The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort, for the 3d day in a row, tried to prevent Palestinian students from reaching their school in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession for a 14-year-old boy who was killed by Israeli forces on 2/22, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinians from digging a water well in Thaher al-‘Abed near Ya‘bad. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 4 residential structures and 1 agricultural structure in Lasifer, displacing 30 Palestinians, and demolished 4 residential structures in Shaab al-Batm in the Masafer Yatta area, displacing 40 Palestinians. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice against the home of 1 Palestinian prisoner in Silat al-Harithiya. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Salfit, Nablus, Jenin, and Deir Jarir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured Sheikh Jarrah in protest over the 2/22 Israeli court decision to freeze the eviction of the Salem family. 14 Palestinians from the West Bank were arrested near the Damascus Gate plaza for being in East Jerusalem without a permit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/23; PCHR 2/24; UNOCHA 3/11)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at Syria from Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing material damage in the province of Quneitra. (AJ, AP, HA 2/23)

Minister at the negotiations affairs department of the PLO Dr. Shaddad Attili spoke at the Israel Climate Change Conference in Jerusalem, saying that Israelis and Palestinians, along with others in the region, have to cooperate on climate change. Dr. Attili said that Palestinians have pushed back on climate initiatives because of the economic crisis in the PA. 1 of the issues Attili pointed to was the lack of water security and the inequity in distribution of water between Israel and Palestine. The climate conference was organized by Haaretz and Hebrew University. (HA, HA 2/23)

At the UN security council, a French representative said that France will continue to support the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that Israel deemed terrorist organizations in October 2021, citing a lack of evidence. Also at the security council meeting, the PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour charged Israel with crimes of apartheid, listing a number of violations committed by Israel, while wearing a mask with the text “End Apartheid.” (MEMO, TOI 2/23; AJ, MEE, MEMO 2/24)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other when the 2 confronted a group of settlers attempting to set fire to their crops near al-Rihiya, south of Hebron; +972 reported that the settlers mutilated the body of the Palestinian man they had shot dead. 10 Palestinians were killed and 209 wounded by Israeli forces throughout the West Bank. The casualties included: 1, and 39 injured during a protest in Shwaika near Tulkarm; several others were reported injured; 1 protester, and 2 injured in Salem; 1 protester in Asira; 1 protester, and 4 injured in Beita; 1 protester, and 18 others injured by live ammunition in Ya‘bad; 1 protester in Marda; 1 protester in Iskaka; 1 protester, and 4 injured in ‘Urif; 1 protester in Jericho; 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint, who allegedly tried to ram Israeli soldiers near Silwad; 148 protesters injured by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during protests in and around Dayr Nidham, Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik, al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Khadir, Salfit, Tayassir, Huwwara, Aqraba, Ni‘lin, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Qusra. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Qalandia refugee camp, Bayt Umar, and Sa‘ir; 7 were arrested during protests at the al-Jalama checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 19 Palestinians using live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and sound bomb canisters during protests in and around Shaykh Jarrah, Bayt Hanina, Silwan, and the Old City. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and Sur Bahir. In Gaza, 22 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 114 to 136, including 33 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 9, including 3 children, and 73 injured, including 20 children, in air strikes on buildings in Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; 4 in an air strike on Gaza City, including 1 child; 3, including 1 child, in air strikes on Jabaliya; 1, and 16 injured, including 2 children, in air strikes on al-Bureij refugee camp; 1, and 1 wounded in an air strike on Abasan; 1 in an air strike while riding a motorbike in Rafah; 1 Palestinian was found dead in rubble from an air strike in Dayr al-Balah on 5/13; 1 Palestinian child succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on Gaza City on 5/12; 1 Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained in an air strike on 5/12 in Bayt Lahiya. Israel also said it had assassinated 3 Hamas operatives, Shadi Abed Al-Hadi, Osama Shehadeh, and Zakaria Zarendah. Israeli air strikes also destroyed an interior ministry building west of Gaza City and 3 poultry farms near Rafah, killing more than 10,000 chickens. Israeli forces also struck the fishing ports in Gaza city and Khan Yunis. Damage to power lines in Gaza was reported, significantly reducing the amount of available electricity. In Israel, Israeli forces killed 2 people after several people crossed from Lebanon into Israel by Metula. Israel also said that 3 rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with 2 landing in open land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and 1 in Syria. 2 rockets from Gaza hit 2 houses in Sderot, causing damage and 1 injury. 1 rocket from Gaza lightly injured 1 Israeli driving near Beersheba. Israel barred people from outside of Lydda from entering the city from 4 p.m. and barred all its residents from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor was seriously injured, and another minor lightly injured, after a firebomb was thrown at their house in Jaffa; Israeli police claimed without evidence that it was 2 Palestinian-Israeli men that had thrown the firebomb. Israeli forces were filmed kicking Palestinian-Israeli vehicles traveling in Umm al-Fahm and firing stun grenades at them for no apparent reason. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor in Lydda, claiming he tried to throw a firebomb at them. 5 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in Umm al-Fahm after a fire was ignited at the town’s city hall. 9 Palestinian-Israelis were arrested in ‘Akka. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Kafr Kana, injuring 28. Israel also told international news outlets that it would conduct a ground invasion of Gaza shortly and then later apologized to the news outlets for providing false information; analysts suspected that Israel used the media outlets to lure Hamas militants into tunnels before heavily bombarding said tunnels; Israel said that dozens were killed in the attack on the tunnels. Israel also shot down 1 drone sent from Gaza. 1 Israeli woman succumbed to injuries sustained after falling while running to a shelter in Neta’im on 5/11, raising the Israeli death toll to 9. In Jordan, some 500 protesters tried to enter the West Bank through the Allenby bridge, but were dispersed by Jordanian forces 3 miles from the border. In Amman, thousands of protesters called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and ending the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, PCHR 5/15; TOI 5/16; HA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26; +972 6/8; INT 7/15)

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said that 42% of the 119 people who have been killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza, at the time of reporting, were women and children. It also said 830 people had been injured. The UN estimated that 10,000 Palestinians have been internally displaced during the current escalation so far. (AJ, HA 5/14)

Spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas Nabil Abu Rudeineh said that the silence of the U.S. administration was encouraging Israeli war crimes in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. (WAFA 5/14)

Morocco sent 40 tons of emergency aid to Palestine and denounced Israel’s aggression toward Palestinians. (HA 5/15)

The U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Israel and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr landed in Tel Aviv in an attempt by the U.S. administration to deescalate the situation. (AX, HA 5/14; HA 5/15)

A letter co-signed by 11 Jewish Democrats in the house of representatives, led by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), urged the Biden administration to be more active in ending the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas and to do more to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 11 members of Congress also expressed concern about the violence in East Jerusalem and urged Israel to halt the “unjust eviction” of Palestinians from their homes in Shaykh Jarrah, and said that the U.S. must address the deepening occupation. (HA 5/15)

Democrats in the House also debated the attack on Gaza on the floor, with 1 group of 11 speaking in defense of Palestinians and 1 group of 10 defending Israel’s actions. (AJ, HA 5/14)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she will continue with her inquiry into potential war crimes committed by Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories despite Israel’s refusal to cooperate. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda also said that the investigation will include the current escalation of the conflict. (HA, REU 5/14)

The Italian trade union of port workers said that its members in Livorno had refused to load a shipment of weapons and explosives to be shipped to Israel, citing Israel’s attack on Gaza. (AA 5/15; WAFA 5/16; IN 5/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 13 buildings in 2 settlement outposts; 6 settlers were arrested. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian property in Aqraba, damaging animal barns and solar panels and stealing goods. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a military checkpoint west of Salfit, and 6 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Salfit, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 apartments and 4 storage units in Shu‘fat refugee camp. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during raids in al-Tur; 2 others were arrested while visiting a brother at the Russian Compound detention center. In Israel, Israeli authorities reported that 1 rocket was launched from Gaza; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently fired 3 missiles from a drone at open land east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries or damage were reported. (HA, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/15; WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/18)

Israel’s high court of justice ordered the Israeli government to explain why there has not been an investigation into the construction of unauthorized settlement units in the Hayovel settlement outpost. Peace Now petitioned the high court of justice in 2018 and no construction has resumed in the settlement outpost since the petition. (HA 6/16)

In a press conference, senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil called for united Palestinian resistance against Israel as plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank intensify. Al-Bardawil also called for meetings between Hamas and the PLO. (AJ 6/15)

Reuters reported that sources had told the news agency about plans to build a 5-mile settler bypass road in East Jerusalem to connect settlements in the south, central, and north West Bank. (AJ, REU 6/15)

According to reporting by Al Akhbar, Israel approved a $50 million transfer from Qatar to Gaza. (HA 6/15)

The Israeli cabinet approved a $2.3 million budget for an Israeli settlement in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights named after U.S. president Donald Trump. The plans for Trump Heights were announced in 2019 but had not yet been funded. Israel is planning to build 120 settlement units there. (AJ, HA 6/14)

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)

In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during a raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. In the West Bank, Palestinian minors throw stones at an Israeli settler near Hebron, lightly injuring him. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to protest the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar and al-Mughayyir); 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Jenin and Tubas; and patrol near Nablus, Tulkarm, Salfit, Hebron, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers smash the windows and windshields of 3 Palestinian vehicles in Turmus ‘Ayya village near Ramallah late at night. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. (MNA 1/24; MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/31)

One day after Israel’s security cabinet agreed to allow the next tranche of $15 million from Qatar into Gaza, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya tells reporters in Gaza that Hamas will not accept the money. “Gaza will not be subject to extortion by Israeli election theater,” he adds. After the press conference, the IDF deploys additional troops to the Gaza border area in preparation for planned protests on 1/25. (HA, TOI, TOI, YA 1/24)

Three senior U.S. officials say that the Trump administration is currently planning to release its long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace as soon as possible after the Israeli election on 4/9. They reportedly believe that they have a limited window between the Israeli elections and the start of President Trump’s re-election campaign. “It is hard for us to imagine a set of circumstances where the plan is never released.” One official says. “We have every intention of releasing it.” (JP, JP 1/24)

The Egyptian authorities shut down the Rafah border crossing to passage in both directions, marking the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. They plan to resume operations at the crossing on 1/27. They have opened the crossing for passage only in one direction since 1/7, when the PA withdrew its staff from the Palestinian side of the crossing. (MNA 1/24)

Three days after violent raids sparked a hunger strike at Ofer Prison, lawyers representing Palestinians imprisoned at Ofer decide to stop appearing at the prison in protest of increasing restrictions imposed on their work by the Israeli authorities. (WAFA 1/24)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 15 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. Five unidentified assailants raid the Gaza City office of the PA-run Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation and destroy much of the technical equipment on site. The assailants flee before the police arrive on the scene. Later, a PA official says, “We hold the Hamas authorities fully responsible for this crime.” In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinians is injured and another is arrested (AFP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/4; MNA 1/5; PCHR 1/10)

Following a complaint from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IDF formally censures Colonel Avi Bluth for failing to pass along the Netanyahu’s order to postpone the evacuation and dismantlement of 2 makeshift residential structures at the site of the former illegal settlement outpost Amona on 1/3. In the context of a disciplinary hearing, IDF Chief of Staff Eisenkot reportedly “made it clear to Colonel Bluth that he had erred in handling the incident and that it would have been expected that he would have conducted himself more professionally.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 1/4)

After a day of violence and intense IDF activity across the Ramallah region on 12/13, tensions remain high in the West Bank. The Israeli authorities maintain the closure of all major roads in the area while they search for the perpetrator of the attack that left 2 Israeli soldiers dead. One Palestinian is killed during clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Six Palestinians are injured during clashes sparked by a similar raid in nearby al-Bireh. Two more Palestinians are injured when IDF troops violently disperse a protest outside nearby al-Mughayyir. Separately, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier at an IDF post outside the Beit El settlement; the soldier moderately injures the Palestinian in the ensuing confrontation (the Palestinian will turn himself in to the IDF on 12/15). Unidentified assailants throw rocks at Israeli troops outside al-Bireh, moderately injuring 1 soldier. The IDF then seals off the main Ramallah-Nablus road and conducts raids in the area searching for the assailants. IDF troops shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a raid in al-Laban near Nablus; violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in central Hebron, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and Bil‘in near Ramallah (4 Palestinians are injured); arrest 1 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during additional raids near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Qalqilya, and open fire on a Palestinian passersby in Jalazun refugee camp (1 Palestinian is injured and several vehicles are damaged). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 60 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. (EI, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/14; TOI 12/15; PCHR 12/20)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jalabiya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 33 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; several Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue an order banning the PA’s governor in Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, from the West Bank for 6 months. When he was released from detention on 12/2, he was banned from the West Bank for 2 weeks. (JP, MNA, WAFA 12/7; MNA 12/8; PCHR 12/13)

Unidentified assailants shoot and kill a West Bank Palestinian in Jaljulia, a small town in northern Israel. The Israeli police reportedly suspect he was killed by Palestinians who disagreed with his practice of selling land in the West Bank to Israeli settlers. In a video posted online before the man’s death, he can be heard saying, “You can say I’m an agent or a collaborator... whoever owns land over the fence [in the West Bank] and isn’t thinking of selling will experience the same thing that happened to [Palestinian] refugees who are still holding keys [for their old houses] and believe the UN and UNRWA.” (HA 12/8; TOI 12/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering in Nablus to protest the detention of several Fatah activists earlier this week; 5 Palestinians are reportedly injured. They violently disperse another protest in central Nablus against the Israeli occupation (1 Palestinian is injured); fire sound bombs and tear gas at Palestinian minors returning from school in central Hebron; arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli forces seize a tractor from a Palestinian farm outside Bardala in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 4 Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Odlah village near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Hizma. In central Israel, right-wing Israeli activists puncture the tires of 32 Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Kafr Kassim. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/6)

The Israeli authorities release the PA’s governor in Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, from detention, but they also ban him from entering the West Bank for 2 weeks. Ghaith was arrested during a raid on his home on 11/24. The Israeli authorities also order the release of 32 other East Jerusalem Palestinians held on suspicion of supporting or serving in the PA security forces. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 12/2)

Israel’s cabinet approves NIS 700 million (approximately $187 million) in funding for a plan to “strengthen the civilian resilience” of communities in southern Israel surrounding Gaza. “They are steadfast and we support them,” Prime Minister Netanyahu says. (TOI 12/2)

The PA Ministry of Agriculture imposes a ban on purchases of lamb from Israel. The move comes amid a drop in lamb prices, and ministry officials say it is an effort to protect Palestinian lamb sellers. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19; TOI 12/27)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Hamas reportedly orders the protesters to stay away from the fence so as not to provoke any escalation of violence. Nevertheless, IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 60 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis and open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. 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, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at a Friday protest against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar, al-Mughayyir, and Bil‘in) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer from a Palestinian construction site near Salfit. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Jaba‘ village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Salam. (JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; JP 12/1; PCHR 12/6)

A Jordanian laborer assaults and moderately injures 2 Israelis in Eilat. The Israeli police say they suspect the attacker of having political motivations. The Jordanian was in Israel with a work visa. His first day of work in Israel was 11/29. (HA 11/30)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are killed and 152 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 189. In the evening, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian who crossed the border fence into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp and allegedly set fire to an Israeli greenhouse. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Jabal al-Risan and Ras Karkar) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured and 6 are arrested. They also assault and injure a Palestinian municipal official working outside a settlement near Ramallah; confiscate a Palestinian-owned vehicle during raids near Hebron and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces demolish a small Palestinian home, the surrounding fence, and a home under construction in al-Za’ayem near Jerusalem. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 11/9; MNA 11/10; PCHR 11/15)

Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, says that Hamas has not made any “deal or understandings” with Israel, despite recent reports of progress in the Egypt- and UN-mediated talks on a potential Hamas-Israel cease-fire. He says that Hamas is instead reaching “understandings” with Egypt, Qatar, and the UN “in order to lift the blockade.” (HA 11/9)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested and 1 boat is confiscated). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Rafah to continue the Great March of Return; 1 protester is injured. Israeli firefighters put out 7 fires reportedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown into southern Israel from Gaza. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Bireh near Ramallah; 5 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home and well under construction near Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian vehicle near Qalqilya, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/6; PCHR 10/11)

Hamas announces that a member of its armed wing has succumbed to injuries that he sustained during a previously unreported accidental explosion on 10/1. Later, another Hamas fighter succumbs to injuries reportedly sustained years ago in unclear circumstances in Gaza. (MNA 10/6; MNA 10/7)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders the reduction of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast from 9 nautical miles to 6 nautical miles, citing concerns about the recent violence along Gaza’s border. “The defense minister’s decision was made following the violent rioting over the weekend near the fence and attempts to harm IDF forces and launch confrontational flotillas,” according to a Defense Ministry statement. This marks the 2d time in the past few months that Lieberman has ordered a punitive reduction of the fishing zone. (MNA, TOI 10/6)

Al Akhbar reports that the UN has agreed to pay the salaries of Gaza’s civil servants for 3 months and that Israel has agreed in principle to permit 5,000 Gazan merchants to enter Israel for business. The report comes days after similar reports of a deal under which Qatar would pay $60 million for fuel for Gaza’s sole power plant. Meanwhile, senior Israeli defense officials say that PA president Mahmoud Abbas was enraged at the UN plan to transfer Qatari-funded diesel fuel to Gaza, as reported on 10/4. Abbas later confirms that he is considering possible response, including a suspension of the approximately $100 million that the PA transfers to Gaza per month. Also, a senior Fatah official calls UN Special Coordinator Mladenov a “servant” of the Trump admin., presumably in response to the UN official’s work to facilitate transfers of aid to Gaza without PA involvement. “He should not be intervening in internal affairs,” the official continues. “It is not his right or mandate to interfere, but he puts his nose in everything.” (AH, TOI, TOI, WAFA 10/6; TOI 10/8; TOI 10/9)

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, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon across the border fence into southern Israel, where it lands in the courtyard of a home belonging to Israeli MK Haim Jelin, causing no damage. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer near Ramallah, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya for a 2d day in a row; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Anata refugee camp (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, PNN, YA 9/16; PCHR 9/20)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 8/3. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 153. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/16)

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)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. Some young protesters launch incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, causing minor damage. IDF troops open fire on the demonstrations near Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 270 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 147. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian minor in the Old City after he allegedly attempts to stab one of them. The Israeli authorities then shut down access to Haram al-Sharif indefinitely, sparking minor clashes in the Old City; there are no reported injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also patrol near Tulkarm, Nablus, and Salfit. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer and issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian construction site near Jericho. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; MNA 8/18; PCHR 8/30)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is killed and more than 200 are injured. Today’s killing brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 131. Amid the protests, armed Gazans throw a small explosive at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 IDF officer is lightly injured. The IDF retaliates, bombing 2 Hamas tunnels and a training site. Hours after the Israeli attack, armed groups in Gaza launch approximately 31 rockets and other projectiles into Israel. The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts 6, and the rest land in open areas, causing no major damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Qalqilya, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Nablus. They also violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 journalist is injured. Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles outside ‘Urif village near Nablus, causing major damage, and leave racist graffiti on walls nearby. (EI, WAFA 7/13; HA, MNA 7/14; PCHR 7/19)

The EU calls on the Israeli authorities to reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing and expand the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast, warning that the recent restrictions risk “aggravating the already dire economic situation in Gaza.” (TOI, WAFA 7/13)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. The march’s organizing committee called for increased participation today to mark Naksa Day. Some protesters fly incendiary kites across the border fence into Israel, sparking small fires. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are killed and at least 100 are injured, including 2 paramedics. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 121. Earlier, IDF drones drop firebombs on protest tent camps and piles of tires along the border fence, sparking a number of minor fires and causing moderate damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (1 Palestinian is injured); arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Salfit and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian farmer’s supplies outside Burin near Nablus and leave racist graffiti on the walls nearby. In East Jerusalem, tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the final Friday of Ramadan. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in al-Jadira village. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/8; PCHR 6/14)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against U.S. president Donald Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, as well as Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Jericho, Salfit, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 villages near Nablus (Beita and Huwwara), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 41 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct a raid in Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also assault and lightly injure 5 Palestinian minors in central Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 3 homes under construction near Bethlehem, issue arrest summons to 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. 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 2/16; WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/22)

Israeli forces return the corpses of Palestinians killed in deadly confrontations with the IDF on 9/26/2017 and 2/7 to their families in Bayt Surik near Jerusalem and Halhul near Hebron, respectively. (JP, MNA, TOI 2/17)

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

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

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Islamic Waqf officials at Haram al-Sharif, alleging that they refused to comply with orders related to Israeli restoration efforts at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. They also temporarily detain U.S.-Israeli anti-occupation activist Jeff Halper at the Ma’ale Adumim settlement, following a complaint that he possesses “materials related to [the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement].” Halper, a cofounder of the Israeli Comm. Against House Demolitions, was leading a tour of the oPt. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/8; PCHR 3/9; PCHR 3/16)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 3 planned days. (WAFA 3/8; HA 3/14)

An explosion at a Hamas military site in Khan Yunis kills 1 Hamas fighter and injures 2 others. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. They also conduct raids nr. Hebron and patrols nr. Hebron and Salfit. (MNA 12/16; PCHR 12/22)

The Israeli authorities hand over corpses of 7 West Bank Palestinians killed in confrontations with the IDF in the past 6 mos. to their families. The return is conditioned on the families’ acceptance of several conditions, including fines and limits on the number of mourners at funerals. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 12/16)

Massive fires continue to burn across Israel and the West Bank for a 4th consecutive day, including new outbreaks nr. Jerusalem, causing serious damage in both Palestinian and Jewish communities. They spread further among Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including Halamish, a settlement near Ramallah, and Ma’ale Adumim. After the fires reach Halamish, the IDF shuts down the entrances to 3 Palestinian villages in the area, including Dayr Nizam. Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians across Israel and the West Bank in connection with the fire, including 1 man affiliated with the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel. Residents of Haifa are allowed to return to their homes after evacuating the previous day. (JP, HA, MNA, NYT 11/25)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Shu‘fat r.c. after he allegedly attempts to stab one of them. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Salfit, and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron during the day. (JP, MNA, NYT 11/25; TOI 11/25; PCHR 12/1)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City and al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts a car-ramming and stabbing attack nr. Ramallah. Palestinian witnesses say that the soldiers fired on the man in his car unprovoked, injuring him. They fired on him again when he exited the vehicle, allegedly holding a knife. The IDF raids his Ramallah-area home late at night and interrogates his family. Meanwhile, IDF troops expel a number of Palestinian farmers from their land nr. Nablus, arresting 1. They conduct raids nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seal off a main street in Jabal Mukabir with cement barriers in an act of collective punishment after unidentified persons in the area fired fireworks at a nearby Israeli settlement, according to the Israeli authorities. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 10/28; HA, TOI, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/3)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in 4 areas along Gaza’s border (nr. Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, and al-Bureij r.c.); 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 of their vehicles is confiscated. After reports of stone-throwing in Huwwara village nr. Nablus, the IDF shuts down all the stores in the village and blocks off the main road. IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault a number of Palestinian farmers harvesting olives nr. Salfit, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and the Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, and then detain 2 fishermen and confiscate 1 boat. (MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in Salfit, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, and Bethlehem, arresting 7 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. They also violently disperse Palestinian and international activists at an anti-occupation demonstration in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and land nr. Rafah, injuring 2 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian youth on his way to school in Silwan. They physically assault the youth after he is shot, then call an ambulance for him. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/7)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside Beit El settlement, and nr. Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 3 areas along Gaza’s border; 14 Palestinians and 1 Israeli activist are injured. Israeli forces confiscate construction equipment Palestinians were using to build a new road in the n. Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians; patrol during the day in 1 village nr. Salfit and 4 each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, around 300 Israeli troops conduct an overnight raid on the Islamic studies dept. and student union at al-Quds University in Abu Dis, confiscating equipment and docs. (MNA, PNN 1/29; MNA, WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/4)

French FM Laurent Fabius announces that France will begin preparing for an international peace conference in an effort to “preserve and achieve the 2-state solution.” He also says,“If this attempt to achieve a negotiated solution reaches a dead end, we will take responsibility and recognize the Palestinian state.” (HA, JP, NYT, YA 1/29; MNA 1/30)

A total of 2 Palestinians are killed and 15 injured when IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside the Beit El settlement, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in 3 areas along Gaza’s border. Separately, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that a Hamas fighter was killed by an electric shock in a tunnel nr. Rafah this morning. Meanwhile, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli forces in 2 areas nr. Bethlehem (Aida r.c. and al-Khadir), sparking clashes in which 5 Palestinians are injured, including 2 paramedics and 1 journalist. The IDF conducts a late-night raid in a village nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is shot and injured. IDF troops conduct further late-night raids and house searches in Hebron, Bethlehem, and 2 villages and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrol in 7 villages nr. Hebron and 2 nr. Jenin, as well as Tulkarm and 1 village nearby. Israeli settlers disguise a large rock as a pile of garbage and place it in the middle of a road nr. Salfit; a Palestinian taxi driver later crashes his car into the rock, causing major damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an elderly Palestinian woman at Haram al-Sharif and confiscate NIS 1,800 (around $100) from her. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/15; MNA 1/16; PCHR 1/21)

After a weeklong search, Israeli police shoot and kill the Palestinian citizen of Israel suspected of carrying out the 1/1 attack in a Tel Aviv pub. The suspect was killed in a firefight during a police raid in the suspect’s hometown of Arara. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ni‘lin), Hebron, and 4 areas along Gaza’s border; 11 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit, 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. Late at night, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Ramallah-area home of the Palestinian who stabbed and killed 2 Israelis in East Jerusalem on 10/3, sparking clashes wherein 3 Palestinians are injured. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI 1/8; TOI 1/9; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli authorities return the bodies of the 4 Palestinians killed by the IDF on 1/7 (a joint funeral will be held nr. Hebron on 1/9), and Haaretz reports that the Israeli govt. is no longer holding any bodies of Palestinians killed in the West Bank. (HA, MNA 1/8)

Violence escalates in the West Bank as settlers and Israeli forces continue retaliating against Palestinians in the wake of the 10/1 killing of 2 settlers. Israeli settlers protest on a main road outside Nablus, and the IDF disperses the ensuing clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths. Meanwhile, settlers set fire to dozens of olive trees and Palestinian agricultural land nr. Nablus, and throw stones at drivers nr. Salfit, injuring 3 Palestinian medics. Late at night, IDF troops conduct raids in and around Nablus searching for the perpetrators of the killing; they arrest 10 Palestinians and deliver a demolition notice to the home of a suspect. Clashes erupt with stone-throwers, and the IDF injures 11 youths with live ammunition. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and recent access restrictions at Haram al-Sharif in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and Budrus), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas nr. Hebron; 6 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians in connection with clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli settlers the day before in a village outside Bethlehem. IDF troops clash with Palestinian stonethrowers during patrols in and around Hebron, and outside Nablus Palestinian youths throw stones at 2 Israeli settlers, causing light injuries. Violence also continues in East Jerusalem, with the Israeli authorities continuing to enforce the restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif that were announced on 9/27 for the Jewish holiday Sukkoth. Israeli forces temporarily seal the entrances to Issawiyya and shoot stun grenades at residents who approach their mobile checkpoints, sparking intermittent clashes; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli border police in the Old City, causing minor injuries. On Gaza’s s. border, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel for work. Israeli forces level land nr. Khan Yunis during a limited incursion along the border fence. (MNA, TOI 10/2; MNA 10/3; PCHR 10/8)