The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 1 Palestinian by throwing a stone at his face in Ni’lin. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians near Jit. The Lions Den said the 3 were members of the organization. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli police officers kicked and punched 1 Palestinian man after he fell while running from them near a flying checkpoint; the incident was filmed. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, GDN, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; HA 3/14; PCHR 3/16; UNOCHA 3/19)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Masyaf, injuring 3 Syrian soldiers. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 3/12)

Israeli Channel 12 reported that the UAE had frozen purchases of Israeli military equipment due to the Israeli government’s behavior against Palestinians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound in January and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s comment that Huwwara “should be wiped out.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli ambassador to the UAE, and the Israeli foreign ministry denied the reporting. (HA 3/12)

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that Saudi Arabia had refused to grant visas to an Israeli delegation for an upcoming UN conference on tourism. Axios reported that Saudi Arabia had initially approved Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen’s attendance at the conference with 2 staffers, but effectively blocked Cohen’s trip by not engaging in making arrangements for his security. (BB, HA 3/12; AX, TOI 3/13)

Qatar emir Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani donated $500,000 in aid to Huwwara to help cover the cost of the damage incurred by Israeli settlers on 2/26. (DN, MEMO 3/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers re-erected a settlement outpost near al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya; the settlement outpost was dismantled by Israeli forces on 6/7. 18 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ni‘lin, al-Mughayyir, Bayt Rima, Balata refugee camp, Rujeib, Bayt Dajan, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas, Fawwar refugee camp, and Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities took measurements for the demolition of a 4-story apartment building in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat within the fishing zone. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The Israeli supreme court rejected a petition for a retrial in a case where the Israeli settler group Ateret Cohanim allegedly purchased 3 buildings in the Old City from the Greek Orthodox church, allowing the settler organization to evict the Palestinian tenants. The Greek Orthodox church called the ruling “unfair” and without “any legal logical basis.” The EU voiced concern about the supreme court ruling. (HA, YNET 6/9; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/10; MEMO, WAFA 6/11)

Israel extended its antiquities authority to the West Bank. The Israel Antiquities Authority will replace the Coordinator on Government Activities in the Territories in managing archeological sites in the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

Speaking, via phone link at a conference on the holy sites in Jerusalem, dubbed “Property Documentation and the Historical Status of the Holy al-Aqsa Mosque,” PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that the PA would not accept any changes to the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, saying all Islamic and Christian holy sites are Palestinian. (WAFA, WAFA 6/8; WAFA 6/9)

Israeli media reported that members of a Liberian delegation in Israel headed by minister of state for presidential affairs Nathaniel McGill told Israeli journalists that Liberia will open a trade office in Jerusalem that eventually will become Liberia’s embassy to Israel. The delegation was meeting Israeli officials, including president Isaac Herzog. (ALM 6/9)

Axios reported that last week, Israel refused a proposal for a White House summit with the PA, U.S., Egypt, and Jordan to create a political horizon for ending the occupation. (AX 6/8)

Axios also reported that the White House is sending the newly appointed assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, Barbara Leaf, to Israel and Ramallah for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials. (AX 6/8)

Haaretz reported that the EU commission’s anti-fraud office will not open an investigation into the 6 Palestinian rights organizations Israel deemed terrorist organizations in October 2021, saying that it had not seen sufficient evidence from Israel against the 6 organizations. EU diplomats told Haaretz that the evidence handed to EU countries by Israel was not compelling and did not meet the threshold of proof. (HA 6/8)

In a visit to the Buraq Wall/Western Wall, Bosnia and Herzegovina parliament speaker Dragan Čović told reporters that the Old City is part of Israel. (JP 6/10)

The World Bank approved a grant of $30 million for PA reforms in transparency, inclusion, and green economy and a $7 million grant for social services and online employment oppounities for Palestinians in Gaza. (WAFA 6/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers slashed the tires of 11 Palestinian-owned vehicles and wrote racist and threatening graffiti on properties in Iskaka. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian who was hiking with a friend in a forest near al-Arroub refugee camp. The friend said the 2 heard shouting in Hebrew and began running away when the Palestinian man was shot in the back twice. The PA condemned the killing, calling for the International Court of Justice to investigate it. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 photojournalists with rubber-coated bullets. Meanwhile, Israeli forces fired tear gas near 2 schools in Hebron, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and teachers. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 3 houses under construction in Khirbet Um Qussa. Palestinians protested in support of Palestinian prisoners in several cities throughout the West Bank; the protest coincided with a 1-day hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners demanding improved conditions. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ni‘lin, Beit Furik, Jenin refugee camp, Jalamah, Halhul, and Za‘atra. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished agricultural structures and razed land in Sur Baher. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/1; PCHR, WAFA 3/2; HA, MEMO, MEMO 3/3; PCHR; HA 3/4; HA, UNOCHA 3/11)

The Israeli supreme court ruled to allow 4 Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah to stay in their properties until a final decision on the property rights are made. The 4 families have been threatened with eviction as Israeli settler organizations have claimed ownership of their properties, which the families have lived in since 1951. Part of the temporary agreement with the Palestinian families is that they must pay a nominal rent, which will be held as escrow until a final decision is made by the Israeli ministry of justice—a process that could take years. The Supreme Court’s decision could also temporarily protect some 20 other Palestinian families threatened by forced eviction in East Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, NYT, REU 3/1; HA 3/2; ALM 3/10)

The PA summoned French consul general in Jerusalem René Trokaz in protest over French prime minister Jean Castex’s remarks calling Jerusalem “the eternal capital of the Jewish people.” Prime Minister Castex’s remarks were made during a gala dinner hosted by the representative council of French Jewish Institutions on 2/25. (MEMO 2/28; MEMO 3/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked the main entrance to al-Naqura. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man, alleging that he had tried to stab a soldier at the Gush Etzion Junction between Bethlehem and Hebron. The PA called it an extrajudicial execution. 9 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Kafr Ni‘ma, Ni‘lin, Beita, Izbat al-Tabib, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces evicted the 18-member Salhiya family from their home in Sheikh Jarrah, leading to a standoff where members of the family threatened to blow up a gas container on top of the house if the Israeli forces proceeded to demolish their home. A large crowd protested in support of the family. Several European representatives to Palestine and Israel, with some present at the scene, also condemned the eviction and called on Israel to stop it immediately. 1 Palestinian demolished his own commercial structure in Sheikh Jarrah. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land north of Beit Lahiya. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (+972, AJ, AJ, F24, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, Twitter, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 1/17; EI, MEMO, MEMO 1/18; MEMO 1/19; PCHR 1/20)

Palestinian news outlet Safa and Israeli Channel 12 reported that the PA had frozen its work on preparing material for the ICC as a result of agreements made between PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (MEMO 1/18)

Israeli media reported that Libyan warlord and presidential contender Khalifa Haftar’s plane landed at Ben Gurion airport for a couple of hours before taking off again. In November it was reported that Haftar’s son and advisor Saddam Haftar had visited Israel for meetings with Israeli officials. (MEMO 1/17)

A possible drone attack in the UAE killed 3 Indian and Pakistani nationals and wounded 6 others at an oil facility and started a fire at the airport in Abu Dhabi. The Yemeni Houthi group said it was behind the attack. In a letter by Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Israel offered the UAE “security and intelligence support” after the attack, saying “Israel stands with the UAE.” The UAE has been conducting air strikes with its coalition partner Saudi Arabia for years in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, causing many civilian deaths. (AJ, HA, MEMO 1/17; AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, MEMO, REU, REU 1/18; AJ, AP, MEMO 1/19; HA 1/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened a settlers-only road near Kisan. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man near the separation barrier west of Jenin; the man was treated at a hospital in Israel for his injuries. Israeli forces also fired tear gas at a wedding celebration in Silat al-Harithiya, causing tear-gas related injuries. Palestinians protested in Ramallah against the killing of PA critic Nizar Banat by PA forces on 6/24. 11 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during raids in and around al-Yamun, Qiffin, Beita, Ni‘lin, Abu Dis, and Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler shot 1 Palestinian man in the leg in Sheikh Jarrah; Israeli police said the Palestinian man had entered the settler’s home, while Palestinian media said the man was part of a solidarity event for the residents of Sheikh Jarrah threatened by forced eviction. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Sheikh Jarrah and Shu‘fat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers in al-Zaytun; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions and leveled land east of al-Qarara. (MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/2; AA, MEMO 8/3; PCHR 8/5)

The Israeli supreme court proposed that Palestinian residents under threat of eviction in Sheikh Jarrah become “protected residents” in what it considered a compromise. The proposition would allow the Palestinians to live in their homes in return for paying a rent fee to the settler organization, Nahalat Shimon, which claims to have acquired their property. The Palestinians agreed to the proposal but refused to accept the Nahalat Shimon’s demand that the families recognize its ownership of their properties, resulting in a stalemate. The court did not set a new date for the next hearing. Haaretz reported that Israeli officials had asked the Biden administration to put pressure on the Palestinian residents to agree to the compromise. The Jordanian government submitted documents to the court from before the 1967Day War, showing that the Jordanian government was in the process of registering the properties to their Palestinian residents, which was disrupted by the Israeli assault on its neighboring countries. U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price later said that the U.S. is opposed to the plans to evict Palestinians from East Jerusalem, but that proposal from the supreme court is for the parties involved to consider. (HA 8/1; AJ, AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/2; MEMO, WAFA 8/3; HA 8/4; AA, MEMO 8/5; MEMO 8/6; WAFA 8/14)

Israel extended the ban of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from moving freely within East Jerusalem. It was unclear how long the extension was set for. (WAFA 8/2)

The PA said that it and Qatar had agreed to a mechanism to transfer Qatari funds to Gaza. More than 100,000 Palestinians in Gaza will receive ATM cards with around $100, which can be withdrawn in Gaza. Hamas had previously agreed to have the PA supervise the transfer of the Qatari funds. It is unclear when the aid will reach Palestinians in Gaza. (MEMO 8/4)

Israel’s cabinet approved its 1st budget in 3 years; the Knesset will still have to approve it before it is implemented. A vote is expected to occur in November. Ra’am’s demands for a significant increase in spending for Palestinian Israeli communities was approved with $16 billion earmarked for advances, as opposed to the previous $5 billion under the Netanyahu government. The money is said to be spent on infrastructure, combatting crime, health care, education, and transportation. (MEMO 8/1; ALM, AX, JP 8/2; ALM 8/3)

Canada contributed $1.7 million to the UN World Food Programme to help its programming in Gaza. (WAFA 8/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli military escort toured a spring near al-Walaja. Israeli forces violently dispersed protests against the UAE-Israel normalization deal in Kafr Qaddum, Salfit, Hebron, ad Ni‘lin, causing tear-gas related injuries, and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 on a street in the Old City and 1 during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, 12 rockets were fired toward Israel, 1 causing damage to a house after it was intercepted. Israeli forces fired missiles at Gaza east and west of Gaza City and near Bayt Lahiya, causing damage and moderate injuries to 1 minor who was hit by shrapnel. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Rafah and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions west of Bayt Lahiya and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of protesters outside of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued their calls for him to step down. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/21; HA 8/22; HA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

In an apparent response to U.S. president Donald Trump’s claim that Saudi Arabia would follow the UAE and normalize ties with Israel, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, Prince Turki al-Faisal, said in an op-ed that “[t]he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set a price for concluding peace between Israel and the Arabs—it is the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, as provided for by the initiative of the late King Abdullah.” According to the London-based newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadid, the head of the Mossad, Yossi Cohen, met with the deputy head of Sudan’s sovereignty council general Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo in a meeting brokered by the UAE. Sudan denied the claim. (AJ, HA, REU 8/21; HA 8/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up tents and caravans at a settlement outpost in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian at the Ni‘lin junction; 1 other man traveling with the deceased fled the scene. Israeli authorities alleged that the men had thrown stones at Israeli settler vehicles. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed after Israeli forces raided Burin; tear-gas related injuries were reported. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh announced new measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including banning movement between governorates; banning all unnecessary movement outside of homes; and forbidding workers in Israeli settlements from going to work. The PA also announced that it will release some of its prisoners as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint near Abud and 4 during raids in al-Fawar refugee camp and al-Zawiya. In East Jerusalem, the Islamic Waqf announced that it is closing the Haram al-Sharif compound for Muslim worshippers and visitors, according to the Waqf, Israel had also promised not to allow Jewish worshippers into the compound. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed during a raid in Issawiyya; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 2 Palestinian minors were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2-3 nautical miles west of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR 3/27)

Unidentified persons riding in a vehicle open fire on Israeli settlers waiting on the side of a road near the Ofra settlement; 7 of the settlers are injured, including 1 pregnant woman. IDF troops in the area open fire on the vehicle, but the assailants flee the scene without apparent injury. Later, IDF troops set up mobile checkpoints and conduct raids in and around the nearby village Silwad, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries reported. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus; confiscate 3 makeshift residential structures outside Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian outside Ni‘lin, causing major injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Ramin village near Tulkarm, causing light damage to 8 of them. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/9; MNA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/13)

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)

At least 20,000 Palestinian protesters gather along Gaza’s border, marking the 2d consecutive Friday of the Great March of Return. They set fire to hundreds of tires and roll them toward the border fence (some Palestinians say that the burning tires are meant to create a smokescreen to defend protesters from Israeli snipers). IDF troops violently disperse the protesters near Gaza City, killing 7 and injuring at least 250. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Elsewhere in the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in Beita near Nablus, al-Bireh, 3 villages near Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Hebron, and Abu Dis near Jerusalem; 8 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also arrests 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and patrols near Hebron and Tulkarm. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/6; HA, YA 4/7; PCHR 4/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently disperse peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 26 by the end of the day. (WAFA 4/6)

For the 2d week in a row, the U.S. blocks a Kuwait-backed effort to get the UNSC to call for an independent and transparent investigation into the IDF’s violent crackdown on the Great March of Return. According to Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, 14 of the 15 members of the UNSC support the effort. U.S. diplomats blocked a similar Kuwaiti initiative on 3/31 after the beginning of protests on 3/30. (TOI 4/6; JP, TOI 4/7)

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)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s settlements, occupation, and separation wall, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, in 4 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin, Bil‘in), al-Bireh, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Bayt Hanun, and al-Bureij refugee camp. At least 22 Palestinians are injured and 1 German national is arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops issue arrest summons to 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between the residents and IDF troops in the area; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hizma. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/2; TOI 3/4 PCHR 3/8)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s separation wall, occupation, and settlements, as well as U.S. president Trump’s 12/6/17 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in Hebron, Jericho, Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, 2 areas near Nablus (Beita village and the Huwwara checkpoint), 5 villages near Ramallah (al-Janiya, al-Bireh, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, and Bil‘in), and along Gaza’s border near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabaliya refugee camp. At least 31 Palestinian are injured and 2 are arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 3 Palestinian minors during clashes sparked by an IDF raid near Nablus. IDF troops also arrest 3 Palestinians and assault 1 during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. Israeli settlers throw stones at, and open fire on, Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, causing no major damage or injuries. The attack sparks minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In 4 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/23; PCHR 3/1)

The U.S. State Department announces that the new U.S. embassy in Israel will open in Jerusalem in 5/2018, implementing President Trump’s 12/6/17 pledge to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. The embassy is set to open with ambassador David Friedman and a skeleton staff working out of an existing U.S. facility in the Arnona neighborhood. “This decision will turn the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence into an even bigger celebration,” says Israeli PM Netanyahu. “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership and your friendship.” Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) secretarygeneral Saeb Erakat says, “The U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and now to move its embassy on the eve of marking 70 years since the Nakba [. . .] shows the determination of the U.S. administration to violate international law, destroy the 2-state solution, and provoke the feelings of the Palestinian people, as well as of all Arabs, Muslims, and Christians around the globe.” (AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 2/23)

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)

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), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, central Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, the IDF maintains its general closure of 9 Jerusalem-area villages for a 4th day, following the deadly attack in Har Hadar on 9/26. Israeli soldiers arrest 2 Palestinians, allegedly for placing an explosive device on a road near the Migdal Oz settlement outside Hebron. After an IDF drone goes down in Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers enter the area to search for the device, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF patrols in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 9/29; MNA 9/30; PCHR 10/5)

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; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF arrests a Palestinian in central Hebron, allegedly for carrying a knife, arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Tulkarm, and patrols near Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently disperse Palestinians protesting outside the Sheikh Jarrah home where a Palestinian family was evicted on 9/5; 3 Palestinians are arrested. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 9/8; PCHR 9/14)

The Egyptian authorities partially open the Rafah border crossing, allowing Muslims to return from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. (MEMO 9/8; OCHA 9/14)

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 along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers chase a Palestinian child and throw stones at her home in Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest 2 Palestinian fishermen working nr. Bayt Lahiya overnight. (MNA 8/11; MNA 8/12; PCHR 8/17)

Thousands of Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, celebrating the success of their 2-week campaign against the Israeli authorities’ attempt to impose new security measures at the sanctuary. Israeli forces arrest 9 worshippers on their way to the sanctuary and 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in nearby Qalandia r.c. In the West Bank, 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) and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c.; at least 5 Palestinians are injured. In c. Hebron, the IDF violently disperses Palestinians participating in a sit-in protest against the planned construction of a new IDF watchtower outside nearby Dura village (Israeli forces leveled land for the project on 7/31); there are no serious injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians and Palestinian homes in c. Hebron late at night; 3 Palestinians and 1 settler are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI 8/4; MNA, YA 8/5; PCHR 8/10)

The Israeli authorities release to their families the corpses of 4 Palestinians killed during confrontations with Israeli forces in 7/2017. (MNA 8/4; YA 8/5)

Israel’s Min. of Justice announces that the state prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the killing, by an Israeli, of 2 Jordanians at the Israeli Embassy in Amman on 7/23. A Jordanian govt. spokesperson calls it a step in the right direction, but adds that Amman still expects a full and orderly inquiry. (HA 8/4; GH, MNA, YA 8/6)

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 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 protests in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Qalandia checkpoint, Abud, Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Beita nr. Nablus, Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, Hebron and nearby Bayt Umar, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and al-Bureij r.c.; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian shops in c. Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 6/1)

In response to COGAT’s 5/25 announcement of a reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to Gaza, Hamas releases a statement threatening “consequences” if the reductions are implemented. Meanwhile, UN special coordinator Nickolay Mladenov says that the energy crisis in Gaza is affecting water supplies and health services, which could spark another war. (AFP, MNA 5/26)

Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists hold protests across the West Bank in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 4/17. IDF troops violently disperse them in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Nablus (Beita and ‘Azmout), and Bayt Umar nr. Hebron; at least 9 Palestinians are injured and 1 is arrested. The IDF also patrols in al-Mughayyir nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes (there are no serious injuries); arrests 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Ramallah and in Nablus; and patrols nr. Hebron and Salfit. Meanwhile, dozens of Israeli settlers gather in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem, blocking the village’s main road, to protest recent alleged incidents of Palestinians throwing stones at their property. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 5/5; PCHR 5/11)

Two Palestinian children are killed when they accidentally trigger a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in al-Zarnuq village nr. Beersheba. Elsewhere in Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 112th time since 2010. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperses Palestinians gathering outside Qalandia r.c. in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike since 4/17 (the Dignity Strike); 4 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian outside Huwwara village nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. They also conduct raids in Rumana nr. Jenin and Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in each; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 2 Palestinians during further raids nr. Nablus and Hebron, and patrols nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish several structures in the Jenin-area village of ‘Araba and 6 food stands in Ni‘lin nr. Ramallah. Israeli settlers set 100 Palestinian olive trees on fire outside Bayt Tamir nr. Bethlehem. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/25; PCHR 4/27)

Israel’s Housing Ministry has revived plans for the construction of 10,000 housing units in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank nr. Qalandia, according to a report today in Haaretz. The Israeli press says that the construction was approved years ago, but later frozen because of pressure from former U.S. pres. Barack Obama. The plans are reportedly to be unveiled in 5/2017. (HA, TOI 4/25; WAFA 4/26)

Israeli forces arrest a mentally unstable Palestinian after he stabs and kills a UK woman on the Jerusalem Light Rail nr. the Old City. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 4 Muslim worshippers when they attempt to stop Jewish settlers from praying at Haram alSharif. They arrest 10 more as they are exiting the sanctuary, and also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Nabi Salih after he is found to be carrying a knife. Meanwhile, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and withholding of Palestinian corpses in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also establish a mobile checkpoint e. of Tubas, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Juhur al-Dik and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/20)

The Israeli authorities open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow fuel to enter Gaza. They closed the crossing for Passover on 4/9, and are set to shut it down again from 4/15 through 4/17. (MNA 4/14)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) temporarily cuts off power throughout the region in protest of “unfair measures” imposed on the people of Gaza, including the reduction of former PA employees’ salaries. (MNA 4/14)

IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinian youths, killing 1 and moderately injuring the other, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron after they allegedly throw firebombs at Israeli settlers’ cars nearby. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 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; 2 Israeli activists are injured. They also patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured. The IDF conducts further patrols in and around Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers uproot around 75 olive tree seedlings nr. Nablus. Palestinian youths throw stones at 3 Israeli settlers who enter Qalandia r.c.; the IDF then escorts the settlers out of the camp. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)