The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 6 olive trees west of Ramallah. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized 22 Palestinian-owned vehicles and wrote racist graffiti in Hebrew on walls in Hizma. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Halhul, Bayt Furik, Jalazun refugee camp, and Ramallah. In Gaza, 104 Palestinians were injured during the 82d weekly Great March of Return protest, including 41 by live ammunition. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/8; PCHR 11/14)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot to death after allegedly running toward a checkpoint with a knife near Tulkarm. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum during their weekly anti-settlement protest, causing several tear-gas related injuries; 1 Spanish activist was arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed the Ramallah-Nablus road for hours to allow Israeli settlers to use the road for a marathon. Israeli settlers prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives near Burqa. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Jenin during late-night raids, 1 other Palestinian was summoned for interrogation. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces stormed a wedding party in Sur Bahir, resulting in clashes with some of the attendees. In Gaza, 97 Palestinians were injured during the 79th weekly Great March of Return protest, including 35 from live ammunition, 42 from rubber bullets, and others from tear-gas related injuries. (HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/24)

In Lebanon, for the 2d day in a row, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the Lebanese government’s plans to raise a new tax for WhatsApp calls and the country’s economic crisis. (AJ, AJ 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers picking olives, injuring 1 in Tell. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 was injured by live ammunition, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces at a checkpoint near Barta‘a. Israeli forces raided the headquarters of the Health Work Committees in Ramallah, damaging furniture. Israeli forces also raided the family house of an alleged Palestinian attacker and took measurements for a punitive demolition of the house. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; 2 at a checkpoint in Bayt Furik; and 2 during house raids in Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was detained at the Haram al-Sharif compound; he was banned from entering the compound for 15 days. In Gaza, 71 Palestinians were injured during the 78th Great March of Return protest, including 33 by live ammunition. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/11; PCHR 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscated a water tank in Anata, halted construction for a water well in the northern Jordan Valley, and razed 30 dunams (7.4 acres) of land south of Hebron. 3 Palestinians working on restoring the water well in the Jordan Valley were arrested. Another 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, Qalqilya, Salfit, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Israeli forces also raided a cultural center near Ramallah, confiscating documents. Israeli settlers uprooted 36 olive trees near Burin. 2 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using rubber-coated bullets in separate incidents near checkpoints in Jenin and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian who was injured during the Great March of Return prostest on 4/19 succumbed to his wounds. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 229. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/7; PCHR 10/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 80 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Yasuf near the Israeli settlement Rachelim. Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and al-Ram. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, a Palestinian shot by Israeli forces during the weekly Great March of Return protest on 7/26 died of his wounds. The 23-year-old man was shot in his stomach east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Palestinian-owned vehicles and buildings were damaged by anti-Palestinian graffiti and tire puncturing in Kafr Qasim. (AJ, HA, MDW, WAFA 7/27; WAFA, WAFA 7/28)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian minor is killed and at least 23 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 205. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. 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, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Hebron to mark the 25th anniversary of the 2/25/94 massacre at al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 1 Palestinian is injured. The also disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah (3 Palestinians are injured); arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Jericho; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 200 olive tree seedlings from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Palestinians gather at Haram al-Sharif to protest the recent Israeli incursions at the sanctuary. Ahead of the mid-day prayer, Muslim leaders lead the protesters into the al-Rahma Gate area of the sanctuary for the first time since 2003. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 38 Palestinians in raids across the city. (AP, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; MNA 2/23; PCHR 2/28)

Along Gaza’s border, an Israeli drone bombs a Palestinian motorcycle near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF does not comment on the strike. In the evening, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Rafah to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations, injuring 5 protesters. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 10 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Ras Karkar near Ramallah. Settlers also assault 2 Palestinian shepherds near Hebron and throw stones at a Palestinian school in nearby Urif village, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces fire tear gas at Palestinian students at a school in central Hebron; no serious injuries are reported. It’s unclear why the IDF attacked the school. They also deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in western Hebron; confiscate heavy equipment from a construction site in southern Hebron; and uproot approximately 300 olive tree seedlings from a Palestinian grove north of the city. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians gather outside Haram al-Sharif to protest the recent Israeli incursions at the sanctuary; 4 are arrested when Israeli forces disperse the protests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 60 Palestinians across the city ahead of planned protests at Haram al-Sharif on 2/22. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; HA, JP, MNA, MNA 2/22; PCHR 2/28)

PA minister of finance Shukri Bishara says that the PA intends to pay all its employees on time in the coming months, but that some of the higher salaries might be reduced due to the 2/17 Israeli decision to make deductions from the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA. “We are coming on difficult days in the coming weeks, and we will handle the issue of salaries as wisely and fairly as possible,” he says. Meanwhile, senior Fatah official Mahmoud al-Aloul says that a committee has been formed to put together a list of Israeli products to ban from Palestinian markets in response to the Israeli deductions in tax revenue transfers. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 2/21)

Hosen L’Yisrael Party chair Benny Gantz and Yesh Atid Party chair Yair Lapid announce that they have agreed to run on a joint ticket ahead of the Israeli election on 4/9. Under their agreement, Gantz would serve as prime minister for two and a half years, then Lapid would take over the top job. Gantz is widely seen as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top challenger in the election, and this agreement is expected to strengthen his chances of becoming the next prime minister. (HA, JP, JP, YA 2/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers cut down 2 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s coast, IDF troops violently disperse a few hundred Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return for a 3d day in a row; 1 Palestinian minor is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (1 fisherman is arrested). In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home for the 2d time in Lod. (MNA, WAFA 1/20; MNA, MNA 1/21; PCHR 1/24)

A Qatari diplomat says that the $15 million that was supposed to be transferred to Gaza last week is set to go through this week, following a relatively quiet day of protests on 1/18. “Due to the violence on the border, the Israeli government postponed it,” he says. “The agreement is subject to there not being too much violence, so last Friday they approved to do the third tranche.” (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 1/20)

YNet reports that PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah formally informed U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo that the Palestinians have decided to reject future U.S. financial assistance, including that which supports the PA security forces, in response to the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, which the U.S. passed into law in 10/2018 (see *S. 2946 of 5/24/18 at congressionalmonitor.org for details). That law, which is set to go into effect at the end of the month, forced the Palestinians to either accept future U.S. aid or open themselves up to terrorism lawsuits from individual U.S. citizens, inter alia. (JP, TOI, YA 1/20)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu lands in Chad to renew the diplomatic ties between Israel and Chad that were severed in 1972. At a joint press conference with Netanyahu, Chad’s President Idriss Déby says, ‘The purpose of your visit is to bring our two countries closer and to cooperate.” Netanyahu calls it the renewal of ties a “breakthrough” and a sign of Israel’s “rising standing” in the Muslim world. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI 1/20)

After unverified reports of Syrian air defenses intercepting an Israeli air strike near Damascus, several ground-to-ground projectiles are fired from Syria into northern Israel. They are all intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Late at night, Israeli forces strike approximately 10 government weapons depots, intelligence sites, and other targets in Syria, killing 21 people, including 12 member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. An IDF spokesperson says that Iranian forces were responsible for the projectile launched into Israel earlier in the day. “This was planned in advance as an attempt to deter us from continuing to act against them,” he says. (HA, JP, TOI, YA, YA 1/20; JP, TOI 1/21; HA 1/22)

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

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

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

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

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in central Hebron after he stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Nablus when he is found to be in possession of a knife. They conduct overnight raids in Tulkarm, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries reported. They arrest 6 Palestinians on further raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli forces raze 14 dunams (approximately 3.4 acres) of Palestinian land outside Hebron, uprooting approximately 320 olive and almond trees and demolishing 3 water wells. They uproot an additional 60 olive and orange saplings from Palestinian land near Jericho. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 7 Palestinian-owned vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Marda village near Salfit overnight. Along Gaza’s border overnight, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians setting fire to tires, lighting fireworks, and otherwise continuing the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 4 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops stationed along the border fence and Israeli naval forces disperse the demonstrations; 46 Palestinians are injured (4 seriously). Israeli firefighters put out 3 fires in open areas near Ashqelon that were reportedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). (HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/22; MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/25)

A senior IDF officer says that the IDF recently identified a new Hezbollah observation post built to look like an environmental NGO site along the Israel-Lebanon border. It is the 6th such site the IDF has identified this year. “Hezbollah is building military infrastructure along the border with its men moving there armed when they are watching the Israeli border,” the officer says. “This is military infrastructure in civilian guise.” A UNIFIL spokesperson responds, rejecting Israel’s claim that there are armed forces in border zone. “UNIFIL has not observed any unauthorized armed persons at the locations or found any basis to report a violation of [UNSC] Resolution 1701 but continues to monitor activities closely.”  (HA, JP, TOI 10/22)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says that Jordan has no plans to negotiate with Israel over the 2 pieces of land that were leased to Israel for 25 years in the context of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty (Jordan’s King Abdullah announced plans not to renew those leases on 10/21). “We are a country with international standing,” he says. “We acted by the letter of the law and we have the tools to protect our interests.” (HA, TOI 10/22)

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)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a junction near Salfit after he allegedly attempts to stab several of the soldiers. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers flood with wastewater parts of Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Later, Palestinian and international solidarity activists block the roads leading into the village, sparking clashes with the Israeli forces attempting to prepare for the demolitions; 7 Palestinians are injured and 4 activists are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in al-Lubban near Nablus to protest the recent closure of the village’s school; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 20 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Nablus and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian harvesting olives near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing offshore in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade; at least 24 Palestinians are injured. Separately, an Israeli aircraft bombs a Hamas post near Rafah after 2 Palestinians detonate a small explosive along the border fence in the area, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif, performing prayers with an Israeli police escort. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/15; MNA, MNA 10/16; PCHR 10/18)

In response to the recent threats of a full-scale IDF operation in Gaza, Hamas puts out a statement: “The threats serve as an incentive for increased participation in the Great March of Return, its continuity and its development.” (JP 10/15)

The Australian press reports that Australian prime minister Scott Morrison recently told Israeli prime minister Netanyahu that he is considering following the U.S. lead and moving the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. “I am saying I’m open to considering it,” Morrison reportedly said. (HA, HA, YA 10/15)

The Syrian authorities re-open the Qunaytra border crossing in the Golan Heights, allowing UN peacekeepers to travel between Israel and Syria for the first time in 4 years. The Syrian army recaptured the territory surrounding the crossing in 7/2018. (AP, HA, TOI, YA 10/15)

An Israeli drone bombs a site east of Bayt Hanun in Gaza in the evening, moderately injuring 1 Palestinian. An IDF spokesperson says that the strike targeted a group of Palestinians who were throwing firebombs across the border fence into Israel earlier in the day. Separately, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a Great March of Return tent camp near Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot or otherwise destroy approximately 370 grape vines and 30 olive trees outside al-Khadir village near Bethlehem, 50 olive tree saplings outside Tell village near Nablus, 22 olive trees from a grove near Qalqilya, and 100 olive trees outside al-Mughayyir near Ramallah. Separately, an Israeli settler driver runs over 2 Palestinians near Qalqilya, injuring both. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers uproot dozens of Palestinian trees in Silwan. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Abu Dis. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; MNA, MNA, MNA 10/15; PCHR 10/18)

Amid escalating violence along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that if the attacks from Gaza don’t stop, Israel will offer a “different” response. “Hamas apparently didn’t get the message,” he says, referring to the last round of Israeli air strikes in Gaza. “If they don’t stop the attacks against us, they will be stopped in a different way and it will be painful—very painful.” Later, Israel’s security cabinet reportedly decides to wait and see if Hamas will heed Netanyahu’s warning before ordering a broader assault on Gaza. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI, YA 10/14; MNA 10/15)

The Israeli cabinet approves NIS 22 million (approximately $6.1 million) to expand the Israeli settlements in Hebron. The plan calls for the construction of 31 housing units, 2 new kindergartens, a daycare center, and a public park on the site of a former IDF post. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian residential structures and confiscate solar panels from Khirbet al-Halawa near Hebron. They also deliver stop-work orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction near Hebron; patrol near Nablus and Hebron; and arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm and Nablus. Israeli settlers uproot approximately 40 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Dayr al-Balah to continue the Great March of Return; 5 Palestinians are injured. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Abu Dis. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; MNA 10/10; PCHR 10/11)

The first shipment of Qatari-funded diesel fuel—450,000 liters on 6 trucks—enters Gaza to supply the region’s only power plant. The shipment was previously blocked on 10/4, allegedly due to PA president Abbas’s interference, and it is reportedly going forward today without PA approval. A UN spokesperson says that 7 more truckloads of fuel are set to enter Gaza on 10/10, with the goal of 15 truckloads entering per day. “In addition to other long-term efforts underway to increase the energy supply, additional fuel for the Gaza Power Plant remains the fastest and most immediate way to increase electricity and help alleviate the humanitarian and related public health needs on the ground,” the spokesperson says. Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu blames PA president Mahmoud Abbas for “suffocating” Gaza. “I am trying to find a solution that will restore quiet and security,” he says. “I am not interested in getting into needless wars.” A Hamas spokesperson rejects allegations that Hamas will benefit from the $60 million that Qatar recently pledged to support Gaza. “The funds that came from Qatar through international associations are directed to the Gaza power plant in a move to partially ease [the burden] on Gazans in terms of electricity,” he says. “Hamas has absolutely nothing to do with the money.” (MNA, HA, HA, JP, TOI, YA 10/9)

A U.S. State Department spokesperson comments on the case of U.S.-Palestinian student Lara Alqasem, who the Israeli authorities denied entry to Israel and have detained since 10/2. “We are aware of her case. Our embassy is providing consular access as we would to all American citizens,” she says. “Ultimately it is up to the government of Israel to decide who it wants to let into the country.” Later, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan says he would reconsider allowing Alqasem entry if she publicly condemns the BDS movement. (HA, HA, TOI 10/9) 

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for an 8th day in a row. IDF troops violently disperse them near al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 100 are injured (1 critically). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 157. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar and Bil‘in) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 14 Palestinians are injured and 10 olive trees are damaged. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian minor in Hebron, causing serious injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/21; MNA 9/22; PCHR 9/27)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City. One Palestinian is killed and at least 141 are injured, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 130. On the other side of the border fence, approximately 4,000 Israelis gather to call for the return of the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to dozens of olive and almond trees outside ‘Urif village near Nablus while their IDF escort performs raids in Palestinian homes on the outskirts of the village, sparking clashes with residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. Settlers also start fires in 3 locations outside nearby Burin village, causing moderate damage. The settlers later accuse Palestinians of starting the fires. IDF troops patrol near Salfit and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Islamic Waqf staff perform repair work on an area of Haram al-Sharif that Israeli police reportedly damaged recently. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/6; MNA, WAFA 7/7; PCHR 7/12)

After Israel’s High Court of Justice froze the demolition orders for Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, on 7/5, hundreds of Palestinians perform Friday prayers in the village in solidarity with the residents. (WAFA 7/6)

After 26 fires break out in Israeli farmland near Gaza, the IAF conducts air strikes on 2 sites allegedly used as staging areas for incendiary kite and balloon attacks in Gaza City and 2 in al-Bureij refugee camp, destroying a vehicle and injuring 3 Palestinians (1 critically). In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids near Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, and Tubas; and patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers torch approximately 300 olive trees in Palestinian farmland near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud, al-‘Izzariya, al-Ram, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and al-Suwana. (HA, YA 6/24; MNA 6/25; PCHR 6/28)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 6/22. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 125. (HA, TOI, WAFA 6/24)

In an interview with the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds, U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner says that he is ready to work with PA president Abbas, but questions Abbas’s commitment and ability to reach a peace agreement with Israel. “He has his talking points which have not changed in the last 25 years. There has been no peace deal achieved in that time.” The interview is seen as an attempt by Kushner to speak directly to the Palestinian people and to pressure Abbas into reengaging with the Trump administration’s peace efforts. PLO secretary-general Erakat says that Kushner’s comments highlight the Trump administration’s “refusal to talk substance, to mention Palestinian rights or a Palestinian state.” (AJ HA, JP, NYT, REU 6/24)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Bayt Lahiya, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 78 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the camp (1 IDF soldier is injured). The IDF also violently disperses Palestinians gathering at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (8 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist); arrests 3 Palestinians during raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrols in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian olive grove near Nablus, causing moderate damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/28)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Israel. They discuss the long-awaited U.S. peace plan and the situation in Gaza. According to the White House, they discuss ways “the humanitarian situation in Gaza can be alleviated, while maintaining Israel’s security.” (HA, TOI 6/22)

Along Gaza’s border fence, an IDF drone fires a missile at Palestinian youths near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. The Palestinians were reportedly preparing incendiary kites and balloons to fly into Israel. Later, the IAF conducts another air strike on unspecified “infrastructure” near the site of the initial attack. Separately, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland along the border fence, causing no damage. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chop down approximately 200 olive trees and grapevines on Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem. The site is not far from Netiv Ha’avot, the illegal Israeli settlement outpost that was evacuated earlier this week. IDF troops patrol near Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/14; YA 6/15; PCHR 6/21)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 6/8, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 122. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/21)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for the 5th consecutive Friday. This week’s protests, dubbed the “Friday of Rebellious Youth,” are dedicated to the 37 Palestinians killed since the March began on 3/30. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations in multiple locations; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 150 are injured. After hours of Israeli sniper fire, the IDF considerably escalates its crackdown on the protests with artillery shelling and air strikes on 6 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage and injuring 4 Palestinians. An IDF spokesperson later says the strikes were a response to the “terrorist actions and extensive attempts to breach Israeli territory earlier today.” In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers slash the tires of a number of Palestinian vehicles near Nablus overnight, and chop down 12 olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside ‘Urif near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with stonethrowing Palestinians in al-‘Izzariya; 1 Palestinian is arrested and 1 is wounded. A Palestinian demolishes his own car park in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; YA 4/28; PCHR 5/3)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands near al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 130 Palestinian olive trees outside the Jordan Valley village of Bardala. Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in a car near Hebron. It’s unclear why they opened fire. The IDF also arrests 2 Palestinians during latenight raids in Qalqilya and near Bethlehem, and patrols near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 3 Palestinian cars and leave racist graffiti on a 4th in Jalud village near Nablus. Unidentified Israelis then set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles south of Nazareth in the 2d price-tag attack of the day. (HA, JP, WAFA 4/25; PCHR, WAFA 4/26; PCHR 5/3)

A Palestinian journalist succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protests along Gaza’s border on 4/13, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 37. He is the 2d journalist killed since the protests began on 3/30. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/25; PCHR 4/26)