The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian suspected of shooting Israeli soldiers and settlers near Salfit on 3/17. According to Palestinian eyewitnesses, the Israeli soldiers surrounded the suspect’s home in Abwein village near Ramallah and called for him to turn himself in before opening fire at the home. The shooting sparks clashes in the village late at night; 9 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian equestrian facility under construction north of Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid of a Palestinian school in Hebron and 5 more during late-night raids near Hebron, Tubas, and Salfit. They also patrol near Ramallah, Hebron, and Salfit. Late at night, Israeli settlers slash the tires of 17 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Battir village near Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian school building under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. They also deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian building under construction in Qalandia. Along Gaza’s northern border, hundreds of Palestinians gather to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian fishing boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; at least 11 Palestinians are injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/19; HA, MNA, MNA 3/20)

The Israeli authorities announce a 4-day closure of the West Bank and Gaza, starting tonight and ending at midnight on 3/23. The closure surrounds the Jewish holiday Purim. All border crossings in and out of the occupied Palestinian territories are to be suspended, with an exception for humanitarian cases. (JP, MNA, TOI 3/19)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers, shepherds, and bird-hunters working near Khan Yunis and Gaza City; there are no reported injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Abu Qash near Ramallah. Separately, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Dayr Abu Mash‘al near Ramallah; 3 Palestinian minors are injured (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Qalqilya, Salfit, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Urif village near Nablus, sparking a minor confrontation with residents of the area; there are no major injuries or damage reported. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 11/18; HA, MNA, MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/22)

At a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that he is taking on the position of defense minister following Avigdor Lieberman’s resignation on 11/14. He also says it would be “irresponsible” to force early elections during “one of our most difficult security periods.” (HA, JP, JP, MNA 11/19)

A U.S. State Department official says that the Trump administration is considering retaliatory measures against the Palestinians following PA president Abbas’s “premature” and “counterproductive” decision to sign accession documents for 11 international treaties and conventions on 11/15. “The U.S. continues to make clear, both with the parties and with international partners, that the only realistic path forward is through direct negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace,” the official says. “We are currently reviewing possible consequences of the Palestinians’ recent actions.” (TOI, USSD 11/18)

Palestinians across Israel and the oPt observe a general strike in commemoration of the Nakba and in mourning for the 58 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 5/14. Thousands march in their funeral processions, and thousands more gather along the border fence for a 2d consecutive day of Great March of Return protests. Israeli forces violently disperse these demonstrations, as well as smaller protests in East Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and at the Qalandia checkpoint; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. Unidentified assailants cut down 300 Palestinian-owned grapevines outside Bayt ‘Aynun village near Hebron and leave racist graffiti in the area. (EI, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/15; HA, MNA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

Two Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained during the deadly violence in Gaza on 5/14. The 4 deaths today bring the death toll stemming from Israel’s response to the protests on 5/14 to 60 and the overall death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 106. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 4th consecutive day. (AP 5/18; OCHA 5/24)

The Israeli authorities temporarily reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing, having kept it closed since 5/12, after Palestinians set fire to a nearby pipeline. There are reports of Palestinian activists turning back 4 truckloads of medical supplies provided by the IDF. The organizers of the Great March of Return later confirm that they rejected medical supplies from “the executors of Monday’s massacre against the innocent.” (AP, TOI 5/15; MNA, JP, TOI 5/16)

PA president Abbas recalls PLO envoy in Washington Husam Zomlot in protest at the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. decision to block the UNSC from making a statement condemning the Israeli violence on 5/14. (WAFA, YA 5/15; HA, WAFA 5/16)

The Turkish Foreign Ministry orders Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh to leave Turkey in protest of the killings in Gaza on 5/14. In response, Israel’s Foreign Ministry orders the Turkish consul in Jerusalem to return home. Turkey recalled its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in the wake of the killings on 5/14. (ANA, HA, JP, TOI 5/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a car repair shop near Hebron and an old structure near Salfit, and deny Palestinian farmers access to their lands near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Palestinians throw stones at 2 IDF soldiers who drove into Jenin, causing minor injuries. PA Security Forces assist the IDF in extracting the soldiers from the city. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers slash the tires of several Palestinian cars in Silwan and leave price-tag graffiti nearby. Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Issawiyya, Silwan, and Abu Dis. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/12; PCHR 2/15)

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 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)

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)

An Israeli settler shoots and kills 1 Palestinian and injures another outside Huwwara village nr. Nablus. A video of the incident shows that he drove his car into a group of Palestinians who then surrounded him, brandishing stones, and he opened fire. The shooting occurs amid clashes between IDF troops and Palestinians marching in solidarity with the 1,500-plus hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners observing the Dignity Strike. The IDF decides not to investigate the ramming and shooting as a criminal incident. Later in the day, the IDF shuts down the nearby Huwwara checkpoint while dozens of settlers gather to “show their presence” to Palestinians in the area. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Huwwara killing in Qalandia refugee camp (r.c.), al-Bireh, and Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured by live ammunition and 1 is arrested. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Salfit. Late at night, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian tractor and spray price-tag graffiti on walls outside Burin village. (EI, HA, MNA 5/18; MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/25)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Silwad village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured and 2 are arrested. Israeli forces demolish 8 coal production buildings and 2 sheds nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA, WAFA 5/18)

Palestinians gather across the West Bank to commemorate Land Day. IDF troops violently disperse them in Bethlehem, Madama village nr. Nablus, and several other areas; at least 16 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze around 20 dunams (5 acres) of land nr. Salfit to make way for the expansion of a settlement industrial zone. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Muslim worshippers verbally confront dozens of Jewish settlers touring Haram al-Sharif; there are no arrests or violence. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. (MNA, WAFA 3/30; PCHR 4/6)

In a meeting with his security cabinet, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a new policy to manage settlement growth: the Israeli govt. will continue construction in previously developed areas, when permissible, and adjacent areas, when not permissible; allow construction on the closest land possible to developed areas when neither adjacent nor permissible land is available; and bar the creation of any new settlement outposts. The PM insists that the new policy is not based on an understanding with the Trump admin., although it comes a week after an Israeli delegation’s visit to Washington for talks on settlement growth. Netanyahu also says that 900 dunams (approx. 222 acres) nr. the Eli settlement have been declared state land and that final approval has been given to market 2,000 new homes in existing settlements (these 2,000 are among the 5,700 advanced in the 3 weeks following U.S. pres. Trump’s inauguration on 1/20; see JPS 46 [3]). (HA, JP, TOI 3/30; HA, TOI 4/2)

Israel’s security cabinet announces its unanimous approval of a new Israeli settlement n. of Ramallah to house the former residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost, which was evacuated and demolished in early 2/2017. The approval reflects PM Netanyahu’s promise to build the former residents a new settlement. (NYT 3/30; HA, JP, TOI 3/31)

Palestinian citizens across Israel observe a day of mourning and protest in response to the killings and demolitions in Umm al-Hiran on 1/18. Three days of mourning are planned. The Higher Follow-Up Comm. for Arab Citizens of Israel leads a general strike. (MNA, WAFA 1/19)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 22 Palestinian facilities used as car repair workshops, fruit stands, and car showrooms in Qalandia r.c. IDF troops conduct latenight raids in Salfit, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 4 Palestinians during further raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin during the day. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian bus driver while he is driving n. of Jerusalem. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/19; MNA 1/20; PCHR 1/26)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. late at night, demolishing several small structures and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and an agricultural structure outside Aqraba in the n. Jordan Valley, and raze 2 animal barns and another agricultural structure nr. Nablus. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian child in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces demolish a structure in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. They also confiscate a number of boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no serious damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/17; WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/19)

Concluding 3 days of talks in Moscow, Hamas and Fatah officials agree to form a new Palestinian unity govt. Under their agreement, the various Palestinian factions, including PIJ, will join the PLO and form a new Palestine National Council over the next 2 mos., which will choose a new PLO Exec. Comm. (HA, JP, TOI 1/17; AJ 1/18)

The Israeli authorities release Shaykh Raed Salah from Ramon Prison, where he had served 9 mos. on charges of incitement. Salah was head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel before it was outlawed in 11/2014. (HA, YA 1/17)

Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian at the Qalandia checkpoint n. of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs an Israeli border guard, causing moderate injuries. The IDF then violently disperses around 200 Palestinians gathering to throw stones in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Shuja‘iya; at least 6 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. They also patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/30; MNA 10/1; PCHR 10/6)

PA pres. Abbas attends the funeral of former Israeli pres. Peres and shakes hands with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Responding to criticism from Hamas and many other Palestinians, a senior Hamas official says that Abbas’s attendance disproves Israeli claims of Palestinian dedication to violence and that it sent a “strong message of Palestinian peace” to the world. MK and Joint List chair Ayman Odeh refuses to attend, along with the rest of the Joint List, citing Peres’s treatment of the Palestinians. The Joint List and PA reportedly agree to refrain from publicly criticizing one another over their different views on this matter. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 9/30; HA 10/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish part of a classroom in a bedouin community nr. Jerusalem, and 6 residences and 9 sheep barns in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians, including 1 Palestinian Legislative Council mbr., during raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, and in and around Hebron; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Palestinian youths throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler’s vehicle late at night nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 residential buildings in al-Tur and Bayt Safafa. Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., raiding the camp for the 5th day this week and arresting 6 residents. They arrest 6 more Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis, Qalandia r.c., Jabal Mukabir, and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 9/27; MNA 9/28; PCHR 9/29)

The Israeli police deploy heavily across East Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, issuing a temporary security alert and installing road blocks. (MNA 9/27)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian in an alleged ramming attack in Shu‘fat r.c. The police say that they opened fire on the vehicle, killing 1 man, a passenger, and injuring the driver, only after failing to stop it and make an arrest. The Israeli police will, on 9/6, retract their accusation that the incident was a ramming attack, and instead blame the deceased’s brother-in-law, the driver, for causing his death by driving erratically. (The driver will be charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence on 9/15.) Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian at Haram al-Sharif when she is found to be carrying a knife, and arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in a village n. of Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 10 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Tulkarm during the day. Israeli forces cut down around 250 olive trees from a Palestinian’s land nr. Qalqilya overnight. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/5; EI 9/6; HA 9/7; TOI 9/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to hundreds of Muslim Palestinians embarking from Gaza on their pilgrimage to Mecca. (OCHA 9/8)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian waiting in line at the Qalandia checkpoint. They say that she acted “suspiciously” by “quickly approaching the security guards.” Late at night, they arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Tulkarm, and Hebron; and patrol during the day nr. Salfit and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 52 Palestinians during overnight raids in Ras al-Amud and Silwan. The Israeli police dub the raids as “the 700,” referring to the number of officers involved. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. They then arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate their boat. (EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/26; MNA 7/27; PCHR 7/28)

Late at night in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces return the body of a Palestinian killed in a confrontation with Israeli border police in 11/2015. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Qalandia r.c., and Issawiyya; and assault and arrest a Palestinian in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze 50 dunams (around 12.3 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya, uprooting 50 olive trees; and issue a stopwork order to a water pipeline under construction in the Jordan Valley. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus, arresting 10 Palestinians and confiscating some property; patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, and Tulkarm. (MNA, WAFA 5/8; MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/12)

The IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of Qabatiya where the 3 Palestinians suspected of perpetrating the 2/3 shooting in the Old City were from. In the village, an Israeli armored vehicle rams and seriously injures a Palestinian youth, and 3 other Palestinians are injured in intermittent clashes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/11)

In Ramla, Israel, 2 Palestinian youths are detained after allegedly stabbing and lightly injuring an Israeli security guard at a bus station. In Silwan, unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli bus, causing substantial damage and no injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian youths gathering in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, to call for the return of the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces (there are no serious injuries).Israeli forces also demolish a building in al-‘Izzariya; conduct a raid in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with stone-throwers (there are no serious injuries); arrest 3 Palestinians on further raids in Silwan, Qalandia r.c., and Biddu. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 homes and 4 other Palestinian structures in the Jordan Valley, as well as 3 agricultural structures in a village nr. Ramallah overnight. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in 1 village each nr. Salfit, Nablus, and 3 villages nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians and issuing 1 family a notice to vacate their home; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 7 nr. Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/4; MNA 2/5; PCHR 2/11)

Palestinian hunger striker al-Qiq rejects an Israeli High Court of Justice decision to suspend his administrative detention until his health improves. Al-Qiq argued that the ruling upheld his administrative detention in a different form. (MNA 2/4)

Israeli PM Netanyahu files an ethics complaint against 3 MKs from the Joint List for their 2/2 visit to the East Jerusalem families of Palestinians who have allegedly committed serious crimes or attacks in recent mos. (HA, JP, YA 2/4; JP, TOI 2/5)

A total of 3 Palestinians are killed across the oPt today. First, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver in Silwad after she allegedly attempts to ram them. During Friday demonstrations in Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed by live fire in Shuja‘iya when IDF troops violently disperse protesters, marking the 3d Friday in a row a Gaza protester has been killed. Friday demonstrations also take place in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Jalazun r.c. and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, in 3 villages nr. Hebron, and in 3 other areas along Gaza’s border; 36 are injured (a 3d Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 12/28). IDF troops conduct latenight house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron, issuing arrest summons to 3 Palestinians; patrol in 6 villages nr. Salfit and 1 nr. Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed outside Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah and outside a village nr. Jerusalem, sparking minor clashes wherein 3 Palestinians are injured. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion e. of Bayt Hanun to level land. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 12/ 25; JP 12/26; MNA, TOI 12/28; MNA 12/29; PCHR 12/31; EI 1/1)

Clashes and small-scale violence continue across the oPt, leading to the deaths of 4 Palestinians. IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver outside Jerusalem after he rams his car into a group of Israeli soldiers, lightly injuring 1. They also shoot and kill a Palestinian nr. Hebron who allegedly attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint with a screwdriver. Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a 3d Palestinian in the Ariel settlement nr. Salfit after he stabs and injures 2 Israeli settlement security guards. The IDF later raids his home nr. Salfit and questions his family. IDF troops patrol in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring 4 others in clashes with stone-throwers. Meanwhile, Israeli forces return the bodies of 2 Palestinians killed on 11/23 and 11/30. Late at night, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwers and injuring 3 Palestinians. The IDF conducts further late-night raids and house searches in Nablus and 1 village each nr. Salfit and Hebron, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrols in 5 villages nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s s. coast, Egyptian forces shoot and kill a Palestinian swimming nr. the border. The man’s family will later say that he suffered from psychological disabilities due to the difficulties of life in Gaza and that he was trying to enter Egypt for medical treatment, which he had been denied since the beginning of 2015. For the 2d time in 2 days, Israeli naval forces confront Palestinian fishermen off the coast nr. Gaza City, arresting 10 and confiscating their 2 boats. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/24; AJ [video], MNA 12/25; YA 12/26; MNA, NYT 12/27; PCHR 12/31)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained when shot by a stray IDF bullet on 11/23 nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed at a shooting range on the grounds of Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm clash with Palestinian protesters, injuring 15 students with rubber-coated steel bullets and live fire. Protests against Israeli raids onto the campus have been ongoing since 11/15, disrupting classes and injuring many students. IDF troops also clash with Palestinians during late-night raids in a village nr. Bethlehem and Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 Palestinian in the 1st and arresting 2 Palestinians and confiscating property in the latter. The IDF conducts another late-night raid in 1 village nr. Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit and 3 nr. Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders for 2 homes and an agricultural structure under construction in a village nr. Hebron. In Gaza, IDF troops stationed along the border fence shoot and injure a Palestinian farmer working e. of Khan Yunis. Later, an IED explodes nr. the fence e. of Rafah, causing no injuries or damage; the IDF then fires 6 artillery shells in the direction of Khan Yunis, injuring 3 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Shaykh Jarrah, displacing 7 Palestinians; prevent workers from repairing a water leak at Haram al-Sharif; issue an arrest summons to a Palestinian and confiscate her property on raids in al-Thawri. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/16; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 12/17; PCHR 12/31)

In Zurich, senior Israeli and Turkish officials agree on central provisions of a reconciliation agreement that would normalize ties between their countries after almost 5 years of tension. The 3 conditions outlined by Turkish pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 12/14 have not yet been met. (HA, HUR, NYT, TOI 12/17; REU 12/18)

Following a day of punitive demolitions and clashes in Qalandia refugee camp (r.c.), thousands of Palestinians march in the funeral of the 2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces the previous day. Later, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops clash with stone-throwers in the camp, injuring 5 Palestinians. Israeli forces demolish 9 residential structures and animal barns nr. Hebron early in the morning, and later clash with Palestinian protesters in the area. Similarly, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters w. of Qalqilya (where similar protests were conducted on 11/13 and 11/15) and outside Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah; at least 15 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. During the day, Israeli forces patrol in 1 village each nr. Salfit and Nablus, and they conduct late-night house searches and raids in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. as well as nr. Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin, arresting 13 Palestinians. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians harvesting olives nr. Salfit, driving them off their land but causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on raids in al-Tur. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces fire at Palestinian fishing boats overnight, injuring 2 fishermen. (MNA, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/19)

PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet outlaws the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel, citing the group’s “dangerous incitement.” After the announcement, Israeli forces arrest a senior mbr. of the movement during a raid in Umm al-Fahm, and Israeli courts issue orders to shut down 17 organizations and groups that operate on behalf of the movement. (EI, HA, MNA, YA 11/17)

Amid the ongoing wave of violence, the Israeli authorities proceed with demolition-related activities today. Israeli forces enter Qalandia r.c. and punitively demolish the residence of the Palestinian accused of shooting and killing an Israeli settler on 6/19, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are killed and 3 are injured. They also take photographs and measurements of the Hebron-area homes of 2 Palestinians who were accused of recent attacks on Israelis. (MNA, WAFA 11/15; HA 11/16; PCHR 11/19)

Elsewhere in the oPt, an IDF vehicle runs over a Palestinian child in a village nr. Jerusalem, causing moderate injuries. The IDF clashes with and violently disperses Palestinians protesting outside a settlement nr. Ramallah and w. of Qalqilya (3 Palestinians are injured). IDF troops force a Palestinian family off their agricultural land nr. Hebron for the 2d time in 2 days; patrol in Salfit and 2 areas nr. Hebron; conduct late-night house searches and raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, ‘Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, Jenin and 1 village nearby, confiscating files and materials from an orphanage nr. Hebron for unreported reasons, and arresting 10 Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on land e. of Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians on raids in the Old City, Silwan, and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 11/15; HA, MNA, NYT 11/16; PCHR 11/19)

In East Jerusalem, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian teenager during an arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. Later, thousands of Palestinians march in a funeral procession for the teenager in Qalandia; Israeli forces stationed in the area clash with a number of stone-throwing mourners; 14 Palestinians and 3 Israeli troops are injured. Israeli forces also arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya; arrest and assault a Palestinian in the Old City. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian bus driver with pepper spray in Shaykh Jarrah. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 3 nr. Ramallah, 1 each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm, as well as Bethlehem and a nearby area, arresting 16 Palestinians, issuing an arrest summons to 1, and confiscating a tractor; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron, and Salfit and a nearby village. Meanwhile, hundreds of Israeli settlers set up a tent camp in and around the Beit El settlement to protest the Israeli High Court’s 7/26 injunction against building in the settlement and its order for 2 residential buildings to be demolished by 7/30. Minor clashes break out when Israeli forces attempt to disperse the settlers; around 50 settlers are arrested. (DPA, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 7/27; HA, MNA, YA 7/28; EI 7/29; PCHR 7/30)

ICC prosecutor Bensouda files an appeal challenging the 7/16 ruling issued by a special panel ordering her to reconsider her 11/2014 decision not to investigate Israel’s deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara in 5/2010. (HA 7/27)

Cypriot pres. Anastasiades discusses a new Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative with PA pres. Abbas, according to PA sources, which reportedly includes invitations for Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu to address EU leaders at a future summit in Brussels. They say it is not intended to replace the French initiative. The Cypriot pres. will discuss the initiative with Netanyahu on 7/28. (JP, MNA, REU, TOI 7/28)

In Gaza, several small Islamist groups threaten to fire rockets into Israel in response to “Hamas’s crimes and conspiracies.” The threat follows the arrest of 12 Palestinians accused of blowing up cars on 7/19. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, critically injuring 1 fisherman with live ammunition. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian stores in a village nr. Hebron; raze an agricultural road in a village e. of Salfit; patrol in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 nr. Jericho, and 1 each nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. Late at night, the IDF detains 120 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel s. of Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif while Israeli forces restrict access to Palestinian visitors; 1 Palestinian man is detained. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. and the Old City. (JP, MNA, WAFA 7/21; JP, TOI 7/22; MNA 7/23; PCHR 7/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and Israeli soldiers injuring around 30 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. In response to Palestinian youth who were throwing stones and empty bottles at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, IDF troopssurround a school and fire tear gas into its yard, causing no injuries. Israeli forces deliver stop-work notices in 2 villages nr. Hebron, both of which are outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Shortly after, the soldiers clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in the area, dozens of whom suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian man who is suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed on 10/30 by Israeli security forces. They had previously delivered an order to punitively demolish the home on 11/19, but the Israeli High Court of Justice froze the order. They also deliver a demolition order to a 19-person residence in the Old City. Separately, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian children at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 12/15; HA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Rome to discuss the rival draft UNSC res. being prepared by the Palestinians and the French. Netanyahu opposes both, saying, “We will not accept attempts to dictate to us unilateral moves on a limited timetable.” Kerry then meets with French FM Fabius, UK Foreign Secy. Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini in Paris. Separately, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby meets with Fabius in Paris. Fabius hopes to persuade the Palestinians and the Arab League to back the French draft as a compromise, avoiding a U.S. veto. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/15)

Iranian and U.S. diplomats hold bilateral talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program ahead of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on 12/17. The 2 sides agreed to a 7-mo. extension to the talks on 11/24. (AFP 12/15)

Soon after the planned 72-hour cease-fire takes effect, it breaks down and the IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 160 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups resume rocket fire, launching 38 into Israel. IDF troops are primarily active in Shuja‘iya in e. Gaza City, Bayt Hanun in the n. Gaza Strip, and Khan Yunis in the s. Gaza Strip. The cease-fire breaks down after both sides accuse the other of violating it during an incident in s. Gaza. According to the IDF, 2 hours after the ceasefire began, al-Qassam Brigades fighters attacked IDF troops demolishing a tunnel, killing 2 and capturing 1. The Hamas armed wing denies reports of the capture, saying that the soldier might have been killed in clashes before the cease-fire began. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents. The 1st dies in clashes nr. Tulkarm during protests against the assault on Gaza, and the 2d dies in Safa nr. Ramallah in similar circumstances. In the clashes in Safa, 5 are injured by live ammunition and 10 by rubber-coated metal bullets. At Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, IDF troops shoot and injure 6 Palestinians with live ammunition during protests. In Hebron, meanwhile, around 50,000 residents protest the assault on Gaza, leading to clashes with IDF troops in which 90 Palestinians are injured with live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Salfit and al-Jalazun r.c.nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). In Ni‘lin, 1 is seriously injured by a rubber-coated metal bullet; in Nabi Salih, 2 are seriously injured by rubber-coated metal bullets; and in Kafr Qaddum, 4 are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces in ongoing demonstrations against the Gaza offensive, causing dozens of injuries. The clashes happen in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, Silwan, al-Tur, al-Suwana, Abu Dis, al-‘Izzariya, al-Ram, Qalandia, and Anata. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/1; PCHR 8/2)

U.S. officials express outrage and disappointment at the breakdown of the ceasefire. U.S. Pres. Obama calls for the release of the soldier that was reported kidnapped and says it will be “very hard to put a cease-fire back together again if Israelis and the international community can’t feel confident that Hamas can follow through on a cease-fire commitment.” White House spokesperson Earnest says that the U.S. “would encourage those who have influence with Hamas to get them back on to the terms of the cease-fire and to get them to abide by the agreements that they struck just yesterday.” Meanwhile, Kerry calls Qatari FM Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah and Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoğlu and urges them to use their influence with Hamas to release the soldier. Davutoğlu tells reporters that Turkey would do what it can. Kerry also speaks with PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas. Talks planned in Cairo are postponed until further notice. (AFP, AP, Guardian, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 8/1)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah speaks for the 1st time in public on the Gaza violence and accuses Israel of “state-sponsored terrorism” in a televised speech. (Guardian, HA, MNA, REU 8/1)

The IDF continues its ground invasion, as well as air strikes in the Gaza Strip, killing 53 Palestinians, including 8 mbrs. of a single family killed in Bayt Hanun. IDF troops face resistance on the ground, in particular from fighters in al-Qassam Brigades and al-Quds Brigades, with both groups claiming attacks on IDF soldiers and positions inside the Gaza Strip. Palestinians fire more than 40 rockets into Israel, and Iron Dome batteries intercept several over Tel Aviv while 25 land in open areas, with no reports of casualties. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure dozens of Palestinians in a number of protests in solidarity with Gaza, including at Qalandia checkpoint, outside Ofer prison, in Biddu village nr. Jerusalem, and in Shuqba village nr. Ramallah. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron at night; patrols in 3 villages each nr. Jericho and Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin). There are no serious injuries, except in Nabi Salih, where 1 is hit by a bullet, and Ni‘lin, where another is hit by a bullet. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians at Haram al-Sharif, 9 are taken to the hospital, including at least 4 injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/19)

The Israeli security cabinet meets to discuss expansion of the ground operation, with Netanyahu saying that “since there is no way to deal with the tunnels only from the air, our soldiers are doing it now from the ground.” Meanwhile, Pres. Abbas asks France to lobby Hamas’s regional allies Turkey and Qatar to pressure the Palestinian group to accept a ceasefire. French FM Fabius meets Abbas in Cairo after flying out specifically to boost efforts at reaching a cease-fire. Abbas then heads to Turkey for talks with PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan. U.S. Pres. Obama, meanwhile, speaks with PM Netanyahu, underscoring Israel’s right to defend itself, but also stressing the risks of “further escalation.” In New York, the UNSC holds an emergency meeting at the request of Jordan, where it is announced that Secy.-Gen. Ban will head to the region the next day. Separately, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton publishes a statement, saying she is “very concerned” about the violence, “including the resumption of rocket fire into Israel and the Israeli ground operation.” (AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/18)

After concluding a 6th round of talks since the beginning of the 6-mo. interim period began on 1/20, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers agree to extend talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program until 11/24. (REU 7/18)

During the day, the IDF launches multiple strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 21 Palestinians, except during a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire. After the humanitarian pause, Palestinian groups resume rocket fire into Israel, launching 105 projectiles, 20 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. One Israeli soldier nr. the border is wounded by a mortar shell just before the end of the pause. Meanwhile, 13 armed Palestinians enter Israel through a tunnel, but their attack is halted by IDF troops. Reports differ on whether or not 1 Palestinian is killed during the attack. Palestinians also launch a drone into s. Israel, which IDF troops shoot down nr. Ashqelon. UNRWA announces that 20 rockets were discovered in an unused school in Gaza, and condemns those responsible for a “flagrant breach” of international law. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

At approximately 10:30 P.M., the IDF launches a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, beginning with heavy artillery shelling of Bayt Hanun and Bayt Lahiya in the n. and incursions nr. the border fence to expand the buffer zone. IDF spokesperson Peter Lerner says the invasion has 2 objectives: “to strike Hamas . . . so they do not have the motivation to continue” and “to strike the terrorist infrastructure, the rockets, the tunnels.” During the invasion, 1 Israeli soldier is killed by friendly fire. Israeli media report that the ground invasion is initiated largely in response to the tunnel attack early in the day. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot a Palestinian farmer nr. Nablus, shoot and injure 1 resident during clashes in al-Fara’a r.c. nr. Tubas, and shoot and injure 2 residents during clashes nr. Ramallah. IDF troops also shoot and injure 7 Palestinians during a demonstration at Qalandia checkpoint. The IDF conducts house searches, arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon. Meanwhile, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid Haram al-Sharif and assault worshippers protesting a visit by rightwing Jewish activists. Israeli forces also detain approximately 36 Palestinians. Meanwhile, police charge 3 Jewish Israelis with the murder of Abu Khdeir. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Serry requests a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire and it is observed. An unnamed Israeli defense official tells the media that the cease-fire is for Palestinians in Gaza to see the damage wrought by Israel thus far. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/17)

Hours before the ground invasion starts, the U.S. Senate agrees to a nonbinding res. condemning the rocket fire against Israel and reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself. The res. has 78 cosponsors and the support of many U.S.-based, pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC. (AFP, AP, JP 7/17; AJ 7/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 11 projectiles into s. Israel, causing no damage and lightly injuring 1 soldier with mortar shell shrapnel. Iron Dome batteries intercept 4 of the rockets. In the West Bank, IDF troops use rubber-coated metal bullets against Palestinian protesters nr. Qalandia, injuring 1. Meanwhile, IDF troops injure 6 Palestinians with tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the entrance of al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit at night. Jewish settlers assault a Palestinian in Hebron, causing moderate injuries, while separately, settlers set fire to tires and agricultural land at a road junction nr. Jenin. In Israel, Palestinian citizens demonstrate in the c. and n. of the country as protests previously concentrated in East Jerusalem spread. Clashes with Israeli police break out in Qalansuwa, Taibe, and Jaljulia, as well as Nazareth, where hundreds block roads and throw stones at police officers. Dozens of demonstrators are arrested. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, ToI, WAFA 7/5; PCHR 7/10)

IDF Chief of Staff Gantz says that Hamas bears responsibility for ongoing rocket fire from Gaza and that the army will “know how to respond with much force if quiet isn’t returned to the area.” Meanwhile, the PRC in Gaza rejects any cease-fire that does not include an end to the siege of Gaza and “bring back life” to the West Bank and Jerusalem.” (JP, MNA 7/5)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire an estimated 40 projectiles into s. Israel, causing no casualties, but rockets strike 2 houses in Sderot and cause damage. IDF troops launch air strikes against 3 al-Qassam Brigades training facilities, injuring 15. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinian residents in Qalandia r.c., injuring 5. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and in Salfit in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 5 nearby villages, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 2 villages nr. Jericho at night. A Jewish settler opens fire on a Palestinian nr. Hebron, injuring him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli troops clash with Palestinian protesters in al-Ram, Shu‘fat, Silwan, and Issawiyya. The troops deploy stun grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets, injuring 6 in al-Ram and 13 in Shu‘fat. (HA, MNA, REU, ToI 7/3; PCHR 7/10)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that if rocket fire from Gaza halts, then the IDF will also stop its attacks on Gaza. Specifically, the Israeli govt. issues Hamas a 48-hour period to either halt the projectile fire or face a significant Israeli strike. A spokesperson for al-Qassam Brigades says that an Israeli escalation will lead to an “hour of vengeance.” (HA, REU, ToI 7/3)