The Palestine Chronology

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, Israel tightens its blockade of Palestinian towns in the West Bank. During the day, 3 Palestinians are shot dead by the IDF. A 4th Palestinian is killed by a Jewish settler. A 5th dies of complications fr. inhaling tear gas when the IDF bars an ambulance fr. taking him to a hospital. A 6th dies of injuries received earlier. Nr. Ramallah, several Palestinians are wounded by Jewish settlers in a drive-by shooting. Beginning this evening and continuing overnight, IDF troops search, ransack at least 20 homes in area B nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah, arresting 15 Fatah mbrs. "suspected of carrying out terrorist attacks." Nr. Qalqilya, the IDF bulldozes several greenhouses. In a closed mtg., Arafat tells his security officials to prevent individuals fr. firing fr. areas A and Palestinian populated areas so as to reduce civilian casualties resulting fr. Israeli reprisals. (EU press release, LAW, MEZ 11/14; MENA 11/14 in WNC 11/16; LAW, MEZ, NYT, WP, WT 11/15; MA [Internet], MM, NYT 11/16; AYM 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

In Doha, the OIC issues a special nonbinding resolution on the clashes, urging mbrs. to cut ties with Israel; the U.S. to revise its "biased stance" in favor of Israel; the UN to send a peacekeeping force in the West Bank, Gaza. (MA [Internet], MM, OIC press release 11/14; AYM, IRNA 11/14 in WNC 11/15; MENA 11/14 in WNC 11/16; MM 11/15, 11/16; IRNA 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MM 11/17; JP, MEI 11/24)

Lebanon reports that IDF overflew Baalbek, Bint Jubayl, Iqlim al-Tuffah, Marja'uyun, Nabatiyya and reinforced troops in the Shaba` Farms area. UNIFIL adviser Timur Goksel says UNIFIL recorded 123 Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace btwn. 10/8 and 11/8, has protested to Israel to no avail. (AFP [Internet] 11/14; RL 11/14 in WNC 11/16)

The Clinton administration submits to Congress a request for a $750 m. supplemental aid package for Israel, Egypt, Jordan. (WP 11/15; HA [Internet], WJW 11/16)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 11 Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier dead and over 200 Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier, 1 American wounded. 8 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are killed during a gun battle outside Gush Katif settlement in Gaza; the IDF confirms that the soldier is killed by IDF gunfire, 6 of Palestinians are likely killed by settler gunfire. Nr. Rachel's Tomb, an American photographer is seriously wounded by live ammunition fired by the IDF. The IDF shells an unfinished building al-Bireh, killing 2 Fatah mbrs. The 11th Palestinian is fatally shot at Erez crossing. 3 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. IDF shelling, heavy machine gun fire is reported in Hebron, Nablus. The IDF clears more Palestinian land in the Rafah area. (LAW, PCHR 11/11; LAW, MEZ, NYT, WP, WT 11/12; MA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; NYT 11/19)

An OIC summit opens in Qatar, focusing on the Palestinian situation. (ATL, MENA, RL 11/11, ATL, AYM, IRNA, MENA 11/12 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/12; HA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/13; IRNA, MENA, RL 11/13 in WNC 11/14; ATL, AYM 11/13, Iraq News Agency, DUS 11/14 in WNC 11/16; MM, NYT, WP 11/14; MM 11/15, 11/16; WP 11/22; JP, MEI 11/24)

In Rome, 30,000 Italians protest against Israel's "massacre of innocent Palestinians." Similar, smaller rallies are held in Oslo, Stockholm. (ANSA 11/11 in WNC 11/13; IsraelWire [Internet] 11/12, 11/13)

Just before Arafat meets with Clinton in Washington, Israel assassinates senior Fatah cmdr. Hussayn Ubayyat in Bayt Sahur, tracking him by helicopter and shelling his car, also killing 2 Palestinian bystanders, wounding his aide and at least 6 bystanders. After their mtg., neither Arafat nor Clinton express hope that Israeli-Palestinian clashes will end soon; the U.S. does not condemn the Israeli attack. (ADM, BDL, LAW, MM, REU 11/9; JT 11/9, AFP, al-Quds 11/10, 11/11, AYM, al-Quds 11/12 in WNC 11/13; MA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 11/10; AYM, HJ 11/13 in WNC 11/16; MM 11/15; MEI 11/24)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue throughout the day. In addition to the fatalities fr. the Ubayyat assassination, a 4th Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF. In nr. Rafah, the IDF bulldozes 100s of dunams of agricultural land, demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, evacuates a 3d to create a new IDF outpost. The IDF also clears lands around the main road of Nazlit Issa village nr. Tulkarm, demolishes several greenhouses nr. Jinin. Jewish settlers set fire to 100 dunams of Palestinian crops outside Qalqilya, attack Palestinians and Palestinian property in Hebron and around Jinin. IDF heavy machine gun fire is reported around Hebron, Jinin, Nablus. (ADM 11/9; NYT, WP, WT 11/10)

Qatar shuts the Israeli trade mission in Doha. (MM, SA, TT 11/9, IRNA, SA 11/10, HJ, IRNA 11/11 in WNC 11/13; MM, NYT 11/10; WJW 11/16; JP 11/17; JP, MEI 11/24) (see Peace Monitor)

More than 1,000 Palestinians hold an anti-Israeli demonstration in Wihdat camp in Jordan. In the U.S., a rally in support of the Palestinians is held in New York. (AFP [Internet] 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead; a 3d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF searches homes in villages around Bethlehem, arrests 3 Palestinians; directs tank, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Aqabat Jabir camp, Jericho, Salfit. Jewish settlers assault Palestinians, damage property in Hebron, nr. Jinin. (LAW 11/6; ADM, IDF Radio [Internet], NYT, WP 11/7)

Israel leaks reports that the U.S. has raised the idea of posting international observers as a buffer in the West Bank, Gaza. Barak denounces the proposal. Clinton states the U.S. will not endorse it if Israelis are opposed. Ben-Ami says he has already met with Albright, Holbrooke to coordinate steps to block the proposal in the UN. (MM 11/6; NYT, WP, WT 11/7; AYM 11/7 in WNC 11/8; NYT, WP 11/8; MEI 11/10)

IDF troops capture a man armed with knives sneeking into the Israeli occupied Golan Heights fr. Syria. (NYT 11/7)

In Tehran, 1,000 Iranian students attend a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people. A much smaller rally is held in Baltimore. (IRNA 11/6 in WNC 11/7)

With Shas support, Barak survives 5 no-confidence motions in the Knesset. (AFP [Internet] 11/6)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify slightly, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Palestinians ambush a car outside Ma'ale Levona settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 Jewish settlers. (IsRN, MEZ 11/5; LAW, NYT, WP 11/6; HJ 11/6 in WNC 11/7; AYM 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

The NIHC issues leaflets in the West Bank and Gaza, calling on Palestinians to focus their confrontation on IDF soldiers and Jewish settlers, to form local committees to organize mass activities, to boycott Israeli and U.S. goods. (HJ 11/6 in WNC 11/7)

The White House announces that Arafat, Barak have accepted invitations to meet with Pres. Clinton in Washington--Arafat on 11/9, Barak on 11/12. (XIN 11/5 in WNC 11/6; HJ, IRNA 11/5, AYM, DUS, al-Quds 11/6 in WNC 11/7; MM, NYT, WP 11/6)

At Fatima Gate, 100s of Lebanese throw stones across the blue line at IDF troops, who fire warning shots in return, causing no injuries. Rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Ottawa, outside Senate candidate Lazio's campaign headquarters in Babylon, NY. (AFP [Internet] 11/5, 11/10)

The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel. Tunisia orders Israel to shut its representative offices it Tunis. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MENA 10/23; HJ, IRNA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; HJ 10/24, 1025 HJ, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; WJW 10/26; MEI 10/27)

Barak formally suspends the peace process. In response, Arafat states that Palestinians have a right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and "to accept it or not to accept--let [Barak] go to hell." Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate further, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, over 100 injured; 2 others die of injuries received earlier. The most violent exchange is nr. Bethlehem, where the IDF orders residents of Aida camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur to evacuate their homes before ordering machine guns, tanks, and helicopter gunships to fire into the area, targeting buildings fr. which snipers shot into nearby Gilo settlement and destroying 2 Palestinian factories, several houses, a power plant. The gunfire continues overnight. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along roads leading to Morag settlement. Israel also recloses the Gaza airport, reinstates the internal closure on PA areas, shuts crossings into Egypt and Jordan. (ADM 10/22; BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MM 10/24; MA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; MEI 10/27; AYM 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

In Cairo, 1,000s of Egyptian students protest the failure of the Arab League summit to cut ties with or to call for military action against Israel. There are also reports of at least 1 Palestinian protest in Bethlehem denouncing Arab leaders, especially Mubarak, for the weak Arab League statement. Other rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Bahrain, London, Ottawa. (WP 10/23; HJ 10/24, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; Bahrain Freedom Movement press release 10/25; MM 10/26)

Barak announces an inquiry will be held into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes and a 4-yr. development plan for Israeli Arab areas. Israeli Arabs complain that the inquiry's recommendations will be nonbinding. (NYT 10/23; WJW 10/26; MM 10/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate again. In Ramallah, 2 IDF reservists--"at least partially in uniform," driving a private vehicle, most likely armed--stray deep into area A, cross paths with a funeral procession. The crowd, assuming the soldiers are on an undercover operation, attack them and set their car afire. (Some reports say a body burned beyond recognition, possibly a 3d IDF soldier, is found in the vehicle.) PA police intervene and take the 2 reservists into protective custody, removing them to a nearby police station. When news of the incident spreads, 1,000s of Palestinians descend on the station (manned by 21 officers), break in, and kill the soldiers, injuring 15 policemen in the process. Declaring that the PA has "crossed the line," Barak seals borders with Egypt and Jordan, authorizes IDF air strikes against Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah and Gaza, the Palestinian Broadcasting Center in Ramallah, the Gaza port, various PA police stations, including those in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. When the strikes occur, Arafat is in his Gaza office waiting for CIA Dir. Tenet to arrive to discuss the possibility of convening the U.S.-Israeli-PA trilateral security comm. (formed in 1998) to explore ways of halting the violence. Neither Arafat nor Tenet is injured, but 43 Palestinians are wounded. In Gaza City, Palestinians pack belongings into cars, prepare to flee. In Jericho, Palestinians set fire to a 6th-century synagogue. Jewish settlers attack, fire on Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, Jinin. In retaliation, IDF helicopters fire rockets at the PA police academy in Jericho. During the Israeli air strikes, the PA releases around 60 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners for their safety. (ADM, AP, LAW, MM, NYT 10/12; ATL, AYM, IRNA, LPA, MENA, XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MENA, XIN 10/12, SA 10/13 in WNC 10/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WP, WT 10/14; MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

In Yemen's port of Aden, a small, explosive-laden boat rams the USS Cole, an Aegis destroyer in port for refueling, killing 17 U.S. servicemen, injuring 35. (AP, MM 10/12; AFP [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; NYT, WP, WT 10/14, 10/15, 10/16; MEI 10/27)

In the U.S., the primary concern of the public, government, and media is the attack on the USS Cole, while Israel's attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure, PA offices are viewed as a limited military response to the death of Israeli soldiers in PA custody, if not at the hands of the PA. Clinton, Albright express outrage over the murder, call on both sides to halt the violence. Clinton says he appreciates Palestinian frustration, but "there can be no possible justification for mob violence." 96 senators send Clinton a letter urging him to express solidarity with Israel "at this critical moment." (NYT, WP, WT 10/13; MEI, MM 10/27; MEI 11/10) (see Doc. D4)

Mubarak invites Arafat, Barak, Clinton to Sharm al-Shaykh for a summit. Mubarak also meets with King Abdallah of Jordan on the escalating crisis, upcoming Arab summit. (MENA 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WP 10/13)

In Biarritz, France, Pres. Chirac convenes an emergency EU mtg. to discuss the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, implores both sides to halt the fighting. (MM 10/13; AFP, EFE [Madrid] 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14; SA 10/15 in WNC 10/17)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, in Lebanon to discuss the Hizballah kidnapping of 3 IDF soldiers, cuts short his visit, returns to Israel to try to calm the situation. (WP 10/13)

The Arab League denounces the Israel air strikes, warns that "all options" are open to the Arab world if the escalation continues. In Cairo, angry crowds march through the streets demanding Egypt take military action against Israel. In Beirut, demonstrations break out on university campuses. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria--including in the Palestinian camps--the streets are quiet; the governments release no official statements on events but heighten visibility of police, military. Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations are noted in Indonesia, South Africa. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Boston, Dearborn, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, Washington. In France, numerous acts of anti-Jewish vandalism, including attacks on synagogues, are noted in Lille, Paris, Rouen. (AP 10/12; AFP [Internet], WP 10/13; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14)

At the UN, U.S. Amb. Holbrooke warns Arab, nonaligned diplomats they may "jeopardize" relations with the U.S. if they push for a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to censure Israel, for a UNSC res. calling on Israel to cease hostilities. (TT 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/13; NYT, WP 10/14)

Barak extends indefinitely his 48-hr. deadline for Arafat to halt Palestinian riots passes in light of international mediation efforts. Clinton, Albright spend the day on the phone, discussing with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak, various EU leaders ways of halting the violence. UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov meet with Barak in Tel Aviv, Arafat in Gaza. Arafat goes to Cairo to confer with Mubarak. (MM, NYT, WT 10/9; Interfax, IRNA, MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MENA 10/9, DUS 10/10, MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; HA [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue throughout the West Bank and Gaza and inside Israel. The IDF extends the West Bank-Gaza closure indefinitely, cancels all permits issued to Palestinians working in Israel. 100s of Israeli Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth, firing automatic weapons and wielding clubs, injuring 50 Israeli Arabs, damaging homes and shops. Israeli police break up the ensuing riot, firing tear gas and rubber bullets. 2 Israeli Arabs are shot dead with live ammunition either by Jews or the police. In Tel Aviv, 500 Israeli Jews attack Arab apartment buildings, set Arab-owned stores on fire. In Jaffa, Israeli Jews set fire to 2 mosques, a number of Palestinian homes. In East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers attempt to vandalize the Latin Patriarchate Church. In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians are found dead, both apparently killed by Jewish settlers avenging the murder of a rabbi on 10/8 (1 is later judged by international experts to have died in a car accident). 2 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. (Gush Shalom press release, MM 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; ADM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13)

10,000 Kuwaitis rally in solidarity with the Palestinians. Smaller rallies are held in Canada, Egypt, Italy, and the UK, as well as in Chicago. (MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13; MM 10/17)

Anticipating protests following Friday prayers, Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza, allows plain clothes PA police to deploy in the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount to form a cordon to prevent Palestinians fr. throwing stones. The PA police, Waqf officials largely succeed in restraining the crowd, but when a handful of the 8,000 Palestinian worshipers do throw rocks, Israeli forces open fire, killing 2 Palestinians, wounding 60. At sundown IDF troops raid the Haram al-Sharif to chase off Palestinians, lower a Palestinian flag. In total, 9 Palestinians are killed, 450 injured during the day; a 10th dies of wounds received earlier. (AP, JP [Internet], LAW, MM 10/6; MENA 10/6, IRNA, TT 10/7 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/7; AYM 10/7 in WNC 10/12)

The largest rally in support of the Palestinians is held in Amman, where 30,000 Jordanians, Palestinians attempt to march on the Israeli emb. but are dispersed by Jordanian police firing tear gas. In Baqa` camp, Jordanian police fire on 2,000 Palestinian demonstrators, killing 1, injuring at least 50. The incidents prompt the government to ban public protests. In Damascus, Syrian police use tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to march to the U.S. emb. In Tunis, Arafat, Pres. Zine Abidine Ben Ali participate in a rally attended by 10,000 Tunisians. Crowds also demonstrate in Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Oman, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Yemen, as well as in Berlin, Canberra, Geneva, the Hague, London, Prague, Reykjavik, and Vienna. In Canada, rallies are held in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo, and Windsor. In the U.S., protests are staged in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dearborn, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Ottawa, Phoenix, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Tampa, Washington. (BBC, MM, REU, UPI 10/6; AFP, CTK [Prague], EFE [Madrid] 10/6, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Toronto Star, WP, WT 10/7; al-Quds 10/7, AFP 10/11 in WNC 10/12; REU 10/8; WP 10/10; MM 10/11; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MEI 10/13; SA 10/16 in WNC 10/18; Le Monde 11/7 in WNC 11/8)

In Sharm al-Shaykh, Albright, Arafat brief Mubarak on the 10/4 Paris talks. Israeli and PA officials meet with U.S. special envoy Ross on the sidelines. (MM, MENA, IRNA 10/5 in WNC 10/6; MM, WP, WT 10/6; AYM, al-Quds, XIN 10/6 in WNC 10/10; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

In the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF pulls back tanks and some troops fr. major Palestinian cities, and the PSF clears Palestinian protesters fr. major Israeli outposts, implementing the 1st steps of the Sharm al-Shaykh agmts. Some clashes still take place in the West Bank and Gaza (including at Netzarim Junction), leaving 2 Palestinians dead; a 3d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. (MM 10/5; MENA 10/5 in WNC 10/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/6; DUS, JT, MA, al-Musawwar 10/6 in WNC 10/10; AYM 10/6 in WNC 10/13)

At Wihdat camp, Jordanian riot police fire tear gas Palestinians protesting Israeli violence to keep them fr. marching out of the camp. Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations are held in Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan. Rallies in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in London, Princeton, St. Louis, Toronto. (MM 10/5; REU, UPI 10/6; REU 10/8; MEI 10/13)

The board of directors of the Israel Broadcast Authority (IBA) agrees to "not provide a stage for the leaders of the Palestinian inciters and rioters and not give excessive voice, exposure, or coverage to radicals" during the clashes. The IBA includes state-run and independent media. (MK Azmi Bishara press release 10/6)

297 SLA mbrs. and dependents who fled to Israel in 5/00 return to Lebanon. (al-Nahar 10/6 in WNC 10/10)

In Paris, U.S. Secy. of State Albright, CIA Dir. Tenet meet with Arafat, Barak. After 12 hrs. of talks, joined at times by UN Secy.-Gen. Annan and French pres. Chirac, the sides reach an arrangement under which Barak agrees to withdraw troops to their positions before 9/28, Arafat agrees to try to curb Palestinian rioting, both sides agree to keep people away fr. 3 hot spots (Netzarim Junction in Gaza, Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, and the "circle area" nr. Ramallah). The U.S. had hoped Arafat and Barak would sign a document outlining the agmts., but the Arafat would do so only if the text included provisions for an international inquiry, which Barak rejected. After the mtg. Albright, Arafat leave for Sharm al-Shaykh. Barak returns to Israel, saying there no point in meeting with Mubarak. (MM, REU 10/4; AFP, ATL, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, Yonhap [Seoul] 10/4, AFP, IDF Radio, Interfax, JT, MA, MENA, al-Quds, SA, VOI 10/5 in WNC 10/6; AP, CSM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; Arab News 10/5, AYM, HJ, MENA 10/6, SA 10/7, MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM, WP 10/6; AYM, Le Monde 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MM, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13)

Meanwhile, Palestinian-Israeli clashes continue in the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel, leaving 9 Palestinians dead, 10s wounded; 2 Palestinians die of wounds received earlier. An Israeli Arab is killed in a clash Israeli police in Kefar Manda in the Galilee. The IDF eases open-fire regulations, permitting soldiers to fire on any vehicles approaching checkpoints and continues to use heavy weapons, but overall the fighting is less intense than in previous days. The most serious clashes are nr. Bethlehem, Jaffa, Nablus, Netzarim Junction. (MM 10/4; ANSA, IRNA 10/4 in WNC 10/6; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; HJ, Daily Star 10/5 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

Protests against Israel's actions are held in Damascus, where 1,000s of students demonstrate outside the U.S. emb.; in Cairo, where 1,500 students demonstrate outside the Israeli emb.; and in Amman, where riot police fire tear gas to disperse 800 protesters marching toward the Israeli emb., injuring 62. In Copenhagen, 5,000 attend a Palestinian solidarity rally. Smaller rallies are staged in Istanbul, London, Rome. In the U.S. demonstrations are staged in Dearborn, Detroit, Madison, Miami, New Haven, Portland. (MENA 10/4 in WNC 10/5; ATL 10/4, JT 10/5 in WNC 10/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MENA 10/5, HJ 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MENL 10/11)

The PA releases 12 Hamas political prisoners who had been held without charge in PA jails. Israel says the PA is giving a "green light for terrorism." (HJ 10/5 in WNC 10/6; WP 10/6)

The PC convenes an emergency session in Ramallah, denounces Israel's aggression, calls for an Arab summit. (WP 10/5)

Citing "compelling national security interests," the State Dept. sends Amb. Indyk back to Israel to maintain contact with Israeli officials during the clashes. (WT 10/5) (see 9/22)

This morning, the IDF begins pulling back reinforcements fr. the West Bank, Gaza after reaching a new agmt. with the PA. Initially, clashes abate, but fighting continues at old hot spots (e.g., Hebron, Nablus, Netzarim Junction, Ramallah, Tulkarm). Within hrs., the IDF sends reinforcements back in, firing antitank missiles and deploying helicopter gunships, tanks against Palestinians, killing 3, injuring 40. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians are injured when and IDF helicopter fires rockets at an apartment building. 1 Palestinian injured last wk. dies. Inside Israel, massive demonstrations continue across the Galilee following 2 funerals for Israeli Arabs killed by the Israeli police earlier in the wk. (MM 10/3; AFP, IRNA, MENA 10/3, JT, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; AYM 10/4 in WNC 10/10; MEI 10/13)

Barak meets with Israeli Arab leaders to "ease concerns about the neglect of their community," agrees to set up a special cabinet comm. to address Arab concerns. Under pressure fr. Israeli Arab MKs, he bans police fr. using live ammunition against Israeli protesters unless there is "clear and immediate danger to life." The Israeli government also releases plans to improve roads in schools in Israeli Arab towns, raise the standard of living of the Arab minority. (MM 10/3; NYT, WT 10/4; MEI 10/13)

In Beirut, 20,000 Palestinians, Lebanese march to UN House to protest Israeli actions. Some 10,000 Palestinian refugees demonstrate in camps in Rashidiyya, Sidon, and Tyre. In Amman, Jordanians observe a strike in solidarity with the Palestinians, and Jordanian riot police wield clubs against 100s of stone-throwing demonstrators marching on the Israeli emb. In Norway, some 100 Norwegians take part in a violent protest outside the Israeli emb. in Oslo, burning flags, throwing bottles, breaking windows. Rallies are also reported in Egypt, Greece, Oman, Pakistan, the UAE. In the U.S., anti-Israeli protests are held in Austin, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Raleigh, San Francisco, Washington, and outside the CNN offices in Atlanta, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Toronto. (JP [Internet], MM 10/4; JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; Daily Star [Internet] 10/5; MM 10/6; MEI 10/13)

The IDF admits that its soldiers fired the shots that killed a Muhammad al-Dura at Netzarim Junction on 10/1 but blames Palestinians for the "cynical use" of children in confrontations with IDF troops. (WP 10/4; NYT 10/5) (see 10/2)

On the 4th day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes, another attempt to secure a cease-fire fails, and rioting spreads to Israeli cities, including Acre, Jaffa, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and Israeli Arab towns across the Galilee. In Umm al-Fahm, 1 Israeli Arab is shot dead by Israeli police, sparking massive rioting. In the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF rolls out heavy weapons--including tanks, antitank missiles, attack helicopters, grenades--to combat stone-throwing Palestinians, resulting in another 12 Palestinian fatalities, over 200 Palestinians wounded. The 1st IDF soldier is killed in street clashes (see 9/29). Jewish settlers in Jerusalem open fire on a Palestinian car, killing a toddler. The 1st confirmed incidents of Palestinians shooting at IDF troops take place in Gaza and Ramallah, but no IDF injuries are reported. The IDF places a 24-hr. curfew on Palestinians in Hebron. Israel states that its troops have "exercised restraint," accuses the PA of "orchestrating a campaign of spreading violence for political gain." Clinton phones Arafat to urge him to halt the violence; says that once the fighting stops, he will convene PA, Israeli security officials for a fact-finding session "to figure out what went wrong." (PCHR 10/1; IRNA, MENA 10/1 in WNC 10/2; AFP 10/1, IRNA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; AP, CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/2; HA [Internet], MM, NYT 10/3; MEI 10/13)

On his 1st official visit abroad as head of state, Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad arrives in Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak. Talks touch on bilateral relations, the peace process, Jerusalem. (MENA 10/1 in WNC 10/2, 10/3)

In Amman, Jordanians, Palestinians demonstrate against Israel's use of excessive force against Palestinians. (JT 10/5 in WNC 10/6)

On the 3d day of rioting, an effort to secure a cease-fire fails, and Palestinian-Israeli clashes spread to almost all Palestinian towns, most IDF checkpoints in the West Bank and Gaza, with the Israeli forces reportedly taking harsher actions than on 9/28 or 9/29. While only 8 IDF troops are lightly injured during the day, another 12 Palestinians are killed, more than 500 wounded. The worst fighting takes place outside Nablus, where 8 Palestinians, including 2 PA police officers are killed; and in Gaza, where 200 Palestinians are injured, and 12-yr.-old Muhammad al-Dura and an ambulance driver who tries to rescue him are shot dead. Telephone calls are exchanged among U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Arafat, Barak, Israel's Ben-Ami, Egyptian pres. Mubarak, U.S. special envoy Ross, CIA Dir. Tenet, Russian FM Igor Ivanov, EU officials. Arafat flies to Cairo to meet with Mubarak, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos. (MENA, RL 9/30, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, JT, MENA, al-Quds 10/1 in WNC 10/2; NYT, WP, WT 10/1; CSM, NYT, WT 10/2; SA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; WJW 10/5; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10; al-Quds 10/12 in WNC 10/16; MEI 10/13)

In `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in Lebanon, 2,500 Palestinians demonstrate against Israeli actions in Jerusalem. In Cairo, Egyptian students block the train station in protest. (RL 9/30 in WNC 10/2)

For the 2d time in 16 mos., the PLOCC votes (58-15, with 3 abstentions, 53 absent) to postpone plans to declare statehood unilaterally after 9/13. (JT 9/10 in WNC 9/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; AFP, ATL, AYM, Interfax, al-Quds, VOI, XIN 9/11, MENA, TT, VOI 9/12 in WNC 9/14; HJ, IRNA, al-Quds 9/12, AYM, RMC 9/13 in WNC 9/18; WJW 9/14; JP, MEI 9/15; al-Quds 9/15 in WNC 9/26)

Israeli negotiator Sher, PA negotiator Erakat agree on a timetable for negotiations in the coming wks. (MA, al-Quds, VOI 9/11 in WNC 9/14; MM 9/12; WJW 9/28)

UNIFIL completes its deployment across s. Lebanon, with some troops taking over posts fr. Hizballah. (IRNA 8/5 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/6; CSM 8/7)

In response to a request fr. Barak for White House assistance with his domestic political problems, Pres. Clinton agrees to be interviewed on Israeli TV. He praises Barak's courage during the talks, promises the U.S. will reward Israel with closer bilateral strategic relations for concluding an agmt. with the PA, voluntarily raises the prospect of moving the U.S. emb. fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (MM 7/28; NYT, WP, WT 7/29; DUS, XIN 7/29, IRNA, MENA, al-Quds 7/30 in WNC 7/31; WP 7/30; HJ, DUS, Le Monde 7/30, HJ, JT 7/31 in WNC 8/1; AYM 7/30, IRNA 8/1 in WNC 8/2; MM 7/31; MENA, al-Safir 8/2 in WNC 8/3; WJW 8/3; MENA 8/3 in WNC 8/4; IRNA 8/6, MA 8/3 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/11)

At Camp David, Arafat passes a letter to Clinton saying he sees no reason to continue talks, since Barak has adopted a take-it-or-leave-it position regarding U.S. proposals on Jerusalem. After a final set of 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat and Barak, Clinton declares an end to the Camp David summit. The U.S., Israel, the PA issue a 5-point statement of negotiating principles, express hope that a deal may still be reached by 9/13. In announcing the failure of the summit, Clinton essentially lays the blame on Arafat, stating that Barak showed more flexibility. (Interfax, MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; MENA, XIN 7/25, ABC [Madrid], ATL, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MA, MENA, al-Quds, SA 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, NYT, PR [Internet], WP, WT 7/26; AYM, DUS 7/26, Le Monde, SA, TT 7/27 in WNC 7/28; Arab News [Jeddah] 7/26, JT 7/30 in WNC 7/31; HA [Internet], NYT, WJW 7/27; AYM 7/28 in WNC 8/2; MIL 7/28 in WNC 8/3; NYT 7/29; WP 7/30)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan suspends the UNIFIL deployment in light of new Israeli violations of the blue line. (XIN 7/25 in WNC 7/27; WP 7/26; MEI 7/28)

The London-based daily al-Hayat reports that Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad recently received fmr. chief of staff Shihabi on his return fr. medical treatment in the U.S., suggesting anticorruption charges against him have been dropped. (MM 7/25; SA 7/30 in WNC 7/31) (see 6/6)

Jewish settlers level 25 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya. (LAW 8/10)

At Camp David, Pres. Clinton continues talks with PA, Israeli teams until early morning, breaks for a few hrs., and then resumes mtgs., which continue all day. Late in the evening, Clinton, with Barak's prior approval, presents the sides with 3 proposals on Jerusalem, marking the 1st time Israel has officially agreed to discuss sharing control of the city. Talks on the proposals continue past midnight. (MM, White House press briefing 7/24; IRNA 7/24 in WNC 7/25; MM, NYT, WP 7/25; DUS 7/25, ABC [Madrid] 7/26 in WNC 7/27; DUS 7/25 in WNC 7/28; MM, WP 7/26; MA 7/27 in WNC 7/31; MEI 7/28; NYT 7/29; WP 7/30)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan tells the UNSC that Israel has corrected its violations of the blue line with Lebanon; UNIFIL can now deploy to fixed positions in new areas across the s. (UN press briefing 7/24; SA 7/24 in WNC 7/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/25; WJW 7/27; MEI 7/28)

UN special envoy Larsen returns to the Middle East to resolve ongoing claims that Israel has been violating Lebanon's border; says that once Israel guarantees its troops will no longer make forays across the blue line, UNIFIL troops will deploy throughout s. Lebanon. (NYT 7/8; al-Safir 7/14 in WNC 7/18; IRNA 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

In Lausanne, an Israeli Mossad agent who plead guilty on 7/3 to charges of entering Switzerland illegally in 1/98 to spy on a suspected Hizballah supporter is given a 1-yr. suspended sentence and is allowed to return to Israel. (WT 7/8; YA [Internet] 7/10; JP 7/14)

Arafat goes to Paris to assess French support for a unilateral declaration of statehood. (al-Quds 7/2, Le Monde 7/4 in WNC 7/5; MEI 7/14; SA 7/15 in WNC 7/18)

In Ramallah, a Palestinian woman is fatally shot in a dispute btwn. her brother and another man over a stolen car. The shooting sparks riots in the city, including looting, shooting, arson of 2 restaurants. (LAW 7/2; NYT 7/4; AYM 7/4 in WNC 7/6)

In Shiraz, an Iranian court issues its verdict in the case of 13 Iranian Jews accused of spying for Israel. 10 defendants are found guilty, sentenced to terms ranging from 4-13 yrs. 3 others are acquitted. 2 Muslim accomplices are sentenced to 2 yr. terms. 2 other Muslims are acquitted. Barak calls for international pressure on Iran to release the 10 Jews to Israel. (IRNA, LPA 7/1 in WNC 7/3; NYT, WP, WT 7/2; MM, WP, WT 7/3; IRNA 7/5 in WNC 7/6; WJW 7/6; JP 7/7; MM 7/11)

After Shas agrees to stay in the coalition if Meretz cabinet mbrs. leave, Trade M Ran Cohen, Agriculture M Haim Oron, Education M Sarid resign their posts. Meretz, which holds 10 Knesset seats, vows to continue to support Barak's peace policy. (MM, WJW, WT 6/22; CSM, JP, MM, WP, WT 6/23; MA 6/23, IRNA 6/24 in WNC 6/27; MA 6/23, al-Quds 6/24, MA 6/25 in WNC 6/29; MM 6/27; JP 6/30)

In Ramallah, the PSF arrests Ghlem, Arafat's adviser for refugee affairs, for criticizing the PA's handling of the refugee issue. (MENL 6/25; LAW 6/26; MEI 6/30; LAW 7/4, 8/1) (see 6/20)

PA-Israeli talks at Andrews and Bolling AFBs end. (HA [Internet], IsRN 6/18)

The UNSC meets to endorse Secy.-Gen. Annan's certification of Israel's withdrawal fr. Lebanon, but after 10 hrs. of discussion, mbrs. remain deadlocked over accepting the verification given Lebanese claims (see 6/16). After U.S. Secy. of State Albright intervenes, the UNSC recesses, tentatively agreeing to endorse Annan's decision tomorrow. Annan threatens to cancel his visit to Lebanon, set for 6/19, if the UNSC does not fully back his statement. (NYT, WP, WT 6/18; CSM, NYT 6/19; IRNA, al-Quds 6/19 in WNC 6/21; MM 6/20; Tr 6/23 in WNC 6/27)

At its 1st conference in 15 yrs., the Syrian Ba'th party unanimously elects Bashar al-Asad as party leader. (NYT, WP, WT 6/18; NYT, WP, WT 6/19; CSM 6/20; MEI 6/30)

Israeli, PA teams open 2 sets of talks nr. Washington: final status issues at Andrews air force base (AFB) and interim issues at Bolling AFB. (MM, WT 6/13; NYT, WP, WT 6/14; WP 6/15)

Funeral ceremonies for Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad are held in Damascus, Latakia, and Asad's childhood home of Qardaha, where he is laid to rest in the family mausoleum. Attending are the heads of state of Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Turkey, and Yemen; the heads of the PA and Hizballah; plus senior reps. from Iraq, Russia, the U.S. Secy. of State Albright meets alone with Bashar al-Asad for 15 mins., says he is ready to continue discussions on talks with Israel. (MM, WT 6/13; ATL, DUS, HINA [Zagreb], Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, al-Quds, Rompres [Bucharest] 6/13 in WNC 6/14; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/14; MA, al-Quds 6/14 in WNC 6/15; JP, MEI, MM 6/16; Sabah [Istanbul] 6/15 in WNC 6/21; MIL 6/19 in WNC 6/27; MM 6/20; MEI 6/30)

After a wk. of coalition bargaining to keep his government together following the 6/7 Knesset vote, PM Barak's main partner, Shas (17 Knesset seats), announces it will quit the coalition at the next cabinet mtg. unless Barak agrees to bail out its financially strapped schools, to remove its schools fr. Education Min. oversight, and to legalize its pirate radio stations. Shas's departure would leave Barak with a minority government. (MM 6/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/14; MM 6/15; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/19; WP 6/20; WJW 6/22)

The IDF bulldozes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem to make way for a road. This is the 13th house demolition in East Jerusalem this yr. (WT 6/14)

Bashar al-Asad is promoted to lt. gen., named cmdr. of the Syrian army, and unanimously nominated by the Ba'th party as its candidate for pres. Across Syria, masses of mourners hold public rallies, candlelight ceremonies to commemorate the late pres., praise Bashar. l00s of Druze, Arabs on the Golan Heights hold memorial rallies. (MENA 6/11, MENA, XIN 6/12 in WNC 6/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/12; AYM, IRNA 6/12, ITAR-TASS 6/13 in WNC 6/14; CSM 6/13; MM 6/15; MEI 6/16)

Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad dies of heart failure. The Syrian government quickly initiates a transfer of power to his son, Bashar al-Asad VP 'Abd al-Halim Khadd, the acting pres., assembles parliament to vote to reduce the minimum age to be pres. fr. 40 to 34. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, LPA, MENA 6/10, ATL, CNA, DUS, Interfax, IRNA, ITARTASS, LPA, MENA, RIA [Moscow], XIN 6/11 in WNC 6/12; NYT, WP, WT 6/11; AYM 6/11, ATL, CTK [Prague], Hatzofe, IRNA, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, Tanjug [Belgrade], Turan [Baku], XIN 6/12 in WNC 6/13; CSM, MM, WP 6/12; al-Quds 6/12 in WNC 6/14; MM, WJW 6/15; JP, MEI 6/16; MEI 6/30; Le Monde Diplomatique 7/00)

U.S. Pres. Clinton phones Israeli PM Barak to congratulate him on Israel's pullout fr. Lebanon, to discuss the peace process. Barak agrees to meet Clinton in Berlin on 6/1. (WT 5/29)

In s. Lebanon, a crowd of Lebanese, Palestinian demonstrators shouts insults and occasionally throws rocks across the border with Israel. When at least 1 Lebanese runs several yards into Israel to plant a Hizballah flag, the lIDF opens fire with rubber bullets, injuring 4 demonstrators. In 2 other incidents, 2 Lebanese children are killed and 7 Lebanese wounded when their car hits an IDF land mine in a newly vacated area of s. Lebanon, and a Hizballah mbr. shoots and kills a Lebanese Christan in the 1st such incident since the Israeli withdrawal. (NYT, WP 5/29; MEI 6/2)

Across the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinians hold rallies to celebrate Israel's withdrawal fr. Lebanon, congratulate Hizballah (IRNA 5/28 in WNC 6/1)

In Damascus, Iranian FM Kharrazi holds talks with Syrian Pres. Asad, FM Faruq al-Shara' on Israel's unilateral withdrawal fr. Lebanon, aid for Lebanon's reconstruction, strengthening bilateral ties. (IRNA 5/28, 5/29 in WNC 5/30)

Fmr. Syrian dep. PM for economic affairs Salim Yasin is arrested in a crackdown on corruption. His assets and those of Mufid 'Abd al-Karim, a fmr. transportation official arrested awk. ago, are seized. (MM 5/30; WT 5/31; MM 6/5) (see 5/21)

UN cartographers begin tracing the blue line to determine whether Israel's withdrawal is complete. (MM 5/26; NYT, WP 5/27; JP, MEI 6/2)

In Beirut, Iranian FM Kanal Kharrazi meets separately with Lebanese Pres. Emile Lahoud, PM Salim al-Huss, Hizballah's Nasrallah to discuss Israel's withdrawal fr. Lebanon. (IRNA 5/26 in WNC 5/30)

The PSF arrests without charge Ahed Yusif, a human rights activist with the Palestinian organization Addameer who has previously criticized the PA. (B'Tselem press release 6/1)

Israel withdraws its last troops fr. s. Lebanon, marking the end of 18 yrs. of occupation. The IDF blows up each of its remaining posts and destroys major roads leading north as it pulls out. Just before the pullout is complete, 4 Hizbaliah mbrs. are killed in an IDF air raid. (MM 5/23; DUS, IRNA, MENA 5/23 in WNC 5/24; IRNA 5/23, CTK [Prague], IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 5/24 in WNC 5/25; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/24; AYM, DUS 5/24 in WNC 5/26; CSM, WJW, WP 5/25; AYM, DUS 5/25, CNA, IRNA, MENA 5/26, ATh 4/27 in WNC 5/30; AYM 5/25 in WNC 5/31; NYT 5/26; CSM 5/30; AYM, DUS 5/30 in WNC 6/1; DUS 5/30 in WNC 6/2; JP, MEI 6/2)

The UN Security Council (UNSC) "strongly endorses" Secy.-Gen. Annan's 5/22 recommendations. (USIS Washington File 5/23; NYT 5/24; Interfax 5/24 in WNC 5/25)

PA-Israeli teams hold a final round of FAPS talks before recessing 5/9+n10 while Israel marks its memorial and "independence" days. U.S. special envoy Ross returns to Washington to brief Pres. Clinton and the U.S. peace team on the Elat round talks. He reportedly sees a lot of hard work ahead but also a "potential for progress." (MM, NYT 5/9)

In the wake of recent crossborder clashes with Hizballah, Israel says it may make its unilateral withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon before 7/00. (NYT 5/9)

Syrian pres. Asad flies to Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak to coordinate positions on Lebanese, PA, Syrian negotiations with Israel and on Israel's planned withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MENA 5/8, IRNA 5/9 in WNC 5/10; MENL, MM 5/9)

Israeli PM Barak phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to discuss the various tracks of the peace process, briefs him on his mtg. with Arafat on 5/7. (MM 5/8; MENA 5/8 in WNC 5/10)

Palestinian students clash with IDF troops in Bethlehem during PA-organized demonstrations for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. 6 Palestinians are injured by rubber bullets fired by the IDF. (MENL 5/8; NYT 5/9)