The Palestine Chronology

After a relatively calm day in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts dozens of air strikes on Hamas sites near Rafah and Khan Yunis late at night, causing extensive damage. The IDF says that the strikes were retaliation for previously unreported incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel earlier in the day. A senior Palestinian official says that the IAF has destroyed 30 residential buildings and damaged at least 500 others since the recent campaign of air strikes began on 3/25. After the air strikes resume, unidentified Gazans fire a projectile into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. A number of protesters sneak across the border fence and set fire to an IDF post before returning to Gaza. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations, injuring 1 Palestinian minor. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to enter 2 Palestinian elementary schools in Tuqu‘ village near Bethlehem. Palestinian teachers and staff block them, but they are forced to dismiss their students early. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah; arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during further raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/27; PCHR 3/28)

A senior Israeli official says that despite the reports of an Egypt- and UN-brokered cease-fire late last night, the Israeli assault on Gaza that began on 3/25 is “not over.” The official also says that the IDF struck “very harsh blows” on Hamas. “We’re ready to deal even more.” Separately, Palestinian sources in Gaza say that the Israelis are demanding an end to all resistance activities along the border fence, including the planned Great March of Return protest this Friday, in exchange for a cease-fire. (HA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/26)

Late at night, unidentified Palestinians launch a projectile from Gaza into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area. Gazans also fly 2 explosive devices into southern Israel using kites and balloons. Neither incident causes and damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force retaliates with air strikes targeting Hamas sites across Gaza, causing extensive damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border fence late at night to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. In Israel, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Qalanswe to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (TOI, TOI 3/6; HA, HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/7; PCHR 3/7; PCHR 3/14)

One day after an Egyptian delegation arrived in Gaza to help ease the escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, a senior Hamas official says, “I think the Israeli side is also not interested in war on the eve of elections.” The delegation is reportedly discussing a possible cease-fire agreement, under which the Israeli authorities would increase humanitarian aid to Gaza in exchange for calm along the border fence. “The Egyptian delegation is doing everything it can to lower tension and prevent war in the Gaza Strip,” the official adds. (MNA, JP 3/6)

Indonesia announces a $1 million pledge to support UNRWA. “Palestine is at the heart of Indonesia’s foreign policy, and in the heart of Indonesian people,” a senior Indonesian official says. (MNA, WAFA 3/6)