The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya, and demolish a Palestinian residential structure and store in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, the IAF fires flare bombs at Palestinian property near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 12/28)

Hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in al-Ram, Silwan, Wadi al-Juz, and al-Suwana. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital near Jabaliya refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces also conduct limited incursions along the border to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis, and open fire on agricultural lands near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. (MNA 12/19; MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th and final day in a row, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/19; PCHR 1/4)

Two PIJ engineers are killed and tens of bystanders are injured in an explosion in Umm al-Nasr village near Bayt Lahiya in northern Gaza. PIJ initially accuses Israel of targeting the engineers with a drone strike. An IDF spokesperson denies any Israeli involvement, and PIJ later says that the explosion was an accident and that the 2 men mishandled explosives. Separately, unidentified parties fire 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel late at night; 1 falls short of the border and the other lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing major damage. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; HA, MNA, WAFA 12/13)

For a 6th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt and Israel gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (protests have steadily declined in size since 12/8). IDF troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem and nearby al-‘Arub refugee camp, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 14 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, an elderly Palestinian woman suffers a fatal heart attack late at night when Israeli soldiers raid her home near Jericho. They also shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian they claim was attempting to stab Israeli soldiers outside the Ariel settlement. An IDF spokesperson later states that the Palestinian was not carrying a knife, but was among a group that was “suspected of an attempt to attack on the border.” Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in central Hebron, allegedly after he is found to be carrying a knife; arrest 34 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; MNA, WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids in Silwan, Bayt Hanina, Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, Hizma, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/23)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d and final consecutive day, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 11/20)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at a rally in Gaza City to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tractor belonging to Palestinian farmers near Tubas. IDF troops clash with Palestinians in central Hebron (1 Palestinian is seriously injured), arrest 6 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. An Israeli settler assaults and injures a Palestinian teenager in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and again near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/11; MNA, PNN, WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)

Israeli forces stage a multi-stage “controlled detonation” of an underground tunnel leading from the Khan Yunis area of Gaza into Israel, killing 12 Hamas and PIJ fighters, and injuring at least 18 more. An IDF spokesperson says that the detonation was a preemptive move because the tunnel did not yet pose a threat to Israel, claims that the Palestinians were only killed because they rushed into the tunnel after the detonation and suffered smoke inhalation, and calls the tunnel a “gross violation of Israeli sovereignty.” A PIJ spokesperson says the group is “weighing its options” in response to the attack (PIJ reportedly built the tunnel). (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; MNA 11/3; HA 11/5)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during early morning raids in Jenin refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Amid the clashes, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian garbage truck driver. IDF troops also arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, and Jenin, and patrol in and around Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinian farmers harvesting olives south of Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire on 2 Palestinians at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, injuring 1 before arresting both. Three Palestinians are injured in the ensuing clashes. Israeli forces also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan, Shu‘fat, and Hizma, and violently disperse a sit-in and dismantle a protest tent Palestinians set up in al-Bustan in 2009. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/30; MNA 10/31; PCHR 11/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit. Israeli settlers cut down 40 olive trees in a Palestinian orchard near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Palestinian Bedouin village of Umm Qabu. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/14; PCHR 9/21)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing for a 4th and final day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a bus stop outside the Kiryat Arba settlement near Hebron, allegedly after he attempts to stab a settler. They leave the injured youth lying on the ground without receiving treatment before arresting him and taking him to a hospital in Israel. In a video released later, the youth can be heard pleading for water and explaining that he was attempting to commit suicide. Israeli forces demolish 8 homes and 6 retaining walls in Steih Dyouk village near Jericho. They also arrest a Palestinian living outside Yatta near Hebron before demolishing his home. The IDF arrests 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit, and patrols near Jenin and Hebron. Israeli settlers uproot 27 olive trees on Palestinian land outside Burin village near Nablus. Meanwhile, PASF troops conduct a raid in Yatta overnight, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinians and their affiliates; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is seriously injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a building in Silwan and a 2-story apartment building in Ras al-Amud, and arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalandia refugee camp. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/13; PCHR 9/14; PCHR 9/21; EI 9/22)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing for a 3d day in a row, allowing Muslim worshippers to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (OCHA 9/29)

The UN’s World Tourism Organization announces that the Palestinian bid for membership has been postponed until the body’s next meeting in 2019. The PA reportedly decided to suspend its bid following heavy U.S. pressure, according to a senior Israeli official. (HA, TOI 9/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Salfit, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at a light rail stop, allegedly for carrying a knife. They also arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. Approximately 130 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces target Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya for a 3d day in a row, firing on them on 2 separate occasions (they cause no damage or injuries). (MNA, WAFA 8/23; PCHR 8/24; PCHR 9/1)

Israel’s ambassador to Egypt David Govrin leads a delegation to Cairo for a day of talks before returning to Israel. It is Govrin’s first visit to Egypt since the Israeli embassy in Cairo was evacuated in 12/2016. (YA 8/25)

In the West Bank, Palestinians throw stones at an IDF unit conducting a raid in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho, lightly injuring 1 soldier. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. They also confiscate a bus nr. Nablus, alleging that it was transporting “rioters” to Israeli checkpoints. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian as they are detaining him in Bayt Safafa. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and al-‘Izzariya. (MNA 8/13; PCHR 8/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 9 Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Sharif; arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in the Old City, Wadi al-Juz, and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jabaliya r.c. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/6; MNA 8/7; PCHR 8/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he allegedly attempts to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. Israeli forces shut down the main entrance to Kobar, the Ramallah-area hometown of the Palestinian who stabbed 4 Israeli settlers at the Halamish settlement on 7/21. They also raid several homes in the village; arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 140 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 29 Palestinians in late-night raids in the Old City, Wadi al-Juz, Qalandia r.c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/30; MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/31; PCHR 8/3)

Tensions remain high in East Jerusalem after the widespread and deadly clashes on 7/21; 1 Palestinian is killed and 14 are injured in clashes in al-‘Izzariya, Wadi al-Juz, Issawiyya and al-Tur. Clashes also break out outside Haram al-Sharif throughout the day, but there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, Palestinians across the city largely observe a commercial strike to commemorate the 3 Palestinians killed on 7/21. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and the Old City. In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth is killed when he accidentally triggers a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance nr. Tubas. IDF troops conduct raids in Kobar, the Ramallaharea village of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 4 Israeli settlers at the Halamish settlement on 7/21, threatening punitive demolition of his home and sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries). Hundreds of settlers from Halamish set up a new outpost nr. their settlement to protest the 7/21 attack. Settlers protest and throw stones at Palestinian vehicles across the West Bank in response to the attack, damaging several cars and causing no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol throughout the day nr. Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/22; MNA 7/23; PCHR 7/27)

COGAT Mordechai says that Israel is “willing to examine alternatives to the metal detectors” installed at Haram al-Sharif “as long as the solution of alternative[s] ensures the prevention of the next attack.” (YA 7/22)

Sweden, France, and Egypt call for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting to address the escalating tensions at Haram al-Sharif. UN diplomats say they will discuss the situation on 7/24. The Middle East Quartet releases a statement of concern about the “escalating tensions and violent clashes.” (WAFA 7/22; TOI 7/23)

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gather in the streets outside Haram al-Sharif for predawn prayers and to protest the new Israeli security measures at the sanctuary. They refuse to pass through the new metal detectors installed on 7/16, honoring the Islamic Waqf’s 7/16 call for a boycott. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse Muslims gathering outside the sanctuary for evening prayers, lightly injuring at least 15, including Palestinian National Initiative chair Mustafa Barghouti. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Za’ayem. They also conduct a raid in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, Israeli forces raid al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, attempting to arrest the Palestinian injured in Silwan earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tubas, Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/20)

The Israeli authorities seize 70 dunams (approx. 17 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem for “military purposes,” according to a local anti-settlement activist. (WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of a bill that would add the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which oversees efforts to counter the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, on the list of bodies exempt from Israel’s Freedom of Information Law that permits citizens to obtain information from the govt. Should the bill pass, the ministry’s ability to keep its anti-BDS activities and methods secret from the public would be ensured. (KNE, MNA 7/18; MDW 7/19)

Israeli forces keep Haram al-Sharif closed for a 2d day in a row, following the deadly attack in the Old City on 7/14. Islamic Waqf officials say that Israeli troops are stationed at all the sanctuary’s entrances. The atmosphere outside the sanctuary becomes increasingly tense, with intermittent confrontations and violent incidents. In nearby Silwan, Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces on patrol, lightly injuring 1. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli plated vehicle driving nr. Ramallah, lightly injuring the Palestinian driver. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate a car during late-night raids nr. Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA 7/15)

Following the 7/14 deadly attack at Haram al-Sharif, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a series of security measures to be implemented at the sanctuary: metal detectors will be installed at every entrance, surveillance cameras will be installed around the perimeter, and “more security measures will be taken . . . later on.” He also says that the sanctuary will be “gradually reopened” beginning at noon on 7/16. Jordan’s King Abdullah then phones Netanyahu to stress the importance of maintaining the status quo at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/15; HA 7/16)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver outside Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem after he allegedly rams his vehicle into a group of Israeli soldiers, injuring 1. An IDF spokesperson says that the troops opened fire when the driver exited his vehicle brandishing a knife. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers visit a holy site outside Kafr Haris nr. Salfit, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youths in the village; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and confiscate NIS 2,000 (approx. $600) during raids nr. Nablus and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escort Israeli settlers on their way to take over a Palestinian-owned building in Silwan. When Palestinians in the area confront the group, Israeli forces violently disperse them; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians approaching the border fence nr. Jabaliya r.c., injuring 2. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/10; MNA 7/11; PCHR 7/13)

U.S. rep. Greenblatt returns to Israel for more talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials on restarting peace negotiations. The White House said, on 7/9, that he is also set to meet with U.S. amb. to Israel David Friedman, “now that the amb. is on the ground and fully installed in his position.” (HA, WAFA 7/10)

The Hamas-run energy authority in Gaza announces the resumption of fuel deliveries from Egypt as of today, allowing Gaza’s sole power plant to begin operating a 2d turbine. The transfers were suspended on 7/6 after the PA began blocking Hamas’s payments for fuel to Egypt. (EI, MNA 7/10)

At the inauguration of a new electricity substation nr. Jenin, the Israel Electric Corporation and the PA sign an agreement setting new parameters for Israel’s power supply to the West Bank that builds upon their previous agreement, made on 9/3/16 (see JPS 46 [2]). (MNA, REU, TOI 7/10; WAFA 7/11)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Salfit, and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian refuses to allow Israeli forces to search him outside the Old City, then allegedly “attacks” the soldiers, lightly injuring 1, according to an Israeli police spokesperson. The Palestinian is arrested and found to be carrying no weapons. Meanwhile, Israeli forces assault 2 Palestinians and arrest 2 during raids in Silwan. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian youths in Silwan, causing minor injuries and sparking clashes between their Israeli police escort and residents of the neighborhood; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level lands nr. Gaza City. (MNA, TOI 7/6; PCHR 7/13)

The day after approving 800 new settler homes in East Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Municipality advances 2 construction plans for Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, including 500 new housing units on one side of Ramat Shlomo and 152 on the other. (HA 7/7)

Israeli police shoot and kill an Israeli settler after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them on the East Jerusalem side of the Hizma checkpoint. They reportedly mistook the settler for a Palestinian. Israeli forces later find the settler’s suicide note, showing that he intentionally attacked them with the goal of being killed. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, approx. 90 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, marking Israel’s Independence Day. Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, and al-Tur. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroy a Palestinian well in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem. Israeli forces level Palestinian land nr. Salfit to clear the area for settlers from nearby Ariel. IDF troops establish a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid nr. Bethlehem and patrol nr. Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. al-Bureij r.c., causing no injuries; and conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis late at night. In Israel, thousands of Palestinians participate in the “March of Return” at the site of the depopulated al-Kabri village in the Galilee to highlight the rights of Palestinian refugees and commemorate the Nakba. (HA, WAFA 5/2; MNA 5/3; PCHR 5/4)

A former Palestinian prisoner dies of kidney failure at a hospital nr. Ramallah. He developed kidney issues as a result of medical negligence while he was in Israeli prison, according to the head of the PA’s prisoners’ affairs comm., Issa Qaraqe. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/2)

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 arrest a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron alleging that he was planning a stabbing attack. They arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Salfit. Israeli settlers uproot 15 olive tree seedlings and spray herbicide on 7 others outside Yatta village nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli police in Silwan, injuring 1 officer. Israeli forces assault and detain 5 Palestinians on their way home from a prison visit in s. Israel. (MNA, TOI 3/4; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/9)

Less than 24 hours after unidentified fighters fired a rocket from Gaza into Israel, Hamas fighters open fire on an IDF patrol nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle, according to the IDF. The IDF then launches a retaliatory air strike and several artillery salvos at Hamas positions along the border. The amount of damage caused is unclear. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Zabbuba village nr. Jenin overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops conduct more raids nr. Qalqilya, confiscating 32 water pipes from a construction site; and patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Kafr Kassim. They also conduct raids in Umm al-Hiran nr. Beersheba, leading residents to fear that more demolitions are imminent (Israeli forces demolished a number of structures in the village on 1/18). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/2; PCHR 3/9)

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), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and in c. Hebron; there are no serious injuries. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, damage property at a library during raids nr. Salfit and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian family’s flock of sheep, killing 1 animal, in the n. Jordan Valley. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA 2/17; HA 2/18; PCHR 2/23)

Upon his return to Israel from Washington, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his 2/15 meeting with U.S. pres. Trump was “excellent” and that “it will have a large impact on our security.” Meanwhile, Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman calls on other Israeli officials to “cool down” talk of annexing the West Bank and building settlements, saying “we cannot progress without understandings with the U.S.” (JP, TOI 2/17)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and again nr. Gaza City. None of the above incidents lead to damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in Nablus; 3 Palestinians are injured. Israeli forces shut down a major road nr. Ramallah and keep the Beit El checkpoint closed for a 2d straight day. A Palestinian driver crashes her vehicle into an Israeli police car nr. Jerusalem; 3 Israelis and 1 Palestinian are injured. The IDF calls it a ramming attack, but it’s unclear whether the collision was intentional. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Tulkarm, and patrols during the day nr. Nablus, Salfit, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Shu‘fat r.c. to issue fines to shopkeepers, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 2/2; PCHR 2/9)

In its first official statement in response to Israeli settlement announcements, Donald Trump’s White House says that “while we don’t believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal”. (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/3)

Israeli forces shoot and kill Fadi al-Qunbar, a Palestinian truck driver, outside the Old City after he rams a group of Israelis, killing 4 IDF soldiers and injuring at least 13 other people. Israeli forces then conduct raids on the alleged attacker’s home in Jabal Mukabir, interrogating his family for hours, threatening punitive demolition, and establishing checkpoints in the area. Their prolonged presence in the neighborhood sparks clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. After Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses the alleged attacker of supporting ISIS, Israel’s security cabinet decides to use administrative detention against any persons suspected of committing a crime who also identify as supporters of the group. The cabinet also decides to punitively demolish the attacker’s home as soon as possible, and to close down the attacker’s neighborhood, Jabal Mukabir. Meanwhile, the attacker’s family says he was motivated by U.S. pres.-elect Trump’s pledge to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “He was very angry, and said transferring the embassy would lead to war,” his cousin says. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 1/8; PCHR 1/12)

Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers seize control of a residential building in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Gaza City and later nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, PASF troops block an IDF jeep from entering Qalqilya. Israel settlers assault and injure a number of Palestinians outside Huwwara village nr. Nablus and throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nearby. The IDF delivers stop-work orders to 11 Palestinian homes under construction nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians outside Bayt Furik village; 1 Palestinian is arrested. They arrest 9 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Jenin and nr. Jericho, Hebron, and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/8; MNA, WAFA 1/9; PCHR 1/12)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation unanimously approves a bill that would ban representatives from the anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence and other groups that allegedly “defame Israeli soldiers” from speaking in Israeli schools. (HA, JP 1/9)