,” referring to either the upcoming Israeli elections of the transition of power in the U.S. (HA 1/19)

U.S. president Donald Trump pardoned the Israeli spy recruiter, Aviem Sella, who recruited Jonathan Pollard to spy on the U.S. for Israel in the 1980s. President Trump cited support for the clemency by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer, U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman, and Sheldon Adelson’s widow Miriam Adelson. Israel never extradited Sella to the U.S. after he was indicted in 1987. (AP, HA, JP 1/20)

At the confirmation hearing for Antony Blinken, U.S. president-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of state, Blinken said he supported the normalization deals made between the U.S., Israel, and Morocco, and Sudan, Bahrain, and the UAE. Blinken also said that it is “vitally important” that the U.S. involve Israel in reentering the Iran Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement, that he does not see an immediate way forward on finding a solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and that he and President-Elect Biden both oppose the BDS movement. He furthermore stated that he considers Jerusalem the capital of Israel and that the U.S. embassy to Israel would remain in Jerusalem. Blinken did not mention East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. (HA, MEE 1/19; HA, MEMO, REU 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized some 100 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces uprooted 60 olive trees and razed land in Salfit. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses in al-Khadir. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Taybeh. 12 Palestinians were arrested in and around Sabastiyya, Dura, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, Ramallah, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya; during the raid, clashes erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA 10/27; PCHR 10/29)

At the UN security council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki called for an international peace conference to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (WAFA 10/26)

The head of the sovereign council in Sudan, General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, said that Sudan had normalized ties with Israel because the country would have to wait until August or September of 2021 to be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. General al-Burhan also stated that Sudan still supports a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and urged Israel to engage the Arab Peace Initiative. (HA 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issued demolition orders for 4 Palestinian-owned houses in Bani Na‘im and took measurements for a punitive demolition of a house owned by the family of an alleged attacker in the village. Israeli forces also uprooted 22 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Ras Karkar. In East Jerusalem, Israel informed PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith that he was no longer allowed to leave Silwan and that he could not contact some 50 individuals, including PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles offshore; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; PCHR 9/10)

At a virtual Arab League meeting, a majority of countries rejected a Palestinian proposal to condemn the UAE for its normalization deal with Israel. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki accused the U.S. of blackmailing Palestinians and some Arab countries. The secretary-general of the Arab League Ahmad Aboul Gheit reiterated that the Arab Peace Initiative remains the Arab League’s stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (HA 9/8; AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10)

According to senior advisor to U.S. president Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, Saudi Arabia has allowed Israeli commercial air traffic to use Saudi Arabian airspace. Kushner also said that the U.S. peace plan presented in January was aimed at “trying to save the two-state solution, because . . . if we kept going with the status quo . . . ultimately, Israel would have eaten up all the land in the West Bank.” The U.S. peace plan allows Israel to annex 30 percent of the West Bank. (HA 9/9; TOI 9/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Iskaka village near Salfit. Approximately 30 armed settlers enter Urif village near Nablus in the evening. They damage equipment at an infrastructure construction site and spark clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian schoolchildren throwing stones in Hebron; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, several senior Islamic Waqf officials enter Haram al-Sharif via al-Rahma Gate and pray at the sanctuary. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Walaja. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes, farmers, and shepherds near Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the evening, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Rafah; 6 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 2/14; MNA, MNA 2/15; PCHR 2/21)

On the 2d day of a Middle East security conference in Warsaw, U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace will require compromises of both sides. “We hear Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel and we understand that there is a chance,” he adds. “They do a better job than me to explain why there is a reason to be optimistic.” Kushner also says that the Trump administration’s plan is not based on the Arab Peace Initiative. “I think it was a great initiative, in 2002 when it was done, but it hasn’t produced peace.” After meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo says that “stability in the Middle East” won’t be achieved “without confronting Iran.” Netanyahu’s office later leaks a video recorded during a closed session in Warsaw on 2/13 depicting several Arab foreign ministers downplaying the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in relation to Iran in terms of issues threatening the security of the Middle East. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa is depicted saying that “toxic” money from Iran has obstructed past efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. (AP, EI, HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, JP, JP, TOI, TOI, YA, YA 2/14)

Israeli forces arrest a Lebanese minor after he crosses the Israel-Lebanon border armed with a knife. (HA, MNA 2/14)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem and remove a stretch of pipeline supplying water to Yatta near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; MNA, PCHR 2/14; PCHR 2/21)

Representatives of 60 countries, including Israel, convene in Warsaw for a U.S.- and Poland-sponsored conference on security in the Middle East. The conference was initially intended to focus solely on Iran, but has been broadened to focus on other security issues across the region, including the wars in Syria and Yemen, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Before getting on a plane to Warsaw, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “I think that holding this conference, in which Israel, the U.S., various countries around the world and from the region sit down in one place and discuss one topic—which, in my opinion, is the most important for our national security—is a very important achievement.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence represent the U.S. (REU, YA 2/13)

Japanese ambassador Takeshi Okubo signs an agreement for Japan to provide $15.93 million in aid to the PA, specifically for the improvement of the PA’s solid waste collection and transportation system. (MNA, WAFA 2/13)

Israeli forces maintain the closure of Hizma for a 3d day, following clashes in the village on 1/18. Israeli soldiers conduct raids in the village in the evening, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian guard at the sanctuary and 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem and in Salfit; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 1/21; MNA 1/22; PCHR 1/25)

In Amman, Jordan’s King Abdullah tells U.S. VP Pence that the only resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will come through a 2-state solution and insists that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. “We hope that the U.S. will reach out and find the right way to move forward in these challenging circumstances,” he adds. Pence then visits a U.S. military base near the JordanSyria border before flying to Israel in the evening. (HA, JP, NYT, REU, YA 1/21)

For a 2d day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in al-Bireh, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah and nearby Nabi Salih, Nablus, Tulkarm, across East Jerusalem (Issawiyya, al-Tur, and the Old City), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are killed, approximately 100 are injured (including 4 journalists), and at least 20 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian at the entrance to al-Bireh near Ramallah. Israeli soldiers also arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents 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. (AP, HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/8; EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel: 1 falls short of the border fence; 1 is intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; and 1 lands in Sderot, damaging a number of cars. The IAF launches air strikes on 4 Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 2 Hamas fighters and injuring at least 20 Palestinians, including a 6-month-old child. (EI, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/9)

PLO secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat says that the Palestinians have decided not to engage in any talks with the U.S. until Pres. Trump reverses his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also says that they are still evaluating what other steps to take in response. (AJ, TOI 12/8)

The UNSC convenes a special session to discuss Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. UNSC members England, France, Italy, Bolivia, Uruguay, Senegal, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and Russia jointly reject the new U.S. policy on Jerusalem. Later, PA pres. Abbas welcomes “the international consensus condemning Trump’s announcement, as was apparent at the [UNSC] session this evening.” (HA, WAFA 12/8)

The Czech Foreign Ministry denies rumors that Pres. Zeman intends to move the Czech embassy to Jerusalem and reaffirms Czech commitment to European Union (EU) policy regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the issue of Jerusalem. Later, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini confirms that the Czech Republic intends to conform to the EU’s position on Jerusalem. (HA, WAFA 12/8)

Around 1,200 Jewish settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus in the morning, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stonethrowing Palestinians from nearby Balata r.c.; 2 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are injured. Another IDF soldier is injured when unidentified assailants throw an explosive device at his patrol nr. Joseph’s Tomb. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and again nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct 2 limited incursions to level land nr. Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli education ministry officials shut down the 1-year-old al-Nukhba School in Sur al-Bahir due to its alleged ties with Hamas. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/23; PCHR 3/2)

In a press conference following his meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu, U.S. pres. Trump says “I like the 2-state solution,” marking the first time he has explicitly supported the traditional U.S. approach to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. “But I am satisfied with whatever both parties agree with,” he adds. (HA, REU, TOI 2/24)

Israeli forces shut down a landfill in Rujayb village nr. Nablus. They also arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Qalqilya, and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries or damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in Issawiyya, including 2 that are under construction. (MNA, WAFA 2/14; PCHR 2/16)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. CIA dir. Mike Pompeo in Ramallah. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing conflict in Syria. No further details are released. (HA, JP, TOI 2/15)

An errant missile fired from Syria lands in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 2/14)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel accident nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. They also arrest 2 of the fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Sur al-Bahir, Shu‘fat r. c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman permit the transfer of 5 armored vehicles from Jordan to the PA because of the deteriorating security situation in the oPt, particularly in Nablus, according to an Israeli spokesperson. The PA has been requesting approval for such transfers for at least 4 years. (MNA, TOI 12/7)

After mos. of negotiations and intracoalition struggle, Netanyahu resolves several conflicts over the illegal Amona settlement outpost. First, he secures Atty. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit’s approval for the govt.’s plan to relocate the 40-odd families from Amona to a nearby plot of “abandoned” land. Second, he announces plans to petition the High Court of Justice for a 30-day delay of its evacuation and demolition order to give his govt. time to prepare temporary alternate housing for Amona’s residents. Third, he brokers a deal with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett on the so-called regulations bill, which Bennett is backing in order to retroactively authorize the illegal West Bank settlement outposts, including Amona. Netanyahu and Kahlon agree to reverse their positions and support the bill as long as Clause 7, the provision that specifically addresses Amona, is removed. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/4; HA, JP, YA 12/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. They also raid the Ramallah-area home of the Palestinian killed during an alleged stabbing attack on 11/3, and interrogate and detain his family. The IDF arrests 7 Palestinians and confiscates personal property during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit during the day. Around 20 Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians picking olives nr. Ramallah, injuring 3 (1 critically). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Hizma and nr. the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/5; HA 11/6; PCHR 11/10)

Amid the ongoing conflict in Syria, Hamas closes its office in Damascus in a symbolic effort to distance the group from Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad. (PIC 11/6)

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

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

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

Unidentified assailants open fire on an IDF vehicle in Qalandia refugee camp (r.c.), causing minor damage. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops detain 2 Israeli settler youths nr. Bethlehem who were threatening Palestinians with a toy gun. They also conduct late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm, Jenin, and 1 nearby village, as well as in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Hebron, arresting 7 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat nr. Bayt Lahiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes nr. the Old City early in the morning. (MNA, WAFA 5/17; PCHR 5/19)

Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi makes a major speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that he supports the French peace initiative and Palestinian national reconciliation, and will “make every effort” to advance an Israeli-Palestinian settlement. Meanwhile, French pres. François Hollande announces that he has postponed the meeting of FMs from 5/30 to sometime “in the summer” to allow U.S. secy. of state John Kerry to attend. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 5/17)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya open fire on agricultural areas nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities order the demolition of an electricity grid nr. Nablus. Israeli forces deliver demolition orders to a Palestinian agricultural structure and 3 homes nr. Bethlehem; block off all entrances to a nearby village. IDF troops confront a group of 4 Palestinians nr. Nablus, assaulting them and arresting 1. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm, Hebron, 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tubas, and 2 nr. Bethlehem, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians march through the streets of Ramallah commemorating the 67th anniversary of the Nakba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in al-Ram, arresting 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; PCHR 5/21)

ICC prosecutor Bensouda says that she has not been provided any official information from either the Palestinians or Israel relating to Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip in 7–8/2014, and that, unless that changes, her decision to launch a full investigation will be based on publicly available materials. (AP, JP 5/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s new govt. presents a document to the Knesset outlining the basic principles binding its ruling coalition. In language similar to that used for the 2009 and 2013 govts., it says that the govt. will work toward a peace agreement with the Palestinians, but it does not specify a 2-state solution. It also notes that “if an agreement of this kind is reached [with the Palestinians], it will be brought for the approval of the cabinet and Knesset, and if necessary, a national referendum as well.” (AFP, HA 5/13)

In an interview published today, U.S. Pres. Obama says that the U.S. is “taking a hard look” at its positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that the Palestinians “deserve an end to the occupation and the daily indignities that come with it.” Obama is hosting several leaders of the GCC countries at a summit in Washington today to discuss regional issues. (AWS, HA, REU 5/13)

The head of the Palestinian Power and Natural Resources Authority Omar Kittanah announces that the PA cabinet has approved an initiative to connect the electricity grid in the West Bank to Jordan. The PA will begin looking for funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $100 m. It is part of a regional, 3-year initiative to connect the grids of Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, and the oPt. (MNA 5/13)

The Vatican announces that it has concluded a treaty that will recognize the state of Palestine. (AP, NYT 5/13)

On 2 occasions off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Jala village nr. Bethlehem, disrupting Palm Sunday celebrations. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches in 3 villages nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah, and Jenin, arresting 18 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Jericho. Israeli forces deliver a demolition notice to a warehouse nr. Jenin. An Israeli settler rams a herd of Palestinian-owned sheep with his car nr. Qalqilya, injuring 29 of them. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a group of Muslim worshippers at Haram alSharif, then they detain 3. Israeli forces also demolish part of a Palestinian’s home in the Old City; conduct house searches and raids in Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat, and the Old City, arresting 9 Palestinians. (MNA, WAFA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

On the 2d day of the Arab League’s 26th annual summit, the collected ministers agree to form a special comm. to organize the creation of a detailed timetable for the end of Israel’s occupation. (AFP, YA 3/29; JP 4/7)

Reps. of the Joint List and Palestinian activists conclude their 4-day march from unrecognized villages in the Negev to Pres. Rivlin’s residence in Jerusalem. Although he had earlier agreed to greet them, he is in Singapore for a state funeral. The coalition’s chair, Ayman Odeh, delivers a report on Palestinian bedouin communities in the Negev to Rivlin’s wife instead. (HA, WAFA 3/29; AFP, HA, WAFA 3/30)

EU amb. to Israel Lars Faaborg-Andersen says that the EU is not currently reassessing its policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the recent reports that it is considering new sanctions on Israel’s settlements as an incentive for a new round of peace negotiations. He adds that the EU supports in principle a UNSC res. calling for a timetable on the Israeli occupation. (TOI 3/30)

Chinese FM Wang Yi, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, and UK Foreign Secy. Hammond join the 4th consecutive day of negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland. (AFP, ALM, AP, REU 3/29; HA 3/30; NYT 3/31)