The Palestine Chronology

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)

Approximately 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 15 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Rafah. Five unidentified assailants raid the Gaza City office of the PA-run Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation and destroy much of the technical equipment on site. The assailants flee before the police arrive on the scene. Later, a PA official says, “We hold the Hamas authorities fully responsible for this crime.” In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinians is injured and another is arrested (AFP, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 1/4; MNA 1/5; PCHR 1/10)

Following a complaint from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the IDF formally censures Colonel Avi Bluth for failing to pass along the Netanyahu’s order to postpone the evacuation and dismantlement of 2 makeshift residential structures at the site of the former illegal settlement outpost Amona on 1/3. In the context of a disciplinary hearing, IDF Chief of Staff Eisenkot reportedly “made it clear to Colonel Bluth that he had erred in handling the incident and that it would have been expected that he would have conducted himself more professionally.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 1/4)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 47 are injured (1 of the injured Palestinians will succumb to his injuries the following day). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 193. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the border fence near Bayt Lahiya open fire on Palestinian fishermen working near the coast; there are no injuries or damage reported. 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 violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured, including 1 photojournalist. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron; and patrols near Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian farmland outside Battir village near Bethlehem. They are reportedly clearing the way for construction of a new road to a nearby settlement. (AFP, EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/21; TOI 12/22; PCHR 12/27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian farmer working near al-Bureij refugee camp. It’s unclear why they opened fire. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Dayr al-Balah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering to plant olive trees outside Urif village near Nablus; 5 Palestinians are injured (the mass planting was organized by Fatah and the local Palestinian authorities as a protest against the Israeli occupation). Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian journalists at a protest organized by the International Federation of Journalists at Qalandia checkpoint near Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian family picking olives near Hebron, causing no serious injuries. A separate group of settlers throws stones at a Palestinian ambulance in central Hebron, breaking the windshield. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan. (MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/17; MNA 11/18; PCHR 11/22)

Approximately 8,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and 18 are injured (3 seriously). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 190. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working their fields near al-Qarara, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in and Ras Karkar) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; PCHR 11/22)

Amid rumors of early elections in Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Netanyahu reportedly rejects Bennett’s demand to be appointed defense minister. After the meeting, Bennett says that they agreed to call for early elections. Netanyahu then contradicts Bennett, warning against the idea and saying that he “trusts the ministers not to topple a right-wing government and not to repeat the historic mistake of ‘92, when they toppled a right-wing government, put the left in power and brought the Oslo disaster on the state of Israel.” Later, a source close to Netanyahu says the prime minister hopes to maintain his ruling coalition for at least another 6 weeks. (HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, TOI 11/16)

At an event in Khan Yunis honoring the Palestinians killed in the recent Israeli assault on Gaza, Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, warns Israel not to test Hamas again, referring to the 11/11 undercover operation that sparked the escalation. “This time you managed to leave with dead and wounded; next time we will release our prisoners from the jails and there will even be soldiers left in our hands.” (HA, TOI 11/16)

Approximately 7,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Most protesters stay about 700 meters from the border fence, comporting with the limits the main Palestinian factions reportedly agreed to on 11/1. Some Egyptian intelligence officers attend the protests near al-Bureij refugee camp to monitor the situation. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Khan Yunis; 7 Palestinians are injured. 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 violently disperse Palestinians and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and 3 villages near Ramallah (al-Mazra‘a, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in); 1 Palestinian is injured and another is arrested. They also shoot and injure a Palestinian during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Nablus; arrest 1 more Palestinian during another raid near Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw Molotov cocktails at Palestinian vehicles in 2 locations on the road from Nablus to Jenin, causing no reported damage. (HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 11/2; PCHR 11/8)

Following a divestment campaign led by Palestinian solidarity activists, a spokesperson for Leeds University tells the school’s student newspaper that the university has divested from Airbus, United Technologies, and Keyence Corporation. The holdings reportedly comprised $1.2 million. The activists called for the university to divest from HSBC as well, but the $1.7 million investment Leeds holds in HSBC reportedly remains unchanged. The spokesperson says that the investment in HSBC does not represent a “direct investment” in an “armament company,” but that the university is in ongoing talks to learn more. “This is a massive success,” says the head of the Leeds Palestine Solidarity Group. (MEMO 11/5; EI 11/6)

Israeli drones bomb a group of Palestinians allegedly launching incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel near al-Bureij refugee camp; there are no reported injuries. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires allegedly sparked by such attacks. This marks the first instance of Palestinians launching such incendiary devices into Israel since 10/25. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian minors approaching the border fence near Dayr al-Balah; 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, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home and 3 makeshift residential structures under construction near Salfit. They also demolish 2 Palestinian residential structures in Yatta near Hebron and confiscate 2 tractors from Palestinian agricultural land near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure 2 Palestinians and smash the windows of a Palestinian store in central Hebron. Palestinian witnesses say that the settlers assaulted the first Palestinian after he objected to their loud music and use of foul language. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/31; PCHR, WAFA 11/1)

The Palestinian and Israeli press reports that Israel has agreed to allow Qatar to transfer money to Hamas to pay the salaries of the civil servants working for its government, in Gaza. It’s unclear if Israel has agreed in principle or if an agreement has been signed. Separately, Palestinian sources say that significant progress has been made in the Egypt-mediated talks toward a long-term cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. They don’t offer details, but they point to recent trust-building steps taken by both sides, including Israel’s decision to allow transfers of diesel fuel into Gaza for the area’s sole power plant and Hamas’s efforts to limit the violence at the ongoing Great March of Return protests. (HA, YA 10/31)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman announces that he has ordered Gaza’s fishing zone expanded to 6 nautical miles off the northern coast and 9 nautical miles off the southern coast. Lieberman reduced the fishing zone to 3 nautical miles on 10/17 after rocket fire from Gaza. Sources in the defense minister’s office say that the move comes in the context of the Israeli government’s efforts to maintain calm along Gaza’s border fence. (AS, YA 10/31)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. A small group of protesters detonate an explosive along the border fence, ripping a hole in the barrier that allows approximately 20 of them to cross into Israel; 3 are killed when Israeli soldiers open fire on the group. Throughout the day, IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 4 more Palestinians are killed at approximately 150 are injured. The killings bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 177. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian vehicle south of Nablus, killing 1 occupant and injuring the other. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya. They also violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Ras Karkar near Ramallah and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya to protest the Israeli occupation; 7 Palestinian are injured. Israeli forces seal off all entrances to Hadida, the northern Jordan Valley village where they demolished several structures yesterday. Israeli border security guards arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel near Qalqilya armed with a knife. In central Israel, an incendiary balloon is found on the side of the street in Rishon Lezion, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, TOI, TOI, WAFA 10/12; EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/13; PCHR 10/18)

A Palestinian prisoner dies in Israel’s Ayalon Prison. It’s unclear exactly what circumstances led to his death. He was arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 7 years in prison. He is reportedly the 4th Palestinian prisoner to die in Israeli custody since the beginning of the year. (MNA, WAFA 10/12)

After another Friday of mass protests and violence along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders a halt of all Qatari-funded fuel transfers into Gaza. Lieberman previously barred fuel transfers for a few weeks in 8/2018 after a similar surge of resistance activities in Gaza. (HA, TOI 10/12; MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 10/14)

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says that Hamas is still working to reach “understandings” with Israel on a possible long-term cease-fire agreement. “We are working with a number of parties, including Egypt, Qatar and the UN, to reach understandings in order to break the blockade,” he says. “It is possible to reach the kind of understandings that would lead to quiet in exchange for the lifting of the blockade,” he adds, before alluding to the Egyptian goal of incorporating a new intra-Palestinian reconciliation agreement into the process. “The quiet does not have to come at a political price or at the expense of the intra-Palestinian reconciliation.” (YA 10/12)

The Tel Aviv District Court rejects an appeal from Lara Alqasem, the U.S. student who was denied entry to Israel on 10/2, determining that her ongoing support for BDS is grounds for denial. Her lawyers may still petition Israel’s High Court of Justice. (HA, TOI 10/12)

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)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 7 Palestinians are killed, including 2 children, and at least 500 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 166. After reports of fires in southern Israel sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza, Israeli artillery shells protesters allegedly behind the attacks near Gaza City; there are no reported 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, IDF troops shut down all roads leading to Khan al-Ahmar, the Bedouin village near Jerusalem that is slated for evacuation and demolition. The Israeli authorities declare the area a closed military zone in preparation of imminent demolitions. Later, hundreds of Palestinians gather in the village for Friday prayers in solidarity with the residents. IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; several Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids in Yatta village near Hebron overnight, sparking minor clashes with residents; and patrols near Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm. Armed Palestinians reportedly open fire on an IDF checkpoint near Ramallah late at night, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 9/28; MNA, MNA 9/29; PCHR 10/4)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announces that it has received a complaint from the State of Palestine against the U.S. regarding the move of the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem earlier this year. According to the ICJ, the Palestinians are arguing that the move represented a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations. (HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/29)

Following a petition from the American Civil Liberties Union, a federal court in Arizona blocks implementation of the state’s 2016 anti-BDS law, which requires that state contractors certify that they don’t participate in any boycotts of Israel. District Judge Diane Humetewa writes, “A restriction of one’s ability to participate in collective calls to oppose Israel unquestionably burdens the protected expression of companies wishing to engage in such a boycott.” (EI, HA 9/28)

More than 10,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return for an 8th day in a row. IDF troops violently disperse them near al-Bureij refugee camp, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 100 are injured (1 critically). This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 157. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in 2 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar and Bil‘in) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 14 Palestinians are injured and 10 olive trees are damaged. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian minor in Hebron, causing serious injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/21; MNA 9/22; PCHR 9/27)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary balloon across the border fence into southern Israel, where it lands in the courtyard of a home belonging to Israeli MK Haim Jelin, causing no damage. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along the border fence near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest a Palestinian allegedly attempting to cross into Israel near al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer near Ramallah, causing minor injuries. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya for a 2d day in a row; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Anata refugee camp (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, PNN, YA 9/16; PCHR 9/20)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 8/3. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 153. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/16)

Approximately 12,000 Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return protests. IDF troops violently disperse the protests near Rafah, Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 3 Palestinians are killed and at least 3 more are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 152. Amid the clashes, the IDF reports that one of its officers was injured by shrapnel from a pipe bomb thrown from across the border fence. Israeli forces subsequently shell 2 Hamas posts, causing damage to a school east of Khan Yunis. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Rafah. They also dismantle an IED that was placed along the border fence near Rafah for the 2d day in a row. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 2 fires that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite or balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. In the West Bank, Israeli forces set up roadblocks around Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. Israeli troops later violently disperse hundreds of activists gathering to protest the roadblocks; 3 protesters are arrested. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians and international solidarity activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya and Ras Karkar near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by IDF patrols in Bayt Umar near Hebron; arrest 2 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Shu‘fat refugee camp (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA 9/14; MNA 9/15; PCHR 9/20)

The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has decided to cut the last remaining $10 million in planned aid to the Palestinians this year. The money, which Congress authorized for expenditure in 2017, was set to support programs meant to build relationships between Israelis and Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories. USAID has reportedly redirected the $10 million to support similar programs dealing with Jewish Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel. “Essentially, USAID was faced with the choice of shutting down the program and losing the funds, or keeping something going,” a congressional aide explains. (NYT, REU, TOI, TOI, YA 9/14; HA, MNA, TOI 9/15)

The Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near Bayt Hanun targeting a group of Gazans allegedly responsible for flying incendiary kites and balloons into southern Israel earlier in the day; 2 Palestinians are injured. This is the first such strike since the major escalation of violence in 7/2018 and early 8/2018. Later, thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and approximately 150 are injured. After reports of protesters throwing small explosives at IDF troops across the border fence, the Israeli Air Force bombs 2 Hamas posts near the border fence, causing damage. Separately, 2 Palestinian minors are injured in Gaza City when they accidentally detonate a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance. In the West Bank, Palestinian activists prevent Israeli settlers from entering Khan al-Ahmar, a Jerusalem-area Bedouin village slated for evacuation and demolition. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbet Qalqas near Hebron, and 3 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin); 6 Palestinians are injured. They also injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a late-night raid in Nablus; arrest 2 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem; and patrol in and around Tulkarm. (EI, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA, YA, YA 9/7; MNA 9/8; PCHR 9/13)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 7/14. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 148. (HA, MNA, WAFA 9/7)

Thousands of Palestinian gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Jabaliya refugee camp; approximately 180 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces detain 2 senior members of the Israeli anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence as they are leading a tour near the Kiryat Arba settlement. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli occupation in Ni‘lin village near Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/31; MNA 9/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that all U.S. contributions to UNRWA are being cut following a “careful” review of the issue. A spokesperson explains that UNRWA’s “endlessly and exponentially expanding community of entitled beneficiaries is simply unsustainable and has been in crisis mode for many years.” She says that the U.S. is still “very mindful of and deeply concerned regarding the impact upon innocent Palestinians, especially school children.” According to reports in the Israeli press, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the decision. (JP, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA, YA 8/31; HA, MNA 9/1)

Following weeks of calls from Palestinian solidarity activists, U.S. pop singer Lana Del Rey cancels her planned appearance at the upcoming Meteor Festival in Israel, explaining that she was unable to plan a concert for her Palestinian fans during the same trip to the region. She previously wrote, on 8/21, that performing in Israel was “not a commitment to the politics there, just as singing in California doesn’t mean my views are in alignment w my current governments opinions or some inhuman actions [sic].” The Meteor Festival’s organizers criticize Del Rey for “choosing us to be part of her publicity stunt.” Del Rey is now the eighth act to cancel on the Meteor Festival in response to calls for a cultural boycott. (EI, HA, JP 8/31)

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)

The IAF conducts an air strike on a site near Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza; 4 Palestinians affiliated with a small armed group are injured. The IDF claims that the men were launching incendiary kites and balloons into Israel. Later, IDF troops open fire on a small group of Palestinians congregating at a Great March of Return protest camp along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp; 3 Palestinian minors are injured. 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 assault and injure 1 Palestinian and arrest 9 others during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, and a cemetery outside the Old City. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/5; MNA 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli troops violently dispersed Great March of Return protests along Gaza’s border on 3/30. His death brings the Great March of Return death toll to 141. (WAFA 8/5; MNA, TOI 8/6; PCHR 8/9)

In Gaza, Israeli drones bomb sites near Jabaliya refugee camp and near al-Bureij refugee camp allegedly being used as staging areas for incendiary kite and balloon attacks; there are no reported injuries. On the other side of the border fence, Israeli firefighters put out 10 small fires allegedly sparked by such attacks. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of 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 Rafah and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces level Palestinian lands near Bethlehem to make space for the expansion of settlements in the area. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. A raid near Ramallah sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Silwan. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/4; PCHR 8/9)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 8/3, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 140. (MNA, WAFA 8/4)

Israeli naval forces intercept the second ship of a planned flotilla sailing toward Gaza in a symbolic effort to break the Israeli blockade. As they did with the flotilla’s lead ship on 7/29, Israeli naval forces commandeer the ship, escort it to the port at Ashdod, and detain all 12 activists on board. “The forces made it clear to the sailors that they were violating the blockade and that any humanitarian supplies can be delivered to Gaza through the port of Ashdod,” the IDF states. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/4)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 200 are injured. The killing brings the Great March of Return death toll to 139. Amid the protests, a number of Palestinian protesters cut through the first layer of fencing near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Israeli tanks then shell a Hamas observation post in the area, causing damage. Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing minor damage. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 30 small fires near the border fence that were allegedly sparked by incendiary kite and balloon attacks emanating from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians gather for Friday prayer in Khan al-Ahmar, the Jerusalem-area Bedouin village that is slated for evacuation and demolition. IDF troops violently disperse Friday protests at Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They shoot and injure 3 more Palestinians during clashes sparked by arrest raids near Ramallah. (EI, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/3; MNA 8/4; 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)

The IAF conducts an air strike on a site in Jabaliya refugee camp, targeting a group of Palestinians allegedly preparing to launch balloons fitted with incendiary devices into Israel; 2 Palestinians are injured. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian minors gathering near al-Bureij refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1,440 Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning; 15 are arrested for praying in the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Tulkarm, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; there are no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/22; JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/23; PCHR 7/26)

Hours before an air strike in Jabaliya refugee camp, Israeli DM Lieberman says that Israel will reopen the Kerem Shalom border crossing and expand the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast as early as 7/24 if Hamas enforces a de-escalation of tensions, including an end to rocket fire and incendiary balloon and kite attacks. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 7/22)

In East Jerusalem, 3 Israeli MKs—Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home), Yehuda Glick (Likud), and Amir Ohana (Likud)—tour Haram al-Sharif, marking the second such tour since Israeli PM Netanyahu lifted (7/3) his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate approximately 10 dunams (2.4 acres) of Palestinian land in central Hebron. They also arrest 12 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Salfit, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, causing minor damage. Israeli troops conduct raids in the area, but they do not apprehend any suspects. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/9; TOI 7/10; PCHR 7/12)

Netanyahu announces a major reduction in the amount of traffic allowed to pass into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, as well as a constriction of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast. Fuel, food, and medicine are now the only goods allowed through the crossing. The fishing zone is now six nautical miles after temporarily being expanded to nine nautical miles. The IDF and DM Lieberman frame the new restrictions as a direct response to the wave of incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza in recent weeks. (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 7/9; NYT 7/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces assault a number of activists and residents of Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem that is slated for evacuation and demolition; at least 11 people are arrested and 35 are lightly injured. Israeli troops and demolition crews surrounded the community early in the morning, blocking all entrances and exits ahead of its planned evacuation and demolition. Separately, Israeli forces evacuate and demolish several homes in the Abu Nawwar Bedouin village near Jerusalem and demolish a small water pool near Jericho. Meanwhile, IDF troops block Palestinian farmers from working their lands near Salfit. They also arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Jenin, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/5; PCHR 7/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/14, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 129. (MNA, TOI 7/5)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Bayt Lahiya, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 78 Palestinians are injured (1 critically). In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the camp (1 IDF soldier is injured). The IDF also violently disperses Palestinians gathering at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya (8 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist); arrests 3 Palestinians during raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrols in and around Tulkarm, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian olive grove near Nablus, causing moderate damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA 6/22; PCHR 6/28)

U.S. president Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Kushner and Special Representative Greenblatt meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Israel. They discuss the long-awaited U.S. peace plan and the situation in Gaza. According to the White House, they discuss ways “the humanitarian situation in Gaza can be alleviated, while maintaining Israel’s security.” (HA, TOI 6/22)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near al-Bureij refugee camp on two separate occasions, causing no major damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with residents of the area; there are no reported injuries. A Palestinian drops a marble slab on an Israeli soldier amid the clashes, critically injuring him (the soldier will succumb to his injuries on 5/26). IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinian minors outside Madama near Nablus, injuring 1. The IDF does not explain why they opened fire. IDF troops patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (HA, TOI WAFA, YA 5/24; PCHR 5/31)

Two Palestinians succumb to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on the mass protests along Gaza’s border fence on 5/14. Their deaths bring the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 110. (AFP, MNA 5/25; PCHR 5/31)

The Palestinian delegation at the UN submits a request for accession to the UN Conference on Trade and Development. (WAFA 5/25)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rejects two petitions challenging the IDF’s use of snipers and live ammunition against protesters in Gaza, siding with the Israeli government’s contention that the protesters represent a danger to Israeli civilians. The court also rejects two petitions challenging the government’s plan to evacuate and demolish Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village in the E1 area of the West Bank near Jerusalem. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 5/25; EI 5/26)

Today, Great March of Return demonstrations see tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza gathering along the border fence to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, to protest the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today, and to call for the Palestinian refugees’ right to return to their homes. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrations near Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 58 Palestinians are killed, including 3 who allegedly attempted to plant an explosive along the border near Rafah, and more than 1,300 are injured. After unidentified assailants open fire on IDF patrols along the border near Jabaliya refugee camp, the IAF conducts air strikes on Hamas posts near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City, causing moderate damage. The killings today bring the death toll related to the Great March of Return to 102. Elsewhere in the oPt, thousands of Palestinians gather across the West Bank and Jerusalem to protest the official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem today. They also release 70 black balloons in Ramallah, marking the 70th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse the protests at Qalandia checkpoint, Bethlehem, and Hebron; at least 2 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 19 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City. (AJ, EI, HA, JP, MEE, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Hours after Israeli troops open fire on peaceful Palestinian protesters along the border fence in Gaza, senior U.S. and Israeli officials gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. In a recorded video, U.S. president Trump celebrates the opening and says the U.S. “remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement” between Israel and the Palestinians. Outside the ceremony, Israeli police violently disperse approximately 200 protesters, including Joint List MKs Ahmad Tibi, Dov Khenin, Jamal Zahalka, Yousef Jabareen, and Masud Ganaim; 12 Palestinians are arrested. (AJ, BBC, JP, MEE, NYT, TOI 5/14; EI 5/15)

In the evening, the Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah to discuss the opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the violence in Gaza. PA president Abbas calls the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “settlement outpost” and reiterates that he has no plans to engage in any U.S.-mediated peace talks “in any way, shape, or form.” The assembled officials decide to file a war crimes complaint against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague over settlement construction in the West Bank. According to PLO secretary-general Erakat, they also agree to a number of other unspecified responses. (TOI 5/14; AP, YA 5/15)

The South African government recalls its ambassador to Israel and Turkey recalls its ambassadors from Israel and the U.S. in protest of the killings in Gaza today. “The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” a South African statement reads. Meanwhile, the U.S. blocks the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement condemning the deadly violence in Gaza and calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s actions. (ANA, TOI, WAFA 5/14; HA, TOI 5/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 3d consecutive day. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

The IAF conducts airstrikes on Palestinian agricultural land near Bayt Hanun, causing moderate damage. The IDF later states that it was targeting a tunnel that had not yet been built into Israeli territory. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along Gaza’s border fence open fire on a Hamas observation post near alMaghazi refugee camp, and violently disperse Great March of Return protesters near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp (3 Palestinians are injured, including 1 minor). In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Abu Dis. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 5/12; PCHR 5/17)

A Palestinian minor succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 5/11. His death brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 44. (HA, WAFA 5/12)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the first of 4 planned days. (AHR 5/14; OCHA 5/24)

Following the attack on a pipeline in Gaza on 5/11, Israeli DM Lieberman announces that the Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza has been closed and will remain closed indefinitely while the damage is repaired. Meanwhile, the IDF musters troops along Gaza’s border in preparation for an escalation of the Great March of Return on 5/14. (HA, JP, YA 5/12)

Approximately 20 Grad and Fajr-5 rockets are fired from Syria toward northern Israel. Four of them are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, and the rest explode over Syrian territory, causing no major damage or injury. The IDF accuses Iran of being behind the attack and retaliates, bombing dozens of alleged Iranian weapons storage, logistics, and intelligence sites in Syria; 27 people are killed, including 19 Iranians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (JP 5/9; CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 5/10; HA 5/11; AP 5/12)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land and repair the border fence near Khan Yunis. Later, they open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Gaza City and al-Bureij refugee camp and Great March of Return protesters near Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a makeshift Palestinian home near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jericho, Tubas, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces establish a checkpoint in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian minors; 1 Israeli border police officer and 7 Palestinians are injured (3 Palestinians are arrested as well). (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)