The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers graze their sheep on Palestinian land in al-‘Awja, damaging wheat and barley crops. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian vehicles and block the road leading to the Huwwara checkpoint. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, causing damage. Israeli settlers also attack a Palestinian home in Khalayl al-Louz. Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians in Huwwara, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolish 6 commercial structures in al-‘Awja and issue a stop-work notice for a home in Deir Balut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seize a tractor in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also close the entrance to Husan. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, Aqraba, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 63 people, including 7 aid workers of Palestinian, Polish, American, British, and Australian nationality from World Central Kitchen in Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also withdraw from al-Shifa Hospital after a 14-day siege, leaving it completely destroyed; witnesses say that hundreds of bodies are found in and around the hospital. The Gaza Media Office says that 400 Palestinians were killed during the attack on al-Shifa. In the Naqab, Israeli police arrest the sister of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is an Israeli citizen, in Tel as-Sabi. A drone launched from Iraq damages an Israeli military building in Eliat; no injuries are reported. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq takes responsibility. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Rachaya Al Foukhar. In Jordan, protesters demonstrate near the Israeli embassy in Amman for the ninth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces target an Iranian consulate building in Damascus with airstrikes, assassinating Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and killing 11 others. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/1; AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA 4/2; AP, UNOCHA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

More than 32,845 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,750 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,392 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 254 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 190 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 4/1; AP, AP, NYT 4/2; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 4/3)

World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspends all operations in Gaza after 7 of its workers are killed in an Israeli airstrike (see above), returning 3 ships docked off the coast of Gaza carrying 240 tons of aid to Cyprus. The organization runs 68 community kitchens in Gaza and has sent some 1,700 truckloads of aid into Gaza. Several investigations into the Israeli bombing of the WCK aid convoy reveal that the 3 vehicles the aid workers were in were targeted in 3 strikes 1.5 miles apart. The 3 vehicles were clearly marked with WCK’s logo on the top of the cars. The Israeli narrative changes several times during the period after the attack, from saying an armed person was traveling with the vehicles to saying the clearly marked vehicles were misidentified. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the attack “unintended” and “tragic” and says “[t]hese things happen in wartime.” UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese says the Israeli attack was a deliberate effort to starve the population of Gaza. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese calls Netanyahu, expressing “anger and concern” at the killing of the Australian aid worker. U.S. president Joe Biden says he is “outraged and heartbroken,” adding Israel is not doing enough to protect aid workers. The White House claims that there is no evidence that the aid workers were killed deliberately. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since 10/7/2023. Refugees International president Jeremy Konyndyk calls the attack “a clear war crime.” Hamas labels the attack terrorism. (REU 4/1; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, BC, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 4/3; NYT 4/4)

The Israeli Civil Administration announces that it will seize 206.3 dunams (51 acres) of land in Jiftlik, adding it to the settlement council in the Jordan Valley and declare 170 dunams (42 acres) of Palestinian land south of Furaydis near the Etzion settlement bloc as state land. (AJ, PCN, WAFA 4/1; PCN 4/2)

The Knesset passes a law allowing the Israeli government to ban Al Jazeera in Israel in a 71-10 vote. Al Jazeera says Prime Minister Netanyahu, who called it a “terror channel,” is lying about the news organization to justify the killing of its employees. Minister for the development of the Negev (Naqab) and Galilee Yitzhak Wasserlauf calls for the resettlement of Gaza. (AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU 4/1; AJ 4/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas speaks with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken in a phone call, calling on the U.S. to stop the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The 2 also discuss the new PA government. PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour calls on the UN Security Council to schedule a vote on full Palestinian membership of the UN in April. The UN General Assembly voted to grant Palestine full membership in 2011 but the decision was never discussed at the Security Council. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 4/1; AP 4/2)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary Blinken hold a virtual meeting with Israeli national security advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, discussing Israel’s planned invasion of Rafah. A joint statement says Israel has agreed to take U.S. concerns into account. Reuters reports that the U.S. considering approving an arms transfer to Israel worth $18 billion, including 25 F-15 fighter jets. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre says the Biden administration is seeking more information from Israel about footage of executions at al-Shifa Hospital. Jean-Pierre also express concern over Israel’s push to ban Al Jazeera. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 4/1; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 4/2; AX 4/3)

At the UN Security Council, France circulates a draft resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, condemning Hamas’ attack on Israel on 10/7/2023, and demanding immediate access for aid into Gaza. (AP 4/2)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israeli failures in Gaza have led to Israel targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus, calling for a serious international response. Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi says the attack will not go unanswered. Pakistan and Syria condemn Israel’s attack. Russia requests that the UN Security Council convene on 4/2 to discuss the attack. Axios reports that the U.S. tells Iran that it did not have any involvement in the attack. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT 4/1; AP, AX, HA, REU 4/2; AP, REU 4/3)

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez tells reporters in Amman that he expects Spain will recognize the State of Palestine by July and that many other countries in the EU would do the same. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 4/2)

Sri Lanka donates $1 million to UNRWA. (WAFA 4/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Duma, setting cars on fire and attacking Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition who was trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also set fire to a tent near Kisan; the Palestinian couple who owned the tent were later reported missing. Elsewhere, an Israeli settler attempted to ram Palestinians on a street in Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Jericho, causing damage. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron using a tractor. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and injuring 1 other with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, killing 1 person and injuring 5 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and injured 12 others with tear gas in ‘Ayn Bus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalamah checkpoint, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing tear-gas related injuries. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Isawiya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 200 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Near Gaza, Palestinian militants attacked Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Be’eri; no injuries were reported. Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem, hitting targets around the city and in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, saying it was retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilian targets. Near the Blue Line, mortar shells were fired from Lebanon toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had 3 killed gunmen entering Israel from Lebanon; Hezbollah denied having an active operation into Israel. Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility. Israel later fired artillery shells at Marwahin and used combat helicopters to attack South Lebanon, killing 5 members of Hezbollah. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed and 5 injured by forces in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; HA 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 9:30 p.m. at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,800 injured in Gaza, while 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, had been killed and 295 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. Israeli media reported more than 900 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,616 injured. Israel said it had hit 500 targets in Gaza overnight and 1,100 since 10/7. Hamas said Israeli airstrikes have killed 4 Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reported that more than 187,518 Palestinians were displaced, including 137,427 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 790 housing units were destroyed and 5,330 were damaged since 10/7. (AJ, ALM, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; ALM, AP 10/10)

The Israeli emergency rescue organization Zaka said that the bodies of 108 Israelis were found in Kibbutz Be’eri as were the bodies of Palestinian militants. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the bodies of 70 militants were found in the town. (HA 10/10; AP 10/11)

Hamas’ Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said the Qassem Brigades would not negotiate the release of captives while Gaza was being bombarded. Earlier in the day Abu Obaida said Qassam Brigades would begin executing 1 Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a civilian target. There was no indication that the threat was carried out as civilian buildings were being bombed by Israel. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that Hamas is open to discussing a truce and all political dialogue. Hamas leader Ali Barakeh said only half a dozen members of Hamas planned the attack on Israel on 10/7 and none of its allies were informed but Hezbollah and Iran would join the battle if “Gaza is subject to a war of annihilation.” (AJ, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ, AP, HA 10/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Hamas-Israel war. In a statement, bin Salman’s office said Saudi Arabia “continues to stand with the Palestinian people in their pursuit for their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace.” (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9)

Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said Israel had regained control in all communities surrounding Gaza but that Palestinian militants still could be in the area. (HA 10/9)

Reuters reported that Qatar was mediating a prisoner exchange that will see Israeli women and children released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Egyptian sources also said that Egypt was in close contact with Israel and Hamas to prevent further escalation, calling on Israel to exercise restraint and Hamas to keep the captives in good condition. (HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10; HA 10/11)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that he had ordered that no power, water, food, or gas enters Gaza, saying “[w]e are fighting human animals and we act accordingly.” His office later said Gallant had ordered the intensity of the Gaza bombings to increase. Several Israeli politicians called for the formation of an emergency unity government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the emergency government should “bring about the complete elimination of Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party demanded that Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir not be part of the war cabinet and that no legislation unrelated to the war would be promoted. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/9; AP 10/10)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Netanyahu told U.S. president Joe Biden that Israel will invade Gaza. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is preparing for a prolonged war in Gaza and is assessing Israeli diplomatic, political, and military needs. The White House briefed members of Congress that Israel will need replenishment for the Iron Dome, ammunition rounds, precision-guided missiles, and small-diameter bombs. Biden said in a briefing that 11 U.S. citizens have been killed by Hamas and that there likely are U.S. captives being held in Gaza. The U.S. also said Iran was complicit in the Hamas attack and warned Iran about getting involved in the fighting. Iran denied any involvement or knowledge. (ALM, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, REU, REU 10/10)

Egyptian officials said they had warned Israel about an imminent attack from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office denied having received warnings. (HA 10/9)

President Erdoğan spoke to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, urging him to end indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. (AJ, ALM 10/9)

The UN Security Council convened a meeting on the situation in Gaza without releasing a statement. Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said 137,000 Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Guterres also said he was deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to prevent all power, food, and gas from entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AJ, HA 10/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken deleted a tweet on X in which he said he “encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire.” The tweet was replaced by language that supported Israel’s “right to defend itself.” (HA 10/9)

Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland evacuated hundreds of their own citizens and European and Israeli nationals from Israel. (HA, HA 10/9)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, France, and Italy issued a joint statement of support for Israel, saying the countries are coordinating to “ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.” (AP, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10)

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned violence against Palestinians and Israelis and criticized the U.S. for its “destructive policy” of undermining the Quartet by monopolizing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue during a press conference with Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (REU, WAFA 10/9)

The EU, Germany, and Austria said they suspended all aid to Palestinians in response to Hamas’ operation in Israel. None of the aid in question is delivered to Hamas. Later EU countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, objected to the EU Commission's decision and EU Crisis Management commissioner Janez Lanercic said the EU aid would continue. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ 10/10)

The Bank of Israel said it will sell $30 billion of foreign currency to maintain the shekel’s stability in light of the war with Hamas. The shekel had lost 10% of its value compared to the dollar in 2023 before the war. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 10/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Gush Etzion settlement bloc and Mukhmas. Israeli settlers also set fire to 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles in ‘Urif. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian shepherd near Umm al-Khair, causing fractures. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Turmus ‘Ayya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Ras al-Amud. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel’s civil administration announced in a statement that Israel will advance nearly 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank on 5/12. 1,452 of the settlement units are expected to be advanced while 2,536 are expected to be approved by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (AJ, AX, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA. WAFA 5/6; MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Burin, throwing stones at Palestinian homes, causing damage. Israeli forces demolished a blacksmith shop, a carpentry shop, a car repair shop, a car wash, and a food store in Haris, an agricultural pond near Bardala, and 1 wall in Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces also seized 1 caravan serving as a medical clinic east of Yatta. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in Hebron and Jenin and 1 at a checkpoint in near the Gush Etzion settlement bloc; during the raids in Jenin, Israeli forces shot and injured, with live ammunition, 6 Palestinians protesting the incursion. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinian families demolished their own homes in Silwan and Jabal Mukaber. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Isawiya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/12; WAFA 7/13; PCHR 7/15)

Israel expanded the Gaza fishing zone from 9 to 12 nautical miles at its widest area, allowed medical equipment, fishing gear and raw materials for industry use to enter Gaza, and allowed textile exports from Gaza to Israel. (HA 7/12)

Israel prevented the political prisoner Khalida Jarrar from attending her daughter’s funeral after appeals from different parts of Palestinian and Israeli society, including 2 Palestinian-Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset. Jarrar’s daughter died of cardiac arrest in her apartment. (AJ, HA, MEE 7/12; AJ, MEMO, WAFA 7/13; HA 7/19)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid met with 26 foreign ministers from EU countries in Brussels. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Lapid told his EU counterparts that he supports a 2-state solution but that he believes it is unfeasible. Lapid also said that he is for improving the lives of Palestinians by building their economy. EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell said that “Israel needs to revive a path towards peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.” (ALM, HA, MEE 7/12; MEMO, WAFA 7/13)

Former Jordanian finance minister and royal court official Bassem Awadallah and Sharif Hasan bin Zaid, a member of the royal family, were sentenced to 15 years in prison for sedition and incitement against the Jordanian king Abdullah II. Both were arrested along with 16 others on 4/3, who were later released. (AJ, MEE, REU, WP 7/12)

China contributed $1 million to the UNRWA emergency appeal for humanitarian aid to Gaza. (WAFA 7/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian herders near Susiya. Israeli forces delivered demolition notices against 4 residential structures, 1 water tank, and 2 sheds near Nablus, 3 houses in al-Khadir, and 1 agricultural structure in Halhul. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Hebron, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Dayr Nidham, Jenin, Tubas, and al-Khadir; during the raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces also confiscated 1 vehicle and during a late-night raid in Ramallah, clashes erupted, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian from the West Bank was arrested in al-Tur for not having an East Jerusalem ID. In Israel, 1 Palestinian from the West Bank was arrested at his workplace. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/11; PCHR 2/18)

PA civil affairs commission chairman Hussein al-Sheikh met with Marwan Barghouti in the Hadarim prison in Israel to discuss whether Barghouti will be running in the upcoming Palestinian elections. Barghouti is serving 5 life sentences and 40 years in Israeli prison. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission said that 2.4 million Palestinians, around 85 percent of eligible votes, have registered to vote in the West Bank and Gaza. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/11)

Israel’s Walla news reported that the Jewish National Fund (JNF) is expected to announce that it will start buying land in the West Bank to expand Israeli settlements. It is already operating in the West Bank but using a subsidiary. According to the proposal, which will be discussed at the JNF’s highest level on 2/14, the JNF will focus on expanding settlements around East Jerusalem such as the Gush Etzion settlement bloc between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Spokesperson of the U.S. state department Ned Price responded to questions about the plan by saying that neither party should engage in unilateral steps to undercut negotiations for a 2-state solution. (AX, HA 2/11)

Israeli soccer club Beitar Jerusalem, notorious for its racist fans, announced that it will no longer move forward with selling half of the ownership of the club to UAE royal Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Al Nahyan had started acquiring ownership of the club shortly after the UAE-Israeli-U.S. normalization deal in August. According to the club, the Israeli football association had been questioning Al Nahyan’s integrity and actual financial assets. (HA 2/11; AJ 2/12)

Israeli forces were said to have attacked 2 locations in Syria, including in the Quneitra province and near the border of Syria and Iraq. There were no reports of damage or casualties. (HA 2/12)

Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi said his country is “content so far with the level of our current relations and dialogue” with Israel. (HA 2/11)

China donated protective equipment for health workers in UNRWA medical facilities that deal with COVID-19 patients in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. UNRWA also said it needed $1.5 billion in contributions for its 2021 budget. (WAFA, WAFA 2/11)

In the West Bank, 5 Palestinians, including 1 former lawmaker, were arrested during a late-night raid in Ramallah, Bethlehem, ‘Azun, and Nablus. Israeli settlers from the Gush Etzion settlement flooded Palestinian farmland near Bayt Umar with wastewater. 3 Palestinian minors tending to sheep were injured when a device left by Israeli forces near Hebron exploded. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian minors were arrested in Silwan. Separately, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians in Silwan, causing tear-gas related injuries. 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 agricultural lands east of al-Qarara and Khuza‘a, no injuries were reported. Egypt opened the Rafah border crossing, allowing Palestinians to return from abroad. The crossing was scheduled to remain open until 4/16. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/13; PCHR 4/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted around 50 vine trees south of Bethlehem near the Gush Etzion settlement. After a 2d person tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in Tulkarm, the governor of the Tulkarm governorate issued a lockdown order for the city, banning entry and exit. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 workers sanitizing areas in Silwan and the Old City; 1 was arrested during a late-night raid. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 3/16; PCHR 3/19)

In a letter to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo, more than 60 members of U.S. congress urged the administration to ensure that Israel is complaint to the Arms Export Control Act, which stipulates that U.S.-supplied equipment cannot be used to demolish Palestinian homes and forceful transfer of people. (Rep. Ro Khanna 3/16; WAFA 3/17)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian farmer was injured after being attacked on his land by Israeli settlers from the Gush Etzion settlement south of Hebron. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Kober village north of Ramallah during a late-night raid. During the raid, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and local residents, leading to tear gas-related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a community club in the Old City 2 times to prevent it from hosting a soccer tournament for Palestinian families. During the 1st raid, 2 Palestinians were arrested at the club. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen in 2 separate instances near Bayt Lahiya. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land east of al-Bureij. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/5)

1 Palestinian died of wounds sustained during the Great March of Return protests on 8/30. (HA, WAFA 8/31)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces after hitting 2 Israeli settlers near the Gush Etzion settlement; it is unclear if the hit was deliberate. The Palestinian’s wife and child were in the car during the incident. Elsewhere, 2 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces violently dispersing the anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum. 1 Palestinian paramedic was injured by Israeli forces using a rubber-coated bullet during a protest in Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli member of the Knesset Ofer Cassif (Hadash) was attacked by Israeli police during a protest in Shaykh Jarrah. Israeli police tried to confiscate a Palestinian flag he was waving and when he and his aide resisted, the police assaulted the 2 and detained Cassif’s aide. In Gaza, 67 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during the weekly Great March of Return protests, including 34 injured by live ammunition. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; PCHR 8/22)

After barring Congresswomen Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) from visiting Israel and the West Bank, Israel’s Interior Ministry allowed a request by Congresswoman Tlaib to visit her family in the West Bank under a number of conditions, including limiting her freedom of speech. After receiving the conditional approval, Congresswoman Tlaib said she would not go under the “oppressive conditions” offered by Israel. (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA 8/16)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor outside the Gush Etzion settlement near Ramallah after he allegedly stabs and critically injures 2 Israeli settlers. One of the settlers succumbs to his injuries soon after the confrontation. IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home in Yatta village near Hebron late at night, taking measurements and threatening punitive demolition. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and confiscate some property during raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli settlers chase Palestinian shepherds from a field near Jericho. Settlers also congregate on the main Nablus-Ramallah road in the evening to protest the alleged stabbing attack near Ramallah earlier in the day. Some throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles in the area, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Palestinian minors throw stones at a bus carrying Palestinian prisoners in Qalandia refugee camp, sparking minor clashes with Israeli forces in the area; 2 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. Late at night, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row near Rafah and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. In northern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned home in al-Ramla. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, PNN, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/16; JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/17; PCHR 9/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating outside Ofer Prison near Ramallah in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners; there are no serious injuries (4 Palestinians are arrested). They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in al-Bireh; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 12 Palestinians during raids near Salfit, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; violently assaults and injures a Palestinian at a mobile checkpoint near Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli forces raze almost 50 dunams (approximately 12 acres) of Palestinian land planted with olive trees, clearing space for the extension of the separation wall near Jenin. Israeli settlers slaughter 20 sheep and steal approximately 70 more from a Palestinian shepherd working near Nablus. They also visit religious sites outside a village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents in the area; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a small Palestinian shop in Bayt Hanina and an agricultural structure and a house in Shu‘fat. They also arrest 5 Palestinian children as they are leaving school in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters congregating near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Jabaliya refugee camp In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1 fisherman. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/21; MNA, PCHR 2/22; PCHR 3/1)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in border clashes with the IDF in Gaza on 2/16. (TOI, WAFA 2/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions. Although they initially stated that the crossing would remain open through 2/23, they close it after only a few hours. (JP, WAFA 2/21)

In a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, IDF Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot says it was a “mistake” to return 2 Palestinian corpses to their families last week. He says that the protocol for returning such corpses has since been changed, but does not offer any details. (TOI 2/21)

The Jerusalem Municipality announces the construction of 3,000 new housing units for Israeli settlers between Gilo and the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. (WAFA 2/22; MEMO 2/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Abu Mash‘al for the 2d day in a row, confiscating 40 cars, threatening punitive demolitions, and sparking clashes; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli settler, arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage and no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest at least 350 Palestinians in the city for Ramadan, putting them on buses and sending them back to the West Bank. The campaign follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 6/16 order rescinding Ramadan permits. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and the Old City. 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 6/17; MNA, WAFA 6/18; PCHR 6/22)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at a junction nr. the Gush Etzion settlement after his car collides with the back of a bus, injuring an Israeli settler. The IDF describes the driver as an “assailant,” despite photographic evidence to the contrary. IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home nr. Jerusalem late at night, issuing arrest summons to his mother and 2 brothers. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus, Qalqilya, and nr. Hebron; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces destroy a set of iron gates guarding a Palestinian commercial area, remove the doors of a car wash in Issawiyya, and arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Abu Dis. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, YA 4/19; MNA, PCHR 4/20; PCHR 4/27)

Palestinian women incarcerated at Israel’s Hasharon Prison launch protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who declared a mass hunger strike on 4/17 (dubbed the Dignity Strike). IPS forces raid Section 14 of Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah, conducting searches and destroying the belongings of some prisoners. Separately, an IPS legal advisor informs Fatah leader Barghouti’s lawyers that they will be allowed to visit their client soon. They were reportedly denied access on 4/18. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians marching through Abu Dis, East Jerusalem, in solidarity with the prisoners. (MNA 4/19; HA 4/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops and settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler. An IDF soldier is killed in the crossfire. Late at night, Israeli forces take measurements and photographs of the alleged Palestinian attacker’s home nr. Hebron, preparing for possible punitive demolition. Meanwhile, IDF troops raid a village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. The IDF conducts further late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, Tubas, and Ramallah, arresting 21 Palestinians. Israeli settlers assault several Palestinians in c. Hebron, causing no serious injuries. Also, the IDF maintains, for a 4th day in a row, the closure of the Jenin-area village where the Palestinian who allegedly attempted to stab an Israeli soldier on 2/21 was from. Israeli forces deliver 3 punitive demolition notices to Palestinians in the village. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinian merchants outside the Old City when explosives are found in their food stand and arrest 6 Palestinians on late-night raids in Shu‘fat, Silwan, Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/24; PCHR, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/3)

Nr. Bethlehem, unidentified assailants stab and injure an Israeli settler outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. The IDF then seals nearby Nahalin village and sets up mobile checkpoints, allowing only humanitarian cases to pass in or out. Earlier, Israeli forces confront a Palestinian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem for “moving in a suspicious way,” then arrest her when she draws a knife and allegedly attempts to stab them. Later, IDF troops arrest another Palestinian youth outside a settlement nr. Hebron when she is found with a knife on her person. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 2/9; PCHR 2/11)

In Gaza, a Hamas fighter is killed in a tunnel collapse nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in a village nr. Bethlehem; conduct late-night raids and house searches in Jenin, Bethlehem, 1 village and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, as well as Hebron and nearby al-Fawar r.c., arresting 8 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, as well as Salfit. Israeli forces demolish 11 Palestinian residential and agricultural structures nr. Nablus. The Israeli authorities reopen a road nr. Hebron, which has been closed since 11/2015 when tension began to escalate in the area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians on late-night raids in Qalandia r.c., Abu Dis, Sur al-Bahir, Issawiyya, the Old City, and Ras al-Amud. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/9; HA, MNA 2/10; PCHR 2/11)

In the Beit Horon settlement nr. Ramallah, a settlement security guard shoots and kills 2 Palestinians after they allegedly stab 2 Israeli settlers, critically injuring both (1 will succumb to her injuries on 1/26). After the attack, the IDF encourages settlement security personnel to carry weapons at all times and tighten security procedures; locks down the nearby Bayt ‘Ur al-Tahta village where 1 of the alleged attackers was from, barring anyone from entering or exiting. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 nr. Hebron, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrol during the day in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians on late-night raids in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/25; EI, HA, NYT, YA 1/26; PCHR 1/28)

The Israeli press reports that the planning and building comm. of Israel’s Civil Admin. approved plans for the construction of 153 new settler residences in the West Bank last week, including 65 nr. Ariel; 28 in Carmel, s. of Hebron; and 60 in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. The Israeli govt. does not confirm the announcement. Separately, PM Netanyahu orders the IDF to prepare a comprehensive plan to increase security in Israel’s West Bank settlements. (HA, TOI 1/25)

Senior Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Istanbul to discuss a possible resumption of national reconciliation talks, according to sources in Ramallah and Gaza. (TOI, XIN 1/25; NA 1/26)

An Israeli settler rams his car into 2 Palestinians nr. Salfit, killing 1 and injuring the other. Then, Israeli settlers shoot and critically injure a Palestinian in the Tekoa settlement nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly stabs and injures a pregnant Israeli settler. After the attack, the IDF raids the suspect’s home in a village nr. Bethlehem, arresting his son; orders the removal of all Palestinian workers from the Gush Etzion settlement bloc where Tekoa is located. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts further late-night raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, 1 nr. Jenin, ‘Askar r.c. and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c., and in and around Hebron and Nablus, arresting 17 Palestinians; patrols in the Hebron and Ramallah areas. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, damaging 2. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in Shu‘fat when he is found with a knife on his person. In Israel, suspected rightwing Jewish activists vandalize and set fire to a carwash in Petah Tikva because the owner hired Palestinian employees. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/18; JP, MNA, YA 1/19; PCHR 1/21)

The IDF announces that, starting on 1/19, Palestinian laborers will be banned from working at Israeli settlements, citing the incident in Tekoa to justify the ban. The ban will last for 2 days. (HA, TOI 1/18; MNA 1/19)

The EU Foreign Affairs Council adopts a series of “conclusions on the Middle East peace process,” with provisions on Israel’s settlements, restarting peace negotiations, and reaffirming the 11/11/2015 guidelines on labeling products imported from Israel’s settlements. Due to Israeli lobbying over the past week, the final language does not codify a “distinction” between Israel and its settlements. (EUPO, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 1/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 bedouin Palestinian residential structures in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem, displacing 26 bedouins; begin leveling land s. of Bethlehem in preparation for the construction of a military tower. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm r.c., and 1 village each nr. Salfit and Ramallah, arresting 10 Palestinians; patrols in 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police raid the International Comm. of the Red Cross office overnight, arresting 6 Palestinian activists who have been staging a sit-in in protest of the Israeli orders to deport 2 of them. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Silwan; arrest a Palestinian at Haram al-Sharif; arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and al-‘Izzariya. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian bedouin mosque in a so-called unrecognized village in the Negev. (HA, MNA 1/6; PCHR, WAFA 1/7; HA, MNA 1/8; PCHR 1/14)

The Israeli press reports that DM Moshe Ya’alon has approved, in recent weeks, the Gush Etzion settlement’s request to incorporate a nearby property into its municipality. (HA, JP, TOI 1/6)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank and Jerusalem, leading to the deaths of 2 Palestinians. First, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli settler (no Israelis are injured). E. of Tulkarm, an Israeli soldier shoots and kills a Palestinian at a checkpoint, claiming that she attempted to stab him. Finally, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli civilian in West Jerusalem. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian woman each in Hebron, outside a settlement nr. Nablus, and s. of Bethlehem, claiming that the women are carrying knives. A video of the Bethlehem incident will show IDF troops forcing the Palestinian woman to pick up a knife prior to her arrest. Late at night, Israeli troops raid the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian woman accused of planning a stabbing attack outside a nearby settlement earlier in the day. They detain and threaten her family. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA, 12/1; PCHR 12/3)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops chase, shoot, and injure 3 Palestinian youths in Hebron, alleging that they were preparing to throw Molotov cocktails at an IDF post. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, and Dayr ‘Ammar nr. Ramallah, arresting 18 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrol in 8 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes in which 4 Palestinians are injured and an errant tear gas canister causes minor fire damage to a nearby home. E. of Gaza City, IDF border troops open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in al-Tur late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur, arresting 4 Palestinians and shooting tear gas canisters at a Palestinian hospital (several patients suffer burns and tear gas inhalation). Meanwhile, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in the Old City on order from the Israeli authorities. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian apartments in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/1; EI, MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/3)

Stabbing and other small-scale violent incidents continue in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and Israel. In Tel Aviv, 2 Palestinians armed with knives attack a group of Israelis at an office building, killing 2 and injuring 2. Israeli police arrest 1 of the attackers and the other flees. Later, IDF troops raid the Hebron-area home of 1 of the suspects, delivering punitive demolition orders and arresting 3. Nr. Bethlehem, a Palestinian driver opens fire in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 10 settlers and killing 3 others, including a U.S. citizen. Israeli forces shoot at the driver, causing him to crash his car and killing 1 Palestinian bystander in the crossfire; they arrest the driver at the scene. In c. Hebron, Israeli forces fire tear gas and skunk water, blocking a number of Palestinian children from accessing their school, after a Palestinian allegedly throws a tear gas canister at an Israeli checkpoint and injures a soldier. Also, a Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF on 11/11. (HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/19; PCHR 11/26)

Elsewhere, a number of Palestinian municipalities in Israel, including Nazareth, Rahat, and Sakhnin, go on strike in protest of the 11/16 outlawing of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. In the West Bank, IDF troops and stone-throwers clash during raids in Dahaysha r.c. and patrols nr. Jenin, injuring 4 Palestinians and arresting 1, respectively. Israeli forces continue their string of late-night house searches and raids in the Hebron, Ramallah, Jalazun r.c., and Dahaysha r.c. areas, arresting 12 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrol during the day nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers leave racist graffiti and throw stones at Palestinian homes in a village nr. Ramallah late at night, causing minor damage. Israeli forces begin demolishing a synagogue in the Givat Ze’ev settlement nr. Jerusalem, pursuant to the Israeli govt.’s 11/16 compromise with settler leaders (the demolition will be completed by 12/10). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with and violently disperse Palestinians at a checkpoint in Abu Dis, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian; arrest 4 Palestinians on raids in Issawiyya and Jabal Mukabir; assault a Palestinian youth in Ras al-Amud. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 11/19; MNA, TOI 11/20; PCHR 11/26)

Israel’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Unit cmdr. Yoav Mordechai signs an agreement with the PA Minister of Civil Affairs Hassan al-Shaykh to grant Palestinian mobile phone users in the West Bank access to 3G high-speed data services. The new services are expected to be in place by mid-2016. (AP, HA 11/19)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank. Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab a soldier. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in a supermarket in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli settler; open fire on 3 Palestinians after they allegedly evade detention while on their way to work in Israel, injuring 1 and detaining 2. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/28; PCHR 10/29; PCHR 11/5)

As the Israeli crackdown continues across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters in c. Hebron, Aida r.c. and 1 village nr. Bethlehem, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c., injuring 3 Palestinians (2 seriously). Late at night, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in the Tubas, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin areas, arresting 14 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4. In East Jerusalem, MK Basel Ghattas (Joint List) tours Haram al-Sharif, defying Israeli PM Netanyahu’s order for all MKs to avoid the sanctuary (1st reported on 10/8). Israeli forces raid a hospital in al-Tur for the 2d day in a row; arrest 26 Palestinians on raids and patrols in Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. Late at night, Israeli forces raid the home of the Palestinian who was killed on 10/8 after allegedly stabbing an Israeli soldier, and they take measurements and photographs in preparation for a possible punitive demolition. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/28; PCHR 10/29; PCHR 11/5)

Stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue to characterize the ongoing wave of violence in the oPt. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill 2 Palestinians at a bus stop in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc s. of Bethlehem after they allegedly stab and moderately injure an Israeli soldier. Later, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 10/29)

Elsewhere in the oPt, the Israeli crackdown continues. IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones along Gaza’s border and in 3 areas across the West Bank, injuring 32 Palestinians and arresting 8. Israeli forces install a metal gate at the main entrance to a village nr. Ramallah. The Palestinian residents of the village removed the cement blocks that were previously obstructing the entrance earlier in the day. Israeli forces conduct patrols and late-night raids in more than 10 areas across the West Bank, arresting 25 Palestinians. Separately, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars s. of Jenin, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a hospital in al-Tur looking to confiscate medical records and surveillance tapes relating to a Palestinian youth who was treated for a minor bullet wound days ago. Later, Israeli forces raid the Jabal Mukabir homes of 4 Palestinians accused of recent attacks on Israelis, taking pictures and measurements in preparation for possible punitive demolitions; arrest 3 Palestinians allegedly planning knife attacks in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/27; MNA 10/28; PCHR 10/29)

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

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

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

Stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank today. Private Israeli settlement security guards shoot and kill a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Jenin after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Bethlehem. (HA, MNA, YA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting in 3 locations along Gaza’s border and across the West Bank, injuring 117 Palestinians and arresting 3. They also violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, occupation, and recent violence in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Silwad) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 each nr. Jenin and Nablus. Israeli forces destroy around 90 olive trees nr. Qalqilya during a military training exercise. Israeli settlers attack and attempt to stab the head of the Israeli group Rabbis for Human Rights while he is assisting with the Palestinian olive harvest nr. Nablus; attempt to attack the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian who was shot on 10/21 after IDF soldiers thought she was trying to sneak into a settlement. Palestinian stone-throwers in the area ward off the attack. In East Jerusalem, thousands of Palestinians march in a funeral procession through al-‘Izzariya for the Palestinian killed nr. the city on 10/21; Israeli forces then violently disperse the 400-some Palestinian youths that throw stones in the area after the march (27 Palestinians are injured).Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians on late-night raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, al-Thawri, and s. of the Old City. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

New Zealand’s UN envoys distribute to the mbrs. of the UNSC a draft res. encouraging Israel and the Palestinians to undertake confidence-building steps as a prelude to a new round of peace negotiations. (AFP, TOI 10/23; JP, MNA 10/24; HA, TOI 10/28; AP 10/30)

Small-scale violent incidents continue as IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian e. of Jerusalem after he stabs and critically injures an Israeli soldier. The IDF arrests a 2d Palestinian at the scene of the incident and closes a nearby checkpoint, sparking clashes with Palestinian youths in the area; there are no serious injuries. IDF troopsshoot and injure a Palestinian youth nr. Nablus overnight, later alleging that he was trying to sneak into a settlement with a knife. After the incident, Israeli forces set up mobile checkpoints at the entrances to 2 nearby villages. A Palestinian driver rams an Israeli border security officer at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, causing light injuries. Later, IDF troops shoot and injure another Palestinian driver outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Hebron after he rams a group of Israeli soldiers, injuring 5. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Jewish Israeli nr. the Old City of East Jerusalem late at night after he attempts to take a soldier’s weapon and they mistake him for a “Palestinian attacker,” according to the police. Separately, unknown persons fire a rocket from Gaza into s. Israel. It lands in open area, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/21; PCHR 10/29)

The Israeli crackdown continues as well. Israeli forces obstruct the entrance to Ni‘lin village nr. Ramallah with cement blocks for the 2d day in a row; assault and detain a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. Throughout the day, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinian protesters along the border with Gaza, in c. Hebron, nr. Ramallah, and 1 neighborhood in East Jerusalem; 1 Palestinian dies of tear gas inhalation and 4 are injured. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches across East Jerusalem and the West Bank, arresting 58 Palestinians. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles at the entrance of a village nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces set up a new checkpoint between al-Tur and Wadi al-Juz and they remove checkpoints in Wadi al-Juz and Shaykh Jarrah; demolish a livestock farm in Jabal Mukabir. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/21; EI, NYT, PCHR, TOI 10/22; PCHR 10/29)

The Israeli crackdown on the oPt continues amid the ongoing wave of violence. In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolish the Hebron apartment of the Palestinian who stabbed an Israeli woman to death outside the Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem on 11/10/2014. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting w. of Tulkarm and outside a settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 3 Palestinians. The IDF conducts a raid in a village nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured with live ammunition. IDF troops also conduct late-night raids and patrol in other areas across the West Bank, arresting 21 Palestinians, including 1 senior Hamas official on charges related to incitement, and issuing arrest summons to 4. Israeli settlers burn tires and verbally confront Palestinians nr. Salfit. In East Jerusalem, a large group of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces forcibly evict Palestinians from 2 homes in Silwan. The property was allegedly purchased by the Israeli settler association Ateret Cohanim. Later, Israeli forces raid the Jabal Mukabir home of 1 of the Palestinians who attacked a group of Israelis on a bus in East Jerusalem on 10/13 and the Old City home of the Palestinian who attacked a group of Israelis in Tel Aviv on 10/8, taking measurements and preparing for a possible punitive demolition. They also arrest 7 Palestinians on late-night raids in Abu Dis, Ras al-Amud, and Issawiyya. In West Jerusalem, Jewish Israelis attempt to assault a Palestinian man on his way home from work, but his boss intervenes. (HA, MNA 10/19; EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/20; PCHR 10/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the Israeli police to suspend their construction of a concrete barrier in East Jerusalem between Jabal Mukabir and the nearby Israeli settlement East Talpiot, responding to complaints from his cabinet about dividing Jerusalem. The police erected sections of the planned 300 m barrier on 10/18. (HA, TOI 10/19)

Israel’s Foreign Ministry summons the French amb. to Israel to a disciplinary meeting, during which Israeli officials criticize the French plans to push for the UNSC to sponsor an international observer force at Haram al-Sharif, as reported in the French press on 10/17. Meanwhile, U.S. secy. of state Kerry says that the U.S. opposes the French proposal for an international observer force. (HA, JP, TOI 10/19)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers and agricultural areas nr. the border fence, causing damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Jenin, and Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians at a checkpoint nr. Jerusalem and 2 more at an entrance to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to Palestinians in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tubas; demolish a well, a wall, and 10 olive trees in a village nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian woman as she is exiting Haram al-Sharif and 6 youth playing in the sanctuary. They also conduct house searches and raids in al-Jdayra, arresting 4 youth and sparking light clashes; arrest 2 Palestinian youths in Bayt Hanina. Israeli authorities issue demolition orders for 5 Palestinian-owned buildings in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 3/23; MNA 3/24; PCHR 3/26)

Swiss amb. to the PA Paul Garnier visits Gaza to discuss a possible long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. UN Special Coordinator Serry conducted similar meetings in Gaza on 3/2. (MNA 3/23; ALM 4/14)

Fearing that the continued tax revenue freeze could spark an uprising in the West Bank, Senior IDF officers say that the IDF has issued 10,000 permits for Palestinian laborers in the West Bank and has directed its troops to engage in clashes with Palestinian protesters less frequently. (TOI 3/23; YA 3/24)

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough clarifies the Obama admin.’s response to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s campaign rhetoric and subsequent attempts to defend himself from international criticism in a speech at the annual J Street conference. “After the election,” McDonough says, “the PM said that he had not changed his position, but for many in Israel and in the international community, such contradictory comments call into question his commitment to a 2-state solution, as did his suggestion that the construction of settlements has a strategic purpose of dividing Palestinian communities and his claim that conditions in the larger Middle East must be more stable before a Palestinian state can be established.” (YA 3/23; HA, TOI 3/24)

In Geneva, the UNHRC holds its scheduled debate on Israeli violations of Palestinian rights in the oPt. Israel is absent, pursuant to its longtime boycott of the council, but so is the U.S. Israel’s FM denies a Reuters report claiming that the U.S. absence stems from the Obama admin.’s recently announced reassessment of its policy on defending Israel in international institutions. Later, U.S. amb to the UNHRC Keith Harper confirms that the U.S. has joined the Israeli boycott due to the UNHRC’s focus on Israel. (JP, REU, TOI 3/23; JP 3/24)

In Gaza, Israeli authorities close both the Kerem Shalom and the Erez border crossings. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops stationed e. of Gaza City fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers approaching the border fence, causing damage. Later, IDF troops stationed along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian farmers, causing damage to a car but no injuries. They also arrest 2 Palestinians nr. the border fence e. of al-Maghazi r.c. Unknown assailants set fire to a car belonging to the spokesperson of Gaza’s union of civil servants in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron, and in and around Tulkarm; evacuates and demolishes the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 11th time, forcing hundreds of Palestinian and international activists to leave the area and detaining 7. Israeli forces demolish a marble factory nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers poison a Palestinian family’s water tank in Hebron, but it is discovered before anyone is hurt; assault 2 Palestinian farmers outside a town nr. Jenin, injuring both; throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside a village nr. Jenin, causing damage. A Palestinian drives his car into a group of IDF troops in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, injuring 1; the man is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians in Haram al-Sharif. They also conduct house searches and raids in Bayt Hanina, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and al-Tur, arresting 8 Palestinians. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/17; PCHR 3/19)

National elections are held in Israel to determine the makeup of the 20th Knesset. Despite early exit polls predicting a close result, the Likud Party wins 30 seats, making it the largest bloc. During the day, Israeli PM Netanyahu attempts to increase voter turnout among his supporters by saying that Palestinian citizens are voting in “droves” and that their participation will lead to a victory for the left-wing factions. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 3/17; HA, JTA, WAFA 3/18)

The PA announces that it will operate under an emergency budget for 2015 starting on 4/1, as the economic crisis precipitated by Israel’s ongoing tax revenue freeze continues (over $400 m. is currently being withheld). Employees will continue to receive only partial salaries and govt. offices will receive 50% less funding than in 2014. (REU, TOI 3/17)

Reps. of the U.S. and Iran continue their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program for a 2d day in a row and reportedly discuss the open letter that 47 Republican senators sent to Iran’s leaders on 3/9. (AFP, AP, JP, TOI 3/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a junction between Bethlehem and Hebron, later alleging that the man was attempting to steal a car. The IDF raids the home of 2 PA security officers nr. Nablus, and Palestinian officials call it a provocative step. On a late-night arrest raid in Jenin r.c., Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian man with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 4 others, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents and arresting 1 more. Hours after unknown assailants shoot at an Israeli military vehicle nr. Abud village n. of Ramallah, Israeli forces conduct house-to-house raids in the village, fire stun grenades and flares, and shut down a road leading to a nearby monastery. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Salfit and Hebron; demolishes 1 Palestinian home and 2 animal shelters in a village nr. Ramallah; arrests a Palestinian outside the Gush Etzion settlement nr. Bethlehem. Separately, an Israeli settler runs over with his car 2 sheep belonging to a Palestinian nr. Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities reopen the Erez border crossing, having closed it on 1/8. IDF troops e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural land nr. the border fence, causing damage. Dozens of employees of the Hamas-run govt. protest outside the PA unity govt.’s headquarters in Gaza City, calling for their full salaries to be paid for the 1st time since 6/2. In East Jerusalem, unknown Israelis vandalize 11 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Safafa, puncturing tires and leaving racist pricetag graffiti. Israeli forces conduct a house search in al-‘Izzariya, arresting 2 Palestinians. In s. Israel, an Israeli police officer shoots and kills a 22-year-old Palestinian with live ammunition during an arrest raid in Rahat in the Negev, sparking clashes between the police and local Palestinians. Separately, Israeli forces demolish several steel structures in the nearby Palestinian bedouin village al-‘Araqib. This is the 80th time Israeli authorities have ordered demolitions in the village since 2010, when it was 1st targeted. (JP, MEE, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 1/14; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/15; EI 1/16; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23)

Hamas reactivates Gaza’s separate Palestinian Legislative Council and convenes a session of the body, a move that contravenes the national reconciliation deal that was announced on 4/23. No other parties attend the session. The decision comes after 2 weeks of increased tension between Hamas and the PA unity govt. (AFP, MNA, NYT 1/14; MNA 1/15)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with Egyptian pres. al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss Abbas’s proposed resubmission of the draft UNSC res. and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. (MNA, REU, WAFA 1/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif in Geneva to discuss the negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Kerry says he is hoping to “accelerate the process to make greater progress,” but he will not participate in the coming 3 days of bilateral talks or the broader talks between reps. of Iran and the full P5+1 on 1/18. (ALM 1/17)

In the Sinai Peninsula, the Sinai Province of the Islamic State kills 3 bedouins suspected of collaborating with Israel. (MNA 1/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and Israeli soldiers injuring around 30 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. In response to Palestinian youth who were throwing stones and empty bottles at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, IDF troopssurround a school and fire tear gas into its yard, causing no injuries. Israeli forces deliver stop-work notices in 2 villages nr. Hebron, both of which are outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Shortly after, the soldiers clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in the area, dozens of whom suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian man who is suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed on 10/30 by Israeli security forces. They had previously delivered an order to punitively demolish the home on 11/19, but the Israeli High Court of Justice froze the order. They also deliver a demolition order to a 19-person residence in the Old City. Separately, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian children at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 12/15; HA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Rome to discuss the rival draft UNSC res. being prepared by the Palestinians and the French. Netanyahu opposes both, saying, “We will not accept attempts to dictate to us unilateral moves on a limited timetable.” Kerry then meets with French FM Fabius, UK Foreign Secy. Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini in Paris. Separately, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby meets with Fabius in Paris. Fabius hopes to persuade the Palestinians and the Arab League to back the French draft as a compromise, avoiding a U.S. veto. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/15)

Iranian and U.S. diplomats hold bilateral talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program ahead of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on 12/17. The 2 sides agreed to a 7-mo. extension to the talks on 11/24. (AFP 12/15)