The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed graffiti on a wall in Far’ata village west of Qalqilya. In Gaza, 45 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets at protesters during the 85th weekly Great March of Return protest. Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at Palestinian shepherds east of Rafah, causing tear-gas related injuries. In a separate incident, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/26)

House Resolution 1865 was signed into law by U.S. president Donald Trump. H.R. 1865 is a 715 page-long appropriations bill for the 2020 fiscal year which allocates $150 million in aid to Palestine, $75 million in assistance to the PA security forces and $75 million for civilian and humanitarian programs and institutions not directly connected to the PA. The bill also seeks to “fix” the Anti-Terrorism Clarifications Act which became law on 10/3/2018 and effectively ended all aid for the PA, including security aid, as it subjected the PA to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts if the PA accepted any aid from the U.S. The “fix” gives U.S. courts jurisdiction if the PA or the PLO provides payments to any individual or family of an individual convicted of killing a U.S. citizen. (HA 12/18; Congress, FMEP 12/20)

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Fatou Bensouda announced that there is basis to probe Israel for war crimes committed against Palestinians, but requested the ICC to decide on the question of the jurisdiction of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Chief Prosecutor Bensouda said that her preliminary investigation has found that “war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.” (AJ, Guardian, HA, HA, WAFA 12/20; HA 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 300 olive trees in al-Khadir. Settlers also wrote racist graffiti on walls of buildings and slashed the tires of 25 vehicles in al-Jib. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub, causing tear-gas related injuries. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel struck targets in Gaza after a rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. No injuries were reported, but damage was reported. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, forcing farmers to leave. Israeli naval forces fired a water cannon at a Palestinian fisherman, causing damage to his boat. Israel also reduced the fishing zone to 6 nautical miles. 3 Palestinians were arrested after trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence; all 3 were released on 12/20. (AJ, HA, HA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/26)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized Israeli police handling Palestinian complaints of destruction of their property. The court said the police’s handling of such complaints “is troubling, to say the least” and that in 1 case, “except for taking the Palestinian plaintiff’s statement, the police did virtually nothing.” (HA 12/20)

The United Arab Emirates announced a $25 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/19)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in the streets of Hebron using pepper spray and stones; 5 Palestinians were injured, including a 1-year-old. Israeli forces also closed al-Ibrahimi Mosque. 1 Palestinian 13-year-old was arrested in Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; HA 11/25; PCHR 11/28)

The Jerusalem District Electricity Company, a Palestinian-owned company supplying Palestinians in the West Bank, said in a statement that the Israeli Electricity Company (IEC) will increase the daily power cuts from 2 hours to 3 hours in December. The IEC started cutting electricity for Palestinians in the West Bank because the PA owes the company money that it has not been able to pay due to Israel withholding PA tax revenue. (WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 houses in al-‘Arub refugee camp. 10 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Jabal Mukabir. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Israel said it had intercepted 4 missiles launched from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel subsequently hit more than 20 targets in Syria, killing 23 people, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (AJ, HA 11/19; AJ, HA 11/20; HA 11/22)

In a significant departure from previous votes at the UN, Canada voted for a resolution supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada has since 2006 voted with Israel and the U.S. or abstained on issues pertaining to Palestine. A Canadian official told Canadian media that the country was sending a message to the U.S. that it does not agree with the U.S. change of policy in stating that it no longer considers Israeli settlements illegal under international law as announced by U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo on 11/18. (CBC, MEMO 11/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man using rubber-coated bullets as he was trying to enter Israel at a checkpoint southwest of Jenin. Elsewhere in Hebron, a video showed Israeli soldiers assaulting 1 Palestinian man and his 5-year-old boy. Israeli forces also delivered a stop-work notice for a house near Ya‘bad. Israeli settlers stole olive harvests from Palestinian farmers in Luban al-Sharqiyya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Umar, and Silwad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles off the shore from Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/5; HA, PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli supreme court upheld the Israeli government’s decision to expel U.S. citizen and Israel and Palestine Director at the Human Rights Watch Omar Shakir. The Israeli government accused Shakir of supporting boycotts of Israel, an accusation that the Human Rights Watch and Shakir have denied. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WP 11/5)

The European Union donated $17.84 million to the PA to help make payments for PA civil servants and pensioners as the PA faces economic hardship due to Israel withholding part of its tax revenue. (WAFA 11/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered notices to Palestinians informing them that Israel would be seizing 624 dunams (148 acres) of land: 500 near Hizma and 124 in Duma. Israeli forces forced Palestinians harvesting olives to leave their land between Burin and Huwwara. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in Dura. In East Jerusalem, a school in Issawiyya declared a strike after Israeli forces broke into the school an arrest a 10th-grader in the school yard. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a protest in the Old City. In Gaza, Israel continued its bombing of targets which started on 11/1. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/7)

Twitter suspended 4 verified accounts from the Palestinian news outlet Quds News Network (QNN). QNN said in a press release that they had not been informed why but suspected suppression of free speech on Palestine. (AJ 11/2; QNN 11/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles and defaced buildings with racist graffiti in Yatma. Israeli forces also fired sound bombs and tear gas during a raid on a wedding ceremony east of Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Tulkarm, and 2 were arrested during clashes in Hebron. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian photojournalist covering a raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian minor at a mosque in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian sanitation truck, causing damage. In Gaza, 95 Palestinians were injured during the 80th weekly Great March of Return protest, including 36 by live ammunition; others were injured by rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. (PCHR, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/31)

Malaysia announced that the country would open an embassy to Palestine in Jordan. Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said, “[w]e know that Israel will not allow Malaysia to open an embassy in the Occupied Territory. As such, we will open the embassy in Jordan.” (WAFA 10/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Bireh against the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails; 8 injuries were reported. Elsewhere, in Ramallah, Palestinians suffered tear-gas related injuries during an Israeli military raid. Israeli forces also arrested 27 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, Hebron, Abu Dis, and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with military escort raided an archeological site in Sabastiyya and Joseph’s Tomb in Balata. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli magistrate court ordered the eviction of a Palestinian family of 13 from their home in Silwan. The lawsuit was brought by the settler organizations Ateret Cohanim and Elad. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Issawiyya and Silwan. Haaretz reported that more than 350 Palestinians have been arrested in Issawiyya the last 3 months while less than 10 have been indicted for a crime. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/23; PCHR 9/26)

A court in Jerusalem upheld the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories decision not to allow the majority of players and staff of the soccer team Khadamat Rafah travel permits to the West Bank for a match in the Palestinian soccer cup championship. The match was originally scheduled for 7/3, but the players and staff had not been able to obtain the permits to travel to the West Bank for the match for more than 2 months. The winner of the final game between Khadamat Rafah and Balata FC would represent Palestine at the Asian Cup. (AP, HA 9/23; AJ 9/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Halhul, and Salfit, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in Hebron; among the arrested at a late-night raid in Ramallah was 1 Palestinian instructor from Birzeit University in Ramallah. Israeli forces also conducted house raids in Zabbuba near Jenin; no arrests were reported. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles travelling on a road northeast of Ramallah, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian demolished his store in Silwan after receiving a demolition order by Israeli authorities. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

After more than 340 Palestinians had been arrested in Issawiyya in East Jerusalem during the summer, it was reported that the Israeli police, the Jerusalem Municipality, and residents of Issawiyya had come to an agreement on limiting Israeli operations in Issawiyya. The agreement includes that residents of Issawiyya cancel a school strike on 9/2, the 1st day of the school year. (HA 9/1)

According to the Palestinian Energy Authority, Qatar will be cutting the amount of fuel it funds for Gaza by 50 percent, causing the hours of electricity available in Gaza to drop from 8 hours per day to 5 or 6. (HA 9/1)

At a visit to the Israeli settlement of Elkana, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that that he aspires to apply Israeli sovereignty to all Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s announcement comes 2 weeks before the Israeli general election. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1)

The al-Kasom Regional Council in the Negev, which presides over a large Bedouin community, announced that 17,000 students would not start the school year as planned on 9/2 as the Israeli education ministry had not given it enough money to begin the school year as planned. (HA 9/1)

Israeli forces and Hezbollah operatives exchanged missiles near the border of Israel and Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, it fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli military and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that it had hit the Hezbollah cell that fired the anti-tank missiles with “100 shells, aerial fire and various measures.” (HA 9/1; AJ, AJ, HA 9/2; HA 9/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a school southwest of Jenin and seized construction equipment and a tractor. Israeli forces also closed the Huwwara checkpoint for the 1st of 2 days coinciding with the Bahrain workshop. In several places throughout the West Bank, Palestinians protested the Bahrain workshop. Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Hebron. During a raid near Ramallah, several Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets as they were protesting the Israeli incursion. A carpentry store was also damaged by Israeli forces during the incursion. In Bayt Umar, Israel forces prevented utility workers from working on the electricity network and seized a crane and a vehicle. In East Jerusalem, Israeli municipal workers tore down a protest tent set up by Palestinians protesting the Israeli planned demolitions of a number of buildings in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli authorities halted transfers of fuel to the Gaza power plant indefinitely, citing incendiary balloons. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats and detained 3 Palestinian fishermen within the permitted fishing area. 3 Palestinians were injured by live fire east of Bayt Hanun. The 1st day of a 2-day general strike was observed in Gaza in protest of the Bahrain workshop. (GISHA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/25; WAFA; WAFA 6/26)

Charges against a Palestinian man accused of raping a 7-year-old girl in an Israeli settlement in the West Bank was dropped after an Israeli court found that there was not enough evidence tying the man to the rape. The Israeli military prosecution was criticized for their handling of the investigation and an Israeli army spokesperson said that the military would launch a probe into the investigation. (HA, WAFA 6/25)

The Chilean president Sebastián Pinera met with PA officials in East Jerusalem and toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA 6/26)

The U.S.-sponsored Bahrain workshop on Middle East economic development, dubbed the Peace to Prosperity, began for the 1st of 2 days. Despite focusing on the economic element of peace between Palestine and Israel, neither country was represented at the workshop. The U.S. peace team intends to raise $50 billion in contributions for economy development in Palestine and for its neighbors. A spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that the Arab Peace Initiative from 2002 was a red line that could not be redrafted if a peace plan was to be executed. The comments followed U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner’s comments to Al-Jazeera that a peace deal would need to be found “somewhere between the Arab peace initiative and between the Israeli position.” (WAFA 6/25; HA 6/26)

The national security advisers of Israel, Russia, and the U.S. met in Israel to discuss the security situation in the Middle East. (HA 6/24)

The UK announced that it would increase its support to the UNRWA to $85.5 million. (WAFA 6/26)

In the West Bank, 10 Palestinians were reported arrested by Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers erupted after 120 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Israeli-celebrated Jerusalem Day, which included a flag march through the Old City. 1 Palestinian was injured with a head injury after being beaten by Israeli police and others suffered from tear gas inhalation. The march also left much of East Jerusalem closed to Palestinians. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids and throughout the day. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2)

The Israeli state comptroller criticized the Israeli and Jerusalem authorities for neglecting social services in East Jerusalem such as garbage disposal and street cleaning. The state comptroller also criticized the waiting time for East Jerusalem Palestinians seeking Israeli citizenship. (HA 6/2)

An Israeli police officer was charged with fracturing the leg of a Palestinian citizen of Israel and assaulting 7 others detained at a demonstration in Haifa in 2018. (HA 6/2)

Israel struck targets in Syria for the 2d day in a row. 2 people were reportedly killed and 2 others injured when Israeli missiles hit buildings at a Syrian military base in Homs. (HA 6/3; HA 6/4)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said of the still-unannounced U.S. peace plan that Egypt would not accept terms against Palestinian wishes. (HA 6/3)

U.S. president Donald Trump said of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to form a government that he is “not happy” with the outcome and that Israeli politicians “should get their act together.” (HA 6/3)

U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner said, when asked if he believed that Palestinians were capable of governing themselves, that “we’ll have to see. The hope is that they, over time, will become capable of governing.” Kushner would also not confirm if the U.S. peace plan includes 2 states. “I do think they should have self-determination. I’m going to leave the details until we come out with the plan.” (AJ 6/3)

Israeli forces arrested 18 Israeli settlers while evacuating temporary homes at an Israeli-deemed illegal settlement east of the Ofra settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued 2 demolition orders for 2 buildings in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Silwan; at least 1 Palestinian was injured trying to protect his home. In Gaza, Israel reduced the fishing zone from 15 nautical miles to 6 in response to the rocket fired from Gaza on 4/29. Israeli authorities said that the rocket was launched by Islamic Jihad. Off the coast of Gaza City, a Palestinian fisherman was injured when he was hit by a rubber-coated bullet fired by Israeli naval forces. Israeli naval forces also removed and destroyed all fishing nets placed outside of the 6-nautical-mile fishing zone. In Israel, 2 Israelis were sentenced to 1 year in prison for assaults made on 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel in 2017 to deter them from dating Jewish women. (AJ, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; HA, HA 5/1)

The EU called on Israel not to deport Human Rights Watch director for Israel and Palestine Omar Shakir, who was denied a petition at the Jerusalem district court to halt his pending deportation on 4/16. (HA 4/30)

The EU asked the PA to accept the reduced tax revenue Israel is offering until a solution to the PA’s financial crisis is found. The EU stressed that the request “does not constitute a legal or political endorsement of Israeli deductions.” (HA 4/30; HA 5/1)

The U.S. government is working to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization, said the White House. According to New York Times reporting, U.S. president Donald Trump was urged by Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to make the designation while on an official visit to Washington on 4/9. (AJ, NYT 4/30)

In a joint statement by U.S. democrats in the House of Representatives, concern was expressed for the Israeli-planned demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and Susiya. The U.S. members of Congress signing the statement were Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), David Price (D-NC), John Yarmuth (D-KY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX). (Schakowsky’s Office 4/30; WAFA 5/2)

Member of the House of Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN) reintroduced her bill H.R.2407 “Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.” The bill, if passed, would amend the Foreign Assistance Act, cutting assistance to foreign countries that uses “military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of children in violation of international humanitarian law,” and authorize $19 million annually to NGOs monitoring human rights abuses associated with Israel’s military detention of children. (Congress 4/30; McCollum’s Office, MDW 1/5)

The outgoing French ambassador to the U.S. Gérard Araud, who on 4/19 called Israel an apartheid state, will not be meeting Israeli officials when he visits Israel in early May, as Israel has barred its officials from meeting Araud. Additionally, Israel summoned France’s ambassador to Israel Hélène Le Gal to the Israeli foreign ministry for a reprimand for Araud’s statements. (HA 4/30)

The United Kingdom announced that it was contributing $11.7 million to help build a water desalination plant in Gaza. (WAFA 4/30)

The EU contributed $4.1 million to the PA’s private sector reconstruction agricultural program to help farmers in Gaza. In a separate announcement, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the EU was contributing with an additional $24.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; MNA 5/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers contaminated a water container with poisonous material in Yatta south of Hebron. Elsewhere, in the village of al-Jib, Israeli settlers with military escort stormed an archeological site while closing the main road to the village for 2 hours. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escorted some 300 Israeli settlers while touring Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up checkpoints and roadblocks impeding access for Palestinians in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers; no injuries were reported. (MNA, MNA, PNN, WAFA 4/25)

The Israeli foreign ministry announced that Israel would participate in the World Expo in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Israel’s participation an expression of Israel’s “rising status in the world and the region.” (HA 4/27)

A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the enforcement of a Texas state law that prohibits boycotting Israel as a condition of public employment. The judge cited the 1st Amendment as a reason for his decision. The ruling comes after 2 federal judges in Kansas and Arizona blocked similar state laws last year. (WP 4/26)  

The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov warned in a report that the financial crisis due to Israel withholding 6 percent of the PA tax revenue, and the PA refusing to accept any of the revenue as long as it is not 100 percent, “threatens the stability of the West Bank and the very survival of the Palestinian state-building effort.” (MNA, UNSCO, WAFA 4/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished the home in al-Zawiya of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler and Israeli soldier in March. The Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces 2 days after the episode. The demolition leaves 6 of the Palestinian’s family members homeless. A confrontation between Palestinian residents and Israeli forces broke out during the demolition and Israeli forces fired tear gas and sound bombs at the Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers with military escort raided the Palestinian town al-Samou near Hebron. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up checkpoints in al-Thahriya, Yatta, Taffuh, and Hebron. Elsewhere, clashes between Israeli forces and residents ensued in al-‘Arub refugee camp north of Hebron. Israeli forces fired live ammunition and stun grenades; no injuries were reported. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces escorting some 1,500 Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb; 3 of the injured Palestinians were taken to a hospital. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Iksa, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, some 500 Israeli settlers and military escort stormed Haram al-Sharif to perform prayers. Israeli authorities also banned 2 Palestinians from Haram al-Sharif for 4 and 6 months. (AJ, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/24; MNA, WAFA 4/25)

In a meeting with U.S. senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in Ramallah, Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh stressed the importance of U.S. support of a 2-state solution and asked for the U.S. to recognize the State of Palestine and lift the ban on the PLO. (MNA 4/25)

In the West Bank, over 20,000 Israeli settlers visited the al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron while the holy site was sealed off for Muslim worshippers. In Sabastiyya, Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces stormed an archeological site. Meanwhile, the village was sealed off by Israeli forces impeding the movement of its Palestinian residents. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 11 Palestinians were injured when Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces stormed Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus. Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces injured a Palestinian in Silwan. (MNA, MNA 4/23; MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 4/24)

During a meeting with the Norwegian representative to the PA in Ramallah, PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on Norway to assert pressure on Israel to release the full withheld Palestinian tax revenues. (WAFA 4/23; MNA 4/24)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he is planning to name a town in the occupied Golan Heights after U.S. president Donald Trump. Netanyahu said that it was a gesture of appreciation for the U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. (MNA 4/24)

At a Time magazine event, President Trump’s senior adviser and son in-law Jared Kushner indicated that the U.S. “peace plan” does not include a sovereign Palestinian state. Kushner said that past negotiations over a 2-state solution had failed and that “New and different ways to reach peace must be tried.” When asked directly if 2 states are part of the U.S. plan, Kushner responded, “If people focus on the old traditional talking points, we’re never going to make peace.” (HA 4/24)

In the West Bank, an Israeli soldier assaulted a Palestinian shepherd in Hadidiya in the Jordan Valley. Elsewhere in the West Bank, a 17-year-old Palestinian was injured after being hit in the head by an Israeli fired rubber-coated bullet. The attack happened as Israeli forces raided Muthalath al-Shuhada south of Jenin; Palestinians in the village responded to the raid by throwing stones at the soldiers. At least 4 Palestinians were detained in late-night raids in and around Hebron, Hizma, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolished their own home to avoid the excessive Israeli demolition fees. Along the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen. (MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/6; MNA 4/7)

The Israeli Higher Planning Committee approved the construction of 770 new housing units in the Bitar Elit settlement west of Bethlehem. (WAFA 4/6)

Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar said Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement through Egyptian mediators that included expanding the list of items allowed into Gaza and easing restrictions on import and export and passage of traders. (HA 4/6)

In a controversial interview with Israeli Channel 12, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that if he wins the upcoming Israeli elections, he “will extend sovereignty but I don’t distinguish between the settlement blocs and the isolated ones, because each settlement is Israeli and I will not hand it over to Palestinian sovereignty.” Netanyahu further stated, “I will not divide Jerusalem, I will not evacuate any community and I will make sure we control the territory west of Jordan.” Netanyahu also said that the evacuation of Khan al-Ahmar “it will happen, I promised and it will happen at the soonest opportunity.” Netanyahu’s statements were largely understood as a pledge to annex the West Bank. Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki responded that Netanyahu would face a “real problem” if he is serious, adding that Palestinians would resist such policy. (WAFA 4/6; AJ, HA, HA 4/7)

At the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa in Jordan, the Omani foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said at a panel that Palestinians should reassure Israel that it is not under threat in the Middle East. Yusuf bin Alawi’s comment was quickly rebuked by Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi, stating that the Arab Peace Initiative stipulates that normalization with Israel is based on Israeli withdrawal of occupied Palestine. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the situation in Palestine with representatives from around the Middle East, including Yusuf bin Alawi. (HA, WAFA 4/6; AJ, MNA 4/7)

In a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas, NV, President Donald Trump told the audience that in the lead-up to announcing that U.S. was moving its embassy to Jerusalem, he ignored calls from world leaders. Trump further referred to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “your prime minister” to the largely Jewish-American audience. (MDW, 4/7)

In the West Bank, during the funeral procession for the 23-year-old Palestinian man killed 4/1 during a late-night raid in Qalandia refugee camp in the West Bank, 2 Palestinians, both minors, were injured and taken to a hospital after Israeli forces shot at the crowd. Elsewhere in the West Bank, a 3-story Palestinian-owned building in Bir Oneh near Bethlehem was demolished by Israeli forces. In Hebron’s Israeli-controlled area, students and teachers were injured when Israeli forces fired tear gas next to a school. Israeli settlers vandalized the Palestinian town of Dayr Jarir by spraying racist graffiti and cut down some 400 grapevines and 150 almond trees. In East Jerusalem, a 2-story Palestinian-owned building was demolished by Israeli forces in Shu‘fat refugee camp. The owner of the demolished building later in the day received a bill of over $40,000 for the demolition cost. In Gaza, a 25-year-old Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained on 3/30 during the Great March of Return protests. The man was shot by Israeli snipers. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 218. Off the coast of Gaza, 1 Palestinian fisherman was injured by Egyptian navy forces firing live ammunition toward fishermen. 4 other Palestinian fishermen were detained by the Egyptian forces. In a separate incident, Israeli naval forces sprayed Skunk, a non-lethal weapon developed in Israel, at Palestinian fishermen. Israeli forces also fired a missile at a group of Palestinian youths who allegedly were launching incendiary balloons. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MEMO 4/3)

Unidentified Palestinians launch an incendiary balloon from Gaza into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Later, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 3 protesters (1 Israeli soldier is reportedly injured when a Palestinian throws an explosive across the border fence). Israeli artillery then shell 2 Hamas observation posts in the area, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian shepherd and steal 2 of his sheep in the northern Jordan Valley. Settlers also assault a Palestinian vegetable vendor in Jenin, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. One raid in Tulkarm sparks minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries or arrests. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police seal al-Rahma Gate leading into Haram al-Sharif. The move reportedly comes in response to certain Palestinian officials praying at the gate last week. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/17; HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

Implementing legislation passed in 7/2018, Israel’s security cabinet approves a deduction to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA equal to that which the PA distributes in stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in connection with serious crimes against Israelis and the families of Palestinians killed in connection with such crimes. The cuts are expected to total NIS 502,697,000 (approximately $138 million) over a 12-month period. In response, a PA spokesperson calls the Israeli decision “arbitrary” and says that it will be “given a priority” in the Palestinian leadership’s discussions in the coming days. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/17)

Hamas security forces forcibly prevent PA security forces from staffing the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, according to the PA (Hamas claims that the PA troops left of their own free will). A senior Hamas official says that Hamas is carrying out “necessary security measures.” Sources in Gaza say that Hamas suspects the PA security forces are allowing Israel to transfer espionage equipment into Gaza. Hamas is reportedly demanding that PA staffers in Gaza submit to questioning and background checks. (HA, TOI 2/17)

Dozens of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to launch fireworks at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Amid the demonstrations, unidentified Palestinians attempt to fire a mortar into southern Israel. It lands short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to swim from Gaza to Israel. They also open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers break into a Palestinian high school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinian minors are lightly injured. Separately, settlers smash the windshields of a number of Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara village near Nablus; assault a Palestinian journalist and a Palestinian activist in central Hebron (no serious injuries are reported). IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; JP, MNA, MNA 2/11; PCHR 2/14)

PA minister for civilian affairs Hussein al-Sheikh says that the Trump administration has asked U.S. and international banks to stop working with the PA in an effort to pressure the Palestinian leadership into accepting their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the [PA],” he says. “The sanctions began with preventing the transfer of an Iraqi grant worth $10 million, which was handed over to the Arab League recently. The League has not been able to transfer it because all banks have refused to accept it for transfer to the [PA’s] finance ministry or the national fund.” (AFP, TOI 2/11)

Haaretz reports that Israeli government officials have informed the Jerusalem District Court of their intention to invoke a legal justification approved by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in 12/2018 to retroactively authorize several settlement housing units build on Palestinian land near the Ariel settlement. Mandelblit’s justification allowed for such retroactive authorizations if the initial allocation of Palestinian land was done in “good faith.” (HA 2/10)

U.S. representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of the first members of the U.S. Congress to openly support the BDS movement, sends a tweet in response to a story about Israeli influence in U.S. politics: “It’s all about the Benjamins baby.” Her tweet draws criticism and allegations of anti-Semitism from many Democrats and Republicans. (NYT, WP 2/11)

Approximately 8,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Gaza City; 2 Palestinian minors are killed and at least 17 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 203. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. 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, after Israeli settlers confront Palestinian farmers working outside Bayt Fajjar near Bethlehem, IDF troops violently disperse the Palestinians with tear gas; no serious injuries are reported. Israeli settlers open fire on Palestinians outside al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; there are no reports of serious injuries. Near Hebron, settlers claim ownership of a Palestinian home outside al-Arub refugee camp, sparking a violent confrontation between their IDF escort and the Palestinian family that lives there; 1 Palestinian is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh, damaging a mosque and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces remove a Palestinian flag and the photo of a Palestinian prisoner from a mosque in Issawiyya. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/8; MNA, MNA 2/9; PCHR 2/14)

A Palestinian prisoner in Israel is found dead in his cell, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. (WAFA 2/8)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that Polish officials recently invited the Palestinians to attend the upcoming security conference in Warsaw, where U.S. officials are reportedly set to unveil some details about their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Our position remains clear,” he says. “We are not going to attend this conference and reiterate that we have not mandated anyone to talk on behalf of Palestine.” (TOI 2/8; MNA 2/10)

A senior Dutch official says that his government has decided to allow Palestinians living in the Netherlands to register the West Bank or Gaza as their birthplace on official documents. “The Dutch viewpoint that Israel has no sovereignty over these areas,” he says. (HA 2/8; YA 2/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 473 olive trees from Palestinian groves near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 2/5; PCHR 2/7)

A senior U.S. official says the U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner is planning to discuss the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan at an international security conference in Warsaw on 2/14. The Trump administration is co-organizing the conference on 2/13–14 and has invited Israel and a number of Arab states to attend (The Palestinians are not invited). A principle focus of the conference is Iran and its influence across the Middle East. In response, PA president Mahmoud Abbas calls for the international community to come together for a peace conference to devise a multilateral mechanism to advance the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. “This is where the European Union and its member states can play an important role alongside the [UN] Security Council,” he says. Abbas also says that the Palestinians will not participate in any peace conference not based on past UN resolutions. (JP 2/5; MNA, WAFA 2/6)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 32 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and al-Mughayyir) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 21 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers assault a group of Palestinian minors walking near Ramallah, lightly injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes parts of his own Jabal Mukabir home to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (AP, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/1; MNA, TOI 2/2; PCHR 2/7)

In a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials and UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reportedly agrees to put a stop to the recent cross-border violence in Gaza in exchange for the Egyptian authorities permanently re-opening the Rafah border crossing in both directions. Haniyeh does not comment on the report, but later calls the meeting “unprecedented.” (TOI, YA 2/2)

A U.S. official confirms that USAID has ended all its aid programs in the West Bank and Gaza as of today. U.S. support for the PA security forces (PASF) also ends today, following the PA’s decision not to accept the new conditions on U.S. aid, which were codified in the Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018 (see *S. 2946 of 5/24/18 at congressionalmonitor.org). That law would have required that the Palestinians open themselves up to lawsuits from individual U.S. citizens in exchange for continued support for the PASF, which has in recent years amounted to approximately $60 million annually. Both Israeli and PA officials have indicated that they expect PASF-IDF security coordination to continue in some form despite the cut in U.S. aid. (JP, MNA, MNA 2/1)

An EU spokesperson criticizes the recent Israeli decision not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), saying that it “risks further deteriorating the already fragile situation on the ground.” Separately, the five countries who contributed members to the TIPH—Norway, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey—release a joint statement criticizing Israel’s decision, “strongly object[ing] to any claims that TIPH acted against Israel.” A UN spokesperson says that UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres “hopes that an agreement can be found by the parties to preserve the TIPH’s long-standing and valuable contribution to conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians in Hebron.” (HA, TOI, WAFA 2/2; AP, MNA, TOI 2/3)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor approaching the border fence near Khan Yunis. They also open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds near Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault and lightly injure a number of Palestinian farmers working near Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a number of structures on Palestinian farmland near Bethlehem and seize a tractor from a farm near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol near Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. An unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance detonates in the northern Jordan Valley, killing 4 Palestinian-owned cows. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) leads a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid in Hizma. (JP, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; MNA, MNA, TOI 1/29; PCHR 1/31)

Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour says that the effort to submit the State of Palestine for full membership at the UN is on hold until “obstacles” are no longer in the way, alluding to the U.S. veto at the UN Security Council. Earlier this month, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said he intended to file the paperwork for another full membership bid before the end of 1/2019. (AP, TOI 1/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that his government does not intend to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), an international civilian group that has been monitoring “efforts to maintain normal life” in Hebron since it was established as part of the Hebron Protocol in 1997. The TIPH’s mandate, which has been renewed every 6 months since then, is set to expire on 1/31. A PA spokesperson calls the move “unacceptable.” “We call on the countries sponsoring this agreement to take a clear stance from this grave Israeli position and to immediately act to pressure the Israeli government to continue implementation of the agreement as agreed and not to treat Israel as a state above the law.” (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; MNA, TOI 1/29; FMEP 2/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault a number of Palestinians commuting to Jerusalem at a checkpoint near Bethlehem; there are no serious injuries reported. Israeli forces set up a mobile checkpoint at the entrance to Turmus ‘Ayya village near Ramallah, sparking clashes with Palestinians preparing for the funeral of the Palestinian killed by Israeli settlers on 1/26; 1 Palestinian minor is injured. Another Palestinian is injured during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Tulkarm. Separately, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 40 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Tulkarm, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse a small group of Palestinians gathering at the Great March of Return protest camp near al-Maghazi refugee camp; 1 Palestinian minor is injured. (JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/31)

UN and Qatari officials sign a memorandum of understanding governing a grant of $20 million from Qatar for UN-administered humanitarian projects in Gaza. The money comes on top of the $9.4 million Qatar transferred to Gaza on 1/26. (JP 1/28)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for Palestinians entering Gaza from Egypt. They have kept the crossing largely closed since 1/5. (WAFA 1/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian during clashes sparked by a raid near Jenin; arrest 5 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers bulldoze 30 dunams (approximately 7.5 acres) of Palestinian land south of Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and injure a Palestinian and arrest a 2d during a raid in Jabal Mukabir. They arrest 3 more Palestinians during raids in Qalandia refugee camp and Qatanna. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 1/15; PCHR 1/17)

At a formal ceremony in New York City, PA president Mahmoud Abbas assumes chairmanship of the UN’s Group of 77 and China, pledging to “pursue the path paved by previous chairs” and to “strive to carry forth the legacy and traditions of our group in addressing the challenges before us for achieving progress and prosperity for our peoples and states.” The group comprises 134 member states, making it the UN’s largest bloc. Meanwhile, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki says that the Palestinians still intend to move forward with their bid for full membership at the UN this month, despite a likely U.S. veto. (JP, TOI, WAFA 1/15; MNA 1/16)

Unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device from Gaza into southern Israel attached to a cluster of balloons, where it lands in an open area in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. IDF troops detonate the device, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducts 3 air strikes on Hamas sites in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Bayt Hanun, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, following the shooting attack on an Israeli settler vehicle at the nearby Beit El checkpoint on 1/5, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, confiscating surveillance tapes and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area throughout the day; several Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers uproot 60 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/10)

Following a week of increasing tensions between Fatah and Hamas, the Fatah-dominated PA announces plans to remove its staff from the Rafah border crossing on 1/7. “This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs,” reads the PA statement. “Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there. We had to bear a lot in order to give the opportunity for the Egyptian effort to end the division.” The PA took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing in the context of the 10/12/17 Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement, which was never fully implemented. (JP, REU, WAFA 1/6)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan will likely not be released for at least several more months. “We want to release it a way that gives it the best chance of getting a good reception,” he says, adding that the upcoming Israeli elections on 4/9 are “a factor, but not the only factor.” Meanwhile, U.S. national security advisor John Bolton meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Following the meeting, Bolton says that the U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger than it is now under Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump. (HA, JP, JP, TOI 1/6)

In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says that Egypt’s military coordination with Israel is at its “closest ever.” He adds, “We have a wide range of cooperation with the Israelis.” (AJ, CBS, HA 1/6)