The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian mother and her daughter in Hebron using pepper spray. Israeli forces seized a truck and a bulldozer in Bayt Umar near Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians, including 1 disabled teenager by al-Ibrahimi Mosque; 9 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Ramallah; 3 at a northern entrance to Bethlehem; and 1 at a flying checkpoint north of Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israeli forces seized tents and uprooted trees in Khirbat Tana and dismantled residential shacks and a barn near Tubas. During the incident near Tubas, a B’tselem fieldworker was detained and his car was seized. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound and in Silwan. Approximately 232 Israeli settlers with military escort toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. 1 Palestinian trying to cross the Gaza fence was injured by Israeli live ammunition; he was hospitalized and interrogated before being released on 12/24. Israeli forces also fired flare bombs and artillery shells east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/26)

Israel’s civil administration said it had reversed its initial decision to not allow any Christians from Gaza enter Jerusalem and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. It said that all 950 applicants would be allowed to travel, pending a security screening. (HA 12/23)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized the Israeli government’s decision to return $63 million from the Palestinian Workers’ Sick Fund to Israeli employers. The $63 million were accumulated by payments from Palestinian workers in Israel to the sick fund for paid sick leave. The court ordered a freeze in payment to the Israeli employers and gave the Israeli state 3 months to respond to the justices’ questions. (HA 12/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land in Burin using a bulldozer. Israeli forces seized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya and demolished 1 shack and 2 residential structures near Abu Nawwar. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; 2 others were arrested at a school in Urif. Israeli forces conducted military drills in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also sealed off an entrance to Nahalin; 2 other entrances to the village are permanently closed. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at agricultural lands, forcing farmers to leave the area east of Khan Yunis. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a coffee shop in Battir. For the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces fired tear gas near schools in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries among students. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Jericho, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched from Gaza toward Israel, landing in an open area and causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; HA 11/26; PCHR 11/28)

The PA announced 1 day of rage on 11/26 to protest the U.S. administration’s announcement that it no longer considers Israeli settlements in contradiction to international law on 11/18. (HA, WAFA 11/25)

Omar Shakir, the Human Rights Watch director for Israel and Palestine, left Israel after being expelled. Shakir’s deportation proceedings started in May 2018 and the decision to expel him from the country was upheld by the Israeli Supreme Court on 11/5. Shakir will remain in his position working from Jordan. (HA 11/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian in Bayt Umar using live ammunition. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a school in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron; 1 was arrested during a raid east of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/28)

Israeli transportation minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a number of new settler-only roads in the West Bank, saying that his “master plan for transportation in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank] that looks 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ahead.” All the planned roads, including 1 currently being constructed near al-‘Arub refugee camp, includes seizure of Palestinian-owned land. (HA 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Salfit. Israeli forces also seized 4 residential tents south of Hebron. Separately, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Bayt Umar; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet and 1 was arrested. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Rafah and, later, east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Bayt Lahiya. (WAFA, WAFA 11/6, PCHR 11/7)

The head of UNRWA Pierre Krähenbühl resigned after an internal investigation into his conduct found management issues. The UN secretary general’s office appointed Christian Saunders as the officer-in-charge of UNRWA. (AJ, WAFA 11/6; WAFA 11/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 6 houses near Ramallah. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in al-Suwana; and demolished a shed and razed Palestinian-owned land in Issawiyya. PA Jerusalem Governor Adnan Gheith was summoned for interrogation. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot down a drone flying over Gaza. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 10/31)

Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest over Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention; 1 has been held since 8/20 and the other since 9/2. Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi also demanded that Israel release the 2 Jordanians, calling administrative detention illegal. (AJ, HA 10/30)

Lebanon’s prime minister Sa’d Hariri resigned after days of protest against his government. (AJ, HA 10/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized agricultural tools near Bethlehem. Protesters in Ramallah sealed off the offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ramallah, demanding action on behalf of a Palestinian prisoner said to be in critical condition after torture during his interrogation on 9/25. 2 Palestinians were arrested at a flying checkpoint between Bethlehem and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 4 Palestinian-owned sheep barns in Jabal Mukabir. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands northeast of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/2; PCHR 10/3)

In Israel, the pre-indictment hearings in the 3 corruption cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began. (AJ 10/2)

In Aachen, Germany, a Lebanese artist was denied a prize because the mayor of the city deemed that the artist supported BDS and had refused to distance himself from the movement. (WAFA 10/3; WAFA 10/4)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah after being beaten by Israeli forces at a checkpoint outside of Ramallah. Israeli forces also arrested 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers slashed tires and sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Duma village. Israeli forces razed land and demolished 1 house and 2 greenhouses in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/19)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with the Israeli Army Radio that he “intends to extend [Israeli] sovereignty on all the settlements and the [settlement] blocs . . . sites that have security importance or are important to Israel’s heritage.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said in response that the “Jordan Valley is part of Palestinian lands and any settlement or annexation is illegal,” further stating that the PA will sue Israel in international courts. (AJ, WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with military escort raided an area west of Dura. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked the home of a Palestinian near Qalqilya but failed to enter the house as Israeli forces prevented them. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis and Rafah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR 9/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah. In Ramallah, Israeli forces also stormed an office of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, seizing documents, and stormed several stores, seizing surveillance cameras. The raids in Ramallah led to confrontations with local residents; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted 250 olive trees and destroyed 5 water wells near Tammun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces entered a mosque in Issawiyya and fired tear gas canisters inside, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Kaft ‘Aqab. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. According to Israeli forces, machine gun fire in Israel activated the Iron Dome system which fired a rocket, ultimately landing in Israel. Reporting was unclear from where the machine-gun fire emanated. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities delivered stop-work notices for 4 Palestinian-owned houses under construction in al-Walaja, al-Khader, and Nahalin in the Bethlehem area. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets near the West Bank wall; 1 was transferred to a hospital and another arrested. Separately, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Hebron. Israeli settlers entered Yatma south of Nablus overnight where they sprayed Price Tag graffiti on a building and punctured the tires of 6 vehicles. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis. Separately, Israeli forces opened fire toward Palestinians protesting east of Khan Yunis. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; PCHR 8/22)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan said that the status quo of Jerusalem needed to be altered so that Jews can be formally allowed to worship on the Haram al-Sharif compound. A spokesperson for the Jordanian foreign ministry said that such a move could have “dangerous repercussions.” (HA 8/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement demonstrations in Kufr Qaddum and Qalqilya; no injuries were reported. In Halhul north of Hebron, clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents during a raid; 3 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets. At the Allenby Bridge, 1 Palestinian returning from Jordan was arrested. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian during a daytime raid in Bayt Fajjar. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and Palestinian-owned property around Hebron. East of Yatta, settlers sprayed racist graffiti and set fire to hay bales. Settlers also threw stones and glass bottles at Palestinian-owned vehicles on a road east of Hebron. They also threw stones at 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Tuqu‘ and Nahalin near Bethlehem; in the incident in Tuqu‘, 1 vehicle also sustained damage. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were injured by live ammunition east of Khan Yunis by the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/9; PCHR 8/22)

In protest over the possibility that Israeli police would allow Israeli Jews to commemorate Tisha B’Av on the Haram al-Sharif compound on the same day as Eid al-Adha, the Islamic Waqf called on Muslims to attend a mass service on the compound on 8/11—the day of Eid al-Adha—and announced that all mosques in the Old City would be closed except Al-Aqsa Mosque. (HA, WAFA 8/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces installed a metal gate on a road west of Bethlehem. Israeli forces also arrested 11 Palestinians in late-night raids in and around al-‘Arub refugee camp, Taqqua, Tulkarm, and Beita. Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement threw stones at a Palestinian-owned house south of Nablus, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya and Anata. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, arresting 1. In a separate incident, Israeli naval forces used water cannons against Palestinian fishermen, damaging 2 boats and injuring 1 Palestinian child. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished the bedouin village al-Araqib for the 149^th time since 2010. (PNN, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/5; PCHR 8/8)

A delegation of 42 U.S. Democratic representatives landed in Israel for a week-long trip to Israel and the West Bank sponsored by AIPAC. (MDW 8/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 80 Palestinian-owned olive trees in Yasuf near the Israeli settlement Rachelim. Israeli forces arrested 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and al-Ram. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, a Palestinian shot by Israeli forces during the weekly Great March of Return protest on 7/26 died of his wounds. The 23-year-old man was shot in his stomach east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Palestinian-owned vehicles and buildings were damaged by anti-Palestinian graffiti and tire puncturing in Kafr Qasim. (AJ, HA, MDW, WAFA 7/27; WAFA, WAFA 7/28)

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police forcefully evicted hundreds of Muslim worshippers from the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces opening fire on a group of Palestinians east of Khan Yunis. Also in Gaza, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl died shortly after returning to her parents following surgery for brain cancer in Jerusalem. The girl’s parents were not allowed by the Israeli authorities to accompany their daughter to Jerusalem for the surgery. (WAFA, WAFA 5/18; WAFA, MNA, MNA 5/19; AJ 5/22)

For the 2d day in a row, Syrian state media reported that the Syrian military had intercepted missiles fired from Israel. (HA 5/18

In the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers attacked Jibiya village north of Ramallah overnight by throwing stones, leading to 2 Palestinian injuries. Settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds in the northern Jordan Valley. Also in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 19 during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. The raid near Jenin triggered confrontations with locals trying to block the soldiers’ entrance to their village. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces handed out demolition orders for 9 residential structures in Yatta and for animal barns in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. In Hebron, students and teachers suffered from tear gas inhalation after Israeli soldiers fired the gas into the yard of their school. Some students were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. A Palestinian man arrested in July 2018 was convicted by an Israeli military court for killing an Israeli soldier in May 2018. According to Israeli forces, the Palestinian man had confessed to throwing a marble slab on the soldier, leading to his death. In East Jerusalem, the Islamic Waqf Council Chairman Sheikh Abdel-Azim Salhab returned to Haram al-Sharif after a 40-day ban issued by Israeli authorities. In Gaza, 4 Palestinian fishermen detained last week by Egyptian authorities were released. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis and on Palestinian fishermen on the northwestern coast of Gaza. There were no reports of injuries. Also in Gaza, some 40 animals were evacuated from Rafah Zoo to sanctuaries in Jordan and South Africa. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, 4/7; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8)

The Chairman of the Prisoners’ Affairs Commission Qadri Abu Baker said that Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails had shelved their planned hunger strike protesting the deterioration of their conditions to facilitate the progress in dialogue with the Israeli Prison Service (IPS). Abu Baker said that the IPS had agreed to install pay phones in the jails and to release some prisoners from solitary confinement. (WAFA 4/7)

IDF troops shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an overnight arrest raid in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem. One of the injured Palestinians, a paramedic, succumbs to his wounds later in the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering at Birzeit University to protest the recent killing in the West Bank and the recent violence in Israeli prisons; 8 protesters are injured. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to 5 Palestinian water wells under construction near Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering near Khan Yunis in the evening to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 3 Palestinians are injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 3/27; MNA, MNA, MNA, PCHR 3/28)

A delegation of Egyptian officials arrives in Gaza to continue the ongoing talks with Hamas on the situation in Gaza. The Egyptians reportedly caution restraint ahead of the planned protests on 3/29 and 3/30, which will mark the 1-year anniversary of the first Great March of Return demonstration. They also present new terms for a possible cease-fire with Israel. (AP, TOI 3/27; HA, YA 3/28)  

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which President Donald Trump formally conveyed on 3/25. The other 14 members of the council all condemn the move as detrimental to the long-term chances for peace in the region. During the meeting, a senior U.S. representative says that the U.S. would like for the UN Disengagement Observer Force to stay in the Golan Heights, where it has monitored the buffer zone between Israel and Syria since 1974. (TOI 3/27; TOI 3/28)

The Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on ammunition depots outside the Aleppo International Airport late at night. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 7 Iranian troops are killed in the strike. The Syrian army reports that the strike causes only material damage. (HA, JP, REU, YA 3/28)

After a relatively calm day in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducts dozens of air strikes on Hamas sites near Rafah and Khan Yunis late at night, causing extensive damage. The IDF says that the strikes were retaliation for previously unreported incendiary balloons launched into southern Israel earlier in the day. A senior Palestinian official says that the IAF has destroyed 30 residential buildings and damaged at least 500 others since the recent campaign of air strikes began on 3/25. After the air strikes resume, unidentified Gazans fire a projectile into southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. A number of protesters sneak across the border fence and set fire to an IDF post before returning to Gaza. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations, injuring 1 Palestinian minor. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to enter 2 Palestinian elementary schools in Tuqu‘ village near Bethlehem. Palestinian teachers and staff block them, but they are forced to dismiss their students early. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah; arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during further raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (EI, HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, YA 3/27; PCHR 3/28)

A senior Israeli official says that despite the reports of an Egypt- and UN-brokered cease-fire late last night, the Israeli assault on Gaza that began on 3/25 is “not over.” The official also says that the IDF struck “very harsh blows” on Hamas. “We’re ready to deal even more.” Separately, Palestinian sources in Gaza say that the Israelis are demanding an end to all resistance activities along the border fence, including the planned Great March of Return protest this Friday, in exchange for a cease-fire. (HA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/26)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 more are injured. The IDF later says that an explosive device was thrown at a patrol, prompting the fatal shooting. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is injured. The IDF later says that the men were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The local authorities in Bethlehem declare a general strike in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian youth in Bayt Sira village near Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; and violently disperse Palestinian students gathering in al-Bireh to protest the Israeli occupation (there are no serious injuries reported). Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and dismantle 3 Palestinian makeshift residential structures south of Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler bus near Salfit, causing minor damage. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging several. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Muslim worshipper and an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. 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 detained). Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Gazans gather near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. After unidentified Gazans fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near the protesters near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They discuss a range of issues, and in a press conference after the meeting Netanyahu calls on the international community to recognize Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/20)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and Jabaliya refugee camp late at night to set tires on fire, throw stones and otherwise continue the Great March of Return; 4 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp and open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian collecting stones and gravel near Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water well Umm al-Nir near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones and glass bottles at Palestinian homes and vehicles in Kafr Haris near Salfit and outside Nablus, injuring 2 Palestinians and breaking several windows. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif for a 2d day in a row. (MNA, MNA, TOI 3/18; MNA, MNA 3/19)

An Israeli settler succumbs to injuries sustained in the shooting attack near Salfit on 3/17. Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the site of the 3/17 shooting and announces the construction of 840 new housing units in the nearby Ariel settlement. “Tomorrow, we will begin building 840 housing units in Ariel in a new neighborhood as was approved two years ago,” he says. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 3/18)

Unidentified assailants assault and seriously injure a Fatah spokesperson in Gaza near his home in Bayt Lahiya. Later, a senior Fatah official in Gaza says that the assailants broke the man’s arms and legs and that Hamas was behind the “assassination attempt.” Hamas, for its part, denies the accusation and pledges to conduct a full investigation into the incident. The attack comes amid ongoing popular protests against Hamas and the high cost of living in Gaza and rising tensions between Hamas and Fatah. (HA, JP 3/19)

A Palestinian stabs and kills an Israeli soldier at the Ariel Junction near Salfit. He opens fire on a group of Israeli settlers, seriously injuring 1, before fleeing the scene. The IDF conducts raids and sets up roadblocks and mobile checkpoints in and around Salfit, searching for the assailant. IDF troops also conduct raids in Burqin village near Nablus, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes (2 Palestinians are injured). Three Palestinians are injured and three more are arrested during clashes sparked by similar arrest raids in nearby al-Zawiya and Kafr al-Dik late at night. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles near Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus, injuring 5 Palestinians and causing minor damage. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian minor when she is found with a knife on her person; arrest 6 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. In Gaza, Hamas security forces arrest dozens of activists during raids in Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. The arrests are widely seen as an attempt to undermine the quality of life protests that started earlier this week. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 3/17; EI, MNA, MNA, TOI 3/18)

An Israeli court issues an order to keep closed the al-Rahma Gate prayer area at Haram al-Sharif, approving the Israeli police’s plan for reducing tensions at the sanctuary. A member of the Islamic Waqf says his organization does not recognize the court’s decision. (HA, MNA 3/17)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Rafah to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, causing no serious injuries. After unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts air strikes on Hamas sites in central and southern Gaza, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Rafah and Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Ras al-Amud in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in Shaykh Jarrah. In Israel, hundreds of Israelis gather in Tel Aviv to call for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign over the allegations of corruption against him. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/2; MNA, MNA 3/3; PCHR 3/7)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to set tires on fire and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, injuring 3. Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, 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 West Bank, Israeli forces uproot approximately 300 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Jenin. They also deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction near Salfit. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/25; MNA, MNA 2/26; PCHR 2/28)

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. president Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner offers new details about the Trump administration’s long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace, which is expected to be released after the Israeli elections on 4/9. “We want to see Palestinians under one leadership that will allow them to live in dignity,” he says. Kushner also says that one of the main goals of the plan is to eliminate borders “in order to guarantee freedom of movement for people and goods.” The plan also reportedly focuses on strengthening the Palestinian economy. (HA, HA, REU, TOI, YA 2/26)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device into southern Israel using a balloon. The device sparks a small fire, causing minor damage. Israeli jets then conduct air strikes on 2 sites near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing extensive damage. An IDF spokesperson says the sites were used as staging grounds for incendiary balloon attacks. Late at night, dozens of Palestinians gather along the border fence near Khan Yunis to throw stones, light tires on fire, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them, injuring 6. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, Rafah, and Gaza City, injuring 3 fishermen (2 of the fishermen are arrested and 2 boats are confiscated). In the West Bank, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 10 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids in and around Nablus, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/20; MNA, PCHR 2/21; PCHR 2/28)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis to throw stones, chant slogans, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations; there are no serious injuries reported. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City, 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 West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm and Qalqilya. In northern Israel, a Palestinian demolishes his own warehouse in Umm al-Fahm in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (MNA, MNA 2/16; MNA 2/17; PCHR 2/21)

IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem and remove a stretch of pipeline supplying water to Yatta near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; MNA, PCHR 2/14; PCHR 2/21)

Representatives of 60 countries, including Israel, convene in Warsaw for a U.S.- and Poland-sponsored conference on security in the Middle East. The conference was initially intended to focus solely on Iran, but has been broadened to focus on other security issues across the region, including the wars in Syria and Yemen, as well as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Before getting on a plane to Warsaw, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “I think that holding this conference, in which Israel, the U.S., various countries around the world and from the region sit down in one place and discuss one topic—which, in my opinion, is the most important for our national security—is a very important achievement.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence represent the U.S. (REU, YA 2/13)

Japanese ambassador Takeshi Okubo signs an agreement for Japan to provide $15.93 million in aid to the PA, specifically for the improvement of the PA’s solid waste collection and transportation system. (MNA, WAFA 2/13)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Later, they open fire on Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Gaza City, injuring 1. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces cut down or uproot at least 520 olive trees in a Palestinian grove outside Bardala village near Jericho. They also demolish a recently repaired road outside Hebron and a Palestinian home between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinian brothers at a checkpoint in central Hebron when one of them is found with a knife on his person; arrest 8 more Palestinians during late-night raids near Salfit, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. The raids in Jenin refugee camp spark clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian imam while he is leaving his mosque in Silwan and demolish a Palestinian home in al-Walaja village. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 2/11; MNA 2/12; PCHR 2/14)

Two Palestinians suffocate to death and several others are injured when Egyptian forces pump unidentified gases into a smuggling tunnel running from Gaza into northeastern Sinai Peninsula. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/11)

A U.S. official denies that the Trump administration has asked U.S. and international financial institutions to stop transactions with the Palestinians, denying a charge leveled by a senior PA official on 2/10. “The U.S. has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts,” the official says. (AFP, TOI 2/12)

U.S. representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) apologizes for her 2/10 tweet about Israeli influence in U.S. politics. “Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes,” she writes in an apology statement. “At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, wither it be AIPAC, the NRA, or the fossil fuel industry.” (NYT 2/11; CNN 2/12)

Israeli forces strike a demolished hospital and an observation post along the Syria-Israel border in Qunaytra, causing moderate damage, according to the Syrian press. An IDF spokesperson declines comment. (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 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, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Salfit, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis and Rafah, causing no damage. (PCHR 2/7)

The Fatah Central Committee convenes in Ramallah to discuss the prospect of forming a new PA government and the situation in Gaza. They are reportedly working to form a new government comprising representatives of the major PLO factions and several independent figures, but not any representative of Hamas. There are no reports of progress or any major decisions. (MNA, WAFA 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)