The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian off-duty police officer at a checkpoint east of Bethlehem. Israeli forces also uprooted Palestinian-owned trees in al-Khadir. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during the trial of his brother at the Salem military court; 5 others were arrested during house raids near Bethlehem and Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli authorities claimed to have found a cluster of balloons with an explosive device attached east of Gaza. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned property in al-Sawiya, slashing tires on 12 cars and writing racist graffiti on houses. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 park, 1 unpaved road, retaining walls, 1 playground, and 1 storage space in Haris; for several residential structures, 1 barn, and 1 water well south of Hebron; demolished and seized residential shacks and tents south of Hebron; and demolished and seized 1 greenhouse in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. Thousands of Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s planned annexation of parts of the West Bank. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Izzariya, al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur, Wadi al-Juz, Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City; during a raid in al-Tur, Israeli forces seized 1 vehicle. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/11)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat, in an op-ed in Haaretz, called on the international community to begin imposing sanctions on Israel to force Israel to back away from annexing parts of the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

In an interview with the New York Times, Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the PA’s general authority of civil affairs, said that if Israel moves ahead with annexing parts of the West Bank the financial repercussions for the PA would mean it would have to cut its $105 million a month in payments for salaries and medical expenses in Gaza. Al-Sheikh also said that the PA forces no longer would extradite Israelis arrested in PA controlled areas and that these would be tried in PA courts. (NYT 6/8)

An Israeli border police officer was convicted of assault and reckless use of a weapon after a court found that she had shot a Palestinian man using a rubber-coated bullet in the back “for fun.” (HA 6/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian man in Susiya. Israeli forces made Jiftlik a temporary military zone and seized an irrigation system, 2 bulldozers, 1 tractor, and 1 water tank. 21 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Ramallah, Jericho, Nablus, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested. The Israeli Jerusalem municipality ordered some 200 Palestinian-owned industrial buildings in Wadi al-Juz to be evicted and demolished. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; JP, WAFA 6/2; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said he had instructed the Israeli army’s chief of staff to accelerate the army’s preparations for “the upcoming diplomatic changes in the Palestinian area.” Defense Minister Gantz was referring to the potential fallout from Israel’s upcoming plans to annex parts of the West Bank. (HA, REU 6/1)

UAE’s minister of foreign affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted that “[c]ontinued Israeli talk of annexing Palestinian lands must stop. Any unilateral Israeli move will be a serious setback for the peace process, undermine Palestinian self determination & constitute a rejection of the international & Arab consensus towards stability & peace.” The tweet comes after the PA on 5/21 rejected COVID-19-related aid flown directly from the UAE to Tel Aviv. The direct flight was seen as another step toward normalizing ties between the UAE and Israel. (AJ, HA, REU 6/1)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said in a podcast that the U.S. government would make announcements this week “push[ing] back against what the ICC is up to.” The ICC is currently investigating possible war crimes committed by the U.S. in Afghanistan and by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. (HA 6/2)

The World Bank warned that the Palestinian economy could shrink up to 11 percent in the coming year, citing COVID-19’s impact on the tourism industry and PA-enhanced spending on health. (HA 6/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces razed several dunams of land near Burin for settlement expansion. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces prevented a musaharati in Wadi al-Juz from doing his job of waking up Muslims before the daily fast for Ramadan begins, and threatened him with arrest and fines. The PA foreign ministry said the action was part of Israel trying to erase Palestinian identity in East Jerusalem. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/29; PCHR 4/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers emptied sewage on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Umar. Israeli settlers with military escort toured the area around Tuqu‘, preventing Palestinian farmers from accessing their land. Israeli forces delivered a stop-work order for a house in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested PA governor Adnan Ghaith during a house raid in Silwan. Israeli forces also arrested 3 others during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on farmers east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also sprayed pesticides near the Gaza fence, affecting Palestinian farmland. In Israel, 1 Palestinian worker from East Jerusalem was hospitalized after he was attacked with tools and pepper spray by Israelis while at a construction site. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; PCHR 4/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents and caravans on Palestinian-owned land in the Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued the head of the Islamic Waqf overseeing the Haram al-Sharif compound a fine of $1,400 for allowing Muslim worshippers on the compound for prayers on 3/20. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Wadi al-Juz. Israel announced that it has closed all crossing between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza, citing fears of spread of the COVID-19 virus. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians tested positive for COVID-19; both men had been traveling to Gaza from Pakistan via Egypt. Israeli forces opened fire near the Gaza fence east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/21; HA, WAFA 3/22; PCHR 3/27)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in ‘Ayn Bus was set on fire, damaging classrooms, and racist Hebrew graffiti was painted on the building. Israeli forces seized tracts of land north of Hebron to expand an Israeli settlement. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Biddu, Bethlehem Tubas, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. During a raid in Jenin, Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle and cash. Palestinians protested the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan in several places throughout the West Bank; at least 12 Palestinians were reported injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned store in Wadi al-Juz. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in Silwan and the Old City, and 5 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Palestinians also protested the U.S. administration’s peace plan. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; PCHR 1/30)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted in the 3 corruption cases against him. Prime Minister Netanyahu had earlier on that day, before the indictment, withdrawn his request for immunity from prosecution. (AJ, HA 1/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump, flanked by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan, which on all contentious issues took maximalist Israeli positions. The plan presented a vision for 2 states; however, the map of these 2 “states” presented with the plan showed a carved-up West Bank where the majority of Israeli settlements and the Jordan Valley were annexed by Israel. A swath of land in Israel, where some 250,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel live, would be annexed to the Palestinian “state.” Some land in Israel along the Egyptian border would also be part of the Palestinian state. Jerusalem would become part of Israel and the Palestinian capitol would be east of Jerusalem on the West Bank side of the separation border. Gaza and the West Bank would be connected by a bridge or a tunnel. The Palestinian state would be demilitarized, including disarming Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ). Israel would control all of Palestine’s international borders. There would be no right of return for Palestinians as “[t]heir Arab brothers have the moral responsibility to integrate them into their countries as the Jews were integrated into the State of Israel.” Furthermore, the peace plan would allow Jews to pray on Haram al-Sharif and the PA would have to stop paying stipends to families of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Palestinians, according to the plan, would have 4 years after the “peace deal” was signed to achieve the right to their own state. (BBC, NPR, NYT, REU 1/28; AJ, HA 1/29; HA 1/30)

The Palestinian leadership’s response to the U.S. administration’s vision of a peace plan was condemnation. PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that “Trump and Netanyahu declared the slap of the century, not the deal. And we will respond with slaps.” At President Abbas’s speech were representatives from Hamas and PIJ. Hamas said Abbas had spoken with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and that the 2 had agreed to stand together in unity on the matter. Abbas also called for an urgent session at the Arab League to discuss the U.S. peace plan. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28)

Shortly after the U.S. peace plan was released, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he would convene the Israeli cabinet on 2/1 to start annexing Israeli settlements, the Jordan Valley, and the northern Dead Sea. Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Trump, said shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement that he did not believe that Israel would start annexing West Bank settlements on 2/1, contradicting the Israeli prime minister. (HA, HA, HA 1/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition when clashes erupted during a late-night raid in Tubas. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Nablus. During the Jenin raid, a Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet. Separately, during a late-night raid in Bayt Furik, Israeli forces confiscated 362 Jordanian Dinars ($510) and 12,070 NIS ($3,500). Israeli forces prevented a farmer from working his land and seized 2 tractors near Bayt Dajan, and seized 3 residential tents in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan. In an effort suppress Fatah members and supporters celebrating the party’s 55-year anniversary in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested Fatah’s secretary-general in Jerusalem in Wadi al-Juz and 1 Fatah activist in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also removed several Fatah flags from Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; PCHR 1/2)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had decided to request immunity from prosecution by the Knesset in the 3 criminal cases against him. The Knesset House Committee has to discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s request according to Israeli law, and if the committee approves his request, it will go to a vote in the Knesset. However, the House Committee is not expected to assemble before the March elections as it has not been appointed since the Knesset was 1st dissolved in April 2019. Netanyahu also resigned his positions as minister of Health, Welfare, Agriculture, and Diaspora Affairs as required by the indictment against him in the 3 criminal cases. Israel has no law against removing the prime minister from office while indicted. Netanyahu said he would appoint replacements for the 4 ministries in the coming days. (HA 1/1; HA 1/2)

In Baghdad, Iraqi protesters continued attacking the U.S. embassy for the 2d day in a row; however, the crowd was much smaller and no protester breached the gates to the embassy compound. By the end of the day, protesters had vacated the area on orders from the Popular Mobilisation Forces, an Iraqi government-sanctioned paramilitary umbrella organization. (AJ, AJ, NYT, WP 1/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 3 barracks and a water pump generator in Za’atra near Bethlehem. Israeli forces also handed demolition notices to several families in Qalandia. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man was killed by Israeli policemen in Issawiyya. The policemen said after the incident that they shot the man because he was lighting firecrackers in their vicinity. Other Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets during the incident. Earlier in the day, Palestinians and Israeli activists were protesting the Israeli raids that have occurred in Issawiyya in the past 3 weeks. At least 5 Palestinians were arrested in East Jerusalem, including 4 in Wadi al-Juz. In Israel, Israeli officials reported 17 fires allegedly ignited by incendiary balloons launched from Gaza. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/27; WAFA 6/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Chilean president Sebastián Pinera who was in Palestine on an official visit. Israeli forces also arrested PA Jerusalem affairs minister Fadi al-Hadami, who had accompanied President Pinera to the Haram al-Sharif compound on 6/26. (WAFA 6/27; HA 6/30)

For a 3d day in a row, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Gaza City to protest the high cost of living and restrictions on imports to Gaza. Hamas security forces violently disperse the protesters, causing several minor injuries. A senior PLO official says that the PLO has called on Egypt to help pressure Hamas into ending its violent suppression of these protests, which started earlier this week. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bayt Hanina, Jabal Mukabir, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, TOI 3/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian minor at a checkpoint near Jerusalem. The IDF reports that she was brandishing a knife and running toward Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint when they opened fire. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Huwwara village near Nablus and deliver stop-work orders to several Palestinian homes near Hebron. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 8 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned two-story building in Wadi al-Juz. Separately, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30; PCHR, WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/7)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d day in a row (see 1/29). (ALM 1/31)

Unidentified persons riding in a vehicle open fire on Israeli settlers waiting on the side of a road near the Ofra settlement; 7 of the settlers are injured, including 1 pregnant woman. IDF troops in the area open fire on the vehicle, but the assailants flee the scene without apparent injury. Later, IDF troops set up mobile checkpoints and conduct raids in and around the nearby village Silwad, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries reported. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus; confiscate 3 makeshift residential structures outside Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian outside Ni‘lin, causing major injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Ramin village near Tulkarm, causing light damage to 8 of them. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/9; MNA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/13)

Unidentified Palestinians launch 2 rockets toward southern Israel from Gaza; 1 hits an Israeli home in Beersheba, causing major damage, and the other lands in the Mediterranean Sea. Israeli aircraft then conduct approximately 20 air strikes on sites across Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian, injuring at least 7, and causing extensive damage. Hours after the exchange, there are reports “intensive” Egyptian mediation efforts and a temporary cease-fire agreement. In a joint statement, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine appear to disavow the rocket fire: “We welcome the Egyptian effort to fulfill the Palestinian people's demand to remove the [Israeli] siege, and reject any irresponsible attempts meant to incite and sabotage the effort.” The Israeli authorities reject their statement, arguing that only Hamas has access to rockets with sufficient range to strike Beersheba. (HA, HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/17; PCHR 10/18)

Hours after the exchange of rocket fire and air strikes in Gaza overnight, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders the Kerem Shalom and Erez border crossings into Gaza closed indefinitely and the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast reduced to 3 nautical miles. In the evening, Israel’s security cabinet convenes for 5 hours to discuss the situation in Gaza. They agree to impose new “rules of the game” on the weekly protests along Gaza’s border that have been held every Friday since 3/30/18, which are widely referred to as the Great March of Return. The cabinet instructs the IDF to gradually toughen its response to Palestinian attempts to damage or cross Gaza’s border fence, including incendiary balloons and kites. The new policy is reportedly based on a zero-tolerance approach. There are no further details as the cabinet agrees not to discuss the policy with the media. (EI, HA, JP, PIC, YA 10/17; HA, TOI, YA 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 makeshift Palestinian residential structures, a Palestinian home, and an agricultural structure in various locations near Hebron. They also continue levelling land around Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. The Israeli forces sporadically clash with Palestinian and international solidarity activists in the village; 4 protesters are injured and 1 is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Salfit and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinians harvesting olives near Nablus, causing moderate injuries to both. They also throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles and homes in the area, causing moderate damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Jabal Mukabir overnight and arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Wadi al-Juz and the Old City. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/17; PCHR 10/18)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s northern border on 10/15. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 178. (MNA 10/17)

ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says that Israel’s planned evacuation and demolition of the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar could constitute a war crime. “Extensive destruction of property without military necessity and population transfers in an occupied territory constitute war crimes [under the Rome Statute],” she says. “I will not hesitate to take any appropriate action within the framework of my authority according to the Rome Statute.” (HA, JP 10/17)

The UN General Assembly votes to confirm the State of Palestine’s status as next chair of the Group of 77 and China, with 146 votes in favor, 15 abstentions, and 3 opposed (Australia, Israel, and the U.S.). The Group of 77 and China is a group of developing countries who work together at the UN to promote their collective economic interests. It is so called because it had 77 members when it was founded and because China participates but does not consider itself a member. Leadership of the group grants the State of Palestine many of the same privileges allotted to full UN member states. (JP, MNA, YA 10/17)

Israeli forces shell a group of Palestinians near Jabaliya refugee camp who were reportedly launching incendiary kites and balloons into Israel; 2 Palestinians are injured. For a third day in a row, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is 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, unidentified assailants launch an incendiary kite onto an Israeli settler vineyard outside Ariel, sparking a minor fire. It is reportedly the second time Palestinians in the West Bank have deployed incendiary kites. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest and assault 3 Palestinians during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Abu Dis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 90 are injured. Their deaths bring the Great March of Return death toll to 137. In response to shots allegedly fired at IDF border patrols in the evening, Israeli forces strike a Hamas observation post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers and fire sound bombs at Palestinian worshippers, clearing them from the sanctuary; 7 Palestinians and 4 Israeli police officers are injured, and 24 Palestinians are arrested. Some witnesses say that the Israelis entered the sanctuary after children threw firecrackers at them. After the clashes, Israeli forces seal the entrances to the sanctuary. The Islamic Waqf then organizes a sit-in protest outside, and the Israeli authorities order the entrances reopened hours later. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction and surrounding wheat fields near Nablus, causing extensive damage. The IDF seals off the entrance to Kobar village near Ramallah, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 3 Israeli settlers on 7/26. IDF troops conduct raids in the village throughout the day, sparking intermittent clashes; 5 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Israeli soldiers also violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured. Dozens of Palestinians gather outside Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, to protest the impending Israeli evacuation and demolition of the village. Throughout the day, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA 7/28; PCHR 8/2)

Israeli DM Lieberman pledges to advance the construction of 400 new housing units in the Adam settlement near Ramallah, justifying the settlement growth in response to the stabbing attack on 7/26. The “best response to terrorism is increased settlement,” Lieberman tweets. The 400 units are reportedly part of an existing plan to build 1,000 new units in the settlement. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/27)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in al-Ram, Silwan, Wadi al-Juz, and al-Suwana. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital near Jabaliya refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces also conduct limited incursions along the border to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis, and open fire on agricultural lands near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. (MNA 12/19; MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th and final day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/19; PCHR 1/4)

Thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The IDF deploys additional battalions in the West Bank to quell the protests, and Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Shu‘fat refugee camp, at a checkpoint near Ramallah, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 9 with live ammunition, and 16 are arrested. Palestinians also observe a general strike throughout most of the oPt. 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 14 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel; 2 fall short of the border, and 1 lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF targets 2 Hamas positions in Gaza with artillery shelling and air strikes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/7)

In response to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Palestinian delegation at the UN files a formal complaint, requesting that the UN Security Council (UNSC) work toward reversing Trump’s decision. Senior PA official Jibril Rajoub says that U.S. VP Mike Pence, who is set to visit Israel and the oPt later this month, is “unwelcome in Palestine.” He says the Palestinians “will not welcome Trump’s deputy in the [oPt].” The response from the international community is near-universal condemnation, with few exceptions. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that some countries have reached out to discuss similar recognitions of Jerusalem. “I have no doubt than when the U.S. embassy will move there, and even before that, many embassies will relocate to Jerusalem,” he adds. Czech Republic pres. Miloš Zeman says Trump’s announcement made him “truly happy.”(HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; HA 12/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Bayt Surik home of the Palestinian killed during an attack on IDF troops outside Har Hadar settlement on 9/26. They also arrest 20 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol near Jenin and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a residential building and an agricultural warehouse in Issawiyya and a storehouse in Wadi al-Juz. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/15; PCHR 11/16; PCHR 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issue stopwork orders to Palestinians building a road between agricultural areas near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Hebron. The raids in Qalqilya spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, Wadi al-Juz, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel, and open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 9/16; MNA 9/17; PCHR 9/21)

A senior U.S. official says that the Trump administration is not expecting any breakthrough in its efforts to restart PalestinianIsraeli peace talks during the UNGA this week in New York, despite Trump’s scheduled meetings with PA pres. Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians remains one of the president’s highest priorities, but the UN meetings will primarily focus on other issues and serve as check-in opportunities,” the official adds. (HA, TOI 9/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Jabal Mukabir. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya 4 times, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 8/10)

Jordan’s King Abdullah meets with PA pres. Abbas in Ramallah to discuss the recent tension at Haram al-Sharif, the U.S.-led peace efforts, and regional developments. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/7)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 9 Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Sharif; arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in the Old City, Wadi al-Juz, and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jabaliya r.c. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/6; MNA 8/7; PCHR 8/10)

In c. Israel, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and seriously injures an Israeli in Yavne. The IDF then raids the alleged attacker’s Yatta home and imposes a lockdown on the village, blocking all entrances and exits. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces raid a civil investigations office in c. Hebron, confiscating equipment and detaining the 30-odd employees. The office reportedly opened following a recent agreement between local Palestinian and Israeli authorities. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly armed with a knife at the Gush Etzion junction; arrest 8 more Palestinians, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Tubas. During raids in Wadi al-Juz, Ras al-Amud, Bayt Hanina, and al-Tur in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians in connection with the violence at the sanctuary (48 Palestinians are still reportedly being held in connection with the clashes). They also ban an Islamic Waqf employee from Haram al-Sharif. Palestinian youths throw stones at an Israeli police officer outside Damascus Gate, lightly injuring him. Meanwhile, approximately 1,000 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/2; HA, MNA, PCHR, TOI 8/3; PCHR 8/10)

The Israeli press reports that the IDF has completed construction of a 26-mile segment of the separation wall nr. Hebron, which they had resumed in 2/2017 after Palestinians from nearby Yatta village carried out a deadly shooting in 6/2016 in Tel Aviv. (MNA 8/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he allegedly attempts to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. Israeli forces shut down the main entrance to Kobar, the Ramallah-area hometown of the Palestinian who stabbed 4 Israeli settlers at the Halamish settlement on 7/21. They also raid several homes in the village; arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 140 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 29 Palestinians in late-night raids in the Old City, Wadi al-Juz, Qalandia r.c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/30; MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/31; PCHR 8/3)

Tensions remain high in East Jerusalem after the widespread and deadly clashes on 7/21; 1 Palestinian is killed and 14 are injured in clashes in al-‘Izzariya, Wadi al-Juz, Issawiyya and al-Tur. Clashes also break out outside Haram al-Sharif throughout the day, but there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Palestinians across the city largely observe a commercial strike to commemorate the 3 Palestinians killed on 7/21. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and the Old City. In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth is killed when he accidentally triggers a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance nr. Tubas. IDF troops conduct raids in Kobar, the Ramallaharea village of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 4 Israeli settlers at the Halamish settlement on 7/21, threatening punitive demolition of his home and sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries). Hundreds of settlers from Halamish set up a new outpost nr. their settlement to protest the 7/21 attack. Settlers protest and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles across the West Bank in response to the attack, damaging several cars and causing no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol throughout the day nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/22; MNA 7/23; PCHR 7/27)

COGAT Mordechai says that Israel is “willing to examine alternatives to the metal detectors” installed at Haram al-Sharif “as long as the solution of alternative[s] ensures the prevention of the next attack.” (YA 7/22)

Sweden, France, and Egypt call for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting to address the escalating tensions at Haram al-Sharif. UN diplomats say they will discuss the situation on 7/24. The Middle East Quartet releases a statement of concern about the “escalating tensions and violent clashes.” (WAFA 7/22; TOI 7/23)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly lock down Haram al-Sharif after an unidentified assailant throws a stone at Jewish settlers touring the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians are arrested and banned from Haram al-Sharif for various lengths of time in connection with the incident. Israeli forces also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Jericho; arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 6/11; MNA 6/12; PCHR 6/16)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a 40% reduction in the transfer of electricity to Gaza, acquiescing to the PA’s 4/27 request (see JPS 46 [4]). The security cabinet also discusses a proposal to build an artificial island off Gaza’s coast to host a port to facilitate economic growth and alleviate the region’s humanitarian crisis. DM Lieberman reportedly opposes the proposal, and no decision is made. (TOI 6/11; EI, JP, MNA 6/12; HA 6/13)

The Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill to deduct from Israel’s monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress in 2/2017 (see H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017 and S. 474 of 2/28/2017 at congressionalmonitor.org, as well as H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017). The sum deducted would be an estimated NIS 1 b. (approx. $280 m.) per year. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/11)

IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, killing 1 Palestinian youth and seriously injuring the other 3 occupants (1 of the youths will succumb to his injuries on 4/10). IDF troops then shut down a major checkpoint nearby and violently disperse Palestinians from the camp gathering to protest the shooting; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints in n. Hebron in response to stone throwing in the area. Israeli forces raid and damage the contents of 2 Palestinian printing shops in Tulkarm, and arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Salfit and in Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat nr. Gaza City. Later, they open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli police officer assaults and injures several Palestinians in Wadi al-Juz after 1 of them reportedly rammed him with a car. (HA, MNA, WAFA 3/23; EI, MNA 3/24; PCHR 3/30)

Concluding 4 days of talks in Washington, Israeli and U.S. officials release a joint statement saying that the Israeli govt. intends to take the Trump admin.’s concerns regarding settlement activity in the oPt “into consideration.” They do not reach a broader agreement on the subject. The talks were focused on “concrete, nr.-term measures to improve the overall climate in order to advance the prospects for a genuine and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” including steps Israel could take to improve the economic situation in the oPt and the need to bring humanitarian relief to Gaza. (NYT, WP 3/23; HA 3/24; HA 3/26)

The U.S. Senate confirms Friedman as the new amb. to Israel in 52–46 vote. Only 2 Democrats vote in favor of U.S. pres. Trump’s nominee: Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV). (CNN, HA, JP, TOI 3/23)

IDF troops assault a Palestinian youth at the entrance to ‘Azun village nr. Qalqilya before arresting him. It’s unclear why the young man was targeted. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests at least 7 Palestinians and confiscates 1 car during raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 residential building each in Issawiyya, al-Tur, and Wadi al-Juz. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 11/8; MNA 11/9; PCHR 11/10)

In a surprise win, Republican Trump is elected to become the 45th pres. of the U.S. His victory promises to upend many U.S. relationships, including those with Israel, the Palestinians, and Iran. (AP, BBC, NYT 11/8; HA, TOI, WAFA 11/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault Palestinians harvesting olives nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. They also conduct raids nr. Nablus, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of Sabastiya village (there are no serious injuries). The IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Salfit during the day. In East Jerusalem, unidentified youths throw stones at an Israeli car in al-Tur, lightly injuring 2 Israelis. Later, stonethrowers injure a 3d Israeli outside the Old City. Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians leaving the Old City and 17 more during raids in al-Tur, Silwan, and Wadi al-Juz late at night. Meanwhile, more than 200 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif for a 2d straight day, while Israeli forces seize the ID cards of a number of Palestinians attempting to gain access to the sanctuary. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/20)

UNESCO’s Exec. Board approves the Palestinian-backed “Occupied Palestine” draft res. about Israel’s discriminatory administration of Haram al-Sharif that was approved by a separate UNESCO body on 10/13. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA 10/18)

In an unusual incident in Ramallah, 9 Israelis try to visit a Palestinian’s home for a fastbreaking meal, but stone-throwing Palestinian youths block them and set their vehicle on fire. PASF and IDF troops secure the group’s departure from the oPt. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Tulkarm and patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah throughout the day. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 2 residential buildings under construction and demolition notices to 4 structures nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud, Silwan, Qalandia r.c., and Wadi al-Juz. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 100th time in 6 years. (MNA, TOI 6/29; JP, PCHR 6/30; PCHR 7/14)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 5 planned days over the course of the next week. (OCHA 7/5)

Israel’s security cabinet approves the reconciliation deal with Turkey announced officially on 6/27. Only 3 ministers vote against it: DM Lieberman, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked. During a debate over the deal in the Knesset, MK Haneen Zoabi (Joint List) calls the IDF soldiers who raided the Mavi Marmara in 5/2010 “murderers,” sparking a heated confrontation with several right-wing MKs. Later, PM Netanyahu pledges to expel Zoabi from the Knesset. (HA, JP, YA 6/29).

Following pressure from the Israeli NGO Adalah, Israeli police make public portions of their new rules of engagement, approved by Israel’s atty.-gen. in 9/2015 amid the surge of violence. The new rules authorize the police to respond to stone- or firecracker-throwing with live fire. (JP 7/4; HA 7/5)

The IDF ends its closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the evening, but maintains the closure of Yatta, the Hebron-area village, home of the 2 Palestinians who attacked Israeli civilians on 6/8. During an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya, IDF troops shoot flares that set fire to a swath of Palestinian land nr. the separation wall, destroying about 50 olive trees. They also arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, sparking clashes with Muslim worshippers after a handful of the settlers appear to pray at the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians and 2 Jewish Israelis are arrested and removed from the site. Late at night, unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus in Wadi al-Juz, causing damage. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/12; MNA, WAFA, YA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)