The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Ras Karkar last week. Israeli settlers posing as Israeli forces made 3 Palestinian families demolish their residential tents on the outskirts of Hizma. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during a raid in Jenin, 9 were injured, including 1 in a drone strike on a house. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian during a raid in Yatta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 44 Palestinians during raids in Beita, Hebron, Zawata, Safa, al-Ram, Dura al-Qara’, ‘Anata, and Dheisheh refugee camp. 60 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Silwad, Hebron, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian in Shaykh Jarrah, claiming he had stabbed and injured a police officer. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 304 Palestinians. Israel said it had carried out 600 airstrikes in the past 24 hours. Hamas said it had repelled Israeli advances near Gaza City, forcing Israeli tanks and bulldozers to retreat. Israel hit the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, causing extensive damage. Near Lebanon, an Israeli soldier was killed and 2 others injured when an Israeli tank rolled over them. Israel attacked several places in Lebanon; 3 mortar shells were fired at Israel. In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes, saying they had hit targets that fired rockets toward Israel. (AP 10/29; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30; HA, NYT 10/31)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 8,309 Palestinians have been killed, including around 5,000 women and children, and 21,048 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. 1,800 Palestinians, including 940 children, have been reported missing. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 122 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 33 children. More than 2,208 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. UNRWA said 10 of its staff have been killed in the past 3 days, bringing the total number of UNRWA staff killed by Israel to 63. 26 trucks carrying aid to Gaza entered via the Rafah crossing. The WHO said it had not been able to resupply al-Shifa and al-Quds hospitals because of the risk of Israeli airstrikes. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said an Israeli airstrike damaged its warehouse in Gaza City. Israel closed off the water to Gaza again after reopening 2 water lines in the past week. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 10/30)

Hamas released a video of 3 Israeli captives, calling on Israel to facilitate their release. Israel said it had rescued 1 captive from Hamas during an operation in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/30)

Al Jazeera journalist Youmna ElSayed said her family had received a phone call from Israel warning them to flee south from Gaza City. Al Jazeera condemned the threat against their journalist in a statement, saying “Israel’s actions continue with impunity as they attempt to silence the messenger.” (AJ, AJ 10/30) 

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki met with Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire. (WAFA 10/30)

Israeli media reported that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, informing him that monthly payments to the PA delivering the PA’s tax revenue had stopped. (AJ 10/30)

A draft document written by the Israeli Ministry of Intelligence said Israel may try to forcefully displace Palestinians in Gaza to Egypt. 2 other options in the document included that Israel hands control of Gaza to the PA or that is establish “local Arab rule” by Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli sources verified the authenticity of the document but said the government is not expected to debate the proposals. (HA 10/30; AP 10/31)

The Israeli High Court of Justice denied a petition by 3 Israeli organizations to remove a temporary order allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners. The judges said “[t]he assessment of human rights violations in times of war is not comparable to such assessments in peaceful situations.” (HA 10/30)

Al-Haq, al-Mazan, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights urged ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to issue arrest warrants for “Israeli authorities and military personnel.” (AJ 10/30; WAFA 10/31)

At the UN Security Council, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour criticized the international community for not forcing Israel to stop its bombing of Gaza, saying “they are besieged and bombed with nowhere safe to go.” Israeli UN ambassador Gilad Erdan wore a yellow Star of David, resembling the markings forced on Jewish people by Nazi Germany, saying “Never Again.” Dani Dayan, the chairperson of the Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Center, Yad Vashem, said Erdan’s actions “disgraces both Holocaust victims and Israel.” UNRWA commissioner-general Phillippe Lazzarini told the Security Council that a ceasefire was a “matter of life and death for millions,” and charged Israel with collective punishment. (AJ, NYT, WAFA 10/30; AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, WAFA 10/31; HA 11/1)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas will “die fighting” or “surrender without any conditions.” (AJ 10/30)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. does not support a ceasefire, reiterating the White House’s position that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas. Kirby stated the U.S. position was to support “temporary, localized humanitarian pauses for aid, and for people to get out.” The U.S. also said 4 rockets were launched at the Ain al-Asad air base, causing no injuries or damage. Saudi defense minister Khalid bin Salman said he discussed the need for a ceasefire during a meeting with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/30; AJ 10/31)

UK foreign secretary James Cleverly said the UK was working to facilitate a temporary ceasefire to allow more aid to enter Gaza. UK parliamentary private secretary Paul Bristow was fired from the Conservative government for writing a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a ceasefire. (AJ, REU 10/30; AJ, AJ, HA 10/31)

Axios reported that Mossad director David Barnea traveled to Qatar over the weekend for meetings with Qatari officials regarding a prisoner exchange with Hamas. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Qatari efforts to mediate a prisoner exchange. (AJ, AX, HA 10/30)

OIC secretary-general Hussein Brahim Taha condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling on the international community to intervene. (WAFA 10/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in Ma’in, causing light injuries. Israeli settlers also set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Rujeib. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Jenin and Nablus. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Burin, demolished parts of a house, and set fields on fire. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a late-night raid in Tubas and injured 1 other by running him over. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Huwwara, claiming he had tried to attack 2 Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2, including 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Yatta, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and 3 others with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bethlehem, Harmala, al-Khadir, and Dayr Sharif, resulting in tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 3 using rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 3 with live ammunition. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nablus, Tulkarm, Tubas, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian with a sharp tool, slicing her face as she was leaving the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Tur, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and 2 were arrested. 6 other Palestinians were arrested during house raids in the Old City, Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Shu‘fat. In Gaza, 34 Palestinians were killed, including 6 children, and dozens injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 30 to 64, including 16 children. The casualties included: 4 in a drone strike on a car east of Bayt Lahiya; 8, including 3 children, in 3 air strikes on apartment buildings in Gaza City; 1 child in an air strike on a butcher in Gaza City; 6 in a drone strike on a car in Gaza city, including 3 inside the car and 3 passersby; 1, and 1 wounded, in another air strike on a vehicle in Gaza City; 1 in an air strike in Khan Yunis; 1 in an air strike on agricultural lands near Khuza‘a; 4, and 2 injured, in a drone strike on Nuseirat refugee camp; 2, and 1 child injured, in an air strike on a liquefied petroleum gas distribution vehicle in Khan Yunis; 2, and 3 wounded, including 1 child, in an air strike on a house in Khan Yunis; 2, and 2 wounded, all children, after a helicopter fired missiles at a gas station in al-Fukhari; and the body of 1 Palestinian was found in rubble near Bayt Hanun, it was assessed that he was killed in an air strike on 5/10; the body of 1 Palestinian was found near a mosque in Rafah, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said it was unclear if he had been killed by debris from an intercepted rocket or in an Israeli air strike. Hamas reported that the interior ministry and the passport office along with other government buildings had been hit by Israeli air strikes. Israeli air strikes also demolished 2 high-rise buildings, the 10-story al-Jawhara building, and the 14-story al-Shorouq building, which housed news outlets and other offices, and the headquarters of the interior ministry and UNRWA schools. In Israel, 1 Israeli soldier was killed and 2 injured from an anti-tank missile fired from Gaza and 1 child succumbed to injuries sustained in Sderot, raising the Israeli death toll to 7. Dozens of rockets were also fired at Israel from Gaza, most of them intercepted. A mob of Jewish-Israelis pulled 1 Palestinian-Israeli out of his car and beat him while tv cameras were rolling in Bat Yam; the man was said to be in serious condition. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also raided a number of Palestinian-owned businesses in Tel Aviv, causing severe damage. 1 Jewish-Israeli man was attacked by 5 Palestinian-Israelis in ‘Akka; he was said to be in serious condition. Jewish-Israelis also attacked a tent set up to mourn the death of 1 Palestinian-Israeli who was shot by a Jewish-Israeli on 5/10 in Lydda, throwing stones at the mourners. Elsewhere in Lydda, 1 Jewish-Israeli was shot and injured and 2 more were injured in stabbings, 21 Palestinian-Israelis were injured, including 1 by gunshot. Israeli police announced a nighttime curfew in Lydda from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was injured when rammed by a car­ and beaten near Or Akiva. 1 Palestinian-Israeli was lightly injured by a mob of Jewish-Israelis while driving in Tiberias. 1 Jewish-Israeli was injured in a stabbing incident in Tamra. A mob of Jewish-Israelis also attacked 1 Palestinian-Israeli in Haifa. (AJ, NYT 5/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AP, BBC, CNN, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; AP, CNN, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; TOI 5/16; HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

1 Palestinian prisoner suspended a 56-day-long hunger strike as Israel promised not to renew his administrative detention after 7/17. (WAFA 5/12)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas discussed the current situation with EU high representative Josep Borrell, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi president Barham Salih. A White House statement also said that U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with President Abbas and they discussed “the violence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, and the Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost as a result. The Secretary condemned the rocket attacks and emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and bring the current violence to an end.” (HA, WAFA 5/12)

At a security cabinet meeting, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other ministers decided not to accept a potential ceasefire and continue its attack on Gaza for the time being. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin condemned what he called a “pogrom” by “an Arab mob” on 5/11, despite the majority of the violence in Israel being perpetrated against Palestinian-Israelis. (HA 5/12)

Turkey said that its president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russia’s president Vladimir Putin had discussed the situation in Jerusalem and Gaza, and that Turkey had called for international action against Israel. (AJ, AP, REU 5/12)

U.S. president Joe Biden said, during a press conference, that he believes that “Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying in your territory,” and that his “hope is that we’ll see this coming to conclusions sooner than later.” President Biden also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he gave his “unwavering support for Israel’s security and for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, while protecting civilians,” according to the readout. The Biden administration also dispatched deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestine Hady Amr to Israel for talks with Palestinian and Israeli officials. The White House said that senior officials have had more than 25 calls with officials from Israel, the PA, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, and Egypt about the situation. (HA 5/12; NYT 5/13)

25 house democrats signed a letter circulated by Marie Newman (D-IL) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) urging secretary of state Antony Blinken to condemn the planned evictions of Palestinian families from Shaykh Jarrah. (HA 5/13)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said that she was following the situation in Gaza and Jerusalem with concern. (MEE, REU, WAFA 5/12)

The UN security council held a 2d meeting in 3 days to discuss the escalation of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. (TOI 5/12)

In the West Bank, 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Hebron. In the East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; the Jordanian ministry of foreign affairs denounced the violation of the Status Quo agreement. 6 Palestinians were arrested as the Israeli settlers toured the compound. In Israel, Palestinian activists and members of the Israeli Knesset demonstrated outside the Israeli magistrate court in support of the PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith who has been detained by Israel since 7/19. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Outside of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, more than 1,000 protesters demanded Netanyahu’s resignation; pro-Netanyahu counter-protesters attacked 1 Palestinian bus driver and 2 photojournalists. ( HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/30; PCHR 8/13)

The EU and 15 European countries delivered a letter to the Israeli foreign ministry expressing “grave concern regarding the advancement of settlement construction in Givat Hamatos and potentially in the E1 area.” (TOI 7/31)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israeli police officers in the Old City. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians allegedly involved in a Hamas-affiliated wedding in the Old City. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops setting up a mobile checkpoint outside the Ofra settlement, killing 2 soldiers and critically injuring 2 more. After the shooting, the IDF shuts down all roads leading into Ramallah and conducts extensive raids in the area searching for the assailants; 40 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver after he allegedly rams a group of Israelis outside al-Bireh, lightly injuring 1. Some Palestinian witnesses say that the initial collision appeared to be an accident. IDF troops later conduct raids in al-Bireh, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 28 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Nablus, damaging 7 and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Later, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints south of Nablus to secure the area for a settler protest against recent Palestinian violence. Some of the settler protesters throw stones at Palestinian homes in the area; 2 Palestinians are injured and there is no major damage reported. Israeli settlers also throw stones and otherwise assault Palestinians and their property near al-Bireh, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron; 2 Palestinians are injured, 1 Palestinian home is damaged, and 20 Palestinian vehicles are lightly damaged. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. (HA, JP, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/13; EI, MNA, TOI, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/20)

Amid an uptick in Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of creating a climate of incitement through repeated incursions into major Palestinian cities. “Our constant policy is to reject violence, incursions and settlers’ terror and that incitement should stop and not to create an atmosphere that contributes to the aggravation of the situation.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, announces plans to promote the retroactive authorization of thousands of Israeli settler homes in the West Bank, the construction of 82 new homes in the Ofra settlement, and the establishment of 2 new settlement industrial zones in response to the violence. “They are thinking of uprooting us from our land, but they will not succeed,” he says. According to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu also conveyed a message to Hamas threatening to break the cease-fire in Gaza if violence in the West Bank continues. In the evening, approximately 1,000 right-wing Israeli protesters gather outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem to call for his resignation, burn pictures of Abbas, and push for the IDF to “crush the terrorist authority,” as one protester puts it. (MNA, TOI 12/13; HA, HA, TOI 12/14)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by an overnight arrest raid in Tulkarm (a video of the incident will circulate later in the week showing that Israeli soldiers shot the man in the back). Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 Palestinian commercial buildings in Haris village near Salfit. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Salfit, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jerusalem, and Tubas; and patrol near Bethlehem and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian makeshift commercial structures outside Haris village near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Jabal Mukabir, another in Sur Bahir, and 2 small commercial facilities in Bayt Hanina. A Palestinian demolishes his own small parking garage in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun. They also open fire on a Hamas border security post near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/6)

Hours after the IDF announces that it yesterday launched Operation Northern Shield to uncover and demolish “attack” tunnels built by Hezbollah and leading into northern Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there has already been “operational successes” in the operation. “Whoever tries to harm the State of Israel will pay a heavy price,” he says. “We will continue with further actions—public and clandestine—in order to safeguard the security of Israel.” IDF officers predict it will likely take several weeks to locate and demolish all of the tunnels. Meanwhile, Lebanese president Michel Aoun calls on the Lebanese army to “closely monitor” the IDF activity along the border. (MEMO, HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, TOI 12/4; HA, MNA, MNA 12/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure in Suba village near Hebron and deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction outside Yatta. Unidentified assailants throw rocks at an Israeli settler vehicle driving near Ramallah, causing minor damage and lightly injuring 1 settler. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tubas, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse a small protest against the detention of the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, outside a police station near the Old City; several Palestinians are arrested. Israeli forces also arrest a Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (TOI, WAFA 11/27; MNA 11/28; PCHR 11/29)

Haaretz reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to lay off more than half of its employees in the West Bank and Gaza in the coming weeks, following U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to the Palestinians earlier this year. (HA, TOI 11/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announces that the prime minister is planning to visit Chad soon to re-establish diplomatic ties. The announcement comes hours after Netanyahu meets with Chadian president Idriss Déby in Jerusalem. “The two discussed shared threats and the struggle against terrorism, increased cooperation between the nations in the areas of agriculture, counter terrorism, border security, technology, solar energy, water, health and more,” the prime minister’s office statement reads. (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

Czech president Milos Zeman formally inaugurates the new Czech House, a cultural center in Jerusalem that he has described as the “first step” toward moving the Czech embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. In a joint press conference with Zeman, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says, “We have no greater friend than the Czech Republic in the eastern hemisphere.” (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post, U.S. president Donald Trump says that Israel is the “one reason for the U.S. to remain in the Middle East.” He is responding to a question about the future of the U.S. military presence in the Middle East specifically. “Oil is becoming less and less of a reason because we’re producing more oil now than we’ve ever produced.” Meanwhile, Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that the Trump administration is planning to release its long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace in early 2019. (WP, YA 11/27; HA, MNA, MNA, TOI 11/28)

The Israeli authorities announce the seizure of 66 acres of Catholic Church-owned land in the northern Jordan Valley for “military purposes.” In response, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem says, “The Patriarchate is looking into the aspects of this decision in order to address it in the appropriate manner, have it contested and to stop further damage.” (MNA 11/27; FMEP 12/7)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli firefighters put out a large fire in Kissufim Forest that was reportedly sparked by an incendiary balloon flown from Gaza. In the evening, an Israeli aircraft conducts a retaliatory air strike on a Hamas site near Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha refugee camp near Bethlehem overnight, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes; 3 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm and patrol near Hebron. Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to several Bedouin homes and barns under construction near Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure 11 Palestinians during clashes sparked by an arrest raid in Abu Dis. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud and the Old City. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 10/25; MNA 10/26; PCHR 11/1)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman says that Egypt and the UN have requested that Israel give them one more chance to de-escalate the situation in the context of the ongoing talks on a potential Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement. He says that they are asking Israel to ease restrictions on Gaza in exchange for Hamas imposing limitations on resistance activities along the border fence. (JP, MNA 10/25)

The Israeli government approves the construction of more than 20,000 new housing units for Israeli settlers in Ma’ale Adumim, a settlement east of Jerusalem. The move comes in the context of a new agreement signed by Israel’s Construction and Housing Ministry and the Ma’ale Adumim Municipality. Also in that context, the government permits the immediate construction of 470 previously approved housing units. “In addition to the new housing units, public and educational institutions will also be established, and will include synagogues, schools, parks, community centers and sports arenas,” says Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Gallant. “We must continue to establish [our] hold on the Jerusalem area.” (IHY, MNA 10/28; FMEP 11/2)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi insists that the Jordanian government is still committed to its 1994 peace treaty with Israel, despite King Abdullah’s 10/21 decision not to renew 2 annexes therein “We acted within the provisions of the peace treaty,” he says. “This is an indication of our commitment to the peace treaty. There has never been a question of our solid commitment to the treaty.” (EI, JP, REU, TOI, YA 10/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara fly to Oman to meet with Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Because Oman and Israel have no formal diplomatic ties, the visit is seen as an indication of a growing relationship between Israel and Oman. After Netanyahu meets with the sultan, his office states that they discussed ways to achieve “peace and stability in the Middle East” and that the visit marks a “significant step in implementing the policy outlined by Prime Minister Netanyahu on deepening relations with the states of the region while leveraging Israel’s advantages in security, technology and economic matters.” (AP, JP, NYT, REU 10/26; HA 10/27)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, during a raid in Bayt Hanina. They accuse him of an undisclosed “violation” in the West Bank. Israeli forces also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Kafr 'Aqab. Meanwhile, approximately 50 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. In the West Bank, IDF troops deliver stop-work orders to 3 Palestinian homes under construction in al-Wajala village near Bethlehem; arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. (MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/25)

Israeli defense minister Avigdor Lieberman orders the Kerem Shalom and Erez border crossings with Gaza to be re-opened, days after he ordered them closed in response to escalating violence along Gaza’s border on 10/17. He also says he will consider re-allowing transfers of Qatari-funded fuel for Gaza’s only power plant (he ordered them to halt after a bout of violence on 10/12). Today’s decision reportedly comes after Lieberman conferred with top security officials and verified Hamas’s efforts to limit the violence along Gaza’s border in recent days. (HA, MNA, TOI 10/21)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu postpones for “a short time” the planned evacuation and demolition of Jerusalem-area Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar. According to sources in Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister wants to give more time for the ongoing negotiations on relocation sites, including a new proposal from the residents. The residents reportedly offered to move 500 meter north to the outskirts of Anata refugee camp “The amount of time to achieve this consent will be determined by [Israel’s cabinet],” he says. “I will convene it today. It will make a decision. The timetable will be short. I believe the evacuation will also be consensual.” Israeli defense minister Lieberman says that the Netanyahu made this decision “despite [his] strong objections.” (HA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/21)

Jordan’s King Abdullah announces that earlier today he informed the Israeli government that he does not intend to renew 2 annexes of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty. The annexes specifically stipulated that Jordan would lease 2 areas of land along the Israel-Jordan border to Israel for a period of 25 years. Netanyahu responds that he intends to negotiate with Jordan on extending the lease. “There is no doubt the agreement is an important asset,” he adds. (HA, JT, TOI 10/21; JP 10/22)

Approximately 1,500 right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 20 Palestinians are injured, including 2 journalists. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid a Palestinian boys school near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Separately, PA security forces arrest dozens of Hamas affiliates during raids across the West Bank. The raids come one day after Hamas security forces summoned dozens of Fatah members for interrogation in Gaza. In East Jerusalem, approximately 1135 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif to commemorate Sukkot, sparking minor confrontations between their Israeli security escort and Palestinian worshippers; there are no reported injuries or arrests. Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Biddu, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land near Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/27; PCHR 10/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas addresses the UN General Assembly in New York City, calling on the Trump administration to reverse its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reinstate aid to UNRWA, and oppose Israel’s settlement enterprise. “It is ironic that the [Trump] administration still talks about what they call the ‘Deal of the Century,’” he says. “But what is left for this administration to give to the Palestinian people?" He also calls on Hamas to implement their 12/7/17 reconciliation agreement and give up control of Gaza to the PA. In response, Hamas releases a statement calling Abbas’s speech a “declaration of failure” on the stalled Palestinian reconciliation process. (HA, TOI, YA 9/27; DPA, HA, HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, YA, YA 9/28)

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says that Germany, Sweden, the EU, Japan, and Turkey, as well as a number of other countries, collectively pledged $118 million to UNRWA at a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City this week. Meanwhile, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, meets in New York to discuss an proposed humanitarian aid package for Gaza. (HA, JP, MNA 9/28; TOI 9/29)

After meeting with Rwandan president Paul Kagame, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that Israel and Rwanda will soon open embassies in each other’s countries. Netanyahu also says Kagame wants to start a direct flight between Kigali and Tel Aviv. (TOI 9/29)

The Egyptian army demolishes a tunnel leading from the Sinai Peninsula into Gaza, trapping 8 Palestinian workers, according to eyewitnesses in Rafah. Later, the Egyptian army announces that its troops killed 3 alleged terrorists and destroyed a number of tunnels along the border in recent days. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians gathering along the fence near Gaza City to continue the Great March of Return; 18 Palestinians are injured, including 3 journalists. They also conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence near Gaza City. On Israel’s side of the border fence, firefighters quell 6 fires allegedly sparked by incendiary kites and balloons flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/3; PCHR 7/5)

PLO secretary-general Erakat says that the Palestinians are considering a reduction in their political, economic, and security relations with Israel in response to the new Israeli law allowing for deductions to the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA. Separately, PA officials say they have no plans to end the stipends to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel in connection with serious crimes against Israelis. (JP, WAFA 7/3)

The IDF declares Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin village near Jerusalem, a closed military zone ahead of planned evacuations and demolitions. Israel’s High Court of Justice approved the government’s plan to demolish the village on 5/24. (EI, WAFA 7/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu lifts his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif. He temporarily lifted the ban in early 2017 after imposing it amid the habba, which was a surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (AJ, JP, TOI 7/3)

In retaliation for the incendiary kite and balloon attacks from Gaza on 6/17, the IAF conducts air strikes on 9 Hamas sites across Gaza overnight, causing major damage. Unidentified Palestinians in Gaza then launch 3 rockets toward southern Israel; 2 land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries (the third falls short of the border fence). Also along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on 4 Palestinians allegedly attempting to cross the fence into Israel near Gaza City; 1 Palestinian is killed and the other 3 are injured. The IDF reports that the men were attempting to sabotage “security infrastructure.” In the evening, the IAF conducts another round of air strikes across Gaza, targeting Hamas and other armed groups’ infrastructure. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault Palestinian farmers traveling from Hebron to Jerusalem and confiscate the crops they are bringing to market. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, a number of Israeli settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest a senior Islamic Waqf guard at the sanctuary. They also set up a new watchtower outside one of the main entrances. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/18; MNA 6/19; PCHR 6/21)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops violently dispersed protesters along Gaza’s border near al-Maghazi refugee camp on 5/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 123. (PCHR 6/21)

In a statement, PA president Abbas rejects the U.S. plan, first reported on 6/17, to raise money for relief efforts in Gaza, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to separate Gaza from the West Bank in the name of “humanitarian aid or rehabilitation.” (HA 6/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in Amman. They discuss a number of regional issues, including the Palestinians. It is their first public meeting since 11/2014. (JP 6/19)

Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians open fire on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) patrols near Jabaliya refugee camp causing no injuries. Israeli tanks then shell several Hamas posts near the border fence, causing damage. Later, Palestinians fire machine guns across the border into Israel, this time causing minor damage to an Israeli home near Sderot. The IDF then bombs Hamas sites in northern Gaza, including an alleged weapons production facility, causing an unclear amount of damage. Separately, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering along the border fence to protest and throw stones near al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 4 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting the 5/14 opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem at the Beit El checkpoint; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol in Hebron and near Nablus. Israeli settlers cut down approximately 400 grapevines in a Palestinian vineyard near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. (WAFA 5/16; HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/17; PCHR 5/17; PCHR 5/24)

Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu attend the inauguration of the new Guatemalan embassy in Jerusalem. “My next trip through Latin America goes through Guatemala," Netanyahu says. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 5/16)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the fourth consecutive day, despite their initial plans to keep it closed today. (AP 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces block Palestinian farmers from working their lands near Qalqilya, and raze a swath of Palestinian farmland near Tubas. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers park 3 mobile homes and a water tank on Palestinian land near Hebron; the Israeli authorities claim that the Israeli government owns the land. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/5; MNA, WAFA 3/6; PCHR 3/8)

U.S. president Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu meet at the White House and discuss Iran, Jerusalem, and the Palestinians. At a joint press conference, Trump says that he might visit Israel for the inauguration of the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem in 5/2018. Netanyahu downplays Palestinians’ concerns to focus on Iran. “Iran, Iran, and Iran was the main topic of the meeting,” he says. “I told him what I thought: that the nuclear agreement with Iran must be either totally fixed or totally canceled, and there were detailed discussions on this issue.” (HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, YA 3/5; TOI 3/12)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths gathering along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital; 1 Palestinian is killed and 3 are 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, IDF troops shut down a checkpoint between Tell village and Iraq Burin village near Nablus in the context of the ongoing search for the perpetrators of the 1/9 deadly shooting. The shutdown sparks protests and later clashes between the Israeli troops and Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and 4 are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters gathering outside Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and confiscate NIS 17,400 (approximately $5,100) during late-night raids near Nablus and Tulkarm, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/11; PCHR 1/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu instructs the Defense Ministry to connect the illegal settlement outpost Havat Gilad to the West Bank’s electricity grid. The move comes 2 days after the killing of an Israeli settler who lived in Havat Gilad. (JP, TOI 1/11)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Nizam, al-Bireh, and Beitunia near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian youths in each village; 3 Palestinians are arrested. They arrest 21 more Palestinians and issue arrest summons to another during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (PCHR 1/4)

Following the rocket fire from Gaza on 12/29, PM Netanyahu reiterates that Israel holds Hamas accountable for any rockets fired toward Israel, and says that Israeli forces have struck Hamas sites 40 times in recent weeks. He is responding to Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay’s 12/30 criticism. (TOI, WAFA 12/31)

The Likud Central Committee unanimously approves a resolution calling on the party’s leaders, including PM Netanyahu, to extend Israeli sovereignty to West Bank settlements: “On the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the regions of Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], including Jerusalem our eternal capital, the Likud Central Committee calls on the Likud’s elected officials to act to allow free construction and to apply the laws of Israel and its sovereignty to all liberated areas of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria.” (TOI 12/31; HA, NYT 1/1)

Thousands of Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The IDF deploys additional battalions in the West Bank to quell the protests, and Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Shu‘fat refugee camp, at a checkpoint near Ramallah, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 30 Palestinians are injured, including 9 with live ammunition, and 16 are arrested. Palestinians also observe a general strike throughout most of the oPt. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 14 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. (HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel; 2 fall short of the border, and 1 lands in an open area in southern Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF targets 2 Hamas positions in Gaza with artillery shelling and air strikes. (HA, MNA, WAFA 12/7)

In response to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Palestinian delegation at the UN files a formal complaint, requesting that the UN Security Council (UNSC) work toward reversing Trump’s decision. Senior PA official Jibril Rajoub says that U.S. VP Mike Pence, who is set to visit Israel and the oPt later this month, is “unwelcome in Palestine.” He says the Palestinians “will not welcome Trump’s deputy in the [oPt].” The response from the international community is near-universal condemnation, with few exceptions. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that some countries have reached out to discuss similar recognitions of Jerusalem. “I have no doubt than when the U.S. embassy will move there, and even before that, many embassies will relocate to Jerusalem,” he adds. Czech Republic pres. Miloš Zeman says Trump’s announcement made him “truly happy.”(HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 12/7; HA 12/8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the West Bank, IDF troops shut down the main road in Biddu, a village near Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured (Biddu is 1 of the 9 Jerusalem-area villages still under lock-down following the deadly shooting at Har Hadar on 9/26). In the northern Jordan Valley, Israeli forces demolish water pipes and raze a road in a rural area outside Atuf. IDF troops then violently disperse Palestinian farmers, human rights activists, and religious leaders marching through Atuf in protest; 1 Palestinian is arrested and 1 is injured. They also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. Approximately 1,500 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus late at night, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians from nearby Balata refugee camp; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, police arrest a Palestinian laborer at a construction site in Tel Aviv claiming that he was planning a stabbing attack. (MNA, WAFA 9/27; MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 9/28; PCHR 10/5)

In a meeting with top settler leaders, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that Israel must honor its commitment to the Trump administration to limit settlement construction and not be “piggish.” He also boasts that he had convinced the Trump administration to ignore any distinction between the settlement blocs and isolated settlements. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu reviews with U.S. special representative Greenblatt and U.S. ambassador David Friedman the Israeli government’s pending plans for settlement growth. (HA 9/27; HA 9/28)

Interpol announces that its general assembly has approved Palestine’s petition for full membership, with 75 countries voting in favor, 24 against and 34 abstaining. “The State of Palestine considers this membership and the responsibilities that it entails as an integral part of its responsibility toward the Palestinian people and a moral commitment to the citizens of the world,” the PA says in a statement. (HA, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 9/27; AP 9/28)

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

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

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

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

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

After the Israeli police install new security cameras, turnstiles and metal detectors at 3 entrances to Haram al-Sharif (which was closed after the deadly attack on 7/14), the Islamic Waqf calls for a Muslim boycott of the sanctuary as long as the new security measures are in place. Muslim worshippers then refuse to enter the sanctuary throughout the day and pray outside; 10 protesters are injured and 3 are arrested during scuffles with Israeli forces late at night. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian officials convene in Ramallah and reaffirm that the status quo at Haram al-Sharif should not change after the deadly attack nr. the sanctuary on 7/14. Israeli PM Netanyahu insists that the new security measures do not change the status quo. “Changing the status quo would be a wrong move,” he says. “It would lead to unforeseeable consequences in the world and regional order.” (HA, MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA 7/16; MNA, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a raid on his home in Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah. An IDF spokesperson says the soldiers opened fire after the man trained a gun on them, alleging that the deceased was responsible for the shooting attack nr. Ramallah on 7/15. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 fishermen. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/16; PCHR 7/20)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill, dubbed the “United Jerusalem Law,” that would require a supermajority of the Knesset, 80 MKs, to agree to any concession of land within Jerusalem’s current city limits. It would also stipulate that a simple majority, 61 MKs, could approve a shift in Jerusalem’s borders, which would allow land outside the city to be ceded in the context of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The bill now goes to the full Knesset for a 1st reading. (HA, KNE 7/16)

Three Palestinian citizens of Israel open fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem, critically injuring 3 (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The attackers seek refuge at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces shoot and kill all 3. Israeli police deploy heavily across the Old City, block off all entrances to Haram al-Sharif, and cancel Friday prayers at the sanctuary, forcing Muslim worshippers to pray in the streets. They also detain and interrogate 58 Islamic Waqf employees. With tensions running high across the city, an unidentified assailant throws a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler family driving through Silwan; 3 of the settlers are injured, including an infant. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 25 are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is killed. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries or major damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/20)

PA pres. Abbas phones Israeli PM Netanyahu to condemn the morning’s attack in Jerusalem and to denounce violence on both sides, particularly at holy sites. He also calls for Netanyahu to reopen Haram al-Sharif. Netanyahu reportedly tells Abbas that he will uphold the status quo at the sanctuary, but that Israeli forces will maintain security at all costs. Abbas later calls on Jordan to intervene, and the Jordanian govt. releases a statement calling on Israel to reopen the sanctuary. (HA, TOI, WAFA 7/14; HA 7/16)

After shutting down on 7/12, the Gaza power plant resumes operations, with 3 of its turbines supplying 70 MW to the local grid. It’s unclear if the fuel required came from Egypt or somewhere else. (MNA 7/15)

IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youths at a checkpoint outside Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are lightly injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly planning a stabbing attack at Huwwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Tubas, Ramallah, and Nablus; and patrol during the day in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a residential structure nr. Jericho. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF vehicle that reportedly entered Sa‘ir village nr. Hebron by accident. PASF and IDF troops then enter the village to escort the vehicle out. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Islamic Waqf guards at Haram al-Sharif after they prevent an Israeli archaeologist from removing several stones from the sanctuary. The Israeli police escort the archaeologist and his colleagues out of the sanctuary and arrest 6 more guards during late-night raids across the city. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/27; HA, MNA 3/28; PCHR 3/30)

After closing it on 3/26, the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior in Gaza conditionally re-opens the Erez border crossing this morning. Medical patients, families visiting prisoners in Israel, women of all ages, and men between the ages of 15 and 45 are allowed to exit Gaza, and all are able to enter, as long as they possess the appropriate permissions. Meanwhile, Hamas’s Atty. Gen. Ismail Jaber issues a gag order on the publication of any information relating to the investigation into the killing of senior military cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 3/27)

Israeli PM Netanyahu has decided to reassess his ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting Haram al-Sharif, according to reports in the Israeli press today. Any change in the current policy would come after a 3-mo. assessment period. Netanyahu instituted the ban in 10/2015 during the habba, the surge of Palestinian resistance, random attacks, and protests that began in Jerusalem in 9/2015. (JP, TOI 3/27; MNA 3/29)

Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 of them. Israeli forces then raid the alleged attacker’s home in Jabal Mukabir, sparking minor clashes with residents of the area; 5 Palestinians are arrested. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians gather in Ramallah to protest the PASF’s violent assault on protesters on 3/12, and to call for PA pres. Abbas to end security coordination with Israel and resign. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel. (HA, IMEMC, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/13; EI 3/14; PCHR 3/16)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announces that it will not be participating in the municipal elections set for 5/13 in protest of the PA’s repression of demonstrations against security coordination on 3/12. Meanwhile, a PA spokesperson announces that Ramallah’s chief of police Abd al-Latif al-Qaddumi has resigned, but denies that his resignation is coming as a result of the 3/12 protests against PA security coordination with Israel, which were held outside a court in Ramallah and violently dispersed by PA security forces. PM Hamdallah announces that he has appointed a fact-finding comm. to look into the events at the 3/12 protests. (MNA 3/13; JP 3/14)

Jason Greenblatt, U.S. pres. Trump’s special representative for international negotiations, meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem for 5 hours. According to a joint statement, they discussed settlements “in the hope of working out an approach that is consistent with the goal of advancing peace and security.” Later, Greenblatt meets with senior Palestinian officials in Ramallah, who tell him they are interested in the Trump admin. presenting its own plan for a peace deal. Greenblatt is set to remain in Israel and the oPt all week for more meetings, including with PA pres. Abbas on 3/14. (ALM, HA, JP 3/13; HA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 3/14)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Nablus. They also patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud, Issawiyya, and the Old City. (MNA 1/22; PCHR 1/26)

The Jerusalem Municipality’s Local Planning and Building Comm. approves the construction of 566 new residences in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem. Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly ordered the plans to be put on hold until Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. pres. on 1/20. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/22; MNA 1/23)

At the Israeli cabinet’s weekly meeting, Netanyahu says that he no longer supports the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize hundreds of illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. He says “it’s possible” that the bill led to the UNSC’s res. condemning settlements on 12/23, and that it would be “irresponsible” to advance it further. Netanyahu also argues that a vote on a bill annexing the Ma’ale Adumim settlement bloc should be postponed until at least after he meets with U.S. pres. Trump. Jewish Home ministers agree to the postponement only after Netanyahu says he supports lifting restrictions on settlement construction in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 1/22)

PA pres. Abbas meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman to discuss U.S. pres. Trump’s campaign pledge to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. They agree to “take a number of measures” if the embassy is relocated, according to the official PA news site. (JP, WAFA, YA 1/22)

Israeli forces shoot and kill Fadi al-Qunbar, a Palestinian truck driver, outside the Old City after he rams a group of Israelis, killing 4 IDF soldiers and injuring at least 13 other people. Israeli forces then conduct raids on the alleged attacker’s home in Jabal Mukabir, interrogating his family for hours, threatening punitive demolition, and establishing checkpoints in the area. Their prolonged presence in the neighborhood sparks clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. After Israeli PM Netanyahu accuses the alleged attacker of supporting ISIS, Israel’s security cabinet decides to use administrative detention against any persons suspected of committing a crime who also identify as supporters of the group. The cabinet also decides to punitively demolish the attacker’s home as soon as possible, and to close down the attacker’s neighborhood, Jabal Mukabir. Meanwhile, the attacker’s family says he was motivated by U.S. pres.-elect Trump’s pledge to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “He was very angry, and said transferring the embassy would lead to war,” his cousin says. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 1/8; PCHR 1/12)

Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers seize control of a residential building in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Gaza City and later nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, PASF troops block an IDF jeep from entering Qalqilya. Israel settlers assault and injure a number of Palestinians outside Huwwara village nr. Nablus and throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nearby. The IDF delivers stop-work orders to 11 Palestinian homes under construction nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians outside Bayt Furik village; 1 Palestinian is arrested. They arrest 9 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Jenin and nr. Jericho, Hebron, and Ramallah, and patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Nablus. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/8; MNA, WAFA 1/9; PCHR 1/12)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation unanimously approves a bill that would ban representatives from the anti-occupation group Breaking the Silence and other groups that allegedly “defame Israeli soldiers” from speaking in Israeli schools. (HA, JP 1/9)

Israeli forces punitively demolish a Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab, n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and several are injured. The owner of the home was killed on 10/9 after participating in the drive-by shooting of a crowd of Israelis. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Palestinian are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Salfit, assault and seriously injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Salfit. An Israeli settler driver attempts to ram 2 Palestinian youths nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 107th time since 2010. (IMEMC, MNA 12/22; PCHR 12/29)

Following high-level contacts between the Israeli and Egyptian govts. and massive Israeli pressure against the draft UNSC res. Egypt circulated on 12/21, 2 Western diplomats say that the vote set for today has been postponed indefinitely. Later, 4 mbrs. of the UNSC—New Zealand, Venezuela, Malaysia, and Senegal—give Egypt an ultimatum. They tell Cairo that, if it does not call a vote by 12/23, they reserved the right to table the draft themselves. (EI, HA, JP, NBC, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/22; HA, JP, MNA 12/23)

France’s FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces that the peace conference initially set for 12/21 is now scheduled for 1/15/2017, adding that the summit will present conclusions to Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA pres. Abbas in a mediated meeting in the hopes of relaunching peace negotiations. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

After the residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost formally pledge to evacuate their homes peacefully, Israel’s High Court of Justice agrees to the govt.’s request for a 45-day postponement of its order for the outpost to be evacuated and demolished by 12/25. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/22; MNA 12/24)

Two Palestinians die in a tunnel accident late at night nr. Gaza City. Hamas claims the 2 men were mbrs. of its group. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian car washes n. of Jerusalem. IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In and around East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Hizma village and Qalandia r.c. Late at night, they conduct raids in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in a bedouin village nr. Beersheba. An Israeli driver rams a Palestinian worker from Tulkarm while he is walking along a street in Tel Aviv, causing moderate injuries. (MNA, WAFA, YA 12/7; MNA, PCHR 12/8; PCHR 12/15)

A Jerusalem Municipality planning comm. approves the construction of 770 settler residences in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. City officials say that the plans, initially approved in 2013, were “undergoing routine processes of allocation regarding roads and public spaces.” (MNA 12/9)

Israel’s Knesset passes a 1st reading of the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which passed a preliminary reading on 12/5 and would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/7; MNA 12/8)

A senior Israeli official says that Israeli PM Netanyahu has rejected French pres. François Hollande’s invitation to a mediated meeting with PA pres. Abbas after the next French-organized peace summit, which is set for 12/21. Later, Netanyahu calls Hollande personally to discuss the invitation. He tells the French pres. that he would be happy to meet with Abbas, but only if the conference is canceled. (HA, JP, YA 12/7)