The Palestine Chronology

Thousands of Palestinians gather at protests across the oPt for a 3d Friday in a row against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them near Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, at the Beit El checkpoint near Ramallah, the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City. Two Palestinians are killed and at least 92 are injured. Later, Israeli forces temporarily close the main entrance to Luban al-Sharqiyya village near Nablus, following clashes in the village earlier in the day. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron. Israeli police arrest 3 Turkish tourists at Haram al-Sharif (they will be released on 12/25). Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a community center in the Old City late at night, sparking minor clashes; 3 Palestinians are injured. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA 12/22; MNA 12/23; MNA 12/25; PCHR 12/28)

Thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The IDF deploys additional battalions in the West Bank to quell the protests, and Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Shu‘fat refugee camp, at a checkpoint near Ramallah, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 9 with live ammunition, and 16 are arrested. Palestinians also observe a general strike throughout most of the oPt. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel; 2 fall short of the border, and 1 lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF targets 2 Hamas positions in Gaza with artillery shelling and air strikes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/7)

In response to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Palestinian delegation at the UN files a formal complaint, requesting that the UN Security Council (UNSC) work toward reversing Trump’s decision. Senior PA official Jibril Rajoub says that U.S. VP Mike Pence, who is set to visit Israel and the oPt later this month, is “unwelcome in Palestine.” He says the Palestinians “will not welcome Trump’s deputy in the [oPt].” The response from the international community is near-universal condemnation, with few exceptions. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that some countries have reached out to discuss similar recognitions of Jerusalem. “I have no doubt than when the U.S. embassy will move there, and even before that, many embassies will relocate to Jerusalem,” he adds. Czech Republic pres. Miloš Zeman says Trump’s announcement made him “truly happy.”(HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; HA 12/8)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint near Nablus, allegedly for carrying a knife. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hebron and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli forces raze a swathe of Palestinian land south of Bethlehem to clear space for a new IDF training base, demolish a kindergarten in a Palestinian Bedouin community east of Jerusalem, and remove 6 prefab trailer homes near the Yitzhar settlement, sparking minor clashes with the Israeli settlers living in them (there are no serious injuries). Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In Gaza, unidentified armed men open fire on a Hamas post in Rafah, causing no serious injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/21; TOI 8/22; PCHR 8/24)

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)

After yet another day of heightened tensions at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli security cabinet decides to remove the metal detectors installed at the entrances to the sanctuary after the deadly attack, on 7/14 in the evening. A senior Israeli official says that some cameras installed on 7/23 will be removed as well. In a statement, the cabinet says it has “accepted the recommendation of all of the security bodies to incorporate security measures based on advanced technologies and other measures instead of metal detectors to ensure the security of visitors and worshippers in the Old City and [at Haram al-Sharif].” According to the Israeli press, the new measures include heat-sensing “smart cameras” with facial recognition technology, and that their installation will be part of a NIS 100 m. (approx. $28 m.) plan that could take as long as 6 mos. to implement. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/24; TOI 7/25)

Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Hizma n. of Jerusalem; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured (he will succumb to his injuries on 7/27). In the West Bank, Birzeit University students march toward a checkpoint outside the Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah to protest the 7/21 killings. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 4. IDF troops also patrol in Nablus, Sa‘ir nr. Hebron, and al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah; and conducts further patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to sneak into Israel armed with a knife. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya twice, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/24; MNA 7/25; PCHR 7/27)

Following a day of Israeli-Jordanian tensions and negotiations over the deadly attack in Amman on 7/23, the Jordanian authorities allow the staff of the Israeli Embassy in Jordan, including the security guard who killed the 2 Jordanians, to return to Israel. The Israeli authorities first allow Jordanian police to hear the guard’s description of the incident. With rumors to the contrary circulating on social media, the Israeli press reports that Jordan did not condition the release of the guard on the removal of the metal detectors at Haram al-Sharif. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/24; MNA 7/25)

U.S. rep. Greenblatt arrives in Israel to “support efforts to reduce tensions in the region,” according to a senior Trump admin. official. “Pres. Trump and his administration are closely following unfolding events in the region,” the official adds. “We are engaged in discussions with the relevant parties and are committed to finding a res. to the ongoing security issues.” Meanwhile, the UNSC holds a closed-door meeting on the Haram al-Sharif crisis. No details of the discussion are reported. (HA, TOI 7/24)

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif, as Palestinians hold a “day of rage” across the oPt. Muslim worshippers clash with Israeli forces after midday prayers at the Lion’s Gate to the Old City; 2 Palestinians are injured and arrested. Elsewhere, Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters clash with Israeli forces at Qalandia checkpoint, Shu‘fat, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Protests in Nablus and Tubas are without incident. Meanwhile, after a number of Jewish settlers perform religious rituals at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli police temporarily suspended Jewish visitation rights to the sanctuary. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate water pumps and tanks from Bedouin villages in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20; PCHR 7/27)

After consulting with top security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We want to solve this crisis in the quietest way possible and to bring back the calm.” Israel’s security agencies reportedly support removing the new metal detectors. Separately, a White House spokesperson says that the U.S. is “very concerned” about the situation and calls on “the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.” (TOI 7/19; SA, TOI 7/20)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 7/16. (KNE, MNA, TOI 7/19; HA 7/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a late-night raid of his home in c. Hebron. An IDF spokesperson says that the man pulled a gun on the soldiers, prompting them to open fire. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Bethlehem when she is found to be carrying a knife. The IDF conducts raids in Bil‘in village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin, as well as in Tulkarm. Israeli settlers set fire to an olive grove outside Burin village nr. Nablus, destroying approximately 400 olive trees. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. and open fire on agricultural lands nr. the Erez border crossing, causing no major damage. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/28; WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/6)

Hamas announces that it is constructing a new security barrier along Gaza’s border with Egypt, including new guard posts, lighting, and cameras. A Hamas official says that the barrier was specifically provided for in a recent Hamas-Egypt agreement. “These continuing measures are for the sake of achieving control of the s. border and to completely prevent infiltration and smuggling,” he adds. (MNA, TOI 6/28; HA 6/30)

The IDF reopens the area in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights it declared a closed military zone on 6/27. Hours later, errant fire from Syria crosses the border for the 4th time this week. The IDF launches air strikes on Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage and a number of injuries. (HA, TOI, YA 6/28)

PASF troops violently disperse dozens of former Palestinian prisoners outside a govt. building in Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. The former prisoners were protesting the fact that the PA suspended payments to 277 former prisoners at the beginning of the mo. They vow to maintain pressure on the PA, insisting that Pres. Abbas not relent to Israeli and U.S. pressure to end the payments. The PA does not make any official statements on the protests or the payments. (MNA 6/26; EI 6/27; PCHR 7/6)

An Israeli settler stabs and injures a Palestinian youth at an IDF checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. Witnesses say they were having a personal dispute. Elsewhere in the West Bank, settlers shout anti-Arab insults at residents of Sanur village nr. Jenin and cut down 30 Palestinian olive trees nr. Nablus. Israeli human rights workers discover 45 Palestinian-owned olive trees destroyed outside Burin village nr. Nablus, as well as the Hebrew word for “revenge” scrawled in spray paint on a nearby stone. Hours later, Israeli settlers attack Israeli forces dismantling an illegally built structure nr. Nablus, sparking minor clashes; 3 settlers are arrested. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (MNA, TOI 6/25; MNA 6/26)

For a 2d day in a row, errant projectiles fired from Syria land inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF fires missiles at a Syrian army truck and 2 artillery guns in the Golan Heights in response. “The IDF is not a side to the internal fight in Syria and isn’t involved in it,” an IDF statement on the incident reads. “However, it views with severity any attempt to harm the sovereignty of Israel and the safety of its citizens and considers the Syrian regime responsible for what transpires in its territory.” (AP, HA, MNA, TOI, YA 6/25)

A senior Hamas military cmdr. is seriously injured in an explosion at a “resistance site” in s. Gaza, according to the Gaza-based Ministry of Health. He succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli blockade nr. Jabaliya; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault 2 Palestinians and confiscate a tractor during a raid nr. Nablus. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli forces bulldoze Palestinian land and establish a mobile checkpoint nr. Jenin. Meanwhile, Palestinians across Israel observe a general strike to mourn the Palestinian killed in Kafr Kassim on 6/5. (MNA, WAFA 6/7; HA, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/16)

The Higher Planning Council of Israel’s Civil Admin. meets for a 2d day in a row to discuss and debate plans for settlement growth in the West Bank. Over the course of 2 days, the council advances plans for more than 2,000 new settler units, including 102 in Amichai, the new settlement that will house residents of the illegal Amona outpost, which was demolished earlier this year (see JPS 46 [3, 4]). (PCN, USSD 6/8; JP 6/11)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Beita nr. Nablus, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and al-Bureij r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian shops in c. Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 6/1)

In response to COGAT’s 5/25 announcement of a reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to Gaza, Hamas releases a statement threatening “consequences” if the reductions are implemented. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that the energy crisis in Gaza is affecting water supplies and health services, which could spark another war. (AFP, MNA 5/26)

Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel, and across the world join in a general strike in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners’ Dignity Strike. IDF troops violently disperse protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, outside Dayr Sharaf nr. Nablus, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; at least 10 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. No Israelis are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinian youths throwing stones at an Israeli settlement nr. Jericho; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Approximately 4,000 Jewish settlers, as well as former Arkansas gov. Mike Huckabee, visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis and agricultural areas nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah twice, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/25)

Upon his arrival in Israel, U.S. pres. Trump gives a short speech on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport to a crowd of Israeli leaders, including PM Netanyahu. (The Israeli PM reportedly orders his ministers to greet Trump on the tarmac after many, including several party heads, said they were not planning to attend). “We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region and to its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity, and peace,” Trump says, referencing the peace initiative he hopes to advance during his visit to Israel. “But we can only get there working together. There is no other way.” Trump then meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin and visits the Western Wall, the first time a sitting U.S. pres. has done so. In his major policy speech of the day, Trump links the fight against Iran with Israeli-Palestinian peace, saying that the Arab states are willing to work with Israel to normalize relations, if Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian lands. (HA, NYT, TOI 5/22; HA 5/23)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the settler killing of a Palestinian nr. Nablus on 5/18, and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), 2 nr. Nablus (Beita and Bayt Dajan), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, Bethlehem, Dayr Istya nr. Salfit, along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., and Gaza City; at least 11 Palestinians are injured and 12 are arrested. The IDF also arrests 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Ramallah; and patrols nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/25)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at rallies across the West Bank to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrators in Bethlehem and 2 areas nr. Ramallah (the Beit El checkpoint and Nabi Salih); at least 15 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also shuts down the Beit El checkpoint later in the day. For a 2d day in a row, Palestinian activists block several roads nr. Ramallah in solidarity with the more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. Meanwhile, Israeli forces begin leveling land nr. Hebron in preparation for the construction of a new IDF watchtower. IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem late at night, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during further raids nr. Jericho, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian nr. Hizma and arrest 1 Palestinian during a latenight raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. on 2 separate occasions, seriously injuring 1 fisherman (he succumbs to his injuries later in the day). They confiscate 2 boats and arrest 6 fishermen. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/15; PCHR 5/18)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint in c. Hebron after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas and stun grenades inside the grounds of a hospital complex in Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. The IDF says that the troops entered the hospital’s grounds to break up a crowd forming there. IDF troops also violently suppress Palestinian journalists protesting in solidarity with the 1,500-plus hunger striking Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike in Bethlehem and outside Ofer Prison nr. Ramallah; 5 journalists are injured. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in al-Walaja village and 1 each in al-Tur, Sur al-Bahir, and Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in Tel al-Sabi village. The owner has rebuilt his home 10 times in the past 2 years. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 5/4; MNA 5/5; PCHR 5/11)

A PIJ fighter succumbs to injuries he sustained in an accident at a “resistance post” in Gaza on 4/26. (MNA 5/4)

The White House officially confirms that Pres. Trump plans to visit Israel and the oPt on 5/22–23 in the context of his efforts to restart Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. The Saudi newspaper al-Hayat will report on 5/5 that the White House refused an Israeli request to delay the visit until 6/2017, which would coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 war. Other sources say that Trump feared the proposed timing would cast him as a biased mediator. (HA 5/4; AH, HA 5/6)

Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Shu‘fat r.c. after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers go missing in the Hebron region. The IDF then shuts down checkpoints and conducts raids across the region, including in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, where they spark minor clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, further IDF raids nr. Qalqilya spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Nablus and Hebron throughout the day. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian child in Yatta village nr. Hebron, moderately injuring him. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. In Gaza, Hamas forces arrest several local Fatah leaders across the region and issue arrest summons to a number of others. The arrests come hours ahead of a Fatah-planned march in solidarity with the 1,500-some Palestinians on hunger strike. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/4; PCHR 5/11)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. pres. Trump at the White House in Washington. They commit to a new Israeli-Palestinian peace effort, and Abbas reaffirms the Palestinian preference for a 2-state solution based on the pre-1967 armistice lines. Trump says he is ready to do “whatever is necessary” to achieve peace, but that the U.S. can only serve as “mediator, arbitrator, and facilitator” because any agreement would have to be directly negotiated between the 2 parties. (HA, JP, NYT, POL, TOI, WAFA, WHPO, WP 5/3; HA, WAFA 5/4)

Following a petition to the High Court of Justice from the Israeli NGO Adalah, the IPS announces that it will allow the 1,500-plus hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike since 4/17 to meet with their lawyers. The announcement comes absent a High Court ruling, but after a hearing at the court, in which the justices appeared to support Adalah’s position. Previously, lawyers were only given access to prisoners at Ofer and Ashqelon Prisons. (HA, JP, WAFA 5/3; MNA 5/5)

The Israeli authorities announce the temporary expansion of the fishing zone off Gaza’s s. coast, from 6 to 9 naut. mi. They do not offer an end date. (MNA, TOI 5/3)

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)

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)

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)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths at a checkpoint outside Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are lightly injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a residential structure nr. Jericho. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF vehicle that reportedly entered Sa‘ir village nr. Hebron by accident. PASF and IDF troops then enter the village to escort the vehicle out. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif after they prevent an Israeli archaeologist from removing several stones from the sanctuary. The Israeli police escort the archaeologist and his colleagues out of the sanctuary and arrest 6 more guards during late-night raids across the city. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/27; HA, MNA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

After closing it on 3/26, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza conditionally re-opens the Erez border crossing this morning. Medical patients, families visiting prisoners in Israel, women of all ages, and men between the ages of 15 and 45 are allowed to exit Gaza, and all are able to enter, as long as they possess the appropriate permissions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Atty. Gen. Ismail Jaber issues a gag order on the publication of any information relating to the investigation into the killing of senior military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/27)

Israeli PM Netanyahu has decided to reassess his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, according to reports in the Israeli press today. Any change in the current policy would come after a 3-mo. assessment period. Netanyahu instituted the ban in 10/2015 during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (JP, TOI 3/27; MNA 3/29)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint in c. Hebron when she is found to be carrying a knife, and patrol throughout the day nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, and Ramallah. They also issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during latenight raids nr. Hebron. Israeli forces seize a Palestinian’s car and water hoses nr. Tubas. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles driving nr. Bethlehem, injuring 2 settlers. (MNA, TOI 2/11; WAFA 2/12; PCHR 2/16)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions (see Update). (MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/11)

A Palestinian being held in Israeli custody succumbs to injuries sustained on 11/9 when he was shot at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier with a screwdriver. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers and 2 Israeli soldiers attack 3 Palestinian shepherds tending their flocks nr. Nablus; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinian journalists are injured. (MNA 2/10; MNA 2/11; HA 2/12; PCHR 2/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching them at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm. They also conduct raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalqilya, and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving between Ramallah and Nablus, damaging 10 and injuring 1 driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Dayr al-Balah. (MNA, PNN 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row. (MNA 1/31)

Israel’s ruling coalition postpones until 2/6 a Knesset vote on the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP 1/30; TOI, YA 1/31)

The White House announces that U.S. pres. Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu have arranged to hold their first official meeting on 2/15. Netanyahu later says that he plans to coordinate policy on Iran’s ballistic missile program with Trump, responding to reports of Iran conducting a missile test on 1/29. (HA, JP, TOI 1/30)