The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down the north entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Biddu and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

The IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. This is the 2d round of IAF strikes in Gaza in response to rocket fire on 12/29. Meanwhile, Israel’s Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay criticizes PM Netanyahu for failing to stop the rocket fire from Gaza. (TOI, YA 12/30; WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with IDF troops along Gaza’s border on 12/29. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/30; PCHR 1/4)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City and Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in Anata village, sparking clashes with stone throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 2 Palestinians during another raid in Qalandia refugee camp. (MNA 12/27; WAFA 12/28; PCHR 12/28; PCHR 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces again close the main entrance to Luban al-Sharqiyya village near Nablus, following recent clashes in the village (they temporarily closed it on 12/22 after the clashes first broke out). IDF troops arrest 24 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron. (WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/28)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s border on 12/8. (TOI, WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/28)

The Israeli press reports that PA pres. Abbas told his deputies that the U.S. is a “lost cause” and ordered them to sever all contacts with U.S. officials, expanding the high-level diplomatic break he ordered in the wake of Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem. (TOI 12/24)

Guatemalan pres. Jimmy Morales announces that his government intends to follow the U.S. lead and move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Guatemala was among the small group of countries that opposed the UNGA resolution on 12/21. (AP, CNN, TOI 12/24; WP 12/28)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian journalist’s home in Tulkarm, sparking a minor confrontation; 3 Palestinians are lightly injured. The IDF confiscates a car and issues 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, and patrols in the area as well. Approximately 50 Israeli settlers sneak into Madama village near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and the Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City and Shu‘fat. (MNA 12/23; PCHR 12/28)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s border on 12/17. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/28)

Hundreds of Palestinians across the oPt gather at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them at the Qalandia checkpoint, central Jerusalem, Abu Dis village, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; 11 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and in Biddu (East Jerusalem). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces fire sound bombs and artillery at Palestinian lands and other property near Gaza City and Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/20; PCHR 12/21; PCHR 12/28)

Palestinian diplomatic delegations discuss the future of the peace process with local officials in Moscow and Beijing. PLO executive committee member Salih Ra‘fat says that the delegations are part of the Palestinians’ efforts to gather support in the wake of U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Both Russia and China have expressed interest in becoming more active in the peace process, and the Palestinians are looking to replace the U.S. as sole mediator. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/20)

U.S. pres. Trump threatens to cut economic aid to any country that votes in favor of a UNGA resolution rejecting his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which is set for a vote on 12/21. “They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us,” he says. “Well, we’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.” (AP, HA, TOI, YA 12/20; HA 12/21)

For a 10th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. After attendance spiked on 12/15, the size and number of these protests decreases substantially. Israeli forces violently disperse protestors along Gaza’s border and in Tulkarm and East Jerusalem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Anata refugee camp and Gaza City in funeral processions for 2 of the Palestinians killed in the clashes on 12/15. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/21)

Egyptian diplomats circulate a draft resolution to the UNSC that “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void, and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the [UNSC]” and “calls upon all states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the Holy City of Jerusalem.” The U.S. is expected to veto the resolution. (HA, REU, YA 12/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 4 planned days. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/16)

For a 9th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Attendance spikes today, as the protests coincide with weekly Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations across East Jerusalem, Halhul village near Hebron, 2 areas near Ramallah (outside the Beit El settlement and in Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tubas, Tulkarm, Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are killed and approximately 150 are injured. (A video showing a 16-year-old Palestinian girl, Ahed Tamimi, shoving and slapping an Israeli soldier amid clashes in Nabi Salih near Ramallah, will go viral over the weekend. She will be arrested on 12/19). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians and issue arrest summons to 2 during raids near Bethlehem and in East Jerusalem, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli vehicles near Jerusalem, injuring 1 settler. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/15; PCHR 12/21)

The Israeli authorities announce that the Erez border crossing has reopened for Palestinians to enter and exit, but that the Kerem Shalom crossing is to remain closed indefinitely. Both were closed on 12/13. (TOI 12/15)

For a 7th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (attendance continues to steadily decline). Israeli forces violently disperse protestors in Hebron and 3 nearby villages (Dura, Bayt Umar, and Halhul), outside the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 26 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist, and 5 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently detain 2 Palestinian youths inside an ambulance in Halhul; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian students outside a school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/13; MNA, PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel in the evening; 2 are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system and 1 falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on at least 5 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. The Israeli authorities announce that both the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings will be closed indefinitely as collective punishment for the week of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. (HA, TOI 12/13; HA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)

At an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, reps. of the 57 OIC members jointly declare East Jerusalem to be the capital of the State of Palestine and urge all countries to recognize Palestine. Addressing the attendees, PA pres. Abbas says that Israel’s violations and of international law free the Palestinians from prior commitments made in context of the peace process, threatens to abandon the PA’s security coordination with the IDF, and announces the Palestinians’ intention to go to the UNSC for full UN membership. (AFP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13)

For a 5th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 45 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. Meanwhile, the IDF uses cement blocks to seal the main road connecting Ramallah and Jalazun refugee camp; arrests 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tulkarm; and patrols near Tulkarm and Tubas. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land and other property near Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinian youths on the way home from school in Ras al-Amud and 4 during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/11; HA 12/12; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties launch a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas positions in southern Gaza. Later, unidentified parties fire another rocket from Gaza, into Israel near Ashqelon. It is intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Late at night the IDF shells Hamas sites in northern Gaza, causing minor damage. (HA, YA 12/11; HA, TOI 12/12; PCHR 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish the foundation of a building under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina and al-Tur. (WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/7)

After days of speculation and rumors, U.S. pres. Trump calls PA pres. Abbas to tell him that he plans to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and to invite the Palestinian leader for a meeting at the White House before the end of the month. According to a PA spokesperson, Abbas warns Trump of the “dangerous repercussions.” Trump also calls Israeli PM Netanyahu, Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz, Jordanian king Abdullah, Russian pres. Vladimir Putin, and Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to inform them of his decision. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/5)

In response to Pres. Trump’s plan to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the U.S. embassy there, several Palestinian factions and Islamist groups jointly declare 3 “days of rage” to begin on 12/6. Later, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem issues a travel warning calling on U.S. citizens to avoid the West Bank and the Old City of Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 12/5)

Lebanese PM Saad Hariri formally rescinds his resignation, which threw Lebanon and much of the Middle East into turmoil when he announced it on Saudi television on 11/4 (see JPS 47 [2]). (AA, REU, TOI 12/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the occupation in al-‘Arub refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 13 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian in central Hebron, allegedly when he is found to be carrying a knife. Unidentified Palestinians open fire on an IDF post near Ramallah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, approximately 62 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (TOI, WAFA 11/26; MNA 11/27; PCHR 11/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian and 1 German activist are injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a patrol near Jenin, and conducts further patrols near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/30)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson announces that the PLO office in Washington will be allowed to remain open for at least another 90 days, after which Pres. Trump will decide whether or not to allow it to stay open indefinitely (see Update). The Trump administration has “advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the spokesperson explains. (HA, MNA, TOI 11/25)

Approximately 25–30 gunmen launch an attack on a crowded mosque in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 300 Egyptian civilians. In response, the Egyptian army kills at least 30 of the militants in a series of strikes on known hideouts in the area. A Palestinian official says that the attack prompted the Egyptian authorities to cancel a planned 3-day opening of the Rafah border crossing on 11/25–27. (AFP, HA 11/24; AP, HA, REU, TOI 11/25)

Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA to take control of Gaza, and call for a new round of elections for the PA presidency, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Palestinian National Council by the end of 2018. They do not reach a resolution on the issue of Hamas’s military wing, however. (TOI, WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes under construction in Batir village near Bethlehem, a residential structure and an animal barn in Jiftlik village near Jericho, and a residential building in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya and another in Shu‘fat, and arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on and then arrest 2 Palestinians as they are attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Lahiya (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/23; PCHR 11/30)

An Israeli youth succumbs to injuries she sustained in a bombing attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem in 3/2011. (HA, TOI 11/22)

The Arab press reports that PA pres. Abbas has refused a phone call from senior advisor to U.S. pres. Trump Jared Kushner, apparently implementing the Palestinians’ threat, reported on 11/21, to cut off communication with the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s threat to close the PLO office in Washington. Instead of taking the call, Abbas reportedly referred Kushner to the PLO office in Washington. (HA, TOI 11/22; HA 11/23)

Approximately 1,000 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Palestinians steal and torch the car of 3 Israeli settlers in central Nablus, prompting the IDF to escort the settlers out of the city. IDF troops also arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (IMEMC, TOI, WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/23)

Representatives of Hamas, Fatah, and 11 other Palestinian factions meet in Cairo for the 1st of 2 planned days of reconciliation talks. (TOI, WAFA 11/21)

PA FM al-Maliki says that the Trump administration is reconsidering its threat, 1st reported on 11/17, to shutter the PLO office in Washington, following the Palestinians’ refusal to comply with their demands. He says that in the meantime, the Palestinians have decided to freeze contacts with the U.S. “In practice, by closing the office they are freezing all meetings and we are making that official.” A State Dept. spokesperson responds, “In our view, communications are not frozen.” She says that Trump administration officials are in contact with Palestinian officials “about the status of that PLO office in Washington, as well as having conversations with them about our larger efforts on the part of a lasting and comprehensive peace process.” (HA, TOI 11/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and in Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Approximately 200 Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site near Hebron (the burial site of the prophets Gad and Nathan), sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis, Juhur al-Dik, and alBureij refugee camp, causing no serious damage. (MNA, WAFA 11/18; PCHR 11/23)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. This opening is the first with the Gaza side of the crossing under PA control. (TOI, WAFA 11/18)

PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will not give in to U.S. “extortion,” following the 11/17 report of a U.S. threat to close the PLO diplomatic mission in Washington. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/18)

An Israeli tank fires a warning shell at Syrian forces congregating near the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI 11/18)

IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian youth, allegedly after he drives his car into Israeli civilians, first at the Efrat junction, and later at the Gush Etzion junction near Bethlehem, injuring 2. After the first collision, the Palestinian drove on to Gush Etzion, where he hit and moderately injured the 2d Israeli. He was shot when he exited his vehicle. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Two Palestinians are injured during clashes with IDF troops in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya, and the IDF patrols near Salfit and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers working their lands outside Burin village; 1 Palestinian is injured. Settlers also throw stones at Palestinian homes and pepper-spray 2 Palestinian children east of Hebron and burn a small swath of Palestinian land near Nablus. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/17; PCHR 11/23)

The Associated Press reports that the U.S. State Dept. recently notified the Palestinians that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) diplomatic office in Washington could be forcibly closed unless they enter peace negotiations with Israel (see Update). Secy. of State Rex Tillerson reportedly told the Palestinians that the decision stemmed from Palestinian Authority (PA) pres. Mahmoud Abbas’s expressions of support for the International Criminal Court investigating and prosecuting Israelis in his 9/20 speech to the UN General Assembly (UNGA). (AP, HA, TOI 11/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively seal shut the Yatta home of a Palestinian imprisoned on charges related to a 6/2016 attack on Israelis in Tel Aviv. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Ni‘lin overnight. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 121st time since 2010. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/23)

The IDF orders approximately 300 Palestinian Bedouins to evacuate their homes near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement ahead of the planned demolition of their village, Jabal al-Baba. Similar orders have been issued for a Bedouin village in the northern Jordan Valley and other villages near Jerusalem, but none has been enforced yet. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/17; TOI 11/18)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Hebron and a barn under construction near Salfit. In Israel, the IDF deploys Iron Dome missile defense batteries around Tel Aviv, fearing reprisals for the 10/30 tunnel detonation. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/14; PCHR 11/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit, and patrol in and around Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Hanina. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at rallies across the West Bank to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. IDF troops violently disperse them in central Hebron, sparking minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man near Ramallah, allegedly for planning an attack in a nearby settlement. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Ramallah, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Juhur al-Dik, causing no serious damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/9; PCHR 11/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian residential buildings in Jiftlik near Jericho and an agricultural building under construction near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian students from the Bayt Hanina school the IDF shut down on 11/6 gather outside the school for a sit-in protest with their parents. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and issue a number of arrest summons during raids in Silwan and the Old City. (WAFA 11/7; PCHR 11/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy several water pipes used by Palestinians in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Tubas, and patrol near Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian school in Bayt Hanina, detaining 4 teachers before ordering the school to shut down. The students are told to look for another school to attend this year. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 3 separate occasions. They arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate their boat; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on farmlands near Gaza City and late at night near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/6; PCHR 11/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives outside Huwwara village near Nablus, causing no injuries. They also set fire to some of the trees. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a group of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/5; PCHR 11/9)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 2 Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid near Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers physically assault and moderately injure a Palestinian farmer working near Tubas. (WAFA 11/3; MNA 11/4; PCHR 11/9)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching through Bethlehem to mark the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. There are no serious injuries in the ensuing clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal the olives harvested from 280 trees in Palestinian orchards near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 11 more Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/2; PCHR 11/9)

At a ceremony at the Rafah border crossing, Hamas formally hands over control of Gaza’s border crossings to the PA, implementing a key provision of their 10/12 reconciliation agreement. A senior PA official calls the moment an “important step on the path toward reconciliation.” The PA is set to take full control of Gaza on 12/1. (MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/1)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli police have formed a special unit to oversee security and public order at Haram al-Sharif, following the upsurge in tensions at the site in 7/2017 (see JPS 47 [1]). The unit is expected to comprise about 200 officers when it begins operations in 2018. (HA 11/1)

PA pres. Abbas writes an op-ed for The Guardian lamenting the Balfour Declaration on its 100-year anniversary. “This British policy, to support Jewish immigration into Palestine while negating the Arab-Palestinian right to self-determination, created severe tensions between European Jewish immigrants and the native Palestinian population,” he writes. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu flies to the UK to participate in the 100th anniversary celebrations. (GDN, TOI 11/1)

The IDF orders some 300 Palestinian Bedouins to leave their homes in the northern Jordan Valley ahead of the planned demolition of their village. Similar orders have been issued for Bedouin villages near Jerusalem in the past, but none have been enforced yet. (HA 11/17)

Israeli jets launch air strikes on an alleged Syrian government weapons depot in an industrial zone near Homs along the Lebanon-Syria border. The site reportedly hosted joint Iranian-Syrian activities. (HA 11/1; YA 11/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish an abandoned Palestinian home near Nablus overnight. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers armed with clubs attack Palestinians harvesting olives outside Dayr al-Hatab village near Nablus, injuring 3. (WAFA 10/26; PCHR 11/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Hebron protest at the Abu Rajab house that Israeli settlers seized on 7/25, and which has been subject to ongoing litigation ever since. Elsewhere in Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working in his fields south of Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City of East Jerusalem, allegedly for carrying a knife. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/20; WAFA 10/21; MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/26)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran for talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and other regional issues. A Hamas official says that the group wants to increase its cooperation with Iran and to “secure Iranian financial and logistical support.” (AFP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces shoot and injure a Palestinian sailing near Bayt Lahiya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Halawa village south of Hebron and an agricultural structure in the nearby village of al-Tuwani. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Jenin, and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. (MNA, WAFA 10/19; HA, MNA, YA 10/20; PCHR 10/26)

Two days after Israel’s security cabinet imposed new conditions on Israel’s participation in a new round of peace talks with the Palestinians, U.S. special representative Greenblatt issues the first official U.S. response to the 10/12 Palestinian national reconciliation agreement: “All parties agree that it is essential that the PA be able to assume full, genuine, and unhindered civil and security responsibilities in Gaza and that we work together to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living there,” he says, in a statement. “The U.S. reiterates the importance of adherence to the Quartet principles: any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognize the State of Israel, accept previous agreements and obligations between the parties—including to disarm terrorists—and commit to peaceful negotiations. If Hamas is to play any role in a Palestinian government, it must accept these basic requirements.” In response, a senior Hamas official accuses the U.S. of “blatant interference” in the reconciliation process. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/19)

A mortar fired from inside Syria lands in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, Israeli tanks fire on a Syrian army position near Qunaytra. (TOI, YA 10/19)

Sinai Province of the Islamic State (SPIS) fighters fire 2 rockets from the north Sinai Peninsula into Israel, where they land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Sources on the ground in Sinai report seeing Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a number of targets in response to the rockets. The attacks come after a day of heavy violence in Sinai and weeks of tension between Hamas and local Islamist groups in Gaza. Hours before the attack, SPIS fighters assaulted Egyptian soldiers at a vacant church in al-Arish with rocket-propelled grenades and car bombs, and also rob a bank nearby, sparking a firefight with Egyptian security personnel (at least 3 civilians and 4 soldiers are killed and at least 20 people are injured). The Egyptian army then launches a counterassault on insurgent hideouts near Rafah, al-Arish, and Shaykh Zuwayd, killing at least 24 fighters affiliated with SPIS and other armed groups. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities announce that they will not be opening the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for 4 days as planned. (AA, AP, HA, JP, REU, TOI, WAFA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian children on their way to school in Hebron. They also throw stones and bottles at a mosque in al-Tuwani village near Hebron, causing minor damage and sparking clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the area (there are no serious injuries). Settlers steal olives harvested from more than 65 trees in orchards near Nablus and Ramallah (IDF troops arrest a number of them later in the day). Other settlers attempt to assault Palestinians picking olives outside the Eli settlement near Hebron, but the Palestinians drive them off. IDF troops conduct a raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 13 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Ramallah, and in Bethlehem and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian family gathering in Issawiyya to welcome a relative home from prison, moderately injuring 3 of them. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. They arrest 4 fishermen and confiscate 2 boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 10/15; MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

At the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, PM Netanyahu says U.S. pres. Trump’s 10/13 decision not to certify the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal presents an opportunity to “fix” the deal. “I believe that any responsible government, and whoever seeks to promote peace and security in the world, needs to take advantage of the opportunity that Pres. Trump’s decision has created to improve the agreement or abrogate it and, of course, stop Iran’s aggression,” he says. (TOI 10/15; JTA 10/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers harvesting olives near Nablus, causing no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian student after questioning a group in Zayta village near Tulkarm and another during a late-night raid near Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, unidentified parties open fire on an IDF patrol, causing no injuries or damage. In the Negev, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian in Rahat on suspicions that he was planning an attack on Israeli civilians. (HA, TOI, WAFA 10/11; EI, PCHR 10/12; PCHR 10/19)