In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Nizam, al-Bireh, and Beitunia near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian youths in each village; 3 Palestinians are arrested. They...
-
December 31, 2017
-
December 30, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down the north entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest...
-
December 28, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Ofer Prison in solidarity with imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi; there are no serious...
-
December 26, 2017
IDF troops violently disperse a Palestinian protest against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts...
-
December 25, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem,...
-
December 23, 2017
IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 3...
-
December 21, 2017
Hundreds of Palestinians gather at protests across the West Bank against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them near Hebron and...
-
December 18, 2017
For the first time since U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, there are no major Palestinian demonstrations in the oPt. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and...
-
December 17, 2017
For an 11th consecutive day, Palestinians across Israel and the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them...
-
December 16, 2017
For a 10th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. After attendance spiked on 12/15, the size and number...
-
December 15, 2017
For a 9th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Attendance spikes today, as the protests coincide with...
-
December 14, 2017
For an 8th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in and around...
-
December 13, 2017
For a 7th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (attendance continues to steadily decline). Israeli...
-
December 12, 2017
Two PIJ engineers are killed and tens of bystanders are injured in an explosion in Umm al-Nasr village near Bayt Lahiya in northern Gaza. PIJ initially accuses Israel of targeting the engineers...
-
December 11, 2017
For a 5th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm,...
-
December 10, 2017
For a 4th day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm,...
-
December 9, 2017
For a 3d day in a row, thousands of Palestinians gather at protests across the oPt and Israel against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and in commemoration of...
-
December 8, 2017
For a 2d day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in al-Bireh,...
-
December 7, 2017
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...
-
November 30, 2017
Israeli settlers shoot and kill a Palestinian farmer outside Qusra village near Nablus. The Palestinian press reports that they killed the man when he tried to stop them from entering his fields....
-
November 28, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Tubas; and patrol near Nablus...
-
November 26, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the occupation in al-‘Arub refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 13 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car...
-
November 25, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his...
-
November 23, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian garbage truck serving communities south of Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at a mobile checkpoint near Hebron,...
-
November 20, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem,...
-
November 18, 2017
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and in Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Approximately 200 Israeli settlers visit a...
-
November 14, 2017
In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol near...
-
November 13, 2017
Israeli forces punitively seal the entrances to Dayr Nizam village near Ramallah following repeated incidents of Palestinian youths throwing stones at Israeli settler vehicles in the area....
-
November 12, 2017
In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near...
-
November 11, 2017
Thousands of Palestinians gather at a rally in Gaza City to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a...
In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Nizam, al-Bireh, and Beitunia near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian youths in each village; 3 Palestinians are arrested. They arrest 21 more Palestinians and issue arrest summons to another during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (PCHR 1/4)
Following the rocket fire from Gaza on 12/29, PM Netanyahu reiterates that Israel holds Hamas accountable for any rockets fired toward Israel, and says that Israeli forces have struck Hamas sites 40 times in recent weeks. He is responding to Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay’s 12/30 criticism. (TOI, WAFA 12/31)
The Likud Central Committee unanimously approves a resolution calling on the party’s leaders, including PM Netanyahu, to extend Israeli sovereignty to West Bank settlements: “On the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the regions of Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], including Jerusalem our eternal capital, the Likud Central Committee calls on the Likud’s elected officials to act to allow free construction and to apply the laws of Israel and its sovereignty to all liberated areas of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria.” (TOI 12/31; HA, NYT 1/1)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down the north entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Biddu and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)
The IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. This is the 2d round of IAF strikes in Gaza in response to rocket fire on 12/29. Meanwhile, Israel’s Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay criticizes PM Netanyahu for failing to stop the rocket fire from Gaza. (TOI, YA 12/30; WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)
A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with IDF troops along Gaza’s border on 12/29. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/30; PCHR 1/4)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Ofer Prison in solidarity with imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi; there are no serious injuries. They shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during minor clashes near Ramallah. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian, allegedly for carrying a bomb into a courthouse near Bethlehem. The IDF arrests 5 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalqilya and near Salfit, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrols near Hebron and Tulkarm. More than 20 Israeli settlers enter a Palestinian school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing students; 2 students are injured and 2 Palestinian vehicles are damaged. The settlers claim that some students from Burin threw stones at their cars earlier in the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/28; PCHR 1/4)
PA FM al-Maliki says that the Palestinian leadership has decided to request, at a summit planned for 1/6 in Amman, the implementation of the Amman Summit resolutions of 1980, which stipulated a political and economic boycott of any country that moves its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He also says that the PA will lobby in countries where Israeli diplomats are pressing governments to move their embassies to Jerusalem, and that they will wait for a new composition of the UNSC before resubmitting their application for full membership at the UN. (WAFA, WP 12/28)
IDF troops violently disperse a Palestinian protest against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp and nearby Sa‘ir village, sparking further clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 are injured. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis. For a 2d day in a row, the IAF fires flare bombs on Palestinian property outside Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 12/26)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 15 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya, and demolish a Palestinian residential structure and store in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, the IAF fires flare bombs at Palestinian property near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 12/28)
IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 3 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian journalist’s home in Tulkarm, sparking a minor confrontation; 3 Palestinians are lightly injured. The IDF confiscates a car and issues 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, and patrols in the area as well. Approximately 50 Israeli settlers sneak into Madama village near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and the Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City and Shu‘fat. (MNA 12/23; PCHR 12/28)
A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s border on 12/17. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/28)
Hundreds of Palestinians gather at protests across the West Bank against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them near Hebron and Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers cut down 20 Palestinian-owned olive trees near Nablus. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire at Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; PCHR 12/28)
The UNGA adopts Resolution ES-10/L.22 rejecting U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, with 128 countries in favor, 35 abstaining, and 9 opposing, including the U.S. and Israel. After the vote, PA pres. Abbas calls it a “victory for Palestine” and a PA spokesperson thanks the countries that favored the measure, “despite all the pressure exerted on them.” U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley formally invites the representatives of all the countries that voted “no” or abstained to a reception on 1/3 “to thank you for your friendship to the U.S.” (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/21; TOI 12/22)
For the first time since U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, there are no major Palestinian demonstrations in the oPt. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures 2 Palestinians, arrests 14, and issues arrest summons to 1 during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Anata refugee camp, Issawiyya, and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/21)
The UNSC votes on a resolution that Egyptian diplomats circulated on 12/16. The resolution states that any decisions about Jerusalem’s status have no legitimacy under international law. Every member votes in favor, except the U.S., which exercises its veto. U.S. ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley calls the resolution an “insult” that won’t be forgotten. Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Haley on Twitter: “You lit a candle of truth. You dispel the darkness. One defeated the many.” (AP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/18; HA, TOI, YA 12/19)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d of 4 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/18)
For an 11th consecutive day, Palestinians across Israel and the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Gaza City; 5 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raze 500 dunams (approximately 123 acres) of Palestinian land near Nablus and cut down dozens of Palestinian trees near Hebron. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian carrying pipe bombs into an Israeli military court near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Dayr al-Balah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/17; PCHR 12/21)
Unidentified parties fire 2 rockets into Israel; 1 lands in an open area and the other explodes in the yard of a home near Ashqelon, causing minor damage. The IAF conducts air strikes on 6 Hamas sites in northern Gaza, causing damage and no injuries. (HA, WAFA, YA 12/18)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 4 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. (WAFA 12/17)
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories reopens the Kerem Shalom crossing. The Israeli authorities closed it and the Erez border crossing on 12/13. (TOI 12/17)
For a 10th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. After attendance spiked on 12/15, the size and number of these protests decreases substantially. Israeli forces violently disperse protestors along Gaza’s border and in Tulkarm and East Jerusalem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian mourners march through Anata refugee camp and Gaza City in funeral processions for 2 of the Palestinians killed in the clashes on 12/15. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/21)
Egyptian diplomats circulate a draft resolution to the UNSC that “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void, and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the [UNSC]” and “calls upon all states to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the Holy City of Jerusalem.” The U.S. is expected to veto the resolution. (HA, REU, YA 12/17)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 4 planned days. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/16)
For a 9th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Attendance spikes today, as the protests coincide with weekly Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations across East Jerusalem, Halhul village near Hebron, 2 areas near Ramallah (outside the Beit El settlement and in Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tubas, Tulkarm, Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; 4 Palestinians are killed and approximately 150 are injured. (A video showing a 16-year-old Palestinian girl, Ahed Tamimi, shoving and slapping an Israeli soldier amid clashes in Nabi Salih near Ramallah, will go viral over the weekend. She will be arrested on 12/19). Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians and issue arrest summons to 2 during raids near Bethlehem and in East Jerusalem, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. Separately, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli vehicles near Jerusalem, injuring 1 settler. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, IMEMC, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/15; PCHR 12/21)
The Israeli authorities announce that the Erez border crossing has reopened for Palestinians to enter and exit, but that the Kerem Shalom crossing is to remain closed indefinitely. Both were closed on 12/13. (TOI 12/15)
For an 8th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Hanun. At least 36 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops patrol near Hebron during the day. Approximately 233 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, marking the start of Hanukkah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)
Approximately 100,000 Palestinians gather in Gaza City at a rally marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hamas. Top party officials address the crowd and pledge to continue protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (AP, TOI, YA 12/14)
A spokesperson for the Israeli Knesset announces that U.S. VP Pence’s trip to Israel, which was set for 12/17–19, has been postponed amid the growing unrest across the Middle East over U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “[The Americans] told us it was because of the votes on tax reform in Congress,” he says. (HA, TOI, YA 12/14)
For a 7th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (attendance continues to steadily decline). Israeli forces violently disperse protestors in Hebron and 3 nearby villages (Dura, Bayt Umar, and Halhul), outside the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 26 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist, and 5 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently detain 2 Palestinian youths inside an ambulance in Halhul; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian students outside a school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/13; MNA, PCHR 12/14)
Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel in the evening; 2 are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system and 1 falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on at least 5 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. The Israeli authorities announce that both the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings will be closed indefinitely as collective punishment for the week of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. (HA, TOI 12/13; HA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)
At an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, reps. of the 57 OIC members jointly declare East Jerusalem to be the capital of the State of Palestine and urge all countries to recognize Palestine. Addressing the attendees, PA pres. Abbas says that Israel’s violations and of international law free the Palestinians from prior commitments made in context of the peace process, threatens to abandon the PA’s security coordination with the IDF, and announces the Palestinians’ intention to go to the UNSC for full UN membership. (AFP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13)
Two PIJ engineers are killed and tens of bystanders are injured in an explosion in Umm al-Nasr village near Bayt Lahiya in northern Gaza. PIJ initially accuses Israel of targeting the engineers with a drone strike. An IDF spokesperson denies any Israeli involvement, and PIJ later says that the explosion was an accident and that the 2 men mishandled explosives. Separately, unidentified parties fire 2 rockets from Gaza toward Israel late at night; 1 falls short of the border and the other lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing major damage. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; HA, MNA, WAFA 12/13)
For a 6th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt and Israel gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (protests have steadily declined in size since 12/8). IDF troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem and nearby al-‘Arub refugee camp, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 14 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, an elderly Palestinian woman suffers a fatal heart attack late at night when Israeli soldiers raid her home near Jericho. They also shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian they claim was attempting to stab Israeli soldiers outside the Ariel settlement. An IDF spokesperson later states that the Palestinian was not carrying a knife, but was among a group that was “suspected of an attempt to attack on the border.” Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth in central Hebron, allegedly after he is found to be carrying a knife; arrest 34 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; MNA, WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/14)
For a 5th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli troops violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, and along Gaza’s border near Bayt Hanun, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 45 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. Meanwhile, the IDF uses cement blocks to seal the main road connecting Ramallah and Jalazun refugee camp; arrests 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Tulkarm; and patrols near Tulkarm and Tubas. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land and other property near Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinian youths on the way home from school in Ras al-Amud and 4 during raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp and Silwan. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/11; HA 12/12; PCHR 12/14)
Unidentified parties launch a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on 2 Hamas positions in southern Gaza. Later, unidentified parties fire another rocket from Gaza, into Israel near Ashqelon. It is intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Late at night the IDF shells Hamas sites in northern Gaza, causing minor damage. (HA, YA 12/11; HA, TOI 12/12; PCHR 12/14)
For a 4th day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Salfit, Bethlehem, at Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 24 Palestinians are injured and 8 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate Palestinian agricultural equipment near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Palestinians throw rocks at Israeli settler cars near Jerusalem, lightly injuring 1 minor. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees in a cemetery outside the Old City and arrest a Palestinian attempting to stop them. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them at the Central Bus Station. They later uncover a message the alleged attacker posted on Facebook indicating that he was motivated, at least in part, by the 12/6 U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/14)
The IDF demolishes a tunnel leading from Gaza into Israel near Kibbutz Nirim. “The tunnel that was thwarted today was a very significant tunnel and [built] to higher standards than what we are used to seeing,” a spokesperson says. (HA, NYT, TOI 12/10)
Senior PA official Nabil Shaath says that the PA no longer intends to sever all ties with the U.S. over Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We are not cutting our relationship with America. We are protesting the move of Mr. Trump,” he says. Shaath says that some forms of communication have continued throughout the recent crisis, but that communication about the peace process has been “interrupted.” (TOI 12/10)
Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that there have been “obstacles” blocking the PA from taking full control of Gaza, which was supposed to proceed by today after being delayed from the 12/1 deadline initially enshrined in the 10/12 national reconciliation agreement. The 2 sides neglect to set a new deadline, and the future of the reconciliation process is therefore unclear. (AFP, TOI 12/10)
For a 3d day in a row, thousands of Palestinians gather at protests across the oPt and Israel against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the First Intifada. Israeli forces violently disperse them in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Huwwara near Nablus, Aida refugee camp and nearby Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 31 Palestinians are injured and at least 17 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Hebron. Israeli settlers damage approximately 20 olive trees on Palestinian land near Nablus. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and twice near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Bayt Hanun, causing no major damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/14)
Czech pres. Zeman accuses the EU of a pro-Palestinian bias. “The cowardly EU does everything so that the pro-Palestinian terror movement is dominant in relation to the pro-Israeli movement that I represent,” he says. (DPA, TOI 12/9; HA 12/10)
For a 2d day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in al-Bireh, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah and nearby Nabi Salih, Nablus, Tulkarm, across East Jerusalem (Issawiyya, al-Tur, and the Old City), and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are killed, approximately 100 are injured (including 4 journalists), and at least 20 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian at the entrance to al-Bireh near Ramallah. Israeli soldiers also arrest 1 Palestinian, assault a 2d, and issue an arrest summons to a 3d during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (AP, HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 12/8; EI, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/14)
Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel: 1 falls short of the border fence; 1 is intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; and 1 lands in Sderot, damaging a number of cars. The IAF launches air strikes on 4 Hamas and PIJ sites in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 2 Hamas fighters and injuring at least 20 Palestinians, including a 6-month-old child. (EI, HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/9)
PLO secy.-gen. Saeb Erakat says that the Palestinians have decided not to engage in any talks with the U.S. until Pres. Trump reverses his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He also says that they are still evaluating what other steps to take in response. (AJ, TOI 12/8)
The UNSC convenes a special session to discuss Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. UNSC members England, France, Italy, Bolivia, Uruguay, Senegal, China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, and Russia jointly reject the new U.S. policy on Jerusalem. Later, PA pres. Abbas welcomes “the international consensus condemning Trump’s announcement, as was apparent at the [UNSC] session this evening.” (HA, WAFA 12/8)
The Czech Foreign Ministry denies rumors that Pres. Zeman intends to move the Czech embassy to Jerusalem and reaffirms Czech commitment to European Union (EU) policy regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including the issue of Jerusalem. Later, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini confirms that the Czech Republic intends to conform to the EU’s position on Jerusalem. (HA, WAFA 12/8)
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)
Israeli settlers shoot and kill a Palestinian farmer outside Qusra village near Nablus. The Palestinian press reports that they killed the man when he tried to stop them from entering his fields. According to the Israeli press, the settlers were hiking in the area when a group of Palestinian youths surrounded them and threw stones at them, provoking the shooting. Following the incident, minor clashes break out between Palestinian youths and IDF troops; 2 Israeli soldiers are lightly injured. Also, settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their property in Qusra and nearby Asira village; 10 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier are injured in the ensuing clashes. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinian farmers after they refused an evacuation order of their lands near Hebron. The IDF issues arrest summons for 2 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian and her daughter in the Old City, causing light injuries to both. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Gaza City on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/30; PCHR 12/7)
Unidentified persons in Gaza fire several mortar shells at IDF troops patrolling along Gaza’s northern border, causing no injuries. The IDF launches strikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) positions in Bayt Hanun, Gaza City, and Rafah (3 Palestinians are injured). The IDF later says that PIJ was responsible for the mortars, and that the attack was likely retaliation for the Israeli demolition of a PIJ tunnel on 10/30 (see JPS 47 [2]). (HA, MNA, TOI 11/30; PCHR 12/7)
Unidentified persons stab to death an IDF soldier at a bus station in Arad, southern Israel (on 12/4, the Shin Bet will announce the arrest of 2 Bedouin Palestinians in connection with the stabbing). (HA, TOI 12/4)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Hebron, Ramallah, and Tubas; and patrol near Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at and physically assault Palestinian farmers working outside Yatta village near Hebron, sparking clashes between the Palestinians and IDF troops in the area; there are no serious injuries. The IDF then declares the area a closed military zone and arrests 6 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. (PCHR 11/30; PCHR 12/7)
After a cabinet meeting in Ramallah, the PA calls on all of its former civil servants in Gaza (who stopped working when Hamas took power in 6/2007), to return to their posts, thereby jeopardizing the future of tens of thousands of employees of the Hamas-run government. The PA had agreed to pay the current employees of the Hamas-run government through 2/2018. In a statement, the cabinet stresses that “the empowerment of the government in the Gaza Strip [. . .] is a necessary first step and the cornerstone for moving to resolve the rest of the issues.” Hamas, which has called for the issue to be resolved in a way that preserves the rights of its government’s employees, criticizes the announcement as a “violation” of past agreements. (AFP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/28)
In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the occupation in al-‘Arub refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 13 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Hebron. Israeli border police arrest a Palestinian in central Hebron, allegedly when he is found to be carrying a knife. Unidentified Palestinians open fire on an IDF post near Ramallah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, approximately 62 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. (TOI, WAFA 11/26; MNA 11/27; PCHR 11/30)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a late-night raid near Bethlehem; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Umm Tuba to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 11/30)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a Palestinian garbage truck serving communities south of Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at a mobile checkpoint near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops issue 2 arrest summons to Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a home in Bayt Hanina, and arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/23; PCHR 11/30)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 13 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids in Silwan, Bayt Hanina, Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, Hizma, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/23)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d and final consecutive day, allowing passage in both directions. (MNA 11/20)
In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and in Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Approximately 200 Israeli settlers visit a Jewish holy site near Hebron (the burial site of the prophets Gad and Nathan), sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers also throw stones at Palestinian homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis, Juhur al-Dik, and alBureij refugee camp, causing no serious damage. (MNA, WAFA 11/18; PCHR 11/23)
The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing passage in both directions. This opening is the first with the Gaza side of the crossing under PA control. (TOI, WAFA 11/18)
PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians will not give in to U.S. “extortion,” following the 11/17 report of a U.S. threat to close the PLO diplomatic mission in Washington. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/18)
An Israeli tank fires a warning shell at Syrian forces congregating near the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI 11/18)
In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction near Hebron and a barn under construction near Salfit. In Israel, the IDF deploys Iron Dome missile defense batteries around Tel Aviv, fearing reprisals for the 10/30 tunnel detonation. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/14; PCHR 11/16)
Israeli forces punitively seal the entrances to Dayr Nizam village near Ramallah following repeated incidents of Palestinian youths throwing stones at Israeli settler vehicles in the area. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline serving Palestinian communities near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinian youths accused of stone-throwing in central Hebron, and patrol in and around Hebron and Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving outside Huwwara near Nablus, injuring 2 Palestinians. Settlers also attack Palestinian farmers working in the area, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own shop in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Anata refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 11/13; MNA 11/14; PCHR 11/16)
Following weeks of tension in the wake of the 10/30 tunnel demolition (see Update), the IDF raises its alert level across Israel, triggering several precautionary measures in case PIJ retaliates. The Egyptian government is reportedly pressuring PIJ not to escalate the situation. (HA 11/13; YA 11/14)
In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stopwork orders to 2 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Walaja near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit, and patrol in and around Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Hanina. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)
Thousands of Palestinians gather at a rally in Gaza City to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tractor belonging to Palestinian farmers near Tubas. IDF troops clash with Palestinians in central Hebron (1 Palestinian is seriously injured), arrest 6 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. An Israeli settler assaults and injures a Palestinian teenager in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and again near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/11; MNA, PNN, WAFA 11/12; PCHR 11/16)