The Palestine Chronology

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)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces again close the main entrance to Luban al-Sharqiyya village near Nablus, following recent clashes in the village (they temporarily closed it on 12/22 after the clashes first broke out). IDF troops arrest 24 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron. (WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/28)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained during clashes with the IDF along Gaza’s border on 12/8. (TOI, WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/28)

The Israeli press reports that PA pres. Abbas told his deputies that the U.S. is a “lost cause” and ordered them to sever all contacts with U.S. officials, expanding the high-level diplomatic break he ordered in the wake of Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem. (TOI 12/24)

Guatemalan pres. Jimmy Morales announces that his government intends to follow the U.S. lead and move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Guatemala was among the small group of countries that opposed the UNGA resolution on 12/21. (AP, CNN, TOI 12/24; WP 12/28)

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

Hundreds of Palestinians across the oPt gather at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them at the Qalandia checkpoint, central Jerusalem, Abu Dis village, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; 11 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and in Biddu (East Jerusalem). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces fire sound bombs and artillery at Palestinian lands and other property near Gaza City and Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/20; PCHR 12/21; PCHR 12/28)

Palestinian diplomatic delegations discuss the future of the peace process with local officials in Moscow and Beijing. PLO executive committee member Salih Ra‘fat says that the delegations are part of the Palestinians’ efforts to gather support in the wake of U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Both Russia and China have expressed interest in becoming more active in the peace process, and the Palestinians are looking to replace the U.S. as sole mediator. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/20)

U.S. pres. Trump threatens to cut economic aid to any country that votes in favor of a UNGA resolution rejecting his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which is set for a vote on 12/21. “They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us,” he says. “Well, we’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.” (AP, HA, TOI, YA 12/20; HA 12/21)

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 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 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)

A Palestinian child succumbs to injuries sustained on 8/8/2014 during Israel’s summer 2014 assault on Gaza. Four members of the boy’s family were killed that day when an Israeli air strike targeted his family home. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians march through Gaza City in protest of U.S. pres. Trump’s reported decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians protesting along the border near Khan Yunis (there are no serious injuries). In the West Bank, the IDF temporarily closes the entrance to nearby Ya‘bad village after reports of shots fired at an Israeli settler bus near Jenin. IDF troops clash with stonethrowing Palestinians in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 27 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Bethlehem. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 122d time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 12/6; PCHR 12/7; PCHR 12/14)

In a speech broadcast from the White House, U.S. pres. Trump announces that the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and that his administration will begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “I have judged this to be in the best interest in the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” he says. PA pres. Abbas says that the U.S. can no longer serve as mediator between the Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli PM Netanyahu welcomes the announcement, celebrating the “historic day.” (AP, BBC, EI, HA, MNA, YA 12/6; HA, WAFA 12/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish the foundation of a building under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Bayt Hanina and al-Tur. (WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/7)

After days of speculation and rumors, U.S. pres. Trump calls PA pres. Abbas to tell him that he plans to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and to invite the Palestinian leader for a meeting at the White House before the end of the month. According to a PA spokesperson, Abbas warns Trump of the “dangerous repercussions.” Trump also calls Israeli PM Netanyahu, Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz, Jordanian king Abdullah, Russian pres. Vladimir Putin, and Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to inform them of his decision. (AP, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/5)

In response to Pres. Trump’s plan to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and to move the U.S. embassy there, several Palestinian factions and Islamist groups jointly declare 3 “days of rage” to begin on 12/6. Later, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem issues a travel warning calling on U.S. citizens to avoid the West Bank and the Old City of Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 12/5)

Lebanese PM Saad Hariri formally rescinds his resignation, which threw Lebanon and much of the Middle East into turmoil when he announced it on Saudi television on 11/4 (see JPS 47 [2]). (AA, REU, TOI 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces order Palestinian farmers to leave their lands near Tubas for undisclosed reasons. They also evacuate and demolish a structure in the Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Jerusalem. The remaining 15 buildings in the outpost are to be demolished by 3/2018. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Bethlehem, and patrols near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli police arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif and ban him from entering the Old City for 20 days. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Ras al-Amud. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/7)

Hours after employees of the Hamas-run government prevent former PA civil servants from entering government offices in Gaza City, Fatah and Hamas agree to temporarily delay the transfer of government ministries to 12/10. Under their 10/12 reconciliation agreement, administrative control over Gaza was supposed to be transferred to the PA by today (see JPS 47 [2]). The delay is meant to diffuse tensions that have arisen since, according to a joint statement. (AFP, HA 11/20)

Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA to take control of Gaza, and call for a new round of elections for the PA presidency, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Palestinian National Council by the end of 2018. They do not reach a resolution on the issue of Hamas’s military wing, however. (TOI, WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes under construction in Batir village near Bethlehem, a residential structure and an animal barn in Jiftlik village near Jericho, and a residential building in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya and another in Shu‘fat, and arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on and then arrest 2 Palestinians as they are attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Lahiya (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/23; PCHR 11/30)

An Israeli youth succumbs to injuries she sustained in a bombing attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem in 3/2011. (HA, TOI 11/22)

The Arab press reports that PA pres. Abbas has refused a phone call from senior advisor to U.S. pres. Trump Jared Kushner, apparently implementing the Palestinians’ threat, reported on 11/21, to cut off communication with the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s threat to close the PLO office in Washington. Instead of taking the call, Abbas reportedly referred Kushner to the PLO office in Washington. (HA, TOI 11/22; HA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively seal shut the Yatta home of a Palestinian imprisoned on charges related to a 6/2016 attack on Israelis in Tel Aviv. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Ni‘lin overnight. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 121st time since 2010. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/23)

The IDF orders approximately 300 Palestinian Bedouins to evacuate their homes near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement ahead of the planned demolition of their village, Jabal al-Baba. Similar orders have been issued for a Bedouin village in the northern Jordan Valley and other villages near Jerusalem, but none has been enforced yet. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/17; TOI 11/18)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at rallies across the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. Israeli forces violently disperse 1 protest outside the British consulate in Jerusalem and another in Sheikh Jarrah; there are no serious injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during raids near Jenin and in Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a “resistance site” near al-Maghazi refugee camp on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries, according to local sources. (MNA 11/2; PCHR 11/9)

The EU releases a statement welcoming Hamas’s 11/1 transfer of control of Gaza’s border crossings to the PA, calling it “an important step in the implementation of the agreement signed in Cairo on 10/12, and toward allowing the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza and achieving intraPalestinian reconciliation.” U.S. special representative Greenblatt also salutes the development, saying it is “essential that the PA assume full responsibility in Gaza.” (WAFA 11/2; TOI 11/3)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians marching through Bethlehem to mark the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. There are no serious injuries in the ensuing clashes. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers steal the olives harvested from 280 trees in Palestinian orchards near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 11 more Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Nablus, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/2; PCHR 11/9)

At a ceremony at the Rafah border crossing, Hamas formally hands over control of Gaza’s border crossings to the PA, implementing a key provision of their 10/12 reconciliation agreement. A senior PA official calls the moment an “important step on the path toward reconciliation.” The PA is set to take full control of Gaza on 12/1. (MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 11/1)

Haaretz reports that the Israeli police have formed a special unit to oversee security and public order at Haram al-Sharif, following the upsurge in tensions at the site in 7/2017 (see JPS 47 [1]). The unit is expected to comprise about 200 officers when it begins operations in 2018. (HA 11/1)

PA pres. Abbas writes an op-ed for The Guardian lamenting the Balfour Declaration on its 100-year anniversary. “This British policy, to support Jewish immigration into Palestine while negating the Arab-Palestinian right to self-determination, created severe tensions between European Jewish immigrants and the native Palestinian population,” he writes. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu flies to the UK to participate in the 100th anniversary celebrations. (GDN, TOI 11/1)

The IDF orders some 300 Palestinian Bedouins to leave their homes in the northern Jordan Valley ahead of the planned demolition of their village. Similar orders have been issued for Bedouin villages near Jerusalem in the past, but none have been enforced yet. (HA 11/17)

Israeli jets launch air strikes on an alleged Syrian government weapons depot in an industrial zone near Homs along the Lebanon-Syria border. The site reportedly hosted joint Iranian-Syrian activities. (HA 11/1; YA 11/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces erect an iron gate at the entrance to a Palestinian cemetery near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm, and patrol in and around Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers harvesting olives outside Dayr Nizam village near Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish the Palestinian Bedouin village al-Araqib for the 120th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/26; PCHR 11/2)

The Jerusalem Municipality and Jerusalem District Council issue building permits for 176 new housing units in Nof Zion, an Israeli settlement inside Jabal Mukabir. If this construction goes forward, Nof Zion would be the largest Israeli settlement inside a Palestinian neighborhood in Jerusalem. (HA, TOI 10/25)

During a meeting with settler leaders, Israeli PM Netanyahu promises to invest NIS 800 million (approximately $230 million) in roads and other infrastructure development in the West Bank, starting in 2018. The settler leaders’ reaction is mixed. While some welcome the pledge, others are dubious, including Samaria Regional Council chair Yossi Dagan, who says, “We are fed up with promises and spin.” (TOI, YA 10/25; HA 10/26)

In Texas, U.S. VP Mike Pence announces that he will visit Israel and the oPt soon in an effort to promote Pres. Trump’s peace initiative. (HA, YA 10/26)

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza toward Israel. It lands in an open area short of the border, causing no damage or injuries. An IDF tank shells and destroys a Hamas observation post east of al-Maghazi refugee camp. Israeli artillery also target a site east of Gaza City, causing a fire to break out; there is no major damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops stationed along the border fence arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross from Gaza into Israel near Rafah, and open fire on Palestinian lands near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage. In East Jerusalem, approximately 524 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, commemorating the Jewish holiday Sukkot. Some of the settlers reportedly pray at the sanctuary. In the West Bank, the Israeli authorities shut down al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to Muslim worshippers to make way for Sukkot-related activities at the site. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jerusalem, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Salfit, and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In Israel, approximately 30,000 Palestinians and Israelis gather in Jerusalem to call for a resumption of IsraeliPalestinian peace talks. The Israeli NGO Women Wage Peace organized the demonstration. Hamas denounces the PLO for supporting the rally, accusing it of “normalizing” relations with Israel. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/8; MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/12)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and again near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Nablus, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. (PCHR 10/12)

In an interview with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, U.S. pres. Trump says he is giving the peace process “a shot” before he “even think[s] about moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.” Trump repeatedly promised to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem while on the campaign trail in 2016. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/8)

Hamas announces that its security forces have arrested several leaders of Islamist groups based in Gaza. The announcement comes in the context of Hamas’s ongoing crackdown on the groups. (MNA, TOI 10/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF maintains its general closure of 9 Jerusalem-area villages for a 6th and final day, following the deadly attack in Har Hadar on 9/26. Israeli forces prevent Palestinian farmers from accessing their fields outside Qalqilya, ordering them not to return until mid-10/2017 after the next Jewish holidays. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians, including 1 journalist, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus, and patrol near Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue 1 Palestinian arrest summons during a late-night raid in Silwan. (MNA, WAFA 10/1; PCHR 10/5)

Israeli DM Avigdor Lieberman’s office announces that the West Bank and Gaza will be closed for 11 days, from the start of Sukkot on 10/4, except for humanitarian cases. He cites the deadly attack in Har Hadar on 9/26 to justify the unusually long closure. (HA, TOI 10/2)

In the West Bank, the IDF maintains its general closure of 9 Jerusalem-area villages for a 5th day, following the deadly attack on 9/26. During a raid in Duha village near Bethlehem, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and spark clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and destroy the entrance to a home during raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/30; WAFA 10/1; PCHR 10/5)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, central Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains its general closure of 9 Jerusalem-area villages for a 4th day, following the deadly attack in Har Hadar on 9/26. Israeli soldiers arrest 2 Palestinians, allegedly for placing an explosive device on a road near the Migdal Oz settlement outside Hebron. After an IDF drone goes down in Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers enter the area to search for the device, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF patrols in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/29; MNA 9/30; PCHR 10/5)

In the West Bank, the IDF continues its crackdown on Bayt Surik, the Jerusalem-area hometown of the alleged perpetrator of the deadly 9/26 attack in Har Hadar. Israeli soldiers confiscate dozens of cars, conduct raids, and issue stop-work orders to various sites of unpermitted construction in the village. They also maintain the closure of 8 other Jerusalem-area villages for a 3d day. Elsewhere, IDF troops patrol in al-Thaher near Hebron and Ya‘bad village near Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in both places; there are no serious injuries and 4 Palestinians are arrested. They also arrest 19 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin, and patrol near Qalqilya and Jenin. (TOI 9/28; PCHR 10/5)

The IDF announces that the border crossings in and out of the West Bank and Gaza will be closed from midnight on 9/29 until midnight on 9/30, as Israel marks Yom Kippur. In an unusual addendum to the closure, the IDF says that Palestinian workers will be barred from entering Israel’s settlements in the West Bank on 9/30. The additional restriction is likely a response to the deadly attack on 9/26. (TOI 9/28)

The Middle East Quartet meets and releases a statement welcoming the Palestinian national reconciliation efforts: “[The Quartet members] urge the parties to take concrete steps to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under the legitimate Palestinian Authority. This will facilitate lifting the closures of the crossings, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns, and unlock international support for Gaza’s growth, stability, and prosperity, which is critical for efforts to reach lasting peace.” (TOI, WAFA 9/28)

Israeli border police shoot and kill a Palestinian worker at the back entrance of the Har Hadar settlement near Jerusalem after he opens fire on them, killing 3 officers and seriously injuring a 4th. The IDF then raids and imposes a lockdown on Bayt Surik, the alleged attacker’s hometown, and 8 other Jerusalemarea villages. Israeli soldiers threaten his family with punitive home demolition and arrest at least 15 residents, including his father and brother. Elsewhere, IDF troops assault 3 Palestinians during a raid in Hebron, arrest 10 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tubas, and Qalqilya, and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside Hebron, damaging several. They also bulldoze Palestinian agricultural land outside the Bethlehem village al-Khadir, clearing the area for a new sewage system to serve the nearby settlements. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 9/26; MNA 9/27; PCHR 9/28)

Following the deadly attack at Har Hadar this morning, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel will demolish the alleged attacker’s home and revoke his extended family’s work permits. He also calls on PA pres. Abbas to denounce the attack “and not try to justify it.” (TOI 9/26)

PA PM Hamdallah says that new committees will be formed to administer the transfer of power from the various ministries in Gaza, as well as border crossings and security services, to the PA. “Today, we are moving toward unification and toward enhancing the steadfastness of our people,” he says. The PA is set to hold its weekly cabinet meeting in Gaza on 10/3. (WAFA 9/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish the 2d floor of a Palestinian residential building in al-Za’ayem village near Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 1 car during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Sur al-Bahir. On 3 separate occasions, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp off Gaza’s coast. They arrest 2 fishermen and confiscate 1 boat. (MNA, WAFA 9/18; PCHR 9/21)

PA pres. Abbas tells Hamas leader Haniyeh by phone that he is “satisfied with the atmosphere” created by Hamas’s 9/17 pledge to dissolve its administrative committee in Gaza. He also promises to follow up when he returns from his trip to the UNGA in New York this week. (TOI, WAFA 9/18)

On the sidelines of the UNGA in New York, U.S. pres. Trump meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal and the Palestinian-Israel peace process. In a joint press conference, Trump says he still believes there is a “good chance” Palestinian-Israeli peace will happen. Netanyahu, for his part, focuses his remarks on Iran. After the meeting, the White House releases a statement saying that Trump and Netanyahu discussed their “continuing efforts to achieve an enduring Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, the optimism in the region about peace, and expanding economic opportunities to improve conditions for peace.” (HA, NYT, TOI 9/18; HA, TOI 9/19)

Also in New York, Netanyahu publicly meets with Egyptian pres. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for the first time. They discuss ways to resume Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, according to the Egyptian embassy in Washington. (HA 9/18; HA, YA 9/19)

The U.S. military opens its first base on Israeli soil in the Negev. The base will house dozens of U.S. soldiers, who will operate a large ballistic missile radar system. (HA, YA 9/18)