The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, al-Tur, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and the Old City. (WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/3)

After PA Agriculture Minister Sufian Sultan sends a message to Israel’s Agriculture Ministry informing them of his intention to reverse the PA’s 12/2 ban on imports of lamb from Israel, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel lifts his 12/17 ban on imports of Palestinian produce. “In light of the Palestinian agriculture minister’s notification that he is allowing the free entry of Israeli-bred lamb [into Palestinian markets], I cancel my order to block the transfer of produce from the PA to Israel,” Ariel says in a statement. Shortly after Ariel’s statement, the PA Agriculture Ministry cancels the ban on imports of Israeli produce that the PA cabinet approved on 12/27. (TOI, WAFA 12/31)

One day after Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked announce the formation of their new political party, Israeli polls project that their Hayamin Hehadash will win between 6 and 14 seats in the Knesset in the upcoming election on 4/9. Hosen L’Yisrael, the new party led by former IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz, is projected to win between 13 and 15 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud is projected to win between 27 and 31. (HA 12/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after he allegedly attempts to ram a group of Israeli settlers at Huwwara checkpoint. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car repair shop near Nablus. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian shepherd working his land near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR 12/27; PCHR 1/3)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki says that he plans to initiate an application for the State of Palestine to obtain full membership at the UN during his next visit to New York City in 1/2019. The application, if accepted by the UN Security Council, would see Palestine’s status upgraded from non-member observer state. Later, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that Israel and the U.S. are already working together to “stop the [new Palestinian] initiative.” (JP, WAFA 12/26; TOI 12/27)

PA security forces seal off the entrances to the Palestinian Legislative Council building in Ramallah, preventing Hamas officials from holding a planned press conference. A PA official says that although Hamas claims they were attempting to hold a press conference, their true intention was to open a session of the PLC in protest of the 12/22 announcement of a new round of PLC elections. (JP, TOI 12/26)

The High Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration meets for a 2d day to discuss proposals to expand Israel’s West Bank settlements. Between today and yesterday, they have advanced plans for 2,191 new residences in various settlements, 3 new industrial zones, and the retroactive authorization of 2 illegal settlement outposts. Separately, Israel’s Civil Administration announces plans to put together a new proposal for as many as 2,500 new settler residences at the site of the Givat Eitam outpost near Bethlehem, which is within the municipal boundaries of the Efrat settlement, but not contiguous to any of that settlement’s buildings. According to the Israeli NGO Peace Now, an expanded Givat Eitam would “block Bethlehem from the south, and prevent any development in the only direction that has not yet been blocked by settlements.” (HA, PCN, TOI 12/26)

Haaretz reports that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the IDF to declare an end to Operation Northern Shield, but to continue detecting and demolishing the cross-border tunnels allegedly built by Hezbollah. Some senior defense sources say that Netanyahu no longer has a political reason for a formal operation in the north now that he is running for re-election. Meanwhile, the IDF announces that it has uncovered and demolished a 5th cross-border tunnel and the Knesset votes to dissolve itself, officially triggering snap elections. (HA, JP, TOI 12/26; MNA 12/27)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian fishing boats sailing in a symbolic challenge of the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations, as well as similar protests along the border fence near Khan Yunis and Gaza City; at least 25 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering outside Ofer Prison to demonstrate in support of the Palestinians imprisoned inside; there are no serious injuries reported. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jenin and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, al-Tur, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/27)

The heads of the parties in Israel’s ruling coalition announce their decision to dissolve the current Knesset and hold early elections on 4/9/19. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the decision was unanimous and that he intends to bring new parties into the current coalition after the elections. Netanyahu reportedly made his decision to push for early elections on 12/22 after consulting with his lawyers and top aides about a variety of issues, including several stalled legislative initiatives and the percolating corruption case against him. Netanyahu also says that the IDF has asserted control over the northern border and that this is the “perfect” time for early elections. Later, the ruling coalition agrees with the opposition to suspend work on all legislation that they don’t agree on until the Knesset is dissolved. Meanwhile, a senior White House official says that Israel’s early elections are “one of many factors we are considering in evaluating the timing of the release of [the Trump administration’s long awaited Palestinian-Israeli] peace plan.” (HA, HA, MNA 12/24; HA, HA 12/25)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 18 Palestinians during further raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads more than 100 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/27)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that the decision, announced on 12/22, to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council “goes hand in hand with efforts of transition from the period of the Palestinian Authority to into the State of Palestine period.” (MNA 12/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze an area of Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure several Palestinian farmers working their lands near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

The undersecretary of the PA’s Agriculture Ministry, Abdallah Lahlouh, says that the PA has not been officially informed of any new Israeli policy to ban imports of fruits and vegetables from the West Bank, but that the PA will respond in kind if the recent reports of a ban continue. Although it was not publically announced at the time, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel ordered such a ban on 12/17 after the PA barred Palestinian meat-sellers from buying lamb from Israel on 12/2. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19)

Israel’s Knesset passes a first reading of a bill that would allow the IDF to order the expulsion of the families of Palestinian assailants from their homes, despite objections from Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and senior IDF officers. The Knesset also passes a first reading of the so-called Young Settlement Bill, which would allow for the temporary retroactive authorization of certain settlement outposts in the West Bank and which the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved on 12/16. (HA 12/19; HA 12/20)

At a UN Security Council meeting on alleged violations of Resolution 1701, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon presents new information that he claims shows the extent of Hezbollah’s tunneling operations along the Israel-Lebanon border. He also says that Israel “gave UNIFIL precise information about the location of [1 of the tunnels],” but that compromised Lebanese army officers leaked the information to Hezbollah, allowing the group to conceal certain offensive operations. “Lebanese army officials are working for Hezbollah, while UNIFIL is not working to fulfill its mandate in the region in the necessary manner,” Danon alleges. While several UNSC members condemn Hezbollah’s tunneling activities, the UNSC takes no action at today’s meeting. (HA, HA, TOI, YA 12/19; TOI 12/20)

UN World Food Programme (WFP) country director Stephen Kearney announces that funding shortfalls have forced “drastic” cuts to food aid initiatives planned in the West Bank and Gaza in 2019. Starting on 1/1/19, the WFP plans to suspend food assistance to 27,000 people in the West Bank and reduce by 20% the food aid delivered to 166,000 additional recipients across the occupied Palestinian territories. “The major donor that we have had in the past years has been the U.S.,” Kearney says. “They have cut funding, not just to UNRWA, who work with the refugees in Gaza, but also to the rest of the humanitarian community, including WFP.” A WFP spokesperson says that an additional $57 million would be needed to maintain the current level of food aid in 2019. (AFP, AJ, REU, TOI 12/19; MEE 12/20)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announces that it has filed a legal challenge to an anti-BDS law in Texas on behalf of 4 Texans who either lost their jobs or lost the opportunity to be hired after they refused to renounce their support for boycotts against Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. “Whatever you may think about boycotts of Israel, the bottom line is that political boycotts are a legitimate form of nonviolent protest,” says an ACLU lawyer. “The state cannot use the contracting process as an ideological litmus test or to tell people what kind of causes they may or may not support.” Texas’s anti-BDS law, which requires all state contractors to certify that they do not support or participate in any boycotts of Israel or its West Bank settlements, has been on the books since 5/2/17. (HA, TOI 12/19)

Along Gaza’s northern border, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian fisherman working from the shore near Bayt Lahiya. The incident comes hours after the Israeli authorities informed their Palestinian counterparts in Gaza that fishermen were allowed to return to the sea today. As ordered by Israeli defense minister Lieberman on 10/31, the fishing zone is limited to 6 nautical miles from Gaza’s northern shore and 9 nautical miles from its southern shore. (EI, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/14; PCHR 11/15)

Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp The IDF claims he was throwing grenades at Israeli posts. Dozens of right-wing Israeli activists stand in the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing for several hours, blocking the entry of goods and fuel into Gaza in protest of the recent rocket fire. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian outside a police station in Jabal Mukabir after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 4 Israeli police officers (the Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 11/20). The Israeli police deploy in force in the neighborhood after the incident, conducting arrest raids and blocking off several roads. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers torch a Palestinian-owned vehicle and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Urif village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Tubas and near Hebron; shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by further raids near Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. (HA, HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; HA, MNA, PCHR 11/15; PCHR 11/22)

In response to the Israeli security cabinet’s 11/13 decision to agree to a cease-fire with the armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces his resignation and calls for snap elections. Lieberman takes specific issue with both the cease-fire and the decision to allow Qatari money into Gaza to pay the civil servants of the Hamas-run government. “There is no other definition, no other significance, but a capitulation to terror,” he says. “What we are doing now as a country is buying short-term quiet at the cost of our long-term security.” Without Lieberman’s Yisrael Beytenu in the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc still holds a majority of the seats in the Knesset (61–59). (BBC, HA, HA, IHY, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 11/14; HA 11/15)

Israel Television News Company publishes a poll showing that 74% of the Israeli public is dissatisfied with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu’s handling of the recent conflict with Hamas. The poll was reportedly taken in the hours after Defense Minister Lieberman resigned earlier today. The results also show that Netanyahu’s Likud party would only win 29 seats in the Knesset if elections were held today, marking the weakest Likud has polled since 3/2018. Meanwhile, dozens of right-wing Israelis gather in Sderot for a 2d day in a row to protest Netanyahu’s handling of the recent escalation of violence. (HA, JP, TOI 11/14)

Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinians across Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank observe a general strike in protest of the so-called Nation-State Law, which codified Israel’s status as the nation-state of the Jewish people when it passed in the Knesset on 7/19/18. Israeli forces violently disperse demonstrations against the law on the outskirts of Ramallah, and in Nablus, Qalandia refugee camp, and Qalqilya, as well as 2 neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, (al-‘Izzariya and Abu Dis); 14 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp throughout the day to protest the Israeli blockade, protest the Nation-State Law, and continue the Great March of Return; at least 44 Palestinians are injured. In the evening, several Palestinian fishing boats sail in a symbolic challenge to Israel’s blockade. They turn back to shore after Israeli naval forces fire warning shots in their direction, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 4 fires in southern Israeli border communities reportedly sparked by incendiary kites or balloons flown from Gaza. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a number of Palestinians and damage a number of their vehicles in the Old City. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse of Palestinian minors congregating near the Damascus Gate to the Old City; 1 Palestinian is injured and 2 are arrested. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis and Hizma, sparking minor clashes in the latter. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 10/1; MNA, MNA, MNA, YA 10/2; PCHR 10/4)

Israeli MK Yehuda Glick tours Haram al-Sharif with an escort of heavily armed Israeli security forces. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with dozens of Palestinian students at al-Quds University; there are no reported injuries. They also demolish a Palestinian home in Silwan. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Anata refugee camp and a 3d in Bayt Hanina. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinian journalists amid clashes in Ras Karkar village near Ramallah; arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and later near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; PCHR 9/13)

A senior officer in Hamas’s military wing, Abdel Rahim Abbas, dies in what is reported to be an accidental explosion in Gaza. (AFP, TOI 9/6)

Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni announces that Paraguay will be returning its embassy in Israel to Tel Aviv, reversing former president Horacio Cartes’ decision to move it to Jerusalem in 5/2018. “Paraguay wants to contribute to an intensification of regional diplomatic efforts to achieve a broad, fair and lasting peace in the Middle East,” he says. In response, the Israeli government announces the closure of the Israeli embassy in Paraguay and a recall of the Israeli ambassador. (WAFA 9/5; HA, MNA, REU, YA 9/6)

The Israeli authorities announce the indefinite closure of the Erez border crossing, following the damage done to the crossing amid protests along the border fence on 9/4. An official statement explains that the closure is to allow for maintenance work. Exceptional humanitarian cases are still allowed to cross. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/5)

Denying a petition from the residents, Israel’s High Court of Justice gives its final authorization for the Israeli government’s plan to evacuate and demolish Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem. “We have exhausted all legal means at this point and there is nothing more we can do other than be present in the area to protect it and prevent its demolition,” says a PA official who has been working on the case. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/5)

The Jerusalem Local Planning and Building Committee advances a plan to build 150 housing units in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem. The current plan earmarks 75 of the units for Palestinians, but it is unclear if that earmark will remain as the plan proceeds through the authorization process. (HA 9/6; FMEP 9/7)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinians congregating near the Great March of Return tent camps outside Gaza City; 2 Palestinians are injured. Later, an incendiary balloon reportedly flown from Gaza lands on a street in Beersheba, causing no damage. Israeli firefighters put out 6 small fires allegedly sparked by similar devices closer to the border fence throughout the day. In two separate incidents 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 arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Jenin, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers slash the tires of 8 Palestinian cars and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah. Separately, Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Silwan and Issawiyya. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/30; MNA 7/31; PCHR 8/2)

Thousands of Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel attend a massive Arabic language lesson in the streets of Tel Aviv in protest of the new Nation-State Law, which the Knesset passed on 7/19 and which downgraded Arabic from an official language to one with “special status." (HA, JP 7/30)

After reports of incendiary kites and balloons being flown from Gaza into southern Israel in the morning, an Israeli drone bombs an alleged staging area for such attacks near Rafah in the afternoon, killing 1 Hamas fighter and injuring 3 other Palestinians. Unidentified Palestinians in Gaza then launch 2 mortar shells across the border fence into Israel; they land in an open area, causing no damage. Israeli tanks then shell a Hamas post in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. 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. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. Four Palestinian families demolish their own homes in Bayt Hanina to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, IDF troops issue 1 Palestinian arrest summons during a late-night raid near Hebron and patrol near Hebron. (MNA, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/26)

Israel’s Knesset passes the Nation-State Bill into law, with 62 MKs in favor and 55 opposed, codifying Israel’s status as the nation-state of the Jewish people and asserting “the realization of the right to national self-determination in Israel is unique to the Jewish people.” (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19)

In East Jerusalem, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture, Uri Ariel, (Jewish Home) and MK Sharren Haskel (Likud) tour Haram al-Sharif. Their visit comes days after Israeli PM Netanyahu lifted (7/3) his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers touring the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 4 homes belonging to Palestinian citizens in Umm al-Fahm, citing “unauthorized construction.” In Gaza, unidentified Gazans fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence into Israel, sparking at least 33 fires in Israeli forests and farmland. IDF troops open fire on Palestinian minors allegedly preparing further kite and balloon attacks, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/8; MNA 7/10; PCHR 7/12)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with IDF troops near Hebron in 2009. The Palestinian, Yacoub Fayiq Nassar, was partially paralyzed when Israeli soldiers shot him in the back in al-Fawar refugee camp in 2009. He suffered from various other ailments related to the shooting over the years. (MNA 7/8)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on a small group of Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Rafah; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 2 others are injured (1 of the injured minors is arrested). The IDF claims that the young men were armed and attempting to cross into Israel to set a sniper post on fire. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion into Gaza to level land along the border fence near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate a tent in Battir village near Bethlehem. In the second such incident in as many days, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian in Dahaysha refugee camp, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/2; PCHR 7/5)

Israel’s Knesset passes into law a new bill deducting from the tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the PA an amount equal to that which the PA pays in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned or injured in connection with serious crimes committed against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed while committing such crimes. Specifically, the Israeli DM will submit an annual report documenting the PA’s stipends over the previous calendar year. The sum total will be divided by 12 and deducted from the monthly transfers over the subsequent year. In contrast to previous drafts of the bill, Israel’s security cabinet is not permitted to waive the deductions. (ALM, JP 7/2; HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage. They also violently disperse a group of Palestinian minors congregating along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no serious injuries. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Jenin. (PCHR 5/31; PCHR 6/7)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/18, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 114. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/30; PCHR 5/31)

Amid conflicting reports about Israeli acquiescence to the Egypt-brokered cease-fire on 5/29, an Israeli official says that “Israel passed on messages saying if attacks resume, the strikes against Hamas and its affiliates will be even stronger.” Meanwhile, Hamas issues a statement officially recognizing the cease-fire. Later, Israel’s security cabinet convenes; they support PM Netanyahu and DM Avigdor Lieberman’s choice not to further escalate the situation, despite calls from some right-wing Members of Knesset (MKs) for Israel to reoccupy Gaza. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 5/30)

The Higher Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration announces plans to construct 1,958 new homes in Israeli settlements. The committee also retroactively authorizes 2 illegal settlement outposts. (HA, JP, PCN, WAFA 5/30)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather in various locations along Gaza’s border to participate in the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp; 8 Palestinians are injured. Later, IDF troops arrest an unarmed Palestinian who crossed into Israel and open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian minors throwing stones in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, approximately 1,500 Palestinian citizens of Israel, including a number of Knesset members, gather in Sakhnin to protest in solidarity with the Palestinians killed in Gaza over the past week. (TOI, WAFA 4/7; TOI 4/8; PCHR 4/12)

Two Palestinians, including 1 photojournalist, succumb to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/6, bringing the death toll of the IDF’s response to the Great March of Return to 28. The IDF later issues a statement denying that Israeli soldiers targeted journalists, and pledging to investigate any such incidents. (HA, TOI, WAFA 4/7)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians armed with a knife and fence cutters after they cross into Israel. They also violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 7 Palestinians are injured. Later, Israeli artillery shells an open area along the border near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during latenight raids in Hebron and patrol near Hebron. (HA, WAFA 3/29; PCHR 4/5)

The Israeli authorities close border crossings in and out of Gaza and the West Bank, with exceptions for humanitarian cases. The closure, put into effect for the Jewish holiday of Passover, is set to continue through 4/7. (MNA, HA, WAFA 3/29)

Israeli PM Netanyahu requests that all members of Knesset (MKs) refrain from visiting Haram al-Sharif in the next 3 mos., indicating that such visits could exacerbate already heightened tensions across the oPt. (HA 3/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian women commemorating International Women’s Day at the Qalandia checkpoint; there are no serious injuries. Israeli soldiers disguised as journalists raid Birzeit University near Ramallah to arrest a number of students, sparking minor clashes; 2 students are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and in Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, WAFA 3/7; PCHR 3/15)

Israel’s Knesset passes a new law allowing the interior minister to revoke the residency rights of anyone in Jerusalem exhibiting a “breach of loyalty” to Israel, and to allow the Israeli government to deport any person whose residency status is revoked. Meanwhile, the Knesset also passes a law giving police commanders the authority to set conditions for returning the corpses of Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of Jerusalem killed in confrontations with Israeli civilians, with the purpose of avoiding clashes or further attacks during funeral processions. (AJ, HA, JP, KNE, TOI 3/7)

A senior PLO official says that the PLO Executive Committee has decided to convene the PLO’s legislative body, the Palestinian National Council (PNC), on 4/30 to “discuss challenges to the Palestinian cause, especially after the U.S. decision against Jerusalem.” (JP, REU, WAFA 3/7)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian shepherds near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot, injure, and then arrest a Palestinian driver near Ramallah, allegedly when he ignores their commands to stop. The IDF arrests 19 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrols near Hebron throughout the day. (PCHR 3/1)

The Israeli authorities shut down border crossings in and out of the West Bank and Gaza ahead of the Purim holiday. As announced on 2/25, they plan to keep crossings closed until midnight on 3/3. (JP, MNA 2/27)

With the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem closed in protest for a 3d day, Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office releases a statement announcing the freeze of a recent Jerusalem Municipality program to collect taxes on church-owned property not directly used for worship as well as a new bill percolating in the Knesset that church leaders say would allow the government to take over church properties leased to private companies. Netanyahu says that he plans to appoint a “professional team” to find a resolution to the taxation issue. After the announcement, church officials say they will reopen on 2/28. (EI, REU, WAFA 2/27; HA, MNA, WAFA 2/28)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian fisherman working near Gaza City. They arrest the injured man and his 2 colleagues. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid clashes in Jericho. They also arrest 19 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli settlers take over 120 dunams (approximately 30 acres) of Palestinian land near Nablus and plant it with wheat and grapes. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/25; EI 2/26; PCHR 3/1)

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre closes down indefinitely to protest a “systemic campaign” to persecute Jerusalem’s Christian community, according to a church official. The Jerusalem Municipality recently implemented a new policy of collecting taxes on church-owned property not being used for worship (see JPS 47 [3]), and the Knesset is set to take up a bill allowing the state to confiscate church property under certain circumstances. After the church shuts its doors, the Knesset committee set to debate that measure today postpones the proceedings to a later date. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/25)

Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation approves a new bill that would strengthen the Israeli settlement enterprise by allowing the Jerusalem District Court to hear some cases related to property rights, building and construction, freedom of information, and restraining orders filed by Palestinians in Area C. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/25)

In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities evict a Palestinian farmer from his property near Bethlehem, claiming the land is stateowned. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina, Silwan, al-Tur, and Qalandia refugee camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farms near Juhur al-Dik, causing no major damage or injuries. (TOI, WAFA 1/22; PCHR 1/25)

U.S. VP Pence addresses a special session of the Israeli Knesset, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to forging a “lasting” Palestinian-Israeli peace deal and announcing that the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem will open by the end of 2019. (AA, GDN, HA, JP, NYT, YA 1/22)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from the Khan Yunis area toward Israel. It lands in an open area near Eshkol, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on a Hamas military site north of Khan Yunis late at night, destroying it and causing minor damage to the surrounding buildings. Earlier, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol in the Hebron district. They also assault a Palestinian at a checkpoint near Hebron, claiming that he had a knife. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a latenight raid in Anata refugee camp. (HA, TOI 1/1; MNA, WAFA, YA 1/2; PCHR 1/4)

Israel’s Knesset passes into law an amendment to Israel’s Basic Law on Jerusalem that strengthens Israeli control over the city. The law requires 80 of 120 members of Knesset (MKs) to approve any proposal that would cede Israeli territory to a “foreign party,” which would be likely in any future peace agreement with the Palestinians. Previously, Israeli law required only a simple Knesset majority to approve such a transfer. (KNE, NYT 1/1; HA, JP, NYT, REU, TOI 1/2)

An Israeli military court indicts Ahed Tamimi, the teenaged Palestinian activist whose confrontation with IDF troops on 12/15 sparked a wave of protests and international solidarity, on 12 charges related to her slapping and shoving of an Israeli soldier on 12/15 and her past activism. (HA, MNA 1/1; EI 1/2)