The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man, described as a bystander, was killed during an exchange of fire between Palestinian militants and PA forces in Tulkarm. Palestinian militants threw an explosive device at Israeli soldiers who were escorting Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 4. Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian man in Khirbet Umm Zuqah in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man before arresting him, claiming he had attempted to ram Israeli soldiers near Hebron; his father at their home in Karma. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Beit Umar, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished an agricultural structure in Khirbet Tiba. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jericho, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor in Bab a-Zahara, claiming he had stabbed 1 Israeli soldier. Israeli forces prevented the minor from receiving first aid; in a video the minor appeared unarmed before he was executed. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israel forces made 1 Palestinian family demolish their own home in the Old City, displacing 4. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. (AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; AP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 8/31; UNOCHA 9/11)

The Coordination Administration for the Marches of Return in Gaza announced that it would be setting up tents east of Gaza City in preparation for the renewal of the Great March of Return protests. (HA, MEMO 8/31)

Israel denied the director of the Bisan Center for Research and Development, Ubai Aboudi, exit to Jordan via the Allenby crossing, summoning him for questioning. It was the third time that Israel has prevented Aboudi from traveling since 2022. Aboudi was scheduled to attend a meeting with UN human rights experts in Jordan. (Bisan, QDS, WAFA 9/5)

UNRWA made an appeal for $15.5 million to rebuild infrastructure, provide new schooling locations, and give cash assistance to Palestinian refugees who were displaced due to the fighting in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon earlier this month. (AP 8/30)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki attended the opening of the Palestinian embassy to Tajikistan in Dushanbe. (WAFA 8/30)

Axios reported that the PA has provided Saudi Arabia with a list of possible deliverables in exchange for not opposing Saudi-Israeli normalization. PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh was reported to have given Saudi national security advisor Musaed bin Mohammed al-Aiban the list 3 months ago. The list reportedly included: changing the status of parts of Area C to Area B, for the U.S. to reopen its consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem, for Saudi Arabia open a consulate to the PA in Jerusalem, for Saudi Arabia to resume funding of the PA, and for Israel to agree to resume final status negotiations under a clear timeline. Axios further reported that al-Sheikh, PA intelligence chief Majed Faraj, and PA president Mahmoud Abbas’ foreign policy advisor Majdi Khaldi met with U.S. assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs Barbara Leaf last week in Jordan. Axios later reported that the meeting between the Palestinian officials and Leaf was tense, as Leaf dismissed the idea that the U.S. would support Palestine to obtain full UN membership. (AX 8/30; HA, MEE, WSJ 8/31; AX 9/3)

A report commissioned by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People found that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank is unlawful, calling on Israel to immediately and unconditionally withdraw, including evacuating Israeli settlers. (MEE 8/30)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian condemned Israeli attacks in Syria during a press conference in Damascus, threatening retaliation. (HA 8/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron, injuring 1 minor who was hospitalized for his injuries. Videos of the incident show Israeli forces did not intervene while in the area. PA forces violently dispersed a funeral procession, using smoke grenades and tear gas, for a Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli forces on 3/7 during a raid in Nablus. The PA said its forces intervened because Hamas flags were waived. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel; no damage was reported. Later Israel said that 1 military vehicle was hit by an explosive device and Israel subsequently directed artillery fire at Khan Yunis, injuring 2 and causing damage. (AJ, ALM, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; PCHR 3/9; UNOCHA 3/19)

Palestinians in the West Bank observed a general strike in protest over the Israeli raid that killed 7 people in Jenin on 3/7. (WAFA 3/8)

The Israeli military’s chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, said that the military did not allocate enough troops to respond to the large-scale settler raid in Huwwara on 2/26 but that there would be no disciplinary measures taken against the officials involved. The Israeli military has been criticized for not intervening to save Palestinians and Palestinian property during the raid despite being present in the area. (HA 3/9; MEE 3/10)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli soldiers were injured by an explosive device thrown at them at a military checkpoint near Nabi Saleh. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Ofra settlement, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other during a raid in Qabatiya; 5 were arrested. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice against retaining walls in al-Khader. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, al-Bireh, Nablus, Qabalan, Hebron, and Bani Na’im. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, NA, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel said its probe into the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh found that an Israeli soldier “highly probably” shot and killed Abu Akleh in Jenin on 5/11. The Israeli army claimed that Abu Akleh likely was shot by a soldier using a telescopic scope, misidentifying Abu Akleh as a Palestinian militant during crossfire. Abu Akleh was wearing a vest and helmet clearly marking her as a journalist and eyewitnesses and several independent investigations have concluded that no crossfire happened during the killing of Abu Akleh. The Israeli military advocate general’s office said that it will not open an investigation into any potential wrongdoing by any of the soldiers involved. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel’s report, calling it “another Israeli attempt to evade responsibility for murder.” U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said “[w]e welcome Israel’s review of this tragic incident, and again underscore the importance of accountability in this case, such as policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.” (AA, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, DW, FOX, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, NBC, NPR, NYT, REU, TOI, SKY, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 9/5; AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA 9/6; ALM, GDN, MEE, MEMO 9/7; AP, HA 9/8; HA 9/12)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli civil administration was seeking to legalize 30 of 35 agricultural settlement outposts using a new regulation that allows legalizing outposts on “state land.” The move will need the approval of the defense minister and justice ministry. (HA, HA, MEE 9/5)

The Jerusalem municipality planning and building committee approved construction of 700 new settlement units in East Jerusalem in the Givat HaShaked settlement adjacent to Beit Safafa. In addition to the housing units, a school and commercial buildings were also approved. (ABC, AP, HA, PCN 9/5; MEMO 9/7)

Israel delayed the implementation of new regulations for foreigners visiting the West Bank outside of Israeli settlements after criticism from the U.S. and others. The coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) also updated the new regulations called “Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area,” scrapping some of the most controversial new rules, such as forcing foreign spouses of Palestinians to leave the West Bank for a minimum of 6 months for a “cooling off” period and requiring foreigners to tell the Israeli government if they have started a relationship with a Palestinian resident of the West Bank. U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides expressed concerns regarding Israeli limitations to who can study and teach at Palestinian academic institutions. The regulations were originally released by COGAT in April. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the regulations racist and said they were aimed at Palestinians with foreign passports. (MEE, TOI, WAFA 9/3; JP, MEMO, TOI 9/4; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; HA 9/7)

The EU provided $35 million to the PA to help pay for salaries and pensions for August. (WAFA 9/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and wounded 3 Palestinians who allegedly threw an explosive device at a military checkpoint in Abu Dis. 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during clashes that erupted admist a raid in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, including 1 by live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently suppressed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and al-Sawiya, leading to 3 Palestinians injured from sounds bombs and rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 8 residential and agricultural structures in Nahalin and demolished 1 residential structure east of Ramallah, displacing 8 Palestinians. Israeli forces also sealed-off Ya‘bad in their continued harassment of the town since an Israeli soldier was killed during a raid on 5/12. 2 dunams (0.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned crops caught fire east of Yatta after Israeli forces fired flare bombs in the area. 3 Palestinians were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus; 1 vehicle was seized. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles northwest of Gaza City, injuring 2 Palestinians and damaging 1 boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; AJ 5/16; PCHR 5/17; PCHR 5/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Nablus. In Israel, 3 Palestinians from Gaza who had breached the Gaza fence were shot dead by Israeli forces. The Israeli military alleged that the 3 threw improvised explosives at the Israeli forces. (REU, WAFA, WP 1/21; AJ, HA, WAFA 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett said that Israel would annex the West Bank if the PA acted to erase the distinction between Areas A, B, and C. Chairperson of the Kahol Lavan party Benny Gantz separately said that he would work to advance annexation of the Jordan Valley if elected prime minister. (HA 1/21)

In Lebanon, a new government was formed under the new prime minister Hassan Diab. Prime Minister Diab described his 20 new ministers as a technocratic “rescue team.” Despite the formation of the new government, the protest that started in 2019 continued in Lebanon. (HA 1/21; AJ 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces claimed to have found an explosive device near Nablus. Israeli forces also demolished a Palestinian-owned house and restaurant in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. 25 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Abu Dis, Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. In Gaza, 3 rockets were launched toward Israel, causing no damage. Later, Israel struck targets east of Bayt Lahiya allegedly belonging to Hamas; damage was reported but no injuries. Hamas later denied responsibility for the rockets launched. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fired on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from the shore of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/26; PCHR 8/29; WAFA 9/3)

Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced via Twitter that 300 new settlement units in the Dolev settlement would be sent for approval to the Planning Committee. Prime Minister Netanyahu also announced that Israel was cutting allowed oil imports to Gaza by 50% after rockets were fired at Israel. (HA, Twitter, WAFA 8/26)

It was reported by the Lebanese state-run media outlet National News Agency that Israel attacked a base for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command with 3 missiles in Qusaya in Northern Lebanon, causing damage to structures but no injuries. Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun also said of the Israeli strike against Hezbollah in Beirut on 8/25 that it was a declaration of war on Lebanon. (AJ, BBC, REU, WAFA 8/26; HA 8/27)

Iraqi president Barham Salih and prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi condemned Israel’s attack on Iraqi groups on 8/25, calling it an “attack on Iraqi sovereignty.” The U.S. Department of Defense issued a statement opposing Israel’s attacks in Iraq, saying that the U.S. supports Iraqi sovereignty and opposes “external actors” operating in Iraq. (HA 8/26; HA 8/27)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 more are injured. The IDF later says that an explosive device was thrown at a patrol, prompting the fatal shooting. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is injured. The IDF later says that the men were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The local authorities in Bethlehem declare a general strike in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian youth in Bayt Sira village near Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; and violently disperse Palestinian students gathering in al-Bireh to protest the Israeli occupation (there are no serious injuries reported). Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and dismantle 3 Palestinian makeshift residential structures south of Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler bus near Salfit, causing minor damage. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging several. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Muslim worshipper and an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are detained). Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Gazans gather near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. After unidentified Gazans fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near the protesters near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They discuss a range of issues, and in a press conference after the meeting Netanyahu calls on the international community to recognize Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/20)

Unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device from Gaza into southern Israel attached to a cluster of balloons, where it lands in an open area in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. IDF troops detonate the device, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducts 3 air strikes on Hamas sites in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Bayt Hanun, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, following the shooting attack on an Israeli settler vehicle at the nearby Beit El checkpoint on 1/5, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, confiscating surveillance tapes and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area throughout the day; several Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers uproot 60 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/10)

Following a week of increasing tensions between Fatah and Hamas, the Fatah-dominated PA announces plans to remove its staff from the Rafah border crossing on 1/7. “This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs,” reads the PA statement. “Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there. We had to bear a lot in order to give the opportunity for the Egyptian effort to end the division.” The PA took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing in the context of the 10/12/17 Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement, which was never fully implemented. (JP, REU, WAFA 1/6)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan will likely not be released for at least several more months. “We want to release it a way that gives it the best chance of getting a good reception,” he says, adding that the upcoming Israeli elections on 4/9 are “a factor, but not the only factor.” Meanwhile, U.S. national security advisor John Bolton meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Following the meeting, Bolton says that the U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger than it is now under Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump. (HA, JP, JP, TOI 1/6)

In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says that Egypt’s military coordination with Israel is at its “closest ever.” He adds, “We have a wide range of cooperation with the Israelis.” (AJ, CBS, HA 1/6)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. They set fire to tires, throw improvised explosive devices, and chant slogans. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 126 are injured (3 critically). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 170. Meanwhile, Israeli artillery also shell a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an IDF patrol in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus; arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Jenin; and violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus (7 Palestinians are injured). Israeli settlers harass Palestinians picking olives near Nablus, sparking minor confrontations between the harvesters and their own IDF escort; there are no reported arrests or injuries. Israeli settlers also assault and attempt to block Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands in 2 separate incidents near Salfit and 1 near Qalqilya. IDF troops intervene in each ensuing confrontation; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma village, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MNA 10/6; PCHR 10/11)

In a statement, UNRWA expresses “concern” about Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat’s 10/4 announcement that he plans to remove the agency from East Jerusalem. “UNRWA has continuously maintained its operations in East Jerusalem since 1967 with the cooperation and on the basis of a formal agreement with the State of Israel, which remains in force,” UNRWA’s statement reads. It’s still unclear when or how Barkat intends to implement his plan. (REU, YA 10/5)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out 6 fires reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown into southern Israel from Gaza. An Israeli aircraft carries out an air strike on a site allegedly used as a staging area for such attacks near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no reported injuries. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw an IED at the Beit El settlement overnight, causing no reported damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA 9/22; MNA 9/23; PCHR 9/27)

Hamas officials meet with an Egyptian delegation in Gaza to discuss the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. According to a Hamas statement, they share a “deep conversation about ways to end the siege on the Gaza Strip and alleviate the suffering of our people.” (TOI 9/23)

Approximately 12,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return protests. IDF troops violently disperse the protests near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 3 more are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 152. Amid the clashes, the IDF reports that one of its officers was injured by shrapnel from a pipe bomb thrown from across the border fence. Israeli forces subsequently shell 2 Hamas posts, causing damage to a school east of Khan Yunis. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Rafah. They also dismantle an IED that was placed along the border fence near Rafah for the 2d day in a row. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces set up roadblocks around Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Israeli troops later violently disperse hundreds of activists gathering to protest the roadblocks; 3 protesters are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Ras Karkar near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by IDF patrols in Bayt Umar near Hebron; arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/14; MNA 9/15; PCHR 9/20)

The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has decided to cut the last remaining $10 million in planned aid to the Palestinians this year. The money, which Congress authorized for expenditure in 2017, was set to support programs meant to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories. USAID has reportedly redirected the $10 million to support similar programs dealing with Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel. “Essentially, USAID was faced with the choice of shutting down the program and losing the funds, or keeping something going,” a congressional aide explains. (NYT, REU, TOI, TOI, YA 9/14; HA, MNA, TOI 9/15)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (3 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops dismantle an IED apparently placed along the border fence near Rafah by Palestinians in recent days. Late at night, unidentified Palestinians throw a pipe bomb at IDF troops stationed along the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli soldiers fire at the perpetrators, injuring 1 Palestinian. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers slash the tires of 6 Palestinian vehicles in Jalud village near Nablus overnight and burn to the ground approximately 200 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Bethlehem. Israeli forces confiscate 5 temporary residential structures that activists set up outside Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village that is slated for evacuation and demolition. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian minor for possessing a knife in central Hebron; assault and arrest a Palestinian during a patrol in Artas village near Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. (HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/13; MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/14; PCHR 9/20)

The European Parliament passes a resolution denouncing the Israeli decision to evacuate and demolish the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar. The resolution also calls on Israel to provide compensation for the EU-funded infrastructure in the village. (HA, JP, TOI 9/13)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians detonate an IED targeting an Israeli bulldozer, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli tanks then shell a number of “resistance sites” in Gaza City, according to the Gaza-based Ministry of Health; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. Later, unidentified Palestinians open fire on an Israeli home along the border, causing minor damage. The IAF then conducts retaliatory air strikes in northern Gaza late at night, killing 1 member of Hamas and injuring another. Separately, IDF snipers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians along the border in unclear circumstances, and fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Gaza City and Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Hebron, and Bethlehem. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/11; HA, MNA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 4/12; PCHR 4/19)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces that Guatemala plans to open its new embassy in the city on 5/16, 2 days after the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem is set to open. (TOI 4/11)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces bomb Hamas military sites in Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya overnight, causing an unclear amount of damage. The IDF later says the attack was in retaliation for a previously unreported Hamas attempt to plant an IED along the border fence on 4/8. Later, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near al-Maghazi refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting along the border fence near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 8 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray-paint racist graffiti on road signs near Hebron. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid minor clashes in Nablus, arrest 4 Palestinians, and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during latenight raids in Sur Bahir, Hizma, and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/9; MNA 4/10; PCHR 4/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 29. (TOI, WAFA 4/9)

The Palestinian who was stabbed by an Israeli settler near Jerusalem on 4/8 succumbs to his injuries. (PCHR 4/12)

The IAF conducts air strikes on the Syrian T-4 base near Homs, targeting drone deployment and air-defense systems, and killing 14 people, including at least 7 Iranian citizens. (HA, JP 4/9)

Unidentified persons detonate an IED along Gaza’s northern border, targeting an IDF patrol in the area. The attack causes no serious damage or injuries. This is the 4th time in recent weeks that Palestinians in Gaza have targeted IDF border patrols with explosives. Following the attack, Israeli forces shell a Hamas post near Gaza City, injuring 1 Palestinian. Late at night, the IAF conducts air strikes on 2 locations in Gaza City and several more in southern Gaza, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Barta‘a near Jenin, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly rammed and killed 2 Israeli soldiers on 3/16. They search several homes, damage a number of vehicles, and assault a Palestinian youth. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian shepherd working near Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in the Old City in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/17; HA, WAFA 3/18; PCHR 3/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he plans to order the punitive demolition of the Barta‘a home of the Palestinian who allegedly rammed and killed 2 Israeli soldiers on 3/16. “I’m sending condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of the IDF officer and of the soldier who were murdered yesterday by a terrorist, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded,” he tweets. (HA 3/17; TOI 3/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian minor allegedly after she attempts to stab 1 of them at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. The IDF cordons off a section of central Hebron, making space for hundreds of Israeli settlers to celebrate Purim. Along Gaza’s southern border, an errant Egyptian mortar hits an abandoned Palestinian home in Rafah, injuring 1 passerby. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion into Gaza to level land near Khan Yunis. The IDF announces that Israeli soldiers recently defused an IED placed along the border intended to attack Israeli border patrols. The IED is reportedly similar to the one that detonated and injured several soldiers on 2/17. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/1; PCHR 3/8)

Along Gaza’s southern border, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the Palestinian side of the border fence detonates near an IDF jeep, injuring 4 Israeli soldiers (2 seriously). The IED was reportedly installed during demonstrations along the border on 2/16. Israeli forces in the area attack and destroy a local armed group’s observation post in southern Gaza and shell 5 other Hamas targets. After the initial wave of strikes, unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel, causing minor damage to an Israeli home. Late at night, Israeli jets conduct air strikes on 12 Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) sites near Gaza City and Rafah, injuring 2 Palestinians and causing an unknown amount of damage. Amid the exchange, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Rafah, killing 2 and seriously injuring the other 2. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian mourners in Halhul near Hebron after a funeral procession for 1 of the Palestinians whose body the IDF returned to his family on 2/16; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Nablus and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/17; HA, WAFA 2/18; HA 2/19; EI 2/20; PCHR 2/22)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian hitchhiker stabs and injures an Israeli settler driver who picked him up nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians outside the Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah protesting the 3/6 killing of Basel al-Araj and PA security coordination with Israel; 8 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also set up mobile checkpoints around the Bethlehem area in the evening, confiscate personal property, and arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces dismantle an explosive device nr. Jabaliya r.c. Around the same time, Israeli forces shell an Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) post nearby, injuring 1 Palestinian, according to PIJ. The IDF says it will look into a connection between the incidents. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, the Israeli authorities deliver demolition orders to several homes in the Bedouin village Rakhama nr. Beersheba. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 3/6)

During the U.S. State Dept.’s first press briefing under the Trump admin., a spokesperson says that the dept. is “working closely” with Trump on his new Middle East policy and that the admin. is working with Israel to figure out “what exactly it would look like” for Israel to restrict settlement growth. (USSD, JP, TOI 3/7; AFP, HA 3/8)

For the 2d time in 2 days, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar, seizing a computer from a printing shop and breaking into a number of homes. They also arrest 11 Palestinians and confiscate personal property during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem, as well as in and around Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli soldiers assault and injure 2 Palestinians picking olives nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, PASF troops pass on information about a planned attack on an IDF position in c. Hebron, leading to the IDF’s arrest of the suspected assailant. Israeli soldiers then find an IED planted close to their position. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in the Old City when she is allegedly overheard planning a stabbing attack. They also arrest 2 Palestinian youths during latenight raids in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces spray wastewater at a Palestinian fishing boat in an attempt to submerge it. The fisherman on board faints and is taken to al-Shifa Hospital. (MNA, WAFA, YA 11/6; PCHR 11/10)

Two Palestinians stab and injure 2 Israeli women in an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem in the morning. The assailants flee the scene. In the evening, an Israeli soldier is seriously injured when he accidentally detonates an improvised explosive device (IED) planted at a checkpoint n. of the city. After the blast, the IDF discovers and safely detonates several other IEDs planted in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 5 homes and a water pipeline under construction in the Jordan Valley. IDF troops patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 each nr. Jericho and Ramallah. Israeli settlers steal 3 Palestinian-owned sheep nr. Nablus. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/10; PCHR 5/12)

The Israeli govt. lifts its gag order on the news that the IDF has arrested a 2d Hamas operative in 2 mos. attempting to cross into Israel. The young Gazan attempted to cross into Israel on 4/6. The IDF says that he has already given up valuable information related to Hamas’s tunnels. (JP, MNA, YA 5/10)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained when shot by a stray IDF bullet on 11/23 nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed at a shooting range on the grounds of Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm clash with Palestinian protesters, injuring 15 students with rubber-coated steel bullets and live fire. Protests against Israeli raids onto the campus have been ongoing since 11/15, disrupting classes and injuring many students. IDF troops also clash with Palestinians during late-night raids in a village nr. Bethlehem and Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 Palestinian in the 1st and arresting 2 Palestinians and confiscating property in the latter. The IDF conducts another late-night raid in 1 village nr. Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit and 3 nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders for 2 homes and an agricultural structure under construction in a village nr. Hebron. In Gaza, IDF troops stationed along the border fence shoot and injure a Palestinian farmer working e. of Khan Yunis. Later, an IED explodes nr. the fence e. of Rafah, causing no injuries or damage; the IDF then fires 6 artillery shells in the direction of Khan Yunis, injuring 3 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Shaykh Jarrah, displacing 7 Palestinians; prevent workers from repairing a water leak at Haram al-Sharif; issue an arrest summons to a Palestinian and confiscate her property on raids in al-Thawri. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/16; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 12/17; PCHR 12/31)

In Zurich, senior Israeli and Turkish officials agree on central provisions of a reconciliation agreement that would normalize ties between their countries after almost 5 years of tension. The 3 conditions outlined by Turkish pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 12/14 have not yet been met. (HA, HUR, NYT, TOI 12/17; REU 12/18)

Both the ongoing wave of small-scale violence and the Israeli crackdown in the oPt continue. Israeli border police shoot and kill a young Palestinian woman nr. al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron after an Israeli officer says he sees her with a knife. Palestinian witnesses dispute the claim. Israeli soldiers assault a Palestinian driver at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. Palestinians throw stones at an Israeli settler’s car nr. Jerusalem, then 1 of them stabs the settler when he exits his car, causing moderate injuries. An Israeli settler shoots and seriously injures a Palestinian youth nr. the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Hebron. After the incident, IDF troops conduct raids in a nearby village, sparking clashes with stone-throwers and injuring 7 Palestinians. A Palestinian stabs and moderately injures an Israeli settler outside the Ariel settlement. Other Israeli settlers then attack and stab the Palestinian and, hours later, the IDF raids a nearby village, arresting the injured Palestinian. Across the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols, late-night raids, and house searches, arresting 17 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct late-night raids in Issawiyya, accidentally detonating an improvised explosive device; 1 border police officer is injured in the blast. They also issue 3 Palestinian youths arrest summons on late-night raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/25; EI, MNA 10/26; PCHR 10/29)

At the Palestinian embassy in Cairo, PLO secy.-gen. Erakat announces that the PLO and the Arab League are preparing a proposal for the UNSC to set a deadline on ending the Israeli occupation. (NYT 10/25; HA, TOI 10/26)

Further exacerbating Palestinian fears over the Judaization of Jerusalem, the Israeli press reports that PM Netanyahu recently proposed at a cabinet meeting the possibility of revoking the residency status of around 80,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem who live in neighborhoods on the West Bank side of the separation wall, such as Shu‘fat r.c. According to sources present at the meetings, the cabinet did not discuss the proposal, and Netanyahu called for a separate meeting to discuss it further. Netanyahu will confirm that he made the proposal, on 10/26. (HA, TOI 10/25; JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/26)

For the 2d day in a row, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian outside the Old City as he is fleeing a group of Jewish Israelis. The police claim he stabbed and injured an Israeli teen in the area, but multiple videos show the Palestinian youth weaponless and fleeing Israelis who were trying to attack him. Following the killing, clashes break out in the surrounding area and Israeli forces conduct raids throughout East Jerusalem. In total, 21 Palestinians and 1 Lebanese journalist are injured and at least 22 Palestinians are arrested. Around 100 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif on the last day of Sukkoth. The holiday and corresponding restrictions on Palestinian access at Haram al-Sharif (announced 9/27) end this evening. Protesting the recent Israeli violations at Haram al-Sharif, Palestinian shop owners across the Old City and East Jerusalem shutter their businesses. Later, the Israeli police announce a 48-hour ban on Palestinian entry to the Old City: Only Israeli citizens, Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, and tourists will be allowed access. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI 10/4; MNA, WAFA 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

Hundreds of Palestinians continue nonviolent protests throughout the West Bank. In response, Israeli forces violently disperse protesters, conduct raids, and patrol throughout the area, injuring a total of 25 (1 succumbs to his injuries later in the evening) and arresting 2 Palestinians. Nr. Ramallah, IDF troops search the home of the Palestinian man who attacked a group of Israelis with a knife on 10/3, detaining 18 mbrs. of his family and threatening punitive demolition. The worst violence of the day is concentrated in the Hebron area, where Palestinian youths throw an improvised explosive device toward Israeli troops, and the soldiers respond with live ammunition. Nearby, Israeli settlers assault an elderly Palestinian; smash solar panels; assault a Palestinian family; break the windows of a Palestinian car. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural areas nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with Palesinian stone-throwers. Israeli soldiers intervene to protect the settlers, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. Meanwhile, hundreds of settlers block off 2 roads in the Jordan Valley and n. of Ramallah in protest of recent Palestinian attacks. For the 8th time this quarter, rockets are fired from Gaza toward Israel. Although Sarayat al-Shaykh Umar Hadid fighters claim responsibility for the 2 rockets, IAF jets target a retaliatory air strike at a Hamas military site s. of Gaza City, causing severe damage. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/4; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, NYT 10/5; PCHR 10/8)

In a televised statement, Israeli PM Netanyahu pledges to expedite the punitive demolitions of Palestinian attackers’ family homes, extend the terms of administrative detentions, and increase troop deployments in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 10/4; MNA, YA 10/5)

Violence and protests over recent access restrictions at Haram al-Sharif continue through the day in Israel, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. A day before Yom Kippur, Israeli forces clear all Muslim worshippers from Haram al-Sharif and close all but 3 of the sanctuary’s entrances. Throughout the day, forces arrest 4 Palestinian youths accused of stone-throwing on their way home from school in the Old City, demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Silwan, and level Palestinian farmland in Issawiyya. The IDF conducts an arrest raid nr. Hebron, and a Palestinian is killed in the ensuing clashes, leading to conflicting accounts of his death. While the IDF says that an explosive device he intended to throw detonated prematurely and soldiers nearby fired shots in the direction of the explosion, Palestinian witnesses say Israeli soldiers shot him and left him bleeding on the ground while blocking paramedics from providing aid. During separate IDF house searches and raids nr. Hebron and Nablus, clashes erupt between stone-throwing Palestinians and Israeli forces, injuring 2 Palestinians and arresting 1. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Ramallah, injuring 3; patrol throughout the West Bank. Thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Sakhnin to protest Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif. On Gaza’s n. and e. borders, Israeli forces level land during limited incursions across the border fence. (MNA, WAFA 9/21; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/22; PCHR 10/1)

The Israeli authorities announce a series of security measures to coincide with the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur on 9/22–23 and the Muslim holiday ‘Id al-Adha on 9/24–27. Meanwhile, the Israeli police temporarily suspend the use of Ruger sniper rifles, which was approved on 9/17, to allow administrators to systematically train officers in their use. (JP, TOI 9/21; HA, TOI 9/22)

Israel’s COGAT announces that, for the 1st time since 2007, it will allow ironware, furniture, and textiles to be imported from Gaza to Israel, starting on 10/7. (HA, TOI 9/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in 1 village nr. Hebron during the day, and later escort dozens of Israeli settlers into Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts late-night raids in 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tulkarm, arresting 2 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seize a stockpile of explosives and fireworks during a raid on a Palestinian-owned home in Jabal Mukabir; demolish a home in Bayt Hanina; assault a Palestinian in Silwan. Overnight in n. Israel, 16 Israeli settlers from the West Bank set fire to a Christian church on the Sea of Galilee, causing extensive damage. (JP 6/17; AFP, JP, MNA, PCHR, YA 6/18; PCHR 6/25)

In response to PA pres. Abbas’s 6/16 announcement that he would dissolve the PA consensus govt., Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri says that “no one consulted with us about any change in the consensus govt. Fatah acted on its own in all regards.” Hamas official Ziad al-Zaza calls on Abbas to form a new govt. “with all national and Islamic factions.” Later, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Palestinian People’s Party meet in Gaza to discuss the consensus govt.’s dissolution. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 6/17; YA 6/18)

Iranian lawmakers introduce a bill that would establish parliament’s formal advisory role and set out 3 criteria for any final agreement between Iran and the P5+1, including “complete and unified lifting” of sanctions on the day of the agreement. The bill has 225 signatories out of the 290-mbr. parliament. It is set for a vote on 6/21, and needs Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s approval before it becomes law. (AFP 6/17)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces stationed along the n. border open fire on gravelcollectors nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in s. Hebron shoot a sound bomb at a group of Palestinian children on their way home after school, injuring 1. Later, IDF troops destroy an electricity network in a village nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and Salfit; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah. (MNA 9/29; PCHR 10/2)

Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses the UNGA in New York City. In a speech about the global threat of radical Islam, Netanyahu draws a connection between Hamas in Gaza and ISIS. (HA, REU 9/29)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats on 2 separate occasions (nr. Rafah and nr. alSudaniyya), causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian driving through a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm, and in Nablus, where clashes break out with residents, and 2 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition. During the day, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Jericho, Salfit, and Jenin. IDF troops also demolish a dairy factory in Hebron owned by the Islamic Charitable Society. (MNA, WAFA 9/2; PCHR 9/4)

 Wael Atiyeh, Egypt’s amb. to Palestine, says that no date has yet been set for a return to indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and that an agenda for the meetings in Cairo also needs to be finalized. Meanwhile, Qais Abdel Karim, a mbr. of the Palestinian delegation, says that Israel’s shunning of talks would “render the cease-fire null and void,” responding to reports in the Israeli media that Netanyahu does not intend to resume cease-fire talks. (JP, MNA 9/2)

The U.S. State Dept. and the EU foreign affairs office both condemn Israel’s recent expropriation of 988 acres in the West Bank on 8/31. (HA, WAFA 9/2)

A roadside bomb kills 11 Egyptian police officers nr. al-Wifaq in the Sinai Peninsula close to the Gaza border. (AP 9/2)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 4 villages nr. Salfit and in Jenin. Unknown assailants throw 2 improvised pipe bombs at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian with a sponge-tipped bullet during clashes nr. the Old City. The teenager’s relatives deny he was involved. (MNA 8/31; PCHR 9/4)

Israeli authorities announce the expropriation of 988 acres of private Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. PLO chief negotiator Erakat urges diplomatic action against Israel in response to the announcement. (MNA 8/31)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the n. West Bank, a Palestinian dies at a checkpoint en route to work inside Israel, apparently caused by overcrowding. In Bethlehem, Palestinians throw a pipe bomb at Rachel’s Tomb, lightly injuring 1, while separately, Palestinians throw an improvised explosive device at a military base nr. Bethlehem, causing no damage or casualties. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, in Nablus and nearby Balata r.c., and in 1 village each nr. Tubas and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, and in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers attack a school and water reservoir in Urif village nr. Nablus, provoking clashes with Palestinian residents. Israeli forces arrive and fire tear gas at the Palestinians. Separately, Jewish settlers attack Palestinians nr. Mitzpe Yair in the s. Hebron hills, prompting clashes that leave 4 Israelis and 1 Palestinian lightly injured. (JP, MNA, ToI, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/9)

Israeli authorities publish plans for the construction of 272 new settlement homes in the West Bank, including the 1st ever master plan for Ofra, a settlement located 15 km (9 mi.) from the Green Line. PM Netanyahu holds a meeting with Likud MKs and tells them that he opposes evacuating settlements in Hebron and Beit El, despite their location outside the major blocs. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry departs the region for Washington, assuring that progress has been made. (AFP, HA, JP, REU 1/6)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis, wounding 1. The army says it targeted the group because it was laying an explosive device. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, in Nablus and Balata r.c., and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho at night. (MNA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

PA Pres. Abbas holds talks in Egypt with foreign ministers from Arab League mbr. states about the current state of the peace process. He also meets with Egyptian interim pres. Mansour to discuss regional developments and the national reconciliation effort with Hamas. (MNA 12/21)

Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi says that talks in Geneva with reps. of the P5+1 are continuing for a 4th day and making slow progress. According to Araghchi, the issue of uranium enrichment is still a point of contention. (AP, JP 12/21)