The Palestine Chronology

Unidentified assailants open fire on the Israeli settlement of Beit El nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries or damage. Following the shooting, Israeli forces close a main road nr. Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during violent late-night raids nr. Hebron and Tubas, and patrol nr. Salfit and Nablus during the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters nr. Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Qatanna, and al-Suwana. (MNA 12/25; PCHR 12/29)

In response to UNSC Res. 2334 passed on 12/23, Israeli DM Lieberman orders the reduction of civil and diplomatic ties with the Palestinians. Israel’s defense establishment will, however, continue to coordinate with the Palestinian security apparatus as usual. (HA, JP 12/25; MNA, YA 12/26)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City of East Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli police officer and an Israeli civilian. A Palestinian youth is struck and injured by an Israeli bullet during the incident. Elsewhere in the city, Israeli forces demolish a building under construction in Bayt Hanina, arrest 3 Palestinian children on their way home from school nr. the Old City, and arrest 15 more Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Silwan. In the West Bank, an IDF convoy of more than 20 vehicles raids Birzeit University’s campus nr. Ramallah, leaving “a great deal of havoc” in their wake, according to a university statement. Several buildings are damaged and many of their contents are destroyed. Separately, after reports of shots fired on an Israeli settler nr. Ramallah, IDF troops conduct raids in Nabi Salih, shut down the village’s entrance, and assault a group of Palestinian youths at a nearby gas station, causing no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/14; EI, MNA, PCHR 12/15; PCHR 12/22)

With U.S. attendance in doubt and Israel pledging not to participate, Palestinian amb. to France Salman al-Herfi says that the French govt. has postponed its planned 12/21 peace conference meant to launch a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks until at least 1/2017. The French say that the postponement will allow them to “make better preparations,” and that, if Israel continues to refuse to attend, the conference will still go forward as planned, according to al-Herfi. (HA, JP, MNA, VOP, YA 12/14)

The residents of the Amona settlement outpost vote to reject the deal reached by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Edu. Min. Bennett on 12/12, fearing that it will get bogged down in the courts because of Palestinian ownership claims on most of the proposed relocation land: “We were willing to accept the destruction of our private homes, and a move from place to place, if only a Jewish community would remain on the hill. But the proposed arrangement does not provide any guarantee or commitment that we will indeed receive an alternative home.” (AS, HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/15)

Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian activist during a raid in Issawiyya. They open fire when he refuses their order to stop photographing them. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, 82 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also confiscate personal property and issue 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah and in Qalqilya and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces confiscate an irrigation network nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City; there are no injuries or damage. (MNA, WAFA 12/12; MNA 12/13; PCHR 12/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 3 days. (MNA, WAFA 12/12; MNA 12/13; OCHA 12/15)

Palestinian officials and their counterparts at the U.S. State Dept. meet in Washington and reaffirm their shared commitment to a negotiated 2-state solution, “which is the only way to achieve an enduring peace that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, end the occupation that began in 1967, and resolve all permanent status issues,” according to a joint statement. There is no official mention of the Palestinians’ push for a UNSC res. censuring Israeli settlements, but it is widely suspected that such a res. was the main topic of conversation. (JP, MNA, WAFA 12/13)

Israel’s Edu. Min. Bennett says that he has reached a new deal with PM Netanyahu and Atty. Gen. Mandelblit that will allow residents of the Amona settlement outpost to “remain on their hilltop,” although they will still be relocated to a nearby plot of land. They will only be given temporary permits to live on the new land, however, with options to renew every 2 years, and the govt. will ask for a 1-mo. postponement of Amona’s evacuation to make time for the relocation. (HA, JP, YA 12/12)

Several hundred right-wing Israelis gather at the illegal Amona settlement outpost nr. Ramallah, anticipating the outpost’s evacuation, which was ordered to take place by 12/25. They stay in camps at the outpost through the night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers demolish a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus overnight. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Jenin and nr. Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian in Bayt Hanina after finding weapons in his car. Israeli forces also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya, Hizma, and Silwan. (MNA 12/10; HA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/15)

Palestinian and Western officials say that the PA is planning a senior-level delegation to the U.S. next week, led by Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat, to discuss bilateral relations and push for U.S. support for a Palestinian-backed UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements. (HA, JP, MNA 12/10)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 3 days, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA, WAFA 12/10; OCHA 12/15)

A Hamas fighter dies in a tunnel accident nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on a Palestinian fishing boat nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. They also arrest 2 of the fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Sur al-Bahir, Shu‘fat r. c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/8)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman permit the transfer of 5 armored vehicles from Jordan to the PA because of the deteriorating security situation in the oPt, particularly in Nablus, according to an Israeli spokesperson. The PA has been requesting approval for such transfers for at least 4 years. (MNA, TOI 12/7)

After mos. of negotiations and intracoalition struggle, Netanyahu resolves several conflicts over the illegal Amona settlement outpost. First, he secures Atty. Gen. Avichai Mandelblit’s approval for the govt.’s plan to relocate the 40-odd families from Amona to a nearby plot of “abandoned” land. Second, he announces plans to petition the High Court of Justice for a 30-day delay of its evacuation and demolition order to give his govt. time to prepare temporary alternate housing for Amona’s residents. Third, he brokers a deal with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett on the so-called regulations bill, which Bennett is backing in order to retroactively authorize the illegal West Bank settlement outposts, including Amona. Netanyahu and Kahlon agree to reverse their positions and support the bill as long as Clause 7, the provision that specifically addresses Amona, is removed. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/4; HA, JP, YA 12/5)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian structure in Jabal Mukabir and an extension to a Palestinian home in Silwan. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. (MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/1)

Fatah’s 7th General Conference kicks off in Ramallah amid rumors about PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas’s imminent retirement, succession of power, and exiled Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan’s possible return to Palestinian politics. The conference attendees unanimously reelect Abbas as party chair. (AFP, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/29)

U.S. secy. of state John Kerry indicates that the Obama admin. is still weighing its options for launching a long-rumored peace push in its final mos. in office. (TOI 12/1)

Israeli fighter jets launch air strikes on a Hezbollah arms convoy w. of Damascus late at night, causing an unknown amount of damage and injuries. (JP, TOI, YA 11/29; HA 11/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops mistakenly enter Tulkarm and are escorted out by PASF. Some Palestinian youths throw stones at them as they are leaving, causing 1 minor injury. Meanwhile, unidentified assailants open fire on an IDF position nr. Ramallah. The IDF returns fire, but the assailants escape; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Salfit, Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol during the day nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 6 Palestinian homes under construction s. of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast early in the morning, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, TOI 11/28; PCHR 12/1)

PA foreign minister (FM) Riyad al-Maliki states that Palestinians continue to work on a draft UN Security Council (UNSC) res. condemning Israeli settlements that they intend to submit within days. Israeli prime minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu says he expects U.S. pres. Barack Obama to oppose any new Palestinian effort at the UNSC. (JP, WAFA 11/28)

Massive fires continue to rage across Israel and the oPt for the 5th consecutive day. New fires break out in some West Bank Palestinian communities, including Qusin village nr. Nablus. Twelve Israeli settlers are moderately injured by fire in Ma’ale Adumim settlement nr. Jerusalem. There are reports that many of the fires in Israel are under control. After new raids and arrests, the Israeli police are detaining 23 suspects in connection with alleged arson; they have questioned 30 so far. Most are West Bank Palestinians and some are Palestinian citizens of Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/26; MNA, WAFA, YA 11/27)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces close off the environs of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron, clearing space for thousands of Israeli settlers to celebrate a religious holiday at the site. The IDF announces that the area will be closed to Palestinians for 1 week. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians and brutally assault 1, causing serious injuries, during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians nr. Eshkol who had crossed the border illegally. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/26; MNA, WAFA 11/27; PCHR 12/1)

As massive fires rage nr. Jerusalem for the 3d day in a row, the PA sends 4 teams of Palestinian fire fighters to assist Israeli disaster relief efforts. Meanwhile, new fires break out in the Galilee, Haifa, and nr. the Shavei Shomron settlement in the West Bank. Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians in n. Israel on suspicion of arson. Around 60,000 people are evacuated from Haifa. The Israeli authorities declare a state of emergency in Haifa and evacuate 13 neighborhoods. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 11/24)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during arrest raids nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 11/24; HA 11/25; JTA 11/26; PCHR 12/1)

The French govt. publishes new regulations governing goods imported from the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). They require labels denoting whether or not the goods originated in Israel’s settlements, rather than just the West Bank. (HA, JP, TOI 11/24)

In the West Bank, dozens of Palestinians gather in c. Ramallah to call for the Israeli authorities to release the body of the Palestinian killed by IDF troops on 11/3. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and in Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, armed assailants open fire on an Israeli police vehicle in al-‘Izzariya, causing no serious damage. Israeli forces raid a students’ exhibition at Al-Quds University, and arrest 3 Palestinians during further raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA 11/19; PCHR 11/24)

In the West Bank, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops conduct an early morning raid in Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrols nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, the Israeli authorities prevent a truck from passing through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on the grounds that it contains materials that could be used to build rockets. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya refugee camp (r.c.), causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir and Issawiyya. (MNA 11/16; PCHR 11/17; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/16; OCHA 12/2)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize Israeli settlement outposts in the West Bank. Meanwhile, in response to the Israeli High Court of Justice’s 11/14 reaffirmation of its evacuation order for the illegal Amona settlement outpost, the Jerusalem Municipality approves demolition orders for 14 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat says that thousands of Palestinian homes in Jerusalem lack proper permits and should be held to the same standard as Amona, adding that “the Amona verdict leaves us no discretion to legalize building offenses.” (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 11/16; JP, MNA 11/17)

In the West Bank, an explosive device detonates nr. IDF troops on a patrol nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries. Israeli forces block off 2 roads nr. Hebron, weeks after reopening them in 10/2016 and 9/2016. They were initially closed down in 10/2015 amid the early days of the habba. They also carry out the demolition of 28 stores and a Palestinian home in al-‘Awja village nr. Jericho, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 6 arrest summons during violent raids and house searches nr. Salfit (they also confiscate a car); and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler bus nr. Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural building in Silwan and arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya late at night. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 1st of 5 planned days. (WAFA 11/14)

IDF troops assault a Palestinian youth at the entrance to ‘Azun village nr. Qalqilya before arresting him. It’s unclear why the young man was targeted. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests at least 7 Palestinians and confiscates 1 car during raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 residential building each in Issawiyya, al-Tur, and Wadi al-Juz. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 11/8; MNA 11/9; PCHR 11/10)

In a surprise win, Republican Trump is elected to become the 45th pres. of the U.S. His victory promises to upend many U.S. relationships, including those with Israel, the Palestinians, and Iran. (AP, BBC, NYT 11/8; HA, TOI, WAFA 11/9)

Following clashes in the area, including on 11/3, the IDF shuts down a number of checkpoints across the Ramallah district, causing major traffic delays. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate electrical equipment and arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid nr. Jenin. They return to the Jenin area at night for further raids, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. The IDF also arrests 6 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah during the day. Israeli forces demolish several Palestinian residential tents in the n. Jordan Valley and confiscate a residential trailer and a water tank from al-Samu‘ village nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, around 30 Palestinian families reenter their olive groves nr. Nablus, having been barred from them since 11/4 by the IDF. They find 400 trees picked bare and accuse Israeli settlers of stealing the harvest. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shut down a wedding hall in al-‘Izzariya, claiming that Palestinians fired guns into the air during a celebration there. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c., Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 11/7; MNA, WAFA 11/8; PCHR 11/10)

For the 2d time in 2 days, IDF troops conduct raids in Bayt Umar, seizing a computer from a printing shop and breaking into a number of homes. They also arrest 11 Palestinians and confiscate personal property during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem, as well as in and around Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Israeli soldiers assault and injure 2 Palestinians picking olives nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, PASF troops pass on information about a planned attack on an IDF position in c. Hebron, leading to the IDF’s arrest of the suspected assailant. Israeli soldiers then find an IED planted close to their position. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in the Old City when she is allegedly overheard planning a stabbing attack. They also arrest 2 Palestinian youths during latenight raids in Issawiyya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces spray wastewater at a Palestinian fishing boat in an attempt to submerge it. The fisherman on board faints and is taken to al-Shifa Hospital. (MNA, WAFA, YA 11/6; PCHR 11/10)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Khuza‘a and Khan Yunis, and Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 2 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing 1 moderate injury and no serious damage. Then they confiscate both boats and arrest 6 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she is found to be carrying 2 knives. They also drive a Palestinian farmer and his family off their olive grove outside nearby Bayt Umar village. The IDF conducts raids in Nablus late at night, arresting 4 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries); arrests 11 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during further raids in and around Bethlehem and Hebron; and patrols in Hebron and nr. Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli Nature and Parks Authority forces demolish 6 graves in Bab al-Rahma Cemetery nr. the Old City. They claim the graves were built on “confiscated land” belonging to the authority. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with students at Al-Quds University; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Sur al-Bahir, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (JP, MNA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/3)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City and al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he allegedly attempts a car-ramming and stabbing attack nr. Ramallah. Palestinian witnesses say that the soldiers fired on the man in his car unprovoked, injuring him. They fired on him again when he exited the vehicle, allegedly holding a knife. The IDF raids his Ramallah-area home late at night and interrogates his family. Meanwhile, IDF troops expel a number of Palestinian farmers from their land nr. Nablus, arresting 1. They conduct raids nr. Salfit and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seal off a main street in Jabal Mukabir with cement barriers in an act of collective punishment after unidentified persons in the area fired fireworks at a nearby Israeli settlement, according to the Israeli authorities. They also conduct raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; there are no serious injuries. (MNA 10/28; HA, TOI, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/3)

In the West Bank, the IDF reopens the entrance to Bayt ‘Aynun village nr. Hebron, having kept it closed for nearly a year following a surge of violence in the Hebron area in 10/2015. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Jenin and in Nablus, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes in Bayt Hanina and a multi-unit building in Silwan. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level lands nr. Gaza City and al-Bureij r.c. In Israel, Israeli forces deliver demolition orders to several homes in Bir Hadaj village nr. Beesheba, sparking clashes with the residents of the bedouin village; several bedouins are arrested. (MNA, WAFA 10/26; MNA, PCHR 10/27; PCHR 11/3)

Unidentified assailants driving along the Israel-Lebanon border in s. Lebanon open fire on Israeli forces across the border, injuring 1. The Israeli soldiers return fire, causing an unknown amount of damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 10/26)

UNESCO’s World Heritage Comm. passes a res. condemning Israel’s discriminatory administration of Haram al-Sharif and reaffirming the sanctuary as a Muslim holy site. The wording is similar to that in the res. passed by UNESCO’s executive board on 10/18, but does not refer to Israel as an “occupying” power and also includes Jewish names for the Western Wall/al-Buraq Plaza. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/26)

In East Jerusalem, 43 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif, marking Sukkot. Israeli forces seize the identity cards of several Palestinians waiting for access while the group is touring the sanctuary. They also arrest 10 students and an administrator of the Islamic Orphan’s Secondary School in the Old City after reports of stone-throwing in the area, as well as 2 Palestinians during raids and at checkpoints in the Old City and Issawiyya. In the West Bank, the IDF delivers stop-work orders to the al-Zawiya municipality for an ongoing road-paving project in the village. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah during the day. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus driving nr. Bethlehem; the driver suffers minor injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian electricity technicians doing maintenance work on power lines nr. Khuza‘a. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya. Neither incident results in injuries. (MNA, TOI 10/17; PCHR 10/20)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate several mobile residences nr. Jericho and demolish a road leading to Khirbat al-Hadidiya village nearby. IDF troops remove flags and banners from Palestinian homes during a raid in Hebron; arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus; and patrol nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron during the day. Two Israeli security troops are injured in an alleged car ramming attack outside Jerusalem. The driver involved is not identified before he or she flees the scene. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian worshippers outside a mosque in Issawiyya, and then conduct raids in a neighboring village, arresting 4 Palestinians. Later, they violently disperse Palestinians at a funeral in Silwan, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/13; PCHR 10/20)

A UNESCO commission approves a Palestinian-backed draft res., titled “Occupied Palestine,” condemning Israel’s discriminatory administration of Haram al-Sharif that, according to Israeli officials, ignores Jewish connections to the site. (HA, TOI 10/13; MNA 10/14)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian child along Gaza’s border nr. Khan Yunis, according to Palestinian witnesses. The IDF will deny any involvement in the shooting. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians hunting birds nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or major damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their general closure across the oPt for Yom Kippur and bar non-Jewish visitors from al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron. Also in the Hebron area, the IDF shuts down the main entrance to Bayt Umar village, temporarily shuts down some shops, conducts a series of raids in the area, and detains a number of Palestinian youths. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians on further raids nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct heavy raids in al-Ram for the 2d day in a row, sparking renewed clashes with Palestinian youths; several Palestinians are injured. They also close down the main entrance to Issawiyya as collective punishment after arresting 5 Palestinians accused of throwing Molotov cocktails. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians and their homes in Silwan, sparking minor clashes between Israeli forces in the area and stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/12; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 10/13; PCHR 10/20)

A small Salafi group fires a rocket from Gaza into Israel, which explodes in Sderot, causing no injuries and minor damage. Holding Hamas responsible, the IDF fires tank shells and launches at least 25 air strikes on Hamas military sites in Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, causing substantial damage. After the air strikes, the Israeli press reports that Hamas sent a message via a 3d party pledging to try to deescalate tensions and to stop small armed groups from firing more rockets. Meanwhile, an Israeli jet crashes on its return trip from a sortie in Gaza, killing the pilot and injuring another Israeli airman. An IDF spokesperson says that the 2 men ejected from the aircraft before the crash, and that the cause of the crash was unknown. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/5; PCHR, TOI 10/6)

The IDF lifts its 3-day general closure of the West Bank overnight, allowing Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to use border crossings into Israel again. They also lift their 1.5 mo. closure of Kifl Haris village nr. Salfit. The village was closed after reports of stonethrowing in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces level 36 dunams (9 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Hebron, destroying numerous plum and olive trees. IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/5; PCHR 10/13)

A delegation of ICC officials, including chief prosecutor Bensouda, arrives in Israel for a 5-day educational visit. They will meet with both Israeli and Palestinian officials. Bensouda is still conducting the preliminary examination into alleged war crimes that she initiated in 1/2015 at the Palestinians’ request. However, the ICC officials explicitly state that they are not in Israel to “engage in evidence collection in relation to any alleged crimes” or to “assess the adequacy of the respective legal systems to deal with crimes that fall within ICC jurisdiction." (HA, JP, TOI 10/5)

Israeli naval forces intercept the ship Zaytouna around 35 naut. mi. off the coast of Gaza and peacefully arrest its all-female crew of solidarity activists. The takeover and escort to the port of Ashdod are “uneventful,” according to the IDF. The women are then detained at Givon Prison ahead of their likely deportation. PLO secy.-gen. Saeb Erekat says, “We strongly condemn the Israeli aggression today against the international flotilla that attempted to break the illegal Israeli siege over 1.8 m. people in Gaza.” (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA 10/5)

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)

A Palestinian prisoner in Israel’s Ramon Prison dies of a stroke. He was severely beaten by Israeli guards in 2003, and his health has deteriorated ever since. Hours after his death, a group of Palestinian prisoners declares a 3-day hunger strike in solidarity with their deceased comrade. Israeli prison guards raid their cells, assaulting several of their leaders. (MNA, WAFA 9/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli border guards assault a Palestinian worker attempting to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. They cause moderate injuries and leave him with the broken leg he sustained after falling from the separation wall. Israeli forces demolish around 35 saplings in a nature reserve nr. Hebron. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering nr. Salfit to protest recent settlement expansion in the area; 1 Palestinian is arrested when he stands in front of a bulldozer. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Jenin, and nr. Hebron and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Nablus, causing moderate damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and Abu Dis. (MNA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/29)

In a meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu in New York, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says that, if elected, he will “accept the long-standing Congressional mandate to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel,” according to a Trump campaign press release. Netanyahu later meets with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, and she pledges to oppose “any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict . . . including the UN,” according to a press release from her campaign. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 9/25; HA 9/26)

IDF troops shoot and kill 2 Palestinians in c. Hebron after they allegedly attempt to stab Israeli soldiers. Palestinian witnesses say the 2 men posed no threat to the soldiers. In the wake of the attack, IDF troops clash with stonethrowing Palestinian protesters in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem and in several areas in and around Hebron; 2 Palestinians are arrested and 3 are lightly injured. They arrest at least 16 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Ramallah; seize several Palestinian cars, install a new checkpoint, and patrol in the Hebron district throughout the day. They also shut down an area of Hebron’s Old City, denying maintenance workers access to dilapidated buildings. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. the Old City after he stabs and injures 2 of them. They raid his family home in Ras al-Amud later in the day, arresting his 2 brothers. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes her own grocery shop in al-Thawri to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, seriously injuring 1 fisherman and damaging his boat. (EI, HA, MNA, YA 9/19; PCHR 9/22)

Amid an upswing in tension across the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and moderately injures an Israeli officer outside the Efrat settlement nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops on a patrol nr. Jenin clash with and violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 4 Palestinians are arrested. They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus; and patrol throughout the day nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Salfit. Israeli forces shut down the entrance to Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron to allow for maintenance work on an IDF watchtower in the area (the work will continue through 9/22). Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities return the body of the Jordanian killed on 9/16 to his family via the Allenby border crossing. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, and Silwan. (MNA, YA 9/18; PCHR 9/22)

Israeli PM Netanyahu authorizes the extension of his ban on mbrs. of the Knesset (MKs) visiting Haram al-Sharif ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, which he implemented during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (TOI 9/18)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing overnight and allow 474 Palestinian pilgrims to return home from their trip to Saudi Arabia. (MNA 9/18)

In the 3d such incident in the area in less than 24 hours, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he stabs and injures an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. After the attack, the IDF raids the alleged attacker’s nearby home and deploys reinforcements to the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/17; PCHR 9/22)

Meanwhile, the IDF conducts raids in the Hebron-area village of Bani Na‘im, home to 2 of the Palestinians killed on 9/16, issuing multiple arrest summons and searching several homes. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons on further raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. A group of 5 Israeli youths, including an off-duty IDF soldier, assault a Palestinian child in Gilo, moderately injuring him. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/17; PCHR, YA 9/22)

Unidentified fighters fire 2 mortar shells from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. For the 1st time along the Israel-Syria border, Iron Dome missile defense batteries intercept both rockets, preventing any damage or injuries. (HA, JP, TOI 9/17)

In the West Bank, the IDF allows Palestinians in 3 villages nr. Nablus to reopen roads leading to their villages after a week of closures. The Israeli authorities closed the villages on 9/4 in response to reports of stonethrowing in the area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces reopen the entrance to a junction nr. Hebron, after keeping it sealed for nearly a year. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, around 50 Israeli settlers escorted and guarded by 30 Israeli intelligence officers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/11; PCHR 9/22)

Israel’s High Court of Justice upholds the 7/30/2015 law allowing Israeli authorities to force-feed hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners if the atty. gen., a district court pres., and a doctor agree that the hunger strike is causing irreparable health damage or threatening the prisoner’s life (see JPS 45 [1]). (JP, MNA, TOI 9/11)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze 40 dunams (around 10 acres) of farmland, destroy 800 trees, and demolish 2 wells in various locations nr. Hebron; and also demolish 3 homes, 6 livestock barns, and 2 water tanks in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Anata r.c. (MNA, WAFA 9/7; PCHR, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/22)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)

For the 2d time this week, IDF troops fire artillery shells and machine gun rounds at Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, and Bayt Hanun, causing minor damage to the sites and at least 3 neighboring homes. The IDF reports that the shelling was in response to gunfire emanating from Gaza earlier in the morning. (MNA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/8)

The Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian to his family in East Jerusalem, having punitively withheld it since Israeli forces killed him on 2/19. His family is forced to pay a security deposit of NIS 20,000 (approx. $5,000), bury the body at al-Mujahidin Cemetery in c. Jerusalem, and limit the attendance at his funeral at 25 people. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes the walls of his own home in the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids in Issawiyya, Qalandia r.c., and Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian nr. Jenin in unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 9 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during raids nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Nablus. Israeli undercover forces arrest 4 Palestinian customs officers who are conducting a surveillance operation outside Nur Shams r.c. overnight. The officers attempted to detain the Israelis without knowing they were undercover troops. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/6; WAFA 9/7; PCHR 9/8)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian cases passing in both directions. (MNA 9/6; OCHA 9/8)