The Palestine Chronology

After a day of violence and intense IDF activity across the Ramallah region on 12/13, tensions remain high in the West Bank. The Israeli authorities maintain the closure of all major roads in the area while they search for the perpetrator of the attack that left 2 Israeli soldiers dead. One Palestinian is killed during clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Six Palestinians are injured during clashes sparked by a similar raid in nearby al-Bireh. Two more Palestinians are injured when IDF troops violently disperse a protest outside nearby al-Mughayyir. Separately, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier at an IDF post outside the Beit El settlement; the soldier moderately injures the Palestinian in the ensuing confrontation (the Palestinian will turn himself in to the IDF on 12/15). Unidentified assailants throw rocks at Israeli troops outside al-Bireh, moderately injuring 1 soldier. The IDF then seals off the main Ramallah-Nablus road and conducts raids in the area searching for the assailants. IDF troops shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a raid in al-Laban near Nablus; violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in central Hebron, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and Bil‘in near Ramallah (4 Palestinians are injured); arrest 1 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during additional raids near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Qalqilya, and open fire on a Palestinian passersby in Jalazun refugee camp (1 Palestinian is injured and several vehicles are damaged). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 60 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/14; TOI 12/15; PCHR 12/20)

An Israeli drone bombs a site near Rafah in southern Gaza, reportedly targeting a group of Palestinians responsible for flying incendiary balloons and kites into southern Israel. Two Palestinians are injured in the strike (1 critically), and 1 motorcycle is destroyed. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested and 1 boat is confiscated). In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw rocks at Palestinians harvesting olives near Nablus, causing no injuries but forcing the Palestinians off their land. Later, a larger group of settlers throws stones at Palestinians and their homes in Burin village near Nablus, injuring 5 Palestinians and causing minor damage. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in al-Jadira and Shu‘fat refugee camp. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/20; MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/25)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. They set fire to tires, throw improvised explosive devices, and chant slogans. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 126 are injured (3 critically). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 170. Meanwhile, Israeli artillery also shell a Hamas post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, an IDF patrol in al-Mazra‘a near Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus; arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Jenin; and violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus (7 Palestinians are injured). Israeli settlers harass Palestinians picking olives near Nablus, sparking minor confrontations between the harvesters and their own IDF escort; there are no reported arrests or injuries. Israeli settlers also assault and attempt to block Palestinian farmers from accessing their lands in 2 separate incidents near Salfit and 1 near Qalqilya. IDF troops intervene in each ensuing confrontation; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma village, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/5; MNA 10/6; PCHR 10/11)

In a statement, UNRWA expresses “concern” about Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat’s 10/4 announcement that he plans to remove the agency from East Jerusalem. “UNRWA has continuously maintained its operations in East Jerusalem since 1967 with the cooperation and on the basis of a formal agreement with the State of Israel, which remains in force,” UNRWA’s statement reads. It’s still unclear when or how Barkat intends to implement his plan. (REU, YA 10/5)

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

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by a raid in Nahalin village near Bethlehem late at night (1 Israeli soldier is lightly injured during the clashes). They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers enter ‘Ayn al-Sultan refugee camp near Jericho late at night, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. (MNA 9/29; TOI, WAFA 9/30; PCHR 10/4)

A delegation of Hamas officials arrives in Cairo to continue backchannel talks on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process and a possible long-term cease-fire with Israel. Meanwhile, there are reports in the Palestinian press that Norway is mediating a possible prisoner swap deal between Hamas and Israel. The deal would likely see the return of the remains of the 2 IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians allegedly being held in Gaza and the release of a number of Hamas-affiliated prisoners in Israel. (MNA, YA 9/29; TOI, YA 10/1)

IDF troops assault, critically injure, and arrest a Palestinian during overnight raids in Bayt Rima village near Ramallah. The Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops injure 1 Palestinian during clashes sparked by raids in Qalandia refugee camp near Ramallah and Artas near Bethlehem. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Thousands of right-wing Jewish activists visit Hebron to pray at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, commemorating Yom Kippur. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in the Old City after he assaults a right-wing Jewish activist and allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli police officer. A Palestinian eyewitness says that the deceased was not trying to stab anyone and that he was only “defending himself” from the Jewish activist. Errant Israeli fire from the incident damages the windows of a nearby shop and a number of vehicles in the area. Meanwhile, approximately 326 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif throughout the day to commemorate Yom Kippur. Israeli police assault and injure 7 Palestinians and arrest at least 5 others amid the ensuing confrontations at the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering near Bayt Hanun to continue the Great March of Return for a 5th day in a row; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 45 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 155. (AFP, EI, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 9/18; EI, MNA, MNA 9/19; PCHR 9/20)

Unidentified sources in Gaza tell the Israeli press that Hamas is working to escalate the weekly Great March of Return protests in order to pressure Israel and Egypt into resuming the backchannel talks on a long-term cease-fire, which have reportedly been suspended for the past few weeks. (YA 9/20)

Israeli forces shell a group of Palestinians near Jabaliya refugee camp who were reportedly launching incendiary kites and balloons into Israel; 2 Palestinians are injured. For a third day in a row, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants launch an incendiary kite onto an Israeli settler vineyard outside Ariel, sparking a minor fire. It is reportedly the second time Palestinians in the West Bank have deployed incendiary kites. Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest and assault 3 Palestinians during raids in Wadi al-Juz and Abu Dis. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 90 are injured. Their deaths bring the Great March of Return death toll to 137. In response to shots allegedly fired at IDF border patrols in the evening, Israeli forces strike a Hamas observation post near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing damage.

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers and fire sound bombs at Palestinian worshippers, clearing them from the sanctuary; 7 Palestinians and 4 Israeli police officers are injured, and 24 Palestinians are arrested. Some witnesses say that the Israelis entered the sanctuary after children threw firecrackers at them. After the clashes, Israeli forces seal the entrances to the sanctuary. The Islamic Waqf then organizes a sit-in protest outside, and the Israeli authorities order the entrances reopened hours later. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian home under construction and surrounding wheat fields near Nablus, causing extensive damage. The IDF seals off the entrance to Kobar village near Ramallah, the hometown of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed 3 Israeli settlers on 7/26. IDF troops conduct raids in the village throughout the day, sparking intermittent clashes; 5 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). Israeli soldiers also violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are injured. Dozens of Palestinians gather outside Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, to protest the impending Israeli evacuation and demolition of the village. Throughout the day, the IDF patrols near Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA 7/28; PCHR 8/2)

Israeli DM Lieberman pledges to advance the construction of 400 new housing units in the Adam settlement near Ramallah, justifying the settlement growth in response to the stabbing attack on 7/26. The “best response to terrorism is increased settlement,” Lieberman tweets. The 400 units are reportedly part of an existing plan to build 1,000 new units in the settlement. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/27)

In Gaza, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1. They then cross the fence, arrest the injured Palestinian, and take him to a hospital in Israel. The IDF claims that the minors were attempting to damage the border fence and enter Israel. Later, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinians approaching the border fence near Rafah, injuring 2. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Salfit. In southern Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 130th time since 2010. (HA, MNA, WAFA 6/27; PCHR 6/28; PCHR 7/5)

A coalition of armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, including Hamas and PIJ, jointly release a statement claiming credit for the rocket fire into Israel on 6/26. “All bombings will be responded to with bombing; we will not accept the continued IDF attacks.” (HA, JP 6/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 10 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate a vehicle from a Palestinian construction site near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly an incendiary kite across the fence into Israel; there are no reported injuries. (WAFA 6/13; JP, TOI 6/14; PCHR 6/21)

The UN General Assembly adopts a Palestinian-backed resolution condemning Israel’s use of “excessive force” in quelling the recent protests in Gaza, with 120 votes in favor, 8 opposed, and 45 abstentions. Before the vote, U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley proposes an amendment condemning Hamas for its rocket fire and alleged diversion of humanitarian resources into its security apparatus, but she fails to obtain enough support. (AP, HA, JP, MNA 6/14)

Following the protest in Ramallah on 6/10, the PA temporarily bans public demonstrations “in order to make it easier for citizens to conduct their normal lives [around the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday],” according to a PA statement. “It is prohibited to grant permits to organize marches or to establish gatherings that would disrupt the movement of citizens and disturb them.” The move is widely seen as a means of quelling opposition to PA president Abbas. Recent protests have focused on his role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the announcement, PA security forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Ramallah for another demonstration; there are no serious injuries. (EI, TOI 6/13)

Along Gaza’s border, 4 Palestinians cross the border fence and roll a flaming tire toward an IDF post. After Israeli troops fire warning shots at them, they return to Gaza. Late at night, the IAF bombs Hamas sites in Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis on two separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/26; WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/31)

An Israeli soldier succumbs to injuries he sustained amid clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah on 5/24. (HA, MNA 5/26)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli snipers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. He was reportedly selling ice cream from a kiosk when he was shot and critically injured. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 112. (WAFA 5/26; PCHR 5/31)

In the West Bank, unidentified assailants set fire to a cherry orchard in the Israeli settlement Kfar Etzion overnight, causing moderate damage. Israeli settlers then set fire to a Palestinian wheat field near Hebron and spray racist graffiti on the walls of a home nearby. Israeli settlers also cut down approximately 1,000 grape vines in a Palestinian agricultural area outside Halhul village near Hebron. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in Balata refugee camp near Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during raids near Qalqilya, Jenin, Hebron, and Ramallah. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/23; HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/31)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained during a violent clash with IDF troops in Ramallah on 5/15. (HA, WAFA 5/23; PCHR 5/24)

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announces that the State of Palestine deposited an instrument of accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention on 5/17/17 (the State of Palestine is set to formally adopt the convention on 6/16/18). Meanwhile, U.S. officials say that the Trump administration is considering punitive measures against international organizations that accept Palestine as a member, including the OPCW. In a similar vein, the Times of Israel reports that the Trump administration is considering action against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington in response to the Palestinians’ 5/22 referral to the ICC. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/23)

The Arab League cancels a cooperation understanding with the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry in protest of the recent move of the Guatemalan embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. (WAFA 5/23)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for the 5th consecutive Friday. This week’s protests, dubbed the “Friday of Rebellious Youth,” are dedicated to the 37 Palestinians killed since the March began on 3/30. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations in multiple locations; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 150 are injured. After hours of Israeli sniper fire, the IDF considerably escalates its crackdown on the protests with artillery shelling and air strikes on 6 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage and injuring 4 Palestinians. An IDF spokesperson later says the strikes were a response to the “terrorist actions and extensive attempts to breach Israeli territory earlier today.” In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers slash the tires of a number of Palestinian vehicles near Nablus overnight, and chop down 12 olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside ‘Urif near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with stonethrowing Palestinians in al-‘Izzariya; 1 Palestinian is arrested and 1 is wounded. A Palestinian demolishes his own car park in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/27; YA 4/28; PCHR 5/3)

A Palestinian driver allegedly rams his car into a small group of IDF troops standing along a road near Nablus, killing 2, critically injuring a 3d, and moderately injuring a 4th. The Palestinian driver is arrested. Later, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attacker’s hometown, Barta‘a, near Jenin, arresting his brother and ransacking several homes. The Israeli authorities also revoke the work permits of approximately 100 of the alleged attacker’s relatives. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Bethlehem, al-Bireh, 4 villages near Ramallah (Budrus, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians, issue 2 arrest summons, and demolish the walls of an apartment during raids near Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol near Qalqilya, Salfit, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Abu Dis, injuring 19. It’s unclear what sparked the clashes. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI, WAFA 3/16; HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/17; PCHR 3/22)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified persons detonate 2 IEDs targeting an IDF patrol near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Soon thereafter, the IAF bombs Hamas sites near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing moderate damage. An IDF spokesperson later alleges that the 2 devices were planted amid a recent border protest. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 3/15; PCHR 3/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in al-‘Izzariya; 9 Palestinians are injured. 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. (WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/22)

At a fundraising conference in Rome, officials from 90 different countries collectively pledge $100 m. for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the budget shortfall caused by U.S. president Trump’s decision to cut U.S. aid to the agency in 1/2018 (see JPS 47 [3]). (JP, TOI, WAFA 3/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah overnight, sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. The Israeli authorities confiscate 24 dunams (approximately 6 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Nablus, with the intention of building a new road for Israeli settlers in the area. In East Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher reopens, following Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 2/27 decision to freeze the tax programs that motivated church leaders’ protests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Issawiyya. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/28; PCHR 3/8)

Israeli forces surround 2 Jenin-area homes of Palestinians suspected of participating in the 1/9 killing of an Israeli settler overnight, sparking a brief firefight and clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed, 7 are injured, and at least 4 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian farmers working near Hebron, causing no major injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during latenight raids in Abu Dis and Hizma. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/3; PCHR 2/8)

The PLO Executive Committee meets in Ramallah and calls on the PA to immediately put together a plan for “disengagement” with Israel on all levels, including security coordination and economic cooperation. Meanwhile, Arab League asst. secy.-gen. Said Abu Ali says that the Arab League has adopted the Palestinian goal of pursuing a UN-mandated multilateral mechanism to administer a new round of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. He says that various Arab MKs are working with several international groups to build support for the idea. (WAFA 2/3)

In Dayr Nizam, IDF troops clash with Palestinian mourners attending a funeral for the Palestinian killed in the village on 1/3; 1 Palestinian is injured. Earlier, the IDF blocks the road leading to the village to limit attendance at the funeral. Separately, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem, sparking clashes with Palestinian residents; at least 12 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also clash with Palestinians during a late-night raid in Ramallah (there are no serious injuries), and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Salfit. Responding to complaints from Israeli settlers, the IDF orders Palestinians to stop building a road linking 2 villages near Qalqilya. Palestinian youthsthrow Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler bus near al-Fawar refugee camp, causing minor damage and no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during raids in Silwan. In Gaza, thousands of protesters march through Gaza City, calling for more frequent openings of border crossings and relief from the humanitarian crisis. (AFP, HA, TOI, WAFA 1/4; MNA 1/5; PCHR 1/11)