The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities evict a Palestinian farmer from his property near Bethlehem, claiming the land is stateowned. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina, Silwan, al-Tur, and Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farms near Juhur al-Dik, causing no major damage or injuries. (TOI, WAFA 1/22; PCHR 1/25)

U.S. VP Pence addresses a special session of the Israeli Knesset, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to forging a “lasting” Palestinian-Israeli peace deal and announcing that the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem will open by the end of 2019. (AA, GDN, HA, JP, NYT, YA 1/22)

For an 8th 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. Israeli forces violently disperse them in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Hanun. At least 36 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol near Hebron during the day. Approximately 233 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, marking the start of Hanukkah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)

Approximately 100,000 Palestinians gather in Gaza City at a rally marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hamas. Top party officials address the crowd and pledge to continue protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (AP, TOI, YA 12/14)

A spokesperson for the Israeli Knesset announces that U.S. VP Pence’s trip to Israel, which was set for 12/17–19, has been postponed amid the growing unrest across the Middle East over U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “[The Americans] told us it was because of the votes on tax reform in Congress,” he says. (HA, TOI, YA 12/14)