The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempt to set a Palestinian vehicle on fire and throw rocks at Palestinian homes in Urif village near Nablus, causing minor damage. After some Palestinian residents confront the settlers, IDF troops enter the village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 8 Palestinians are injured. Separately, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint when she is found with a knife on her person; arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian mobile home in Qalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem. The Palestinian owner was living in the mobile home since Israeli forces demolished his previous home on 6/20. Israeli forces raze a plot of Palestinian land and confiscate a vehicle, demolish 2 car washes, a food shop, several storage buildings and offices in Silwan and Jabal Mukabir; and arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the protests; 10 Palestinians are injured. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near the site of the planned protest. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/19; MNA 11/20; PCHR 11/22)

Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, both of the Jewish Home Party, announce that they intend to remain in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ruling coalition and that they are dropping their demand for Bennett to take over the Defense Ministry. “There’s no apocalypse on the way. There are enemies, but not an enemy that worries me,” Bennett says. (HA, JP, YA 11/19)

Haaretz reports that Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority last week increased by 1,500 the number of permits awarded to West Bank Palestinians hoping to work as dishwashers and cleaners in Israeli restaurants, bars, and cafes. The increase is reportedly designed to ease the strain on restaurant owners who are struggling to find enough low-cost labor. Before this increase, approximately 30,000 West Bank Palestinians were permitted to come into Israel to work such jobs. (HA 11/19)

UNRWA commissioner general Pierre Krähenbühl tells reporters that the agency’s budget shortfall, which was created by U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to UNRWA earlier this year, has been cut to $21 million, following another round of pledges from the EU and several Gulf countries. The deficit was reportedly $64 million as recently as last week. “This is a very encouraging result at the end of a lot of work,” Krähenbühl says. (AFP, TOI 11/19)

Airbnb, a U.S.-based home-share company with listings all over the world, announces that it is removing all 200-some of its listings in Israel’s West Bank settlements. “We concluded that we should remove listings in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that are at the core of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians,” a statement from the company reads. In response, Israel’s Tourism Minister Yariv Levin instructs his deputies to restrict the company’s operations across Israel. Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan calls on the settler-hosts who used Airbnb to sue the company using Israel’s anti-boycott law. “National conflicts exist throughout the world,” he argues. “Airbnb will need to explain why they chose a racist political stance against some Israeli citizens.” (EI, HA, JP, YA, YA 11/19; AJ, BBC, CNN 11/20)

Marking the second major BDS victory of the day, the Canadian Federation of Students, Canada’s largest and oldest students’ association, endorses the BDS movement and condemns the “ongoing occupation of Palestine.” Marking the third, the Quakers in Britain Church, a group 17,000 strong, announces that it is divesting from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation. “This includes companies—whichever country they are based in—involved for example in the illegal exploitation of natural resources in occupied Palestine, and the construction and servicing of the separation barrier and Israeli settlements,” a senior church official explains. (TOI, TOI 11/19; JP, JP, JTA, TOI 11/20; EI 11/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a gas station near Jerusalem after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli border police officer with scissors. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah; and patrol near Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building in Silwan and 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina. (JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 11/6; PCHR 11/8)

PLO Executive Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad denies the 11/4 report that the Fatah leadership has agreed to support the recent Egyptian proposal of a “calm” between Israel and Hamas. He also denies that PA president Abbas discussed the issue with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in their meeting on 11/3. (WAFA 11/6)

Qatar’s Gaza Reconstruction Committee announces that it plans to provide temporary support 50,000 Gazans families. Each family is set to receive approximately $100 in the “next few days,” according to a statement from the committee. Separately, Hamas announces a series of large infrastructure projects in Gaza, including 1 set to create 10,000 jobs for university graduates. The official announcing the projects offers no details about who is funding them, what type of work they will require, and how long they may last. (AFP, TOI, YA 11/7)

The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee approves a plan to expand East Jerusalem’s Ramat Shlomo settlement with 640 new housing units, some of which are set to be built on Palestinian-owned land. “It’s very disappointing that the district committee relied on formalistic reasons to approve a step that violates the property rights of Palestinian landowners through and through,” says a researcher with the anti-settlement group Ir Amim. “This decision is additional proof that Israeli control in East Jerusalem means a regime based on serious discrimination.” (HA 11/7)

Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad says that the Syrian government has a plan for the “return” of Palestinian refugees to the Yarmouk refugee camp now that government forces have retaken control of the area. Yarmouk was home to approximately 160,000 Palestinian refugees prior to the Syrian civil war in 2011. Very few are still living there today. (AFP, TOI 11/7; EI 11/10)

After a night of air strikes in Gaza, unidentified Gazans fire 5 rockets at southern Israel. Four are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; the 5th lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then conduct air strikes on sites near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing damage. In the West Bank, an IDF driver rams 2 Palestinians during a patrol near Qalqilya, causing moderate injuries to both. Separately, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 11/1)

An IDF spokesperson claims that Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) was responsible for the rocket fire on 10/26 “with clear guidance from Iran and the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force in Syria.” A PIJ spokesperson then says that the group has reached a new agreement to end the violence in Gaza, thanks to Egyptian mediation. “After contacts between the Islamic Jihad leadership and the brothers in Egypt, it was agreed that a comprehensive cease-fire will begin immediately,” he says. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 10/27)

A day after Israeli prime minister Netanyahu visited Oman, Omani foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah says that the Omani government is “very optimistic” about the Trump administration’s Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. “We are not mediators in Israel-Palestine, but we offer facilitation and ideas to help 2 parties to come together,” he adds. “We are not saying that the road is now easy and paved with flowers, but our priority is to put an end to the conflict and move to a new world.” (AFP, HA, REU, TOI, YA 10/27)

The World Bank announces that it has increased its annual allotment of aid to the Palestinians from $55 million to $90 million this year. The organization’s new strategy, adopted in 12/2017, has a “very strong focus on job creation and private sector development,” according to a World Bank spokesperson. (WAFA 10/27)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Jabaliya refugee camp. In 2 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no reported damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Qaryut near Nablus overnight. They also throw stones at Palestinian homes near Nablus, sparking a minor confrontation between their IDF escort and the Palestinian residents; 4 Palestinian homes are reported with minor damage. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, and Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, approximately 82 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/10; PCHR 10/11)

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announces a $150 million donation to help “alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip.” Most of the money, $90 million, is reportedly slated to help pay the salaries of the Hamas-run government’s civil servants. The rest was previously reported and designated for fuel purchases for Gaza’s only power plant. The UN Development Program is set to help distribute the aid. The announcement comes a day after the first shipment of Qatari-funded diesel fuel for Gaza’s only power plant entered Gaza. (MNA, YA 10/11)

Dozens of Arab and Jewish Americans gather outside the PLO office in Washington to protest the Trump administration’s order to close the office by today (the office formally closed on 9/13, but employees were permitted to remain until today). They criticize the Trump administration’s treatment of the Palestinians and call for the office to be allowed to re-open. (TOI 10/10; AFP, TOI, WAFA 10/11)

After Israeli, Palestinian, and other Arab diplomats reach a compromise, UNESCO’s Executive Board passes 2 texts relating to Jerusalem and the Palestinian education system, respectively. The texts are critical of Israel, referring to “Israeli army violations against Palestinian universities and schools” and other aspects of the occupation, but the most critical language from previous drafts was removed. Rather than advancing the texts for a vote from the full body, the board shifts them into a non-binding annex, which is then approved by consensus. “I would like to commend the spirit of dialogue and the sense of responsibility that led to this result,” says UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay. “A trend towards consensus is now emerging. It is based on the presence of all parties around the table at UNESCO and, of course, on their goodwill.” Israel and the U.S. are still set to withdraw from UNESCO on 12/31. (REU, YA 10/10; TOI 10/12)

IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering along Gaza’s border fence near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters put out 12 fires in southern Israel that were reportedly sparked by incendiary balloons and kites flown from Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, 420 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning to commemorate Sukkot. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain 2 Islamic Waqf guards attempting to bring tools and other equipment into the sanctuary. They also assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in the Old City and arrest a 3d during a late-night raid in Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops order a number of Palestinian shops in central Hebron to close and set up mobile checkpoints in the area, easing access to al-Ibrahimi Mosque for right-wing Jewish activists commemorating Sukkot. They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm; and patrol in the Hebron area throughout the day. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers uproot at least 6 olive trees in a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 9/25; PCHR 9/27)

A Hamas spokesperson denies that the Egyptian-mediated talks on a long-term cease-fire with Israel and a reconciliation agreement with Fatah have stalled. “The efforts of our Egyptian brothers continue,” he says. “We in Hamas are responsive to these ongoing efforts.” (AFP, TOI 9/25)

The World Bank reports that Gaza’s economy is in “free fall,” having contracted by 6% in the first quarter of 2018. World Bank officials are planning to present the report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the main policy-level fundraising body for the Palestinians, at its meeting in New York City on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on 9/27. (HA, JP, YA 9/25)

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)

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

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

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

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

For a 7th day in a row, Palestinians across the oPt gather to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (attendance continues to steadily decline). Israeli forces violently disperse protestors in Hebron and 3 nearby villages (Dura, Bayt Umar, and Halhul), outside the Beit El settlement near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp, Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 26 Palestinians are injured, including 1 journalist, and 5 are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently detain 2 Palestinian youths inside an ambulance in Halhul; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and near Ramallah; and patrol in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian students outside a school in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Abu Dis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/13; MNA, PCHR 12/14)

Unidentified parties fire 3 rockets from Gaza toward Israel in the evening; 2 are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system and 1 falls in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The IAF conducts air strikes on at least 5 Hamas sites across Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. The Israeli authorities announce that both the Erez and Kerem Shalom border crossings will be closed indefinitely as collective punishment for the week of rocket attacks emanating from Gaza. (HA, TOI 12/13; HA, PCHR, WAFA, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/21)

At an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, reps. of the 57 OIC members jointly declare East Jerusalem to be the capital of the State of Palestine and urge all countries to recognize Palestine. Addressing the attendees, PA pres. Abbas says that Israel’s violations and of international law free the Palestinians from prior commitments made in context of the peace process, threatens to abandon the PA’s security coordination with the IDF, and announces the Palestinians’ intention to go to the UNSC for full UN membership. (AFP, HA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/13)

For a 4th day in a row, Palestinians gather across the oPt to protest U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Israeli forces violently disperse them in Tulkarm, Salfit, Bethlehem, at Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, and along Gaza’s border near Khan Yunis, Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza City, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Rafah; at least 24 Palestinians are injured and 8 are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli forces confiscate Palestinian agricultural equipment near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 21 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Palestinians throw rocks at Israeli settler cars near Jerusalem, lightly injuring 1 minor. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces uproot a number of trees in a cemetery outside the Old City and arrest a Palestinian attempting to stop them. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them at the Central Bus Station. They later uncover a message the alleged attacker posted on Facebook indicating that he was motivated, at least in part, by the 12/6 U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/14)

The IDF demolishes a tunnel leading from Gaza into Israel near Kibbutz Nirim. “The tunnel that was thwarted today was a very significant tunnel and [built] to higher standards than what we are used to seeing,” a spokesperson says. (HA, NYT, TOI 12/10)

Senior PA official Nabil Shaath says that the PA no longer intends to sever all ties with the U.S. over Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “We are not cutting our relationship with America. We are protesting the move of Mr. Trump,” he says. Shaath says that some forms of communication have continued throughout the recent crisis, but that communication about the peace process has been “interrupted.” (TOI 12/10)

Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad says that there have been “obstacles” blocking the PA from taking full control of Gaza, which was supposed to proceed by today after being delayed from the 12/1 deadline initially enshrined in the 10/12 national reconciliation agreement. The 2 sides neglect to set a new deadline, and the future of the reconciliation process is therefore unclear. (AFP, TOI 12/10)

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 raid al-Sanabel radio station in Dura village nr. Hebron overnight, shutting it down on the grounds of alleged incitement and arresting 5 journalists. They also destroy and confiscate some broadcasting equipment. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem; and patrol nr. Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 5 Palestinian youths as they leave a soccer field in the Old City, demolish a blacksmith shop in the southeast corner of the city, and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Ras al-Amud. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/31; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/8) 

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for the 2d of 3 planned days. (PCHR 9/1; OCHA 9/8)

The High Planning Comm. of Israel’s Civil Admin. advances plans for the construction of 463 settler residences in the West Bank, including approval for 234 units in the Elkana settlement, 31 in Bet Arye, and 20 in Givat Ze’ev. The comm. also retroactively legalizes 178 units built in Bet Arye in the 1980s. (AFP, HA, MNA 8/31)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also 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.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 3 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron, issuing an arrest summons to 1 Palestinian; patrols during the day in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Jericho. Unidentified assailants set fire to a gas station nr. the Israeli settlement Eli, causing damage. (AFP, MNA, TOI 8/14; NYT 8/16; PCHR 8/20)

Hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Allan is placed in a medically induced coma after his condition deteriorates. Later, Islamic Jihad’s military wing, Sarayat al-Quds Brigades, says that if Allan dies, they will not continue upholding the cease-fire with Israel. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 8/14)

The Arab Bank reaches a settlement in a case brought by hundreds of U.S. citizens accusing the bank of facilitating Hamas attacks in Israel. The terms of the settlement are not disclosed. A U.S. court ruled in 9/2014 that the Jordan-based Arab Bank was liable for knowingly supporting Hamas in its attacks. (TOI 8/14; JP 8/15)

Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian man with live ammunition during clashes sparked by a raid in a village nr. Jenin; he will succumb to his injuries later in the day. Late at night, IDF troopsshoot and kill another Palestinian during a raid of his home in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli forces destroy 450 olive trees, a Romanera well, and level land outside Hebron; deliver stop-work orders to 5 Palestinian homes under construction in a village nr. Qalqilya; patrol in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 nr. Ramallah during the day. The IDF conducts late-night raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, 2 villages nr. Nablus, and in Qalqilya and Jenin, arresting 11 Palestinians and assaulting 1. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif under an Israeli police escort; 3 Palestinians are detained at exits to the sanctuary. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in bedouin villages in the Negev. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/22; PCHR 7/30)

The European Council on Foreign Relations, an influential think tank, publishes a report on EU policy toward Israel. It proposes labeling of settlement produce in addition to other measures meant to discourage settlement growth, including sanctions against Israeli banks. After the report is published, the stock prices of 4 major Israeli banks drop in value, leading a senior EU official to say, “We have no intention of imposing restrictions on Israeli banks.” (+972, ECFR, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 7/22; MEMO, REU, TOI, YA 7/23)

In Gaza, an UNRWA official confirms that the agency has shut down its last shelter for Palestinians displaced during OPE. The shelter will return to use as a school. UNRWA gives the 30 families who were forced to leave the shelter between $800 and $1,000 for temporary housing. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Jenin. (AFP, MNA 6/18; PCHR 6/25)

PLO chief negotiator Erakat publishes a 56-page report on Palestinian-Israeli relations, titled Determining Palestinian-Israeli Relations: Changing, Not Merely Improving, the Situation, calling for a complete review of the current status. Among the report’s conclusions, Erakat recommends that the PLO consider retracting recognition of Israel until Israel recognizes the State of Palestine. (JP, MNA 6/18)

Israel’s Joint List calls for the dismissal of Israel’s police chief Yohanan Danino and for select right-wing organizations to be designated terrorist groups in response to the arson attack on a Christian church late at night on 6/17. (HA 6/19)

On 2 occasions off Gaza’s coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, damaging 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and moderately injure a Palestinian man nr. Bethlehem and assault another Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel nr. Jerusalem. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Ramallah, and in Nablus, ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, arresting 10 Palestinians, issuing arrest summons to 1, confiscating around NIS 4,300 (around $1,100), and destroying a door. The IDF patrols during the day in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Hebron. An Israeli settler rams a Palestinian man with a car nr. Nablus, injuring him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinian youths on late-night raids in Bayt Hanina. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/11)

PA PM Hamdallah and EU rep. to the PA John Gatt-Rutter, along with a delegation of EU officials, visit Susiya village in the s. Hebron hills to show support for the village’s 340 residents. On 5/4, Israel’s Supreme Court upheld the govt.’s plans to evacuate and demolish the village, denying a petition from activists and residents. Gatt-Rutter calls on Israel to reverse its demolition plans. Meanwhile, the bedouin residents of Umm al-Hiran, a village in the Negev, file another petition to Israel’s Supreme Court, appealing the court’s 5–4 rejection of their previous petition that called for a reprieve from the state’s planned evacuation and demolition of their village. (JP 6/8; JP, JTA, HA 6/9)

The UN releases its “List of Shame,” or blacklist, documenting known violators of children’s rights but excluding Israel and Hamas. Secy.-Gen. Ban excluded Israel and Hamas despite official requests from the PA, in the case of the former, and various international organizations, the U.S., and Israel, in the case of the latter. (EI, NYT 6/8; HA, MNA 6/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian men after they throw a pipe bomb at an IDF site nr. Bethlehem, and the IDF consequently conducts raids in the area and temporarily closes a nearby road. Separately, IDF troops patrol in a village nr. Qalqilya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is arrested and there are no serious injuries. IDF troops on a late-night arrest raid in Ramallah disperse stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF conducts further raids and house searches in Tulkarm, 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Bethlehem, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols in al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians exiting Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 6/7; MNA 6/8; PCHR 6/11)

IDF maj.-gen. Sami Turgeman, cmdr. of the IDF’s s. operations, says that the recent rockets fired from Gaza “are isolated incidents” and that the IDF will not launch “an operation in the Strip because of them.” He reaffirms that Israel holds Hamas responsible for all rockets from Gaza, but notes that it is making efforts to stop the small Salafist groups from launching the attacks. (HA, JP, TOI 6/7)

According to a senior Israeli official, China recently informed Israel that it will not allow any of its citizens to work on Israel’s West Bank settlements. The restriction comes in the context of bilateral trade negotiations, which Israeli finance min. Moshe Kahlon initiated to facilitate his broader push to expedite construction of housing across Israel. Kahlon is hoping to have thousands of foreign workers come, replacing the current system of private construction firms hiring foreign workers as needed, which has resulted in a series of labor law violations and international criticism. Since 2011, Israel has signed similar agreements with Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania, bringing more than 12,000 foreign workers to Israel. (HA, TOI 6/7; AFP 6/8)

In Gaza, Hamas security forces arrest 3 Islamic Jihad mbrs. allegedly connected to the rocket fire that targeted Israel on 5/26. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids in Jenin, 1 village nr. Tulkarm, and al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers take over 10 dunams (around 2.5 acres) of land nr. Nablus, planting grapevines on the land. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a newly built home in Silwan; arrest 1 Palestinian on a late-night raid in Bayt Hanina. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 5/27; MNA, PCHR 5/28; PCHR 6/4; NYT 8/4)

The Union of European Football Associations’ (UEFA) exec. comm. agrees to oppose the Palestinians’ bid to suspend Israel from FIFA via a res. at the body’s 5/29 congress. Meanwhile, PFA chair Jibril Rajoub says, “The vote is still on the agenda,” following talks with FIFA pres. Sepp Blatter. (HA 5/27; JP, MNA, WAFA 5/28)

Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair announces his resignation after 8 years in the post. He will step down next mo., but continue working with the U.S., EU, and others to support a 2-state solution. (AFP, statement from Blair’s office 5/27)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya open fire on agricultural areas nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities order the demolition of an electricity grid nr. Nablus. Israeli forces deliver demolition orders to a Palestinian agricultural structure and 3 homes nr. Bethlehem; block off all entrances to a nearby village. IDF troops confront a group of 4 Palestinians nr. Nablus, assaulting them and arresting 1. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm, Hebron, 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tubas, and 2 nr. Bethlehem, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians march through the streets of Ramallah commemorating the 67th anniversary of the Nakba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in al-Ram, arresting 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; PCHR 5/21)

ICC prosecutor Bensouda says that she has not been provided any official information from either the Palestinians or Israel relating to Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip in 7–8/2014, and that, unless that changes, her decision to launch a full investigation will be based on publicly available materials. (AP, JP 5/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s new govt. presents a document to the Knesset outlining the basic principles binding its ruling coalition. In language similar to that used for the 2009 and 2013 govts., it says that the govt. will work toward a peace agreement with the Palestinians, but it does not specify a 2-state solution. It also notes that “if an agreement of this kind is reached [with the Palestinians], it will be brought for the approval of the cabinet and Knesset, and if necessary, a national referendum as well.” (AFP, HA 5/13)

In an interview published today, U.S. Pres. Obama says that the U.S. is “taking a hard look” at its positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that the Palestinians “deserve an end to the occupation and the daily indignities that come with it.” Obama is hosting several leaders of the GCC countries at a summit in Washington today to discuss regional issues. (AWS, HA, REU 5/13)

The head of the Palestinian Power and Natural Resources Authority Omar Kittanah announces that the PA cabinet has approved an initiative to connect the electricity grid in the West Bank to Jordan. The PA will begin looking for funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $100 m. It is part of a regional, 3-year initiative to connect the grids of Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, and the oPt. (MNA 5/13)

The Vatican announces that it has concluded a treaty that will recognize the state of Palestine. (AP, NYT 5/13)

In Gaza, unknown assailants on the Egyptian side of the border shoot and injure a Palestinian driver at the Kerem Shalom border crossing. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Gaza City open fire on Palestinian lands nr. the border fence, then they enter Gaza and arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats on 2 occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops on patrols in villages nr. Hebron and Jenin clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; 1 Palestinian is injured. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3; patrols in and Tulkarm, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah. A Palestinian man stabs an Israeli settler nr. a settlement e. of Jerusalem, causing moderate injuries. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 5/11; PCHR 5/14)

Israel’s Defense Ministry announces that it has signed a contract to purchase 4 new warships from Germany. They will be deployed over the next 5 years to defend Israel’s offshore natural gas drilling platforms. (HA, YA 5/11)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rejects a petition calling for the planned route of the upcoming Jerusalem Day parade on 5/17 to be changed to avoid the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. The court calls on the police to arrest any parade participants who shout racist slogans in that area. (HA 5/11; YA 5/12)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Lahiya fire warning shots at Palestinians walking nr. the border fence, critically injuring 1. Off the coast nr. Gaza City and then nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 2 fishermen and causing damage. A small armed group, with self-proclaimed affiliations to ISIS, fires mortar rounds at a Hamas military base; no injuries are reported. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 9 Palestinians are injured, including 3 photojournalists. The IDF also searches a home in a village nr. Hebron late at night, issuing a summons to a Palestinian; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 4 nr. Ramallah, 3 nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Tulkarm and Jericho. Israeli settlers cut the branches off 3 olive trees nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Silwan and Issawiyya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; the Israeli soldiers respond with stun grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets. (AFP, JP, MNA, TOI 5/8; MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/14)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing some damage but no injuries. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boasts, causing no injuries. Also off the coast, IAF jets fire flash bombs nr. Palestinian fishing boats. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a home nr. Ramallah. IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians in c. Hebron and nr. Nablus, causing a number to suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF also conducts raids in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 9 Palestinians; patrols in and around Tulkarm, as well as 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. An Israeli settler rams his car into a Palestinian child s. of Hebron, injuring him. Also, Israeli settlers damage water pipes leading to Palestinian homes in c. Hebron, causing minor flooding. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities ban 4 Palestinians from entering Haram al-Sharif for varying amounts of time after 3 are arrested in the sanctuary. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Rabin Square to protest the housing shortage and home demolitions in their communities. Also, Palestinians across Israel conduct a general strike, responding to a call from the Arab High Follow-Up Comm. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 4/28; HA, MNA, PCHR 4/29; HA 4/30; PCHR 5/7)

Fired from Syria, 2 mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries. The IDF describes them as “spillover” from the Syrian conflict. (HA, MNA, YA 4/28)

In a letter to EU foreign policy chief Mogherini, 59 mbrs. of the European parliament call for the release of PLC mbr. Jarrar, who was placed in administrative detention by the IDF on 4/2. (WAFA 4/29)

In Gaza, a Palestinian man is killed in a tunnel collapse nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian youth by the separation wall nr. Jenin. The young man will succumb to his injuries late at night. They also conduct house searches and raids in Tulkarm, 1 village and al- ‘Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem, and 1 village nr. Nablus, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols in 5 villages nr. Jenin, al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm. Overnight, Israeli forces demolish 4 residential structures in the n. Jordan Valley and a home nr. Jenin; conduct a large drill nr. Tubas that leads to fire damage on 3,000–4,000 dunams of farmland. Israeli settlers chop down over 100 almond, grape, and olive trees outside Hebron. Unknown Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli settler’s car nr. Nablus, injuring 1 and causing damage. In East Jerusalem, hundreds of Palestinians gather in al-Tur for the funeral of the Palestinian youth killed by Israeli forces on 4/24, defying the Israeli attempt to restrict the funeral to 70 mourners. Minor clashes break out with Israeli forces, but there are no serious injuries. (The Israeli authorities withheld the teen’s body until early this morning and they required his family to pay approximately $5,000 to get it back.) Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinian women nr. Haram al-Sharif. (WAFA 4/26; JP, MNA, WAFA 4/27; HA, MNA, WAFA 4/28; PCHR 4/29)

The Israeli govt. invites tenders for the construction of 77 residences in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem—36 in Neve Yaakov and 41 in Pisgat Ze’ev. (AFP, JTA, REU, WAFA 4/27)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban publishes a summary of a report compiled by an official UN board of inquiry on OPE. The board found that the 7 documented attacks on UN schools during Israel’s assault on Gaza in 7–8/2014 led to 44 Palestinian deaths and 227 injuries. It also found that 3 UN facilities were used by Palestinian groups for weapons storage. (HA, MNA 4/27; EI 4/28)

Iranian FM Zarif meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry to continue their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, on the sidelines of a UN nonproliferation conference in New York. (REU 4/27; AP 4/28)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conduct simultaneous limited incursions e. of Dayr al-Balah and e. of Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver demolition notices for a tent and a barn in a village nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and a village nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols in Tulkarm, 3 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 each nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Jericho. An Israeli settler rams a car into 4 Palestinian women on a road nr. Qalqilya, injuring all of them. Israeli settlers uproot 450 olive trees nr. Salfit; enter Nablus to perform religious rites, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian youth. (MNA, WAFA 4/21; HA, MNA, TOI 4/22; PCHR 4/23)

The PA announces that it will be paying its employees their full salaries for 4/2015 as well as the remaining 40% that was deducted in 1–3/2015 during Israel’s tax revenue freeze. (WAFA 4/22)

At a meeting of the UNSC, French and British diplomats urge the council to pass a res. setting parameters for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Also, New Zealand’s amb. to the UN Jim McLay announces that his office is working on a separate draft res. that he plans to propose to the UNSC, adding that he hasn’t seen the French draft res. (JP, REU 4/21; AFP, AP, RT, TOI 4/22; WAFA 4/23)

In the Gaza Strip, a mbr. of Hamas’s armed wing, IQB, dies of injuries sustained in Gaza City on 7/29/2014, during OPE. Also, a 3-story building in Dayr al-Balah collapses after being damaged during OPE last year. Meanwhile, Egyptian security forces shoot and injure a Palestinian exiting a tunnel on the Egyptian side of the border nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a synagogue in a settlement outpost nr. Hebron early in the morning. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in Nablus, a nearby village, and Balata r.c., arresting 31 Palestinians, most affiliated with Hamas. They also arrest a Palestinian on a raid in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Jenin and patrol in 3 villages each nr. Hebron and Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jenin. Nr. East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a mobile home in Bayt Hanina. In Israel, an Israeli man assaults a Palestinian worker from Jenin in a shop in Umm al-Fahm. Israeli forces demolish 3 structures in an unrecognized bedouin village in the Negev. (JP, MNA, WAFA 4/14; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/15; HA, PCHR 4/16)

Israel’s COGAT Mordechai announces that starting today, Palestinian vehicles from the West Bank will be allowed to enter Jerusalem. In the 1st of 2 planned stages, over 100 Palestinian doctors are allowed to enter. Unrestricted travel for Palestinian businessmen and women will follow in the next phase. Palestinian cars have been banned from Jerusalem since the onset of the 2d intifada in 2000. (JP, MNA 4/14; HA 4/15)

In Syria, Palestinian residents of Yarmouk r.c. report that ISIS has begun retreating from previously held positions in the camp. Meanwhile, UNRWA sets up a distribution mission in a village nr. the camp to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees fleeing Yarmouk. (AFP, WAFA 4/14)

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Comm. unanimously approves, 19–0, an amended version of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which would give Congress an opportunity to approve or disapprove of any agreement made between the P5+1 and Iran and increase congressional oversight on verification of the deal. The bill is now available for a vote on the Senate floor. (AP, HA, NYT, POL, REU 4/14; AP, HA, MDW, TOI 4/15)

In Gaza, unknown assailants open fire on trucks at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, causing light damage to 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Tulkarm r.c. and 1 village nr. Tulkarm, as well as al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, arresting 18 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Hebron, and ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho. Meanwhile, a group of armed men from the Balata r.c. shut down a main road in Nablus in protest of the PASF crackdown on the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate the contents of a store in Hizma and demolish a residential building under construction in Wadi al-Juz. They also conduct raids in Silwan, assaulting 2 Palestinians and arresting 3. Meanwhile, the Jordan-funded Islamic Waqf begins renovations at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli minister Uri Ariel calls for the project to be halted. In the Galilee, Palestinians in Kafr Kanna conduct a general strike in protest of the demolition in the village on 4/12. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/13; MNA 4/14; PCHR, WAFA 4/16)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with Russian pres. Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Russian-Palestinian relations, the Middle East peace negotiations, and other issues. (AFP 4/9; AFP, HA, TOI 4/13; REU 4/14)

U.S. Pres. Obama meets with several U.S. Jewish groups to discuss the “key parameters” announced on 4/2 by the P5+1 and Iran, and their concerns about Israel’s security. The groups include the AJC, ADL, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Jewish Federations of N. America, AIPAC, and J Street. (HA 4/13; HA, TOI 4/14; JP 4/23)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Jabaliya and Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas authorities arrest a shaykh in al-Bureij r.c. for alleged support of ISIS. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Qalqilya, arresting 5 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jericho, and 1 each nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. An Israeli soldier assaults a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. Israeli authorities close al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to all Muslim worshippers, allowing Jewish Israelis to enter in celebration of Passover through 4/6. In Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, Palestinian women gather to protest the PASF crackdown in the camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces confiscate a number of solar energy cells in a bedouin village. Also, a group of Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian youth at a gate to the Old City. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 4/5; AFP 4/6; MNA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

PA Pres. Abbas announces that the Israeli govt. transferred NIS 1.37 b. (around $350 m.) of the NIS 1.8 b. ($460 m.) in previously frozen tax revenues, but that the Palestinians rejected the money in protest of unilateral deductions Israel made to pay the Palestinians’ debts to Israeli utility providers. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 4/5)

The PLO announces that it will send a delegation to Syria to meet with govt. and rebel leaders to find a resolution for the residents of Yarmouk r.c. (AFP, AJ, WAFA, YA 4/5; AFP, AJ, JP 4/6)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya fire on Palestinian agricultural land nr. the border fence, causing damage. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed e. of Khan Yunis fire on Palestinian protesters approaching the border fence, causing several to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops briefly detain the gov. of Ramallah and threaten her with “direct targeting” if she continues her participation in the weekly nonviolent protests in Nabi Salih. They also arrest a senior PA official at a demonstration in Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah commemorating Land Day (upcoming on 3/30). (He will be released on 3/29.) The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 each nr. Jericho and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 4 Palestinian farmers in another village nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct a raid in Silwan late at night. (MNA, WAFA 3/28; MNA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

The 26th Arab League summit begins today, with reps. of all the mbrs. as well as UN Secy.- Gen. Ban, gathering in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, to discuss the recent violence in Yemen, Palestinian affairs, and other issues. At the summit, PA Pres. Abbas says that Israel has not yet released the tax revenues that PM Netanyahu’s office said would be unfrozen on 3/27 and that the PA is still set to “to reevaluate our economic, political and security relationship with Israel.” (MNA 3/27; AFP, AP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/28; JP, JTA 3/29)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man dies from injuries sustained during clashes with IDF troops in Jalazun r.c. on 3/18. Another Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when he fell off the separation wall nr. Jerusalem last week while trying to cross into Israel for work. IDF troops raid a school nr. Ramallah, blocking entrances and exits for 2 hours; patrol in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 1 nr. Tulkarm, and Jenin. They also conduct raids and house searches in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, as well as 2 villages nr. Jenin, arresting 5 Palestinians. Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. In East Jerusalem, 78 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile,Israeli forces raid Shu‘fat r.c. to detain several youths, sparking clashes with local residents and injuring 3 Palestinians; conduct raids in the Old City, arresting 3 Palestinians. (JP, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA 3/25; MNA, PCHR 3/26; PCHR 4/2)

Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin meets with PM Netanyahu and asks him to form the next govt., after the CEC delivers Rivlin the official results from the 3/17 election. The Israeli govt. has temporarily frozen the construction of 1,500 settler residences in Har Homa, East Jerusalem. The PM’s office denies a report that the freeze was motivated by U.S. diplomatic concerns. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI, YA 3/25; TOI 3/26)

Hours before leaving office, IDF Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon signs orders that will apply Israel’s penal code to Palestinians in the West Bank, except for a key amendment exempting people from criminal charges if they take action “urgently required to ward off someone who breaks into his home, business or farm.” The key amendment would have provided additional protections for Palestinians in confrontations with Israeli settlers. (HA 3/26)

A PA unity govt. delegation led by PM Hamdallah arrives in Gaza for a planned 3-day visit. Hamdallah meets with local Fatah officials as well as senior Hamas officials to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza and national reconciliation. They agree to form a joint comm. to cooperate on several issues relating to Gaza. (AFP, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/25)

In Gaza, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion nr. Rafah to level land. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage to 2 boats. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 65 olive trees outside Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah; perform religious rites at a site nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with local Palestinians; enter Isaac’s Hall in al-Ibrahimi Mosque in c. Hebron. After suspected Palestinian assailants set fire to an Israeli settler’s trailer nr. Nablus, the IDF imposes a curfew on a nearby Palestinian village and conducts raids and house searches in the area, sparking light clashes with residents. The IDF also conducts house searches in and around Hebron and Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Jenin. IDF troops set up roadblocks and raid a school in a village nr. Jenin, sparking clashes with residents. Israeli forces destroy 300 olive trees and demolish 600 m of walls nr. Nablus; confiscate 2 water tanks nr. Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Anabta village and in al-Tur, assaulting 1 Palestinian and arresting 2; arrest 4 Palestinian women at an entrance to Haram al-Sharif. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish several Palestinian bedouins’ homes in 3 villages in the Negev, and they surround a home in a 4th village, preparing to demolish it. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 3/19; AFP, MNA 3/20; PCHR 3/26)

In an interview with NBC, Israeli PM Netanyahu rolls back his 3/16 assertion that he will block the creation of a Palestinian state if chosen for a 3d consecutive term as PM. Later, U.S. Pres. Obama calls Netanyahu to officially congratulate him for his 3/17 victory, but also to discuss his controversial comments. Obama reportedly says that the U.S. will be reassessing its positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in light of the PM’s new position. (AFP, HA, JP, NBC, REU, TOI 3/19; AFP, TOI, YA 3/20)

On the 4th day of bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Wall Street Journal reports that the P5+1 is refusing to compromise on its demand for staggered sanctions relief. (AP, JP, WSJ 3/19; AFP 3/20)

In the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Comm., chair Corker (R-TN) and ranking mbr. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) agree to delay a comm. vote on the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 until after the P5+1 and Iran’s deadline for reaching a political accord at the end of 3/2015. They schedule a vote for 4/14