The Palestine Chronology

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops stationed along the border fence violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; 1 Palestinian is killed and at least 6 are injured. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 195. In the evening, unidentified Gazans launch a rocket into southern Israel, where it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Hours later, the Israeli Air Force responds with an air strike on a Hamas site in Dayr al-Balah, causing moderate damage to the site and several surrounding buildings. Separately, Israeli police find and dismantle several balloons and kites lashed with incendiary devices in Sdot Negev Regional Council, marking the first attack of its kind since Hamas cracked down on the incendiary balloon and kite attacks weeks ago; no damage or injuries are reported. Around the same time, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Bil‘in near Ramallah; there are no injuries reported. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian in central Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/28; HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/29; PCHR 1/3)

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

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)

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

Unidentified parties fire a rocket from Gaza into southern Israel for a 2d day in a row. It lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF again conducts air strikes on Hamas military sites in Rafah, causing major damage to 2. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/3)

For the 9th consecutive Friday, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in East Jerusalem (Issawiyya and Abu Dis), Nablus, 4 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Budrus, and Nabi Salih), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, Bayt Lahiya, and Khan Yunis. 30 Palestinians are injured. Later, when an Israeli drives into Abu Dis, approximately 200 Palestinian minors torch his car and throw stones at him, causing minor injuries. Israeli forces escort the man from the village and clash with the stone-throwers; 9 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Biddu. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray racist graffiti on walls in Nabi Salih village near Ramallah, the hometown of imprisoned Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/2; PCHR 2/8)

Near Jenin in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the killing of an Israeli settler on 10/4/2017. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the 11/30 killing of a Palestinian farmer and Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, and Qusra near Nablus; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue arrest summons for 2 more during raids in and around Bethlehem and Jenin. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp and on agricultural lands near Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. 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. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/7)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launches an air strike at a military base outside Damascus, Syria. According to Syrian press sources, the target was an Iranian military base 13 km south of the city. The extent of the damage is not reported. (HA, TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 1 Palestinian and 1 German activist are injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a patrol near Jenin, and conducts further patrols near Hebron and Qalqilya. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PCHR 11/30)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson announces that the PLO office in Washington will be allowed to remain open for at least another 90 days, after which Pres. Trump will decide whether or not to allow it to stay open indefinitely (see Update). The Trump administration has “advised the PLO Office to limit its activities to those related to achieving a lasting, comprehensive peace between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the spokesperson explains. (HA, MNA, TOI 11/25)

Approximately 25–30 gunmen launch an attack on a crowded mosque in the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing at least 300 Egyptian civilians. In response, the Egyptian army kills at least 30 of the militants in a series of strikes on known hideouts in the area. A Palestinian official says that the attack prompted the Egyptian authorities to cancel a planned 3-day opening of the Rafah border crossing on 11/25–27. (AFP, HA 11/24; AP, HA, REU, TOI 11/25)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. They also arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian outside Kochav Ya’acov, allegedly for planning a stabbing attack. (MNA 11/10; PCHR 11/16)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; at least 5 Palestinians are seriously injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers harvesting olives near Hebron; there are no serious injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khuza‘a. (MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 11/2)

Senior Hamas military leader Tawfiq Abu Naim is moderately injured when his jeep explodes as he is leaving the Abu al-Hassan Mosque in central Gaza. Hamas officials initially blame Israel for the alleged attack, then say they suspect local Islamist groups. (MNA, TOI, YA 10/27; TOI 10/28)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Hebron protest at the Abu Rajab house that Israeli settlers seized on 7/25, and which has been subject to ongoing litigation ever since. Elsewhere in Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working in his fields south of Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City of East Jerusalem, allegedly for carrying a knife. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/20; WAFA 10/21; MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/26)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran for talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and other regional issues. A Hamas official says that the group wants to increase its cooperation with Iran and to “secure Iranian financial and logistical support.” (AFP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during latenight raids near Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Qalqilya and Tulkarm. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/14; PCHR 10/19)

U.S. pres. Trump announces that his administration will not be certifying the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal, triggering a 60-day period for the U.S. Congress to either reinstate sanctions, do nothing, or pass new legislation outside the context of the deal that could change the U.S. position toward Iran. Trump also announces “tough” new sanctions on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps and promises to “work closely with Congress and our allies to address the deal’s many serious flaws so that the Iranian regime can never threaten the world with nuclear weapons.” In response, Iranian pres. Hassan Rouhani says that Tehran will expand its ballistic missile program, yet continue to honor its obligations under the deal. The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany reaffirm their commitment to the agreement. (AJ, BBC, CNN, HA, REU, TOI, WP 10/13)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp and al-Bureij refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 13 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 3 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving near Hebron, causing minor damage to 1 vehicle and lightly injuring a Palestinian child. Later in the day, the IDF closes a number of roads between Ramallah and Nablus, clearing the area for a foot race organized by Israeli settlers. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/6; MNA 10/7; PCHR 10/12)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also issue 2 Palestinians arrest summons during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and patrol during the day near Jenin and Hebron. (WAFA 9/22; PCHR 9/28)

The Lebanese press reports that 2 rockets fell outside the Damascus airport overnight in an apparent air strike conducted by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The Israeli government neither confirms nor denies responsibility. (TOI, YA 9/22)

Hamas announces that 2 members of its armed wing died this morning in tunnel collapses near Gaza City and Khan Yunis. The group offers no further details. (MNA, TOI 9/15)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Hebron, north of Bethlehem, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp; 6 Palestinians are injured and 2 are arrested. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Bayt Umar near Hebron overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate several surveillance cameras during raids near Ramallah and Salfit, and patrol near Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers cut down 12 olive trees in a Palestinian orchard near Nablus overnight. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/15; MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/21)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; at least 1 Palestinian is injured. They also patrol near Jenin and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, thousands of Muslims gather at Haram al-Sharif to pray on the first day of Eid al-Adha. In Israel, Lydda mayor Yair Revivo, accompanied by a police escort, enters a mosque in the city and asks the worshippers to turn down the volume of their call to prayer, citing noise violations. A confrontation ensues, and the police summon the imam for questioning. (MNA 9/1; HA 9/2; PCHR 9/14)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 11 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in the Burham and Jibiya villages near Ramallah overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Jenin and Hebron, and patrol near Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during a raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (MNA 8/25; MNA 8/26; PCHR 9/1)

An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian motorcyclist nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Israeli police describe the incident as a “road accident,” though it is not clear whether the collision was intentional. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians driving nr. Jenin, breaking the windshield of 1 vehicle. Meanwhile, 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. Jabaliya r.c. and Gaza City; 8 Palestinians and 1 Korean activist are injured. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, and patrols nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/13)

A Palestinian infant succumbs to injuries sustained amid clashes in Abud village nr. Ramallah on 5/19/2017, when IDF troops fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian homes during the clashes. The infant inhaled an ultimately fatal amount of gas. (MNA, WAFA 7/8)

A suicide bomber detonates a car at an Egyptian checkpoint in Rafah in n. Sinai, killing at least 10 Egyptian soldiers and injuring 26 others. In clashes sparked by their search for accomplices, Egyptian security forces kill 40 armed fighters affiliated with the Sinai Province of the Islamic State and other Islamist groups in the area, and destroy 6 vehicles. (MNA 7/7)

Despite Israeli and U.S. opposition, UNESCO’s World Heritage Comm. approves a res. inscribing Hebron’s Old City, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, on its List of World Heritage in Danger. Twelve countries vote in favor of the measure, 3 oppose it, and 6 abstain. (BBC, GDN, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/9)

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) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; at least 1 Palestinian is injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, an armed Palestinian opens fire on IDF troops conducting a late-night operation in Jenin, causing no injuries. (The Israeli soldiers were removing a memorial for Khaled Nazzal, a Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP] leader assassinated by Israeli Mossad agents in 1986.) Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. Along Gaza’s border, a former resident of Gaza who moved to Israel 5 years ago under family unification law crosses back into Gaza. Hamas security forces take him into custody. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In Israel, a deceased Palestinian from East Jerusalem washes ashore at Lake Tiberias. The cause of his death is not known. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/30; PCHR 7/6)

For the 5th time this week, errant mortar fire from Syria lands in an open area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage. The IDF returns fire at the source of the mortar. (MNA, TOI 6/30)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a late-night raid of his home in c. Hebron. An IDF spokesperson says that the man pulled a gun on the soldiers, prompting them to open fire. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Bethlehem when she is found to be carrying a knife. The IDF conducts raids in Bil‘in village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Nablus, and Jenin, as well as in Tulkarm. Israeli settlers set fire to an olive grove outside Burin village nr. Nablus, destroying approximately 400 olive trees. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. and open fire on agricultural lands nr. the Erez border crossing, causing no major damage. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/28; WAFA 6/29; PCHR 7/6)

Hamas announces that it is constructing a new security barrier along Gaza’s border with Egypt, including new guard posts, lighting, and cameras. A Hamas official says that the barrier was specifically provided for in a recent Hamas-Egypt agreement. “These continuing measures are for the sake of achieving control of the s. border and to completely prevent infiltration and smuggling,” he adds. (MNA, TOI 6/28; HA 6/30)

The IDF reopens the area in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights it declared a closed military zone on 6/27. Hours later, errant fire from Syria crosses the border for the 4th time this week. The IDF launches air strikes on Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage and a number of injuries. (HA, TOI, YA 6/28)

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. Jabaliya r.c.; at least 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jenin and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. (MNA 6/23; TOI 6/25; PCHR 7/6)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Gaza City; at least 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at Qalandia checkpoint, claiming that she was planning to carry out an attack against Israelis; and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 10,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, marking the first Friday of Ramadan. Among them are 100 elderly Gazans who were permitted to travel to East Jerusalem for the first time in 6 mos. (see JPS 46 [4]). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 6/2; PCHR 6/8)

The Palestinian critically injured in a confrontation with Israeli forces nr. Jenin on 6/1 succumbs to her injuries. (MNA 6/2)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. Later in the day, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth after he throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler’s car driving nr. Ni‘lin. They seal the village after the incident. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when he is found to be carrying a knife, and patrol nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA, TOI 3/31; MNA 4/1; PCHR 4/6)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Bayt Lahiya; 4 Palestinians, including 1 journalist, are injured. IDF troops also disperse Palestinians clashing with Israeli settlers at a well nr. Nabi Salih. It’s unclear what caused the clashes; there are no serious injuries. They also patrol nr. Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths who reportedly got lost nr. Bayt Lahiya, arrest 3 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Israel nr. Ashqelon, and open fire on Palestinian shepherds working nr. Khan Yunis. (AFP,MNA,WAFA 3/3; PCHR 3/9)

A Palestinian being held in Israeli custody succumbs to injuries sustained on 11/9 when he was shot at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after allegedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier with a screwdriver. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers and 2 Israeli soldiers attack 3 Palestinian shepherds tending their flocks nr. Nablus; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Hebron and Ramallah. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinian journalists are injured. (MNA 2/10; MNA 2/11; HA 2/12; PCHR 2/16)

Israeli settlers assault and moderately injure a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall 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.; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also issue 1 Palestinian an arrest summons during a late-night raid nr. Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Jenin and Hebron. (MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/8)

At the Saban Forum at the Brookings Institute in Washington, Israeli defense minister (DM) Avigdor Lieberman says that the Knesset should postpone work on the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize all of Israel’s illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank, including Amona, until U.S. pres.-elect Donald Trump takes office. “The key to the future of the settlements is reaching understandings with the U.S. on this issue,” he says. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/3)

IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya as she is walking home from school. The Israeli soldiers reportedly thought she was planning a stabbing attack (she will be released from detention on 9/22). Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops raid the Bil‘in homes of several leaders in the activist groups that organize the Friday protests in the Ramallah-area village, confiscating a number of cell phones and computers. Late at night, 2 Israeli soldiers torch a Palestinian-owned lumber warehouse in Nablus, and IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces continue targeting Shu‘fat r.c., arresting 5 Palestinians during raids in the camp and in Abu Dis. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/21; MNA, PCHR 9/22; HA 9/25; PCHR 9/29)

Following a request from the public prosecutor’s office, the Palestinian High Court of Justice postpones until 10/3 its decision regarding the municipal elections that were initially set for 10/8. The elections had been postponed indefinitely on 9/8 because of challenges to their legitimacy. (AFP, MNA 9/21)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to allow Palestinian pilgrims to return from their trip to Saudi Arabia. They are set to open it again on 9/22 and 9/23. (MNA 9/23)

While in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. pres. Obama. They reportedly do not discuss the push for Israeli-Palestinian peace that the Obama admin. is rumored to be planning after the U.S. election in 11/2016. Netanyahu tells Obama he will always be welcome in Israel, and Obama responds, “We’ll set up a tee time.” (AFP, EI, NYT, REU, YA 9/21; HA 9/25)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners and against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation 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.; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and 1 is injured. The IDF will deny firing on protesters in Gaza. Meanwhile,IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, and in Hebron, sparking minor clashes nr. Jenin (there are no serious injuries); and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. (HA, MNA 9/9; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hungerstriking Palestinian prisoners and against Israel’s occupation, settlement, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Gaza City; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in and around Hebron, issuing arrest summons to 3 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deploy heavily in Jabal Mukabir, raiding several shops and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 youths are arrested. (MNA 8/19; PCHR 8/25)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian woman nr. Hebron after she allegedly rams her car into a group of Israelis, lightly injuring 2. It is unclear whether the ramming was intentional or accidental. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall, as well as protests over the recent water shortage, in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Tulkarm, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Jenin; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities bar all Palestinian men younger than 45 from Haram al-Sharif. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/24; PCHR 6/30)

Cross-border violence in Gaza continues for a 4th day. Hamas forces fire at least 2 mortar shells at an IDF position overnight nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces then shell Hamas positions in e. Rafah and an Islamic Jihad position nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Also in Gaza, 3 Palestinian children die in a house fire sparked by a candle they were using because power outages have lasted 18 hours per day. Hamas officials will blame the Israeli blockade for their deaths. Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez crossing; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 300 elderly Gazans visit Haram al-Sharif after the Israeli authorities lift a 2-week ban on Gazans’ Friday visits to the sanctuary. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, OCHA, TOI, YA 5/6; HA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)