The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian youth in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. Israeli settlers block the main highway between Nablus and Ramallah, following the stone-throwing incident in the area on 4/28. IDF troops conduct raids in Jenin r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents: 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during further raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Dayr al-Balah, and also open fire on agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (MNA, WAFA 4/30; HA 5/1; PCHR 5/4)

Employees of the Palestinian telecom companies Jawwal and Paltel organize a sit-in in Ramallah in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who have been observing the Dignity Strike since 4/17. IDF troops fire tear gas canisters at a group of Palestinians holding a similar sit-in nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 4/30; MNA 5/1)

Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their homes on the outskirts of ‘Urif village nr. Nablus, injuring 1 homeowner and sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops patrol in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya (2 protesters are injured); arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Tulkarm, Nablus, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/29)

The Israeli authorities shut down border crossings to and from the West Bank and Gaza Strip this evening, with an exception for humanitarian cases. They plan to keep the crossings closed until 5/2, Israel’s Independence Day. (MNA, TOI 4/29; HA, JP 4/30; PCHR 5/4)

Approximately 100 Palestinian prisoners join the Dignity Strike that 1,500 of their fellow hunger-striking prisoners declared on 4/17 (the IPS says that there are only around 1,200 participating). Meanwhile, Israeli forces forcibly disperse Palestinians holding a sit-in in c. Bethlehem in solidarity with the prisoners. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate later says that 13 journalists were injured covering the sit-in. (MNA, 4/29; MNA 4/30)

Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists gather across the West Bank to mark a “Day Of Rage” in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/16. IDF troops violently disperse protests outside Ofer Prison nr. Nablus, at the Qalandia checkpoint, and in and around Hebron; tens of Palestinians are injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles outside Sinjil village nr. Ramallah, causing minor damage. The IDF then detains a number of Palestinians and confiscates 12 vehicles in the village. IDF troops patrol nr. Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians on late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/28; PCHR 5/4)

Israel’s Construction Minister Yoav Galant says that plans to build 25,000 new homes in Jerusalem, including 15,000 outside the pre1967 armistice lines, are back on the table. The plans were suspended while Obama was U.S. pres., and some Israeli officials say that a formal announcement may coincide with U.S. pres. Trump’s proposed visit to Israel in late 5/2017. (JP, TOI 4/28)

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces that the State Dept. has approved a “possible foreign military sale” of 13 76mm naval guns and a variety of naval maintenance tools to Israel for an estimated price of $440 m. “This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the press release reads. (JP 4/29)

Israeli forces shell a Hamas military post along Gaza’s border nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries, in response to shots fired at an IDF patrol in the area earlier in the day. In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youths from nearby Balata r.c.; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin and damage his car. Israeli forces demolish water pipelines serving Bardala village in the n. Jordan Valley as well as 3 structures in illegal settlement outposts nr. Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; PCHR 5/4)

Public and private Palestinian institutions across the West Bank and Gaza observe a general strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/17. Approximately 500 mbrs. of PIJ declare a 1-day hunger strike in solidarity as well. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian protesters marching through al-Bireh in solidarity with the prisoners; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians at a sit-in in Issawiyya and a solidarity march in Shu‘fat r.c.; there are no serious injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; MNA 4/28)

The PA informs the Israeli govt. that it will no longer be paying for the electricity that Israel supplies to the Gaza Strip, marking a major change in the PA’s policy toward Hamas’s control over Gaza. The move comes amid an escalating electricity shortage in Gaza, and also follows reports that PA pres. Abbas has been planning to increase pressure on Hamas to give up control of the Gaza Strip. The PA generally pays Israel about NIS 40 m. (approx. $11 m.) per mo. to provide Gaza with around 30% of the electricity it requires. Israel takes the electricity fees out of the taxes it collects on behalf of the PA. Meanwhile, UN coordinator for humanitarian aid and development activities Robert Piper approves the release of $500,000 to buy emergency power for hospitals in the Gaza Strip. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/27)

Five missiles strike ammunition depots nr. the Damascus International Airport overnight, causing damage but no reported injuries. Syria’s official news agency blames Israel for the strike. The IDF does not comment. Later in the day, Israeli forces shoot down an unmanned aircraft that flew into Israeli airspace from Syria. (HA, JP, NYT 4/27)

IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian youth at the Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Meanwhile, a Palestinian vehicle is found burned and vandalized outside nearby Huwwara village. It was presumably the target of an overnight price-tag attack. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops set up mobile checkpoints and fire stun grenades in Kifl Haris village nr. Salfit to clear the way for Israeli settlers to visit a Jewish holy site in the area. They also arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in c. Hebron when she is allegedly found to be carrying a knife, arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Tubas, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. The Israeli authorities shut down an event entitled “Palestine under the Israeli Culture of Incitement,” because to the planned participation of some low-level PA officials. 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, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In Gaza, 2 PIJ fighters are injured in an accident at a “resistance post,” according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry (1 critically). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/26; MNA, PCHR 4/27; PCHR 5/4)

Two Palestinian children are killed when they accidentally trigger a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in al-Zarnuq village nr. Beersheba. Elsewhere in Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 112th time since 2010. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperses Palestinians gathering outside Qalandia r.c. in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike since 4/17 (the Dignity Strike); 4 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian outside Huwwara village nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. They also conduct raids in Rumana nr. Jenin and Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in each; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during further raids nr. Nablus and Hebron, and patrols nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish several structures in the Jenin-area village of ‘Araba and 6 food stands in Ni‘lin nr. Ramallah. Israeli settlers set 100 Palestinian olive trees on fire outside Bayt Tamir nr. Bethlehem. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/25; PCHR 4/27)

Israel’s Housing Ministry has revived plans for the construction of 10,000 housing units in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank nr. Qalandia, according to a report today in Haaretz. The Israeli press says that the construction was approved years ago, but later frozen because of pressure from former U.S. pres. Barack Obama. The plans are reportedly to be unveiled in 5/2017. (HA, TOI 4/25; WAFA 4/26)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers raze a small plot of Palestinian agricultural land outside al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are injured in an accidental explosion at a Hamas military site. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/24; TOI 4/26; PCHR 4/27)

The Jerusalem Municipality files for public review of a plan to confiscate 1,300 m2 nr. Haram al-Sharif to build a visitor center. The Israeli NGO Peace Now will report on the plan on 4/25, saying that “dragged by settler organizations, the Israeli govt. is willing to go out of its way to approve this sensitive plan through a highly unusual procedure.” (MNA 4/25; PCN 4/25)

A West Bank Palestinian stabs and injures 4 people in Tel Aviv before the Israeli police arrest him. Hours after the attack, COGAT suspends single-day work permits granted to various organizations and groups to allow Palestinians to enter Israel and begins an investigation into the matter. The alleged attacker hailed from Nablus and obtained one such permit from a group called Natural Peace Tours, which facilitates relationships between individual Israelis and Palestinians. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF shuts down the main entrance to a group of villages nr. Ramallah. It’s unclear what prompted the closure. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes sparked by reports of stone throwing in Kafr Malik village nr. Ramallah; establish mobile checkpoints outside Bayt Umar, sparking further clashes (there are no serious injuries). Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Silwan. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams and injures 2 Palestinian youths s. of the city, sparking minor clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the area; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/23; PCHR 4/27)

The International Comm. of the Red Cross (ICRC) announces that it may consider the Palestinian prisoners’ demand for increased family visits, which they made in the context of the Dignity Strike. The ICRC used to coordinate 2 family visits per prisoner per mo. In 5/2016, however, the organization reduced the monthly visits to 1 due to an increased number of “no-shows” on the part of the families, according to an ICRC spokesperson. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching from c. Ramallah to the Beit El checkpoint in solidarity with the prisoners; 3 Palestinians are injured. (TOI 4/23)

Israeli forces launch an air strike on a proSyrian govt. militia group nr. Qunaytra in the Golan Heights, killing 3 soldiers, according to a statement from the group. The IDF does not comment on the strike. (HA, JP, TOI 4/23)

Approximately 100 Israeli settlers smash windows and attempt to break into a home in ‘Urif village nr. Nablus before Palestinian residents of the village force them away. IDF troops then violently disperse the residents of ‘Urif; 4 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are injured. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles in nearby Huwwara, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian and causing no serious damage. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 11 Palestinians and issues 4 arrest summons during raids in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure 1 Palestinian during a violent raid in al-Issawiyya late at night. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/22; JP, MNA, TOI 4/23; PCHR 4/27)

A group of Fatah-affiliated prisoners in Israel’s Ramon Prison join the Dignity Strike that approx. 1,500 prisoners declared on 4/17. The IPS moves several PFLP leaders to solitary confinement. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather across Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank to demonstrate in solidarity with the prisoners. Israeli police violently suppress protests in Silwan; 1 Palestinian is injured. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA 4/22; JP, TOI 4/23)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements, and in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem; at least 9 Palestinians and 1 Israeli activist are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid in Beit Sahour, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli settlers assault a group of international solidarity activists accompanying Palestinian shepherds nr. Ramallah, causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Juhur al-Dik, causing no injuries, and on Palestinian agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/21; PCHR 4/27)

The Israeli authorities re-open the Taba border crossing, allowing Israeli citizens to cross into Egypt by land for the first time since 4/10. However, Israel’s counterterrorism bureau warns, “the threat to Israelis in Sinai remains serious, concrete, and imminent.” (HA, JP, TOI 4/21)

Three projectiles fired from inside Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no serious damage or injuries. The IDF “target[s]” the source of the attacks, but a spokesperson does not say how and it is not reported in the media. (JP, MNA 4/21; HA 4/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering outside Ofer Prison in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike; 1 protester is injured. Later, a number of Israeli settlers hold a barbeque outside the prison to taunt the hunger strikers. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids nr. Jericho and in Hebron, and patrol nr. Ramallah during the day. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian youth nr. Bethlehem, moderately injuring her. Late at night, hundreds of settlers visit a Jewish holy site nr. Salfit. Their IDF escort had established checkpoints prior to the visit, blocking Palestinian traffic in the area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian students; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home under construction in the Bedouin village al-Sayyid. (MNA, WAFA 4/20; JP, MNA 4/21)

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)

The Israel Prison Service (IPS) suspends the family visitation rights of the Palestinian prisoners who went on hunger strike on 4/17. IPS has also reportedly confiscated the phones, clothes, and sheets of 7 prisoners who joined the strike; and denied lawyer Jawad Boulus’s request to visit his client Marwan Barghouti, the Fatah leader who is credited with organizing the strike and who is being held in solitary confinement. Meanwhile, dozens of Fatah supporters set up a tent in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem to show solidarity with the prisoners. Palestinian citizens of Israel set up a similar tent in Umm al-Fahm, and a Palestinian family in Salfit goes on hunger strike in solidarity with their imprisoned relatives. (JP, MNA, WAFA 4/18)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 residential trailers in Jabal Mukabir. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol nr. the city throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no major damage. (MNA, PCHR 4/20)

Marking Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, approx. 1,500 Palestinian prisoners embark on a mass hunger strike organized by Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti under the banner of “freedom and dignity”. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and East Jerusalem to mark Palestinian Prisoners’ Day and show solidarity with the hunger strikers. Israeli forces violently disperse protests outside the Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah, in Bethlehem, and in Abu Dis and al-‘Izzariya, arresting 4 Palestinians and injuring at least 11. (EI, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA 4/17; MNA 4/18)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel collapse along Gaza’s border. No details about his death are made public. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid 2 bookstores in Hebron overnight, confiscating materials and sealing them off in response to alleged incitement. The IDF also shuts down the entrances to Tell village s. of Nablus, following reports of stone throwing in the area; arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah, and patrols during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/17; WAFA 4/19; PCHR 4/20)

Gaza’s sole power plant runs out of fuel for the 2d time this year, plunging the region into a renewed power cut crisis. As a result, GEDCO will only be able to distribute 133 MW of power per day, far less than the 450–500 needed. (AFP, TOI 4/16)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities ban 12 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for 80 days (they have now banned more than 50 Palestinians from the sanctuary in recent weeks). Meanwhile, 517 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; 3 are arrested for praying. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Qutna. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; PCHR 4/20)

PASF troops temporarily detain 2 undercover Israeli soldiers conducting a raid in Nablus. They are released hours later. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at a protest in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Burin village nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 4/15; HA 4/16; PCHR 4/20)

Israeli forces arrest a mentally unstable Palestinian after he stabs and kills a UK woman on the Jerusalem Light Rail nr. the Old City. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 4 Muslim worshippers when they attempt to stop Jewish settlers from praying at Haram alSharif. They arrest 10 more as they are exiting the sanctuary, and also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Nabi Salih after he is found to be carrying a knife. Meanwhile, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and withholding of Palestinian corpses in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also establish a mobile checkpoint e. of Tubas, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Juhur al-Dik and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/20)

The Israeli authorities open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow fuel to enter Gaza. They closed the crossing for Passover on 4/9, and are set to shut it down again from 4/15 through 4/17. (MNA 4/14)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) temporarily cuts off power throughout the region in protest of “unfair measures” imposed on the people of Gaza, including the reduction of former PA employees’ salaries. (MNA 4/14)

IDF troops conduct raids in Abu Dis nr. Jerusalem, sparking clashes with students at Al-Quds University; 6 students are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Silwad home of the family of the Palestinian driver who allegedly rammed and killed an Israeli on 4/6. They confiscate NIS 85,000 (approx. $23,000) and a vehicle during raids nr. Jenin; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis and arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and again nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 7 Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif for periods as long as 6 mos. (They have banned more than 40 Palestinians from the sanctuary in the past few weeks.) Meanwhile, 385 Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary; when a handful of them perform religious rites, guards escort them from the area. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/13; PCHR 4/20)

PA pres. Abbas says that he may take “unprecedented steps” to end the Hamas-Fatah rivalry that prevents the PA from taking control of Gaza. “These days, we are in a dangerous and tough situation that requires decisive steps, and we are [ready] to take these decisive steps. Therefore, we are going to take unprecedented steps in the coming days to end the division,” he says. Some analysts say that Abbas’s moves come in response to Hamas’s 3/16 announcement of the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. (TOI 4/13)

The Gaza-based Ministry of Interior announces that it will begin accepting applications for jobs in the security forces from female Palestinians. The change in policy marks the first time females will be hired as security forces since 2014. (MNA 4/13)

In Beijing, PA FM al-Maliki calls on China to play a more active role in the Palestinian peace effort, including support for Palestinian initiatives in international forums. China’s FM Wang Yi says that the fact that the Palestinians do not have a sovereign state yet is a “terrible injustice.” (HA, REU, WAFA 4/13)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls on the Egyptian govt. to “immediately disclose” whether or not it is detaining the 4 Palestinian men, all reportedly Hamas affiliates from Gaza, who were abducted on 8/19/2015 as they traveled by bus from the Rafah border crossing to Cairo. HRW says that Al Jazeera published a photograph purporting to show 2 of the men in a Cairo facility in 8/2016. The report reads, “incommunicado detention violates basic protections for both civilians and fighters under Egypt’s code of criminal procedure, which requires authorities to bring criminal suspects in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours and prosecutors to charge the detainee based on evidence or release the person immediately. It also violates international law, which requires that all detainees, regardless of their particular status, be brought ‘promptly’ (i.e., within days) before a judicial officer or equivalent to review the legality and necessity of their detention.” (HRW 4/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. (PCHR 4/13; PCHR 4/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 18 olive trees nr. Salfit to clear space for the construction of a new water supply network for nearby settlements. IDF troops patrol in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, more than 40 Palestinians banned from Haram al-Sharif gather outside the sanctuary in protest while approx. 300 rightwing Jewish activists tour the area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Rafah. (MNA, WAFA 4/11; MNA 4/12; PCHR 4/13)

In the West Bank, the IDF temporarily shuts down all entrances into Hebron around midday without providing an official reason. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at a settlement nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit. Israeli settlers uproot 310 olive trees outside Mukhmas village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search Haram al-Sharif after arresting a Palestinian outside the sanctuary; and arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 4/10; MNA 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jalazun r.c. on 3/23. (EI, MNA, WAFA 4/10; PCHR 4/13)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State fighters fire a rocket from the n. Sinai Peninsula into s. Israel, which hits a greenhouse in the Eshkol region, causing no serious damage or injuries. The launch comes hours after Israeli authorities announced the closure of the Taba border crossing from Israel to Egypt over suspicions about such an attack. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 4/10)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will be sending a high-level delegation to Washington in 2 weeks to prepare for PA pres. Abbas’s meeting with U.S. pres. Trump on 5/3. “The main goal here is to reach understandings that would make the president’s visit a success . . . with positive results that would serve the Palestinian cause,” he says. (WAFA 4/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops ransack and shut down a Palestinian metal workshop nr. Hebron. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. In Gaza, interior ministry security forces raid the PLO office in Gaza City, conducting a search for undisclosed reasons. (MNA, WAFA 4/9)

Thousands of PA employees in Gaza gather in Gaza City to protest the PA’s recent decision to cut their salaries by at least 30%. (The cuts were not made public until 4/4) In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids across the city, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing orders banning 30 others from Haram al-Sharif for periods ranging from 15 days to 6 mos. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate building materials from a workshop and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron. (MNA, TOI 4/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/9; PCHR 4/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams 2 Palestinians outside Hebron, causing minor injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian family’s flock in the n. Jordan Valley, killing 1 sheep and injuring a goat. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. (MNA 4/7; HA 4/10; PCHR 4/13)

The Israeli authorities announce that they will be closing crossings to and from the West Bank and Gaza during the upcoming Passover holiday. The closure will last from midnight on 4/9 until midnight on 4/17, and only exceptional cases will be allowed to exit the territories, including humanitarian situations and Palestinian Christians hoping to enter Jerusalem to celebrate Easter. (JP, TOI 4/7; MNA 4/8; JP 4/9; TOI 4/10)

A Palestinian driver allegedly rams his car into 2 IDF troops at Ofra junction nr. Ramallah, killing 1 and injuring the other. IDF troops open fire on the vehicle, injuring the driver. The IDF then freezes the work permits of the driver’s family and, late at night, raids the Silwad homes of some other relatives, detaining 4. Israeli soldiers also measure the driver’s home, threatening punitive demolition. Israeli settlers, meanwhile, congregate on a road nr. the site of the alleged ramming, calling for revenge and blocking traffic. Elsewhere in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an IDF post nr. Ramallah late at night, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct 2 limited incursions to level land nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/13)

Hamas executes 3 Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel outside a police compound in Gaza City. They were sentenced to death mos. ago, long before the killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24 and the ensuing investigation. (AP, JP, MNA, TOI 4/6)

The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza lifts the restrictions on the Erez border crossing, the Rafah border crossing, and Palestinian fishermen that it imposed on 3/26 in the wake of the 3/24 killing of Fuqaha. (JP, MNA 4/6; MNA 4/7)

IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 1 Palestinian is critically injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces raze around 100 dunams (approx. 25 acres) of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Bethlehem and demolish 3 residential structures and 4 tents nr. Salfit. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces ban 2 Islamic Waqf guards from Haram al-Sharif for 6 mos., and 3 other Palestinians from the sanctuary for 3 mos. They don’t give a reason for the bans. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Shu‘fat r.c. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces spray pesticides on Palestinian agricultural areas nr. Khan Yunis for the 2d day in a row; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Jabaliya r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 111th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/5; JP 4/11; PCHR 4/13)

The Israeli govt. and PA sign an agreement to allow Palestinian mobile service providers to offer 3G to their customers in the oPt. The IDF’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) releases a statement explaining that the deal is meant to strengthen the Palestinian economy. Prior to today’s agreement, the Israeli authorities were barring Palestinian companies from offering 3G due to security concerns. In 11/2015, Israel and the PA signed a similar agreement to enable 3G access in the oPt, but it was never implemented. (MNA 4/5)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 apartment buildings, an agricultural shed, and 5 retaining walls in al-Za’ayem village on the outskirts of the city. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Sheikh Jarrah, Qalandia r.c., and al-Tur. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Bayt Hanina to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian mobile home nr. Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes and agricultural land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli drones spray pesticides on Palestinian lands nearby. (MNA, WAFA 4/4; HA 4/5; PCHR 4/6)

A Hamas spokesperson calls on alleged Palestinian collaborators with Israel to give up information relating to the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Fuqaha. Hamas is giving alleged collaborators a week, starting today, to come forward in exchange for “full legal and physical protections, as well as a discreet undertaking of the matter.” The spokesperson calls it a “week of repentance.” (JP, MNA 4/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uproot 150 olive trees nr. Salfit because they were “damaging the natural view and values of the [nearby] natural resort,” according to an IDF spokesperson. IDF troops also arrest 12 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah. During a raid in Jalazun r. c., Palestinian youths throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, sparking minor clashes; 3 Palestinians are arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and Qatanna. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 4/3; MNA 4/4; PCHR 4/6)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) releases a report on Israel and the oPt, concluding that the Israeli govt. is systematically limiting human rights workers’ access to the Gaza Strip, which restricts their ability to document rights abuses and violations of international law. HRW says that it has only been able to get permission for 1 delegation of foreign staff to visit Gaza since 2008, in 9/2016. (HA, HRW, JP, TOI 4/3)

In East Jerusalem, 67 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinian children playing in al-Bustan. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Nablus-area home of the Palestinian killed in East Jerusalem on 4/1 and interrogate his family mbrs. They also arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at an IDF post outside Zuffin settlement nr. Qalqilya; arrest 6 Palestinians during latenight raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/6)

Jerusalem district police cmdr. Doron Turgeman says that security in the city will likely be increased around Passover, which is set to begin on 4/10. “Holidays and festivals over the years have caused higher tensions and sensitivity and are a preferred period for attacks,” he says. (TOI 4/2)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures 3 Israelis. Palestinian witnesses say that the police could have apprehended the assailant without killing him. The Israeli police then shut down the entrances to the Old City, sparking clashes with Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured, 1 is arrested, and several shop owners are issued arrest summons. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze 15 dunams (approx. 4 acres) of Palestinian-owned land nr. Bethlehem to clear space for the expansion of settlement infrastructure in the area. They also shift the location of their cement roadblocks in c. Hebron, expanding IDFcontrolled territory by several meters. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm, as well as in Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers approach the outskirts of Burin village nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/1; HA, MNA 4/2; PCHR 4/6)