The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Jenin on 10/29. Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian vehicles during a raid in Husan. Israeli forces attacked Tulkarm refugee camp killing 5 Palestinians, including 3 in a drone strike, and injuring 18. Israel also damaged water, electricity, and sewage lines, uprooted streets, and bulldozed a monument to Yasir Arafat. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly tried to stab a soldier near Beit Einun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home in ‘Urif of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces after he allegedly killed 4 settlers near the Eli settlement on 6/20. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 90 Palestinians in Khan Yunis and Gaza City, including at least 13 people in an airstrike on Khan Yunis. The number of fatalities was likely much higher since the Gaza Ministry of Health was unable to communicate with hospitals and civil defense members in northern Gaza. Israel said it had taken control of al-Shati refugee camp. Israel forces fired shots at al-Shifa Hospital. At the end of the day, Israel told the Gaza Ministry of Health that it will enter the hospital. Israel has bombed the vicinity of the hospital for days. 2 Israeli soldiers were killed and 4 seriously wounded in northern Gaza. Rockets were fired from Gaza, injuring 3 near Tel Aviv. In South Lebanon, Israel said it attacked Hezbollah sites in the Yiftah area. At the Red Sea, Israel said it intercepted a missile fired toward Eliat. The Houthi-led government in Yemen took responsibility. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; AJ, HA 11/15)

The Gaza Ministry of Health was not able to fully update the casualty figures due to a collapse in services and communications at hospitals in northern Gaza. However, it did say that at least 11,451 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, and 27,490 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 3,250 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 187 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 47 children. More than 2,700 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals had been killed and 5,431 have injured since 10/7. 51 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. The Gaza Ministry of Health said 40 patients at al-Shifa Hospital have died in recent days. Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya said 179 people had been buried in mass graves in the hospital compound, including 7 babies and 29 intensive care patients. The WHO said 22 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza were no longer operational. 15 medical workers and 91 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. An estimated 18,000 Palestinians fled from northern Gaza to the south. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; AJ 11/15)

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said, “because of Hamas’s use of hospitals for military purposes, [the hospitals] will lose special protection in the international court.” Israel has presented animations, pictures of purported tunnels, and a video from al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital that it said was proof of Hamas’s presence at hospitals, all of which did not show any evidence to back Israel’s claim. In the video from al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, Israel showed a piece of paper hanging on the wall that it claimed was a list of Hamas militants’ names. However, the list was merely a calendar with the names of the days of the week written in Arabic. The U.S. said it had intelligence that suggested a Hamas and Islamic Jihad presence at hospitals in Gaza, including al-Shifa. A U.S. national security council spokesperson said “[w]e do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don’t want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in crossfire.” Hamas called for the UN to inspect all hospitals in Gaza to debunk the Israeli and U.S. claims. Doctors at al-Shifa also rejected the claim that Palestinian militants were operating in the hospital. Human Rights Watch said Israel had not presented evidence “that would justify stripping hospitals of their special protections under international humanitarian law,” adding “international humanitarian law only allows attacking hospitals if room is made for safe evacuation.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/14; AJ, REU 11/15)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the prison facility where Israel is holding members of Hamas who were captured during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, saying prisoners were “handcuffed in a dark cell, iron beds, toilets in a hole in the floor and the [Israeli] national anthem constantly playing in the background.” Ben-Gvir said he will promote the death penalty for the Palestinian militants. (HA 11/14)

A New York Times investigation into an attack on al-Shifa Hospital on 11/10 said it was likely an Israeli attack that killed 7 people at the hospital and not an errant missile fired from Gaza as Israel had claimed. (AJ, NYT 11/14)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said he welcomed “the initiative of members of Knesset Ram Ben-Barak and Danny Danon on the voluntary immigration of Gaza Arabs to countries around the world. This is the right humanitarian solution for the residents of Gaza and the entire region.” Smotrich was referencing an op-ed written by Ben-Barak and Danon that was published in the Wall Street Journal on 11/13. The PA and Hamas condemned Smotrich comments. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 11/14)

U.S. president Joe Biden discussed efforts for a prisoner exchange with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Shin Bet director Ronan Bar met with Egyptian officials in Egypt, discussing a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Nearly 100 members of the U.S. Congress watched a screening of a 43-minute video of the Hamas Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on 10/7. The screening was facilitated by the Israeli embassy. (HA 11/14)

Belize said it had withdrawn its accreditation for the Israeli ambassador-designate in the country, suspended activities at its consulate in Tel Aviv and the Israeli consulate in Belize, and withdrawn its request for accreditation for its consul to Israel, citing Israeli violations of international humanitarian law. (AJ 11/14)

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said “I have been clear the price of justice cannot be the continued suffering of all Palestinian civilians. Even wars have rules. All innocent life is equal in worth …. I urge the government of Israel to exercise maximum restraint …. The world is witnessing this, the killing of women and children, of babies. This has to stop.” (HA, REU 11/14; AJ, AJ 11/15)

Reuters reported that Israel had approved the delivery of 6,340 gallons of diesel to Gaza. Haaretz later reported that the fuel was only for trucks used by the UN, not for hospitals. (AJ, AX, REU 11/14; HA 11/15)

Bloomberg News reported that in late October the U.S. quietly approved an Israeli request to send it laser-guided missiles, 155mm shells, night-vision devices, bunker-buster munitions, and new army vehicles. (AJ 11/15)

The Washington Post published an op-ed by King Abdullah II of Jordan, who said Israel has undermined the peace process for 2 decades by expanding settlements and allowing Israeli settlers to attack Palestinians. He called for a “concerted international effort to develop a regional architecture of peace, security and prosperity, built on a Palestinian-Israeli peace based on the two-state solution,” saying that Israeli violence will not grant it victory. (AJ 11/14)

German chancellor Olaf Schulz said Israel is a democracy that abides by international law and said it has “the right and duty to defend itself.” (AJ, HA 11/14)

Spanish minister for social rights Ione Belarra said 60 ministers from Europe and Latin America had signed a petition calling for the ICC to investigate Israeli leaders for genocide. (AJ 11/14)

More than 500 political appointees and staff members from 40 U.S. government agencies sent a letter to President Biden protesting his support for Israel’s war on Gaza. (NYT 11/14)

Tens of thousands of pro-Israel demonstrators rallied at the Mall in Washington D.C. Among the speakers was Christians United for Israel founder John Hagee, who in the past has blamed Jewish people for the Holocaust. The American Jewish anti-occupation organization IfNotNow called the rally “a pro-war, pro-Nakba rally.” (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 11/14; AJ, AJ 11/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Birin and al-Twana. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian child during a raid in Aida refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Ya’bad. In Hebron, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family homes of 2 Palestinians accused of killing an Israeli settler in August. 50 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Beit Fajjar, al-Arroub refugee camp, Bethlehem, Aida refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Jaba’, and Jalazone refugee camp. 1 Israeli soldier wounded near the Itamar settlement on 11/8 succumbed to his injuries. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed 260 Palestinians and injured 590 others. Israel bombed al-Shifa Hospital, killing at least 13, and bombed the Indonesian and al-Rantisi Children’s hospitals, causing damage. Israeli snipers opened fire at al-Quds Hospital’s ICU unit, killing 1 and injuring 28, mostly children. Israeli airstrikes on al-Buraq School north of Gaza City killed more than 50 people sheltering there. Israel claimed its forces assassinated Hamas members Ahmed Musa, Omar Alhandi, and Muhammad Khalot in Jabalia refugee camp. Rockets were fired from Gaza, injuring 2 in Tel Aviv. In Eliat, a drone reportedly launched from Syria hit a school, lightly injuring 1. Near the Blue Line, 5 Israeli soldiers were injured by anti-tank fire and a drone. Israel attacked several places in Lebanon. In Syria, Israeli forces attacked militants in the Homs province, killing 7. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; AJ 11/12)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 11,078 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,506 children and 3,027 women, and 27,490 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,450 people were buried in rubble, including 1,350 children. 174 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 47 children. More than 2,552 people have been injured. Israel adjusted the Israeli death toll from 10/7 from 1,400 to 1,200, including 33 children. 5,431 people have injured since 10/7. 42 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.61 million Palestinians, around 70% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israel blockade. As of 11/6, at least 40,000 housing units have been destroyed and 220,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 45% of all housing units. Around 30,000 people fled northern Gaza to the south. No one was evacuated from Gaza to Egypt. The Indonesian Hospital said it had stopped all surgeries due to a lack of fuel and Israeli attacks. Al-Shifa Hospital director Muhammad Abu Salmiya called Israeli claims that the hospital hosts Hamas fighters and infrastructure “utter lies,” saying UN personnel frequent the hospital and could attest to this. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; NYT 11/12)

982 Palestinians from Gaza employed in Israel prior to 10/7 were expelled to Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. (UNOCHA 11/10)

Al Jazeera released a video showing Israeli soldiers using a Palestinian man as a human shield during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp. (AJ 11/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas said in a speech on the 19th anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death that “there are no words to describe the genocidal war and destruction inflicted upon our Palestinian people in Gaza.” Abbas later traveled to Riyadh for a joint Arab League-OIC summit on 11/11. In Riyadh, Abbas met with Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwaar Ul-Haq Kakar, discussing Israeli actions in in Gaza and the West Bank. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10)

Al-Haq, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Human Rights Campaign sent a letter to the ICC saying Israel is committing “war crimes and crimes against humanity, including genocide and incitement to genocide.” (REU 11/10)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech to Israelis living near Gaza that Gaza will be under total Israeli security control when Israel has eliminated Hamas. (AP, HA, HA, REU 11/10)

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza at the African-Saudi summit in Riyadh. A joint statement by the participating countries said Israeli attacks needed to stop and called for an end to the occupation. (REU, WAFA 11/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said Israeli airstrikes have killed “far too many” Palestinians, saying Israel has taken steps to minimize civilian casualties but that it was not nearly enough. (AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU, REU 11/10)

French president Emmanuel Macron said there was no justification for Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza, urging Israel to stop and calling for a ceasefire. In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu placed the blame for civilian death on Hamas, insisting on calling the group “Hamas-ISIS” several times. Netanyahu later called Macron’s comments “a grave mistake.” (AJ, HA 11/10; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 11/11; HA 11/12)

Columbia University in New York City suspended Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace as official student groups until the end of the fall semester. (AJ, HA, HA 11/10; AJ 11/12)

Oman donated $3 million to UNRWA, earmarked for Gaza. (WAFA 11/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 9 camels from 2 herders near Bethlehem; according to the owners, they were told they could retrieve the camels if they paid $1,050 for each. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a rally on the 16th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat in Tuqu‘; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor harvesting olives near ‘Azun ‘Atma using rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in al-Fawar refugee camp and Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 minors were hit by rubber-coated bullets in Bayt Umar. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Kaubar, al-Bireh, al-Fawar refugee camp, Sa‘ir, and al-‘Arub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Sur Bahir, displacing 5 Palestinians, including 4 children. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 senior Fatah officials. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian bird hunters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; PCHR 11/12)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat was laid to rest in his native Jericho after a memorial ceremony in the Mukata’a in Ramallah attended by senior PA officials. (AJ, WAFA, WAFA 11/11; WAFA 11/12)

The International Atomic Energy Agency, an arm of the UN, said that Iran has now stockpiled 12 times the amount of low-enriched uranium set as the limit under the JCPOA agreement which the U.S. abandoned in May 2018. (AJ 11/11)

The prime minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, died at the age of 84. Salman Al Khalifa had been prime minister since Bahrain’s independence in 1971. Crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was appointed as the new prime minister. (AJ, HA, REU 11/11)

Islamic Relief USA donated $2.44 million to UNRWA for programming in Gaza. (WAFA 11/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 33 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus. Israeli forces also stopped work on a water tank in Kardala in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces demolished a house in Bayt Umar In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained 2 Palestinian children and separately arrested 5 in Issawiyya. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers took over a Palestinian-owned building with 4 separate apartments in al-Suwana. The settlers were escorted by Israeli police. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/8; WAFA 7/9)

The Israeli military claimed to have found a tunnel from Gaza to Israel during construction of a barrier that is said to prevent more tunnels from being dug. The Israeli military also claimed to have shot down a drone near the Gaza fence; it did not report whether the drone was privately-owned, Israeli, or Palestinian, nor the type of drone. (HA, HA 7/8)

A court in Jerusalem found that the PA was liable for damages for 17 incidents where Palestinians killed Israelis during the 2d Intifada in the early 2000s. Several incidents were not committed by PA personnel, nor did the PA have knowledge that they would be carried out. The judge ruled that the PA was retroactively responsible for the incidents because they explicitly or implicitly endorsed them after they happened. The judge ordered the PLO, PA, and Yasir Arafat’s estate to pay $1.6 million for the cost of the trial. A different judge will determine how much the 3 entities must pay in damages. (HA 7/9)

During an undisclosed operation in southern Gaza, undercover Israeli special forces open fire on Hamas fighters from a moving car in Khuza‘a, sparking an exchange of heavy fire; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Hamas fighter are killed and another Israeli soldier is critically injured. While the Israeli special forces are still in Gaza, the Israeli Air Force targets armed Palestinian fighters near Khuza‘a with a number of air strikes, killing 6, including a senior member of Hamas’s military wing. After the strikes, unidentified Palestinians launch at least 17 rockets and other projectiles into southern Israel. Three are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; the rest land in open areas, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli artillery and aircraft then strike more than 50 sites across Gaza, causing dozens of Palestinian injuries and extensive damage. Separately, dozens of right-wing Israeli activists block the road leading to the Kerem Shalom border crossing, preventing trucks bearing basic commodities and fuel to enter Gaza for hours in protest of the violence at the border protests on 11/9. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinian students at a rally commemorating the late Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat in Hebron; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem; deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian school under renovation in Hebron; and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 11/11; HA, HA, JP, JT, MNA 11/12; PCHR 11/15)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing severe damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in Salfit and 2 nearby villages, as well as 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron. Meanwhile, 1,000s of Palestinians march in Bethlehem to mark 2 anniversaries: the death of Yasir Arafat, as well as the signing of the Palestinian declaration of independence in 1988. In the Galilee, Druze and Muslim Palestinians clash in Abu Snan, leaving 37 injured. The fighting is born from tensions related to the 11/8 killing of a Palestinian by an Israeli police officer in Kafr Kanna. (MNA 11/15; PCHR 11/20)

In the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Fatah supporters gather in al-Katiba Square in Gaza City to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat, despite the cancellation (11/9) of the official ceremony. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse a group of Palestinians throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at passing Israeli settlers’ cars outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, killing 1 with live ammunition. On separate patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus, IDF troops shoot and wound 3 Palestinians. Also, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron. Across the West Bank, Palestinians mark the anniversary of Arafat’s death with demonstrations, and clashes of differing intensity break out with Israeli troops in some 30 villages, mostly nr. Bethlehem and Hebron. Israeli settlers attack Palestinian homes nr. Hebron and, separately, settlers vandalize industrial equipment nr. Nablus. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence e. of Dayr al-Balah. (MNA 11/11; HA, MNA, REU 11/12; PCHR 11/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces a series of measures to be taken to combat Palestinian violence, including reinforcing the presence of security forces, the punitive demolition of attackers’ homes, and fines for the parents of children involved. (JP, YA 11/13)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats on 2 separate occasions, causing damage and injuring 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian during a patrol in a village nr. Tubas. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers and Palestinians clash in Silwan, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 11/9; PCHR 11/13)

Fatah officials in Gaza cancel the planned commemoration of Yasir Arafat’s death scheduled for 11/11. Hamas authorities confirm the cancellation, citing security concerns related to the series of explosions that targeted Fatah figures on 11/7. (AFP, MNA 11/9)

In the Gaza Strip, small explosive devices are detonated by unknown parties at the entrances of 15 Fatah mbrs.’ homes and under their cars, causing damage but no injuries. An additional blast occurs on a stage set up for a demonstration scheduled for 11/11 marking the commemoration of Yasir Arafat’s death (an event approved by Hamas authorities on 10/30). The attacks take place the day before a planned visit to Gaza by PM Rami Hamdallah, senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad and Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikhwe, but they cancel their trip as a result of the attacks. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in Hebron, 3 nearby villages, and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 3 people are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces and Palestinians clash in Shu‘fat r.c., with no serious injuries reported. (HA, MNA, REU 11/7; PCHR 11/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the demolition of homes belonging to the families of the Palestinians who hit Israelis with their cars in Jerusalem in recent weeks (see 10/22 and 11/5). (AFP 11/7)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces shoot and kill a Palestinian in Abu Tor suspected of the attempted assassination of Yehuda Glick on 10/29. During the day, Israeli authorities close Haram al-Sharif to everyone and increase police and border police patrols in the city. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin. (AFP, JP, MNA, REU 10/30)

Sweden officially recognizes the state of Palestine. In response, the Israeli govt. recalls its amb. to Sweden, Yitzhak Bachmann, for consultations. (He will be returned to Sweden on 11/29.) (AFP, HA 10/30; JP 11/20)

Fatah receives approval from Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Yasir Arafat with a rally in Gaza City, which they schedule for 11/11. This is the 1st time Fatah activists are permitted to hold such a commemoration in Gaza since 2007. (MNA 10/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya r.c. and level land close to the border zone, and also open fire on farmers, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents at checkpoints; 1st, at Za’atra nr. Nablus, where a Palestinian shoots fireworks at soldiers and is shot dead, and 2d, at Container checkpoint nr. Bethlehem where Israeli soldiers say a Palestinian attempted to attack them. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkam in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian cars nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces close 2 offices of charities it says are cover for Hamas activities. (JP, MNA 11/7; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry heads to Amman, Jordan, and holds talks with King Abdallah and FM Nasser Judeh, with the king praising the “trust” Kerry has among all sides in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. At a joint press conference with Judeh, Kerry says that Israeli and Palestinians leaders had reaffirmed to him their commitment to negotiations. Later that day, Kerry holds another round of talks with Abbas, in Amman. In media interviews, he also reveals he will return the next day for another meeting with Netanyahu, an unplanned addition to the trip. In an interview broadcast on Israeli television, Kerry warns that without a peace deal, Israel could face a 3d intifada and “increasing isolation” and “delegitimization.” (AFP, AP, REU 11/7)

Swiss scientists say that tests show Yasir Arafat died with high levels of radioactive polonium in his body, but do not say that this was definitively the cause of death. Palestinian officials demand an international investigation into the “killing” of their former leader, according to PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef. (AFP, BBC, REU 11/7)

Diplomats from Iran and the P5+1 group begin talks in Geneva, coordinated by the EU’s Catherine Ashton, in an attempt to work out the details of a deal to end the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. (HA, REU 11/7)

An unnamed diplomat says that Jordan will replace Saudi Arabia on the UNSC for a 2-year term, after Riyadh rejects the position out of anger with the body’s inability to take what it deems appropriate action with regard to issues like Syria and Israeli-Palestinian relations. (AP 11/8)

Palestinians across the West Bank rally after Friday prayers to protest the 2/23 death of Arafat Jaradat in Israeli detention, clashing with the IDF in many locations. IDF soldiers use live fire and rubber-coated metal bullets against protesters at Qalandia checkpoint (injuring 6 Palestinians, including 1 seriously) and outside the Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah (injuring fifteen) Israeli soldiers also open fire on Palestinian boys throwing stones nr. al-Jazloun r.c. north of Ramallah, seriously injuring 1. In Hebron, Palestinians demonstrate to mark the anniversary of the 1994 massacre of Palestinian worshippers by a Jewish settler at the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs, leading to clashes with the IDF that leave 2 Palestinians injured. Meanwhile, IDF forces violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, and Ni‘lin), 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Jayyous and Kafr Qaddum), 1 village nr. Salfit (Burqin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara), and on a road south of Hebron. There are 11 injuries total; 5 in Bil‘in, 4 in al-Nabi Salih, and 2 in Budrus. PA PM Salam Fayyad attends the protest in Bil‘in. The IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Tulkarm and in the center of Hebron in the afternoon (clashes in latter, 1 wounded), and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Silwan, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya r.c., injuring 3. Later in the day, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, injuring 1. (JP, MNA 3/1; PCHR 3/7)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama phones Russian pres. Vladimir Putin, to discuss Iran and Syria. The White House says Putin and Obama agree to hold talks in 6/2013 on the sidelines of a meeting of leading industrial nations in Northern Ireland. (AP 3/1)

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry warns that ‘‘the two-state solution is now on life support’’ and that 2013 is a ‘‘critical year.’’ Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Pres. Barack Obama will not bring a new peace initiative with him on his planned visit to the region in 3/2013. (HA, REU 2/26)

The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) claims responsibility for a single rocket fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, which causes no casualties or damage. The group says the rocket is in retaliation for the death of Arafat Jaradat in Israeli detention. Israel responds by closing the Erez and Kerem Shalon crossings. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Hebron and al-Fawar r.c. during the day, causing no serious injuries. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in and around Bethlehem and Aida r.c. and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, more than 200 activists and residents of Bayt Safafa in East Jerusalem protest plans for an extension of the Begin Highway that will run through the neighborhood. (HA, JP, REU 2/26; HA 2/27; PCHR 2/28)

The Palestinian Authority announces that it has paid the remainder of 1/2013 salaries owed PA civil servants. (MNA 2/26) The U.S. Senate confirms Chuck Hagel as the new defense secy. in a 58-41 vote. Only four Republicans voted to confirm his nomination, reflecting the controversy over Hagel’s appointment (see JPS 167). (REU 2/26)

Iran and the P5+1 group (permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany) begin two days of talks in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the first such meeting since 7/2012 (see QU 165). (AP, REU 2/26)

Palestinians respond to the 2/23 death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat with demonstrations across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while around 4,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails launch hunger-strikes in protest. At a press conference in Ramallah, Palestinian officials claim that Jaradat died from torture, based on evidence presented by PA chief pathologist Saber Aloul, who attended the autopsy. At the protests by Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, Israeli soldiers wound 26 Palestinian protesters with rubbercoated metal bullets and live ammunition. At least 2 other Palestinians are wounded by live fire in Aida r.c. (nr. Bethlehem) and al-‘Arub r.c. (nr. Hebron). Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot more than 50 olive trees in Bayt Awwa village nr. Hebron. Jewish settlers from Esh Kodesh attack a house nr. Qusra village, prompting clashes with villagers; the IDF intervenes to violently disperse the Palestinians. At night, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah; and conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Bireh, Hebron, 1 village each nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Jenin. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast nr. al-Waha on 2 separate occasions, causing no serious injuries or damage. (HA, MNA 2/24; PCHR 2/28)

To ease tensions in the West Bank over the 2/23 Jaradat killing, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu authorizes the transfer to the PA of its tax revenues for 1/2013. He also sends a message to the Palestinian Authority through negotiations liaison official Yitzhak Molcho reportedly (JP 2/24)

stating that the PA now (in light of the tax transfer) has no ‘‘excuse not to enforce calm on the ground.’’ (JP 2/24; MNA 2/25)

Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat dies in Israel’s Megido prison, following a reported heart attack. Palestinian officials immediately call for an international investigation into the circumstances of his death. (MNA, REU 2/23)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas says in an interview with al-Arabiya TV that he and Hamas leader Khalid Mishal are in agreement about the need for a peaceful intifada. Pres. Abbas says that PA security forces in the West Bank are arresting Palestinians who smuggle weapons from Israel. Meanwhile, in an example of such a raid, Hamas says that PA security forces arrested 8 members of their organization in the West Bank. (JP, MNA 2/23)

Jewish settlers shoot 2 Palestinians in Kusra village in the northern West Bank, leaving one in serious condition. Clashes began when settlers entered village land. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers from Susiya nr. Hebron attack Palestinian farmers. When Israeli soldiers arrive, they declare the area a closed military zone and arrest 2 Palestinians. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Jericho, and Qalqilya. At night, the IDF patrols 1 village nr. Ramallah and conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. West of Yatta nr. Hebron, Israeli soldiers violently disperse Palestinian and international activists protesting settlement expansion, causing no serious injuries. Off the north coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no injuries or damage. (AP 2/23; PCHR 2/28)

An Israeli official tells the media that U.S.-Israeli efforts to soften the wording of the Palestinians’ resolution for the UNGA have failed, though reports indicate that the U.S. is still trying to convince key countries not to support it. Other reports suggest that the UK will back the bid if Abbas agrees not to use the upgrade to take Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague. France says it will vote in favor. (Guardian, HA, JP, REU 11/27)

Investigators exhume the remains of Yasser Arafat in Ramallah in order to seek possible traces of poison. A Palestinian medical team worked with Swiss, French, and Russian forensic teams, before the tomb is resealed. French magistrates opened a murder inquiry into Arafat’s death in August, following findings by a Swiss institute of high levels of polonium on Arafat’s clothing supplied by his widow Suha, as part of an Al Jazeera investigation. (AFP, REU 11/27)

Former Israeli FM Tzipi Livni announces that she is leaving the Kadima party and will run in the forthcoming elections as the head of a new party, Hatnua. A handful of Kadima MKs resign from the party and are expected to join her new party. (YA 11/27)

In Gaza, a Fatah delegation joins Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh for a ceremony to honor families bereaved in Operation Pillar of Defense. Meanwhile, Palestinian factions hold a meeting in Gaza Strip and agree to hold a joint rally raising Palestinian flags to support the UN bid. (MNA 11/27)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on farmers and civilians nr. Jabalya at the border fence, causing no injuries. The IDF opens fire nr. Rafah at Palestinians nr. the border, wounding 1. The IDF also fires warning shots at Palestinians collecting scrap metal nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm at night. Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails launch a 1-day hunger strike in solidarity with long-term hunger strikers Ayman Sharawna and Samer Issawi. (MNA 11/27; PCHR 11/29)

The IDF carries out air strikes on a number of targets in the Gaza Strip, killing 1 armed Palestinian and wounding a number of civilians. Palestinian groups fire around 100 rockets and mortars into Israel, causing 3 injuries and structural damage. Israeli PM Netanyahu tells the weekly cabinet meeting that the army is prepared to intensify its attacks; a number of ministers urge an escalation in military operations (such as assassinations), as well as other measures, like cutting off electricity. A source in Netanyahu’s office says that the PM is preparing international public opinion for a military operation in Gaza. (AP, HA 11/11; JP 11/12; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama tells PA pres. Abbas that his administration opposes a Palestinian bid for non-state membership of the UN. Abbas tells a rally in Ramallah marking the anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death that the PA is under huge pressure to stop the UN initiative, but that they would continue regardless, as it is intended to save the two-state solution. (AFP, JP 11/11)

PA pres. Abbas announces that Russia will join an international investigation into whether Yasir Arafat was murdered. French and Swiss experts will exhume the late Palestinian leader’s body later in the month, after an Al Jazeera report in July suggested he was murdered with polonium. (REU 11/11)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (firing rubber bullets and tear gas at children going to school) in the morning; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah. Israeli police deliver notices to 13 Israeli activists, banning them from taking part in weekly demonstrations in West Bank villages. (972mag 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

Israeli forces fire into Syria in what the military calls a warning, after stray munitions from fighting between Syrian troops and rebels hit the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The incident, described by Israel Radio as the 1st direct engagement of the Syrian military on the Golan since the countries’ 1973 war, highlights international fears that Syria’s civil war could ignite wider regional conflict. An Israeli security source said the military fired in the direction of a Syrian army mortar crew that had launched a shell that overshot the Golan disengagement fence on Sunday, exploding near a Jewish settlement without causing casualties. (REU 11/11)

The IDF closes the Qarni crossing; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus and nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin (fatally shooting a Palestinian gunman), Ramallah (searching the home of Change and Reform PC mbr. Ahmad ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Malik). PA security forces at Gaza’s Qarni crossing prevent 2 Palestinian vehicles of PRC mbrs. carrying explosives that attempt to crash through the PA security barrier to attack the main transit building; 3 PA policemen, 2 gunmen are wounded in the exchange, and 3 gunmen are arrested; Israel claims that the PRCs were acting under the direction of Hamas, which denies the charge; PA Interior M Siyam says that attacking border crossings is against the national interest and should not be done. Meanwhile, mbrs. of the Yasir Arafat Brigades (considered an offshoot of the AMB) say that in response to Siyam’s plans to create the ESF, they are planning to form a new militia “to protect Fatah men against the Israeli enemy and against any attempt by any party inside the homeland to target them.” (IMEMC, REU 4/26; NYT, PCHR, WP 4/27; IFM, XIN 5/1; OCHA 5/3; PCHR 5/4)

The IDF transfers a West Bank administrative detainee to Gaza for 4 yrs.; fires on 4 Palestinians, allegedly al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) mbrs. attempting to infiltrate Gaza’s Gush Katif settlement, killing 2 Palestinians, capturing 1; fires tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets into a school playground, wounding 3 children; bulldozes 120 dunams of land in al-Mughraqa; conducts house searches in al-Qarara nr. Khan Yunis. In Khan Yunis, unidentified gunmen open fire on the office of Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Ibrahim Abu Naja, aclose ally of PA head Yasir Arafat, causing significant damage but no injuries. (PCHR 2/19; HA 2/20; LAW, PCHR 2/26)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues at a moderate level. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) continues to surround all major Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, barring travel btwn. towns and villages except through heavily guarded checkpoints. The IDF raids Beitunia, assassinating a wanted Preventive Security Force (PSF) officer Ahmad Ghanem, arresting 3 others; makes arrest raids in al-Irsal nr. Ramallah; conducts house-to-house searches in Tallusa nr. Nablus; bulldozes 20 dunams (4 dunams = 1 acre) of Palestinian agricultural land in Gaza. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 4/30. Late this evening, troops make incursions into al-Bireh, Tulkarm refugee camp (r.c.) and city. (LAW 5/16; AP, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; LAW 5/22)

Palestinian Authority (PA) head Yasir Arafat pledges to hold presidential, parliamentary elections within 6 mos., provided that Israel makes a substantial withdrawal fr. the West Bank and Gaza so that Palestinians can move freely to the polls. (HA, MM 5/16; XIN 5/16 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/17; QA 5/18, MA 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

Retaliating for the firing of Qassam-2s on 3/5, the IDF launches air, land, sea strikes on PA targets across the West Bank and Gaza, striking and partially demolishing Arafat's residence in Gaza City and a UNRWA school for the blind, among other sites. The IDF also shells the PA compound in Ramallah while Arafat is meeting with EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos; they are not injured. Sharon vows to continue the strikes "without letup" until the Palestinians stop attacking Israeli soldiers, civilians. During the day, at least 13 Palestinians are killed, including senior Hamas mbr. `Abd al-Nassar Ghazal in a possible assassination in Gaza, 4 PA naval police killed by IDF shelling in Gaza, 1 Palestinian shot dead nr. Nablus, 1 killed in a questionable explosion nr. Qalqilya, 4 who die of injuries received earlier. 2 IDF soldiers are killed in clashes in Khan Yunis and Rafah. F-16s bomb a Gaza police headquarters where PSF officers had been scheduled to meet, leading the PA to believe the attack was a failed assassination attempt against PSF chief Brig. Gen. `Abd al-Raziq Majayda. The IDF also makes arrest raids and demolishes at least 2 Palestinian houses in Gaza; fires on a Palestinian school in Silat al-Dahir, injuring 4 students; bulldozes Palestinian land in al-Khadir; maintains closure on Balata, Jenin. Over 20 Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar fire on a neighboring Palestinian village; attack IDF soldiers who intervene, beating them, puncturing tires on their jeeps. Jewish settlers also cut down 300 Palestinian-owned olive trees nr. Hebron; IDF troops reportedly fire warning shots at Palestinians who attempt to intervene. (AP, HP, MM 3/6; AFP, al-Quds 3/6 in WNC 3/7; JP [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/7; MENA, RNE 3/7 in WNC 3/8; JP 3/15)

The IDF conducts a predawn arrest raid in Nablus's Askar refugee camp, detaining at least 3 Palestinians, seizing 1 Palestinian apartment as an observation post, and exchanging gunfire with residents, leaving 1 soldier wounded. The IDF conducts another predawn arrest raid in Dayr al-Balah, shelling residential areas, occupying 2 Palestinian homes as observation posts. In Beersheba, 2 Hamas gunmen open fire outside an IDF base, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 4 before being shot dead by troops. In response, the IDF F-16s drop bombs on a PSF headquarters in Gaza and Ansar 2 prison; helicopter gunships fire missiles on targets around Gaza City and Jabaliya, injuring 20 Palestinians, including employees of the UN Special Coordinator's Office (UNSCO), which is damaged in the attack. UNSCO protests. Later, Palestinians fire 2 objects fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries; at least 1 of the devices leaves a 7-ft. hole, leading the IDF to suspect that it was a Qassam-2 rocket, rather than a mortar, which would mark the 1st time Palestinians have fired one of the homemade missiles. The IDF later reports it has confiscated 3 empty rocket launchers in Gaza. Jewish settlers severely beat a Palestinian teenager nr. Tal Rumayda; beat, rob another teenager nr. Nablus; bulldoze 12 dunams of olive groves nr. Antalia settlement. (MEZ, WP 2/10; XIN 2/10 in WNC 2/11; MM, NYT, WP 2/11; CSM 2/12; JT 2/12 in WNC 2/13; LAW, PCHR 2/13; MEI 2/22)

Sharon returns fr. the U.S., immediately calls for a mtg. of his inner cabinet to discuss how to respond to recent Palestinian attacks. (NYT 2/11)

The State Dept. confirms that Powell has received correspondence fr. Arafat regarding the Karine A affair, saying he was not involved but that as leader of the PA, he will take responsibility for the incident, punish those responsible. (WT 2/11; NYT 2/12, 2/14)

An IDF autopsy performed in the presence of a Palestinian doctor confirms that the 14-yr.-old Palestinian who died in Jerusalem on 2/8 was killed by an IDF bullet. (LAW 2/10, 2/13)

Senior Fatah mbr. Imad Assaf is seriously injured in a mysterious explosion in Dahaysha; the PA accuses Israel of attempting to assassination him. Palestinians fire 2 mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. In response, the IDF directs heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah (leaving 1 Palestinian clinically dead). The IDF also fires tear gas, concussion grenades to disperse a peaceful protest by Palestinians, international peace activists in Ramallah; conducts arrest raids in Osrin, firing on Palestinian homes; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along secondary roads in the Bethlehem, Jenin areas; imposes closures on 10 villages around Ramallah. (HP 2/3; AFP 2/3 in WNC 2/4; NYT, PCHR, WT 2/4; LAW 2/6)

In a New York Times op-ed, Arafat outlines the Palestinians' vision of peace as a 2-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state in all of the West Bank and Gaza, and a secure Israel within its 1967 borders. He also affirms that any solution to the refugee issue must consider Israel's demographic concerns and denounces "attacks carried out by terrorist groups against Israeli civilians." (HA, JP [Internet], NYT 2/3; AP, HA, NYT, WT 2/4; JT, MA, MM, QA, al-Quds 2/5 in WNC 2/6; PR 2/6; MEI 2/8)

Early this morning, the Israeli inner cabinet orders the IDF to seal Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. The IDF also fatally shoots wanted AMB mbr. Khamis Abdallah in an apparent assassination in Nablus; fires a tank shell at 3 teenagers trying to sneak across the Gaza border into Israel to work, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 2. This evening, an AMB gunman opens fire with an M-16 on a bat mitzvah celebration in Hadera, Israel, killing 6 Israelis, wounding at least 25 before being beaten unconscious by the celebrants and then fatally shot by an Israeli policeman. In retaliation, the IDF sends 20 tanks, APCs, paratroopers into Ramallah to tighten the encirclement of Arafat's headquarters to within 100 yds., placing Arafat under de facto house arrest; sends F-16s to shell PA Interior Min., administrative, and security offices in Tulkarm, killing 2 PSF officers, injuring 61 officers and civilians, damaging 20 homes and 50 stores; reinforces troops nr. Jinin, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian. (AP 1/17; LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/18; AFP, Interfax 1/18 in WNC 1/22; CNN, WP, WT 1/19; MM 1/21; PCHR 1/23; WJW 1/24; JP, MEI 1/25; JP 2/1)

Overnight, IDF helicopters rocket a residential area of Khan Yunis, killing 4 Palestinians, wounding 21, destroying 2 Force 17 buildings. This evening, AMB, Hamas gunmen jointly detonate a roadside bomb nr. a Jewish settler bus outside Emmanuel settlement nr. Nablus, then open fire on the bus, 2 cars traveling with it, the medical workers who come to the scene, killing 9 Jewish settlers, 1 Israeli border police officer, wounding 30; 1 Hamas mbr. is run over, shot dead by the IDF. In Gaza, 2 Hamas suicide bombers detonate devices outside a Jewish settlement, wounding 4. Sharon severs all contacts with the PA, declares Arafat "irrelevant," says Israel will no longer wait for the PA to "wipe out terror networks" but will do the job itself. The IDF immediately begins F-16 air strikes on targets in al-Bireh, Gaza City, Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tulkarm, killing 1 Palestinian; tightens its encirclement of major Palestinian population centers; enters Jinin's area A with tanks, injuring 19 Palestinians before withdrawing; fires on a funeral procession in Khan Yunis, injuring 3. The Israeli inner cabinet agrees to "rapidly deploy" the IDF for "massive and continuous" operations "in cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip." Arafat orders the closure of all Hamas, Islamic Jihad offices, schools, clinics. (AP, LAW, MEZ, PMC 12/12; AFP, AP, HA, HP, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 12/13; AFP, MENA, XIN 12/13 in WNC 12/14; ATL 12/13 in WNC 12/17; JP, JT [Internet], MM 12/14, 12/17, 12/18; JP, MEI 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes diminish overall, though sharp fighting is reported on the Gaza coast. (WP 11/4)

On the sidelines of a Euro-Mediterranean economic conference in Spain, Spanish PM José María Aznar hosts a working lunch with Arafat, Peres, Mubarak to discuss the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Although Peres lacks a mandate fr. Sharon to conduct negotiations, the men reportedly hold "serious and intense" talks on the situation. (AFP, MM, REU 11/2; RNE 11/2 in WNC 11/3; MENA 11/2, EFE [Madrid], RNE 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WT 11/3) (see 10/30)

The U.S. widens its campaign to freeze "terrorist" assets to include all groups on the State Dept. list of "terrorist" orgs., including Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP. (NYT, WP 11/3; WJW 11/8; SAF 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM 11/13; SA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/20) (see 9/24)

Based on new intelligence information, the IDF chief rabbi officially declares dead the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped by Hizballah in 10/00. (MM 11/2; WP 11/3)

The IDF withdraws fr. Palestinian areas of Hebron, vandalizing several homes, cars before leaving. The National Union and Yisrael Beitunia bloc (led by Tourism M Rehavam Ze'evi, Infrastructure M Avigdor Lieberman) quits the governing coalition in protest, leaving Sharon with control of 76 of the Knesset's 120 seats. As troops withdraw, Jewish settlers attempt to storm the vacated Palestinian neighborhoods, also vandalize several homes and shops, but are halted by soldiers, who arrest 21 (all released later in the day). The IDF also eases passage through roadblocks in a handful of areas, including Ramallah, and expands fishing areas off Gaza, in keeping with cease-fire steps. (HA, MM, WP, WT 10/15; AFP, MM, NYT, WP,WT 10/16; MA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; LAW 10/17)

Meanwhile, however, Hamas mbr. Hamad Marshud is killed when a flechette device, apparently planted by the IDF, explodes in a car outside his Nablus office. The State Dept. reiterates the U.S.'s strong opposition to Israel's assassination policy. The IDF also maintains closures on most West Bank, Gaza areas; surrounds, seals Bayt Umar; conducts arrest raids in Dayr Istya; begins building a bridge to link the Gaza settlements of Gush Katif, Kissufim, confiscating 150 dunams of Palestinian land; hands eviction orders to 250 tradesmen at a market area nr. Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Surik, Dayr Istya. Nr. Ramallah, armed Jewish settlers bar Palestinians farmers fr. reaching their olive groves, firing on them, beating them, burning cars. In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities raid the offices of several Palestinian lawyers, architects; search, photograph, destroy company files. (HP 10/15; MENA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; LAW, WT 10/17)

In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair, who calls for the creation of a "viable Palestinian state, as part of a negotiated and agreed settlement, which provides peace and security for Israel." (AP, NYT 10/15; London Press Association, MENA, SA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; AN, MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17)

Senior Hamas mbr. Mustafa Rawajba is found dead in the West Bank. The IDF issues a statement that Rawajba was "killed . . . while trying to plant an explosive charge," raising speculation that he was assassinated. The PSF releases the last Palestinians detained during Gaza protests on 10/8. The IDF conducts arrests raids in Hizma. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12; LAW 10/17)

In a briefing on the strikes on Afghanistan, Bush reiterates his support for creation of a Palestinian state, the boundaries of which would be negotiated, as long as it would recognize the right of Israel to exist; says he would meet with Arafat if he believed it would further the peace process; says "the world ought to applaud" Arafat for cracking down on "radical elements" as he did on 10/8. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12; MA 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MENA 10/22 in WNC 10/23)

Bush for the 1st time publicly endorses the creation of a Palestinian state, saying it "has always been a part of our vision, so long as the right of Israel to exist is respected." The State Dept. says this does not mark a change in either U.S. or admin. policy. (MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MM, REU, WP, WT 10/3; AFP, AN, DUS, MA, al-Nahar, QA, al-Quds 10/3 in WNC 10/4; MM 10/4; JT, MA, MENA 10/4 in WNC 10/5; al-Quds, al-Ra'i 10/4, SA 10/5, AKH 10/8 in WNC 10/9; al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/10; AN 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MEI 10/12; MENA, al-Quds 10/13 in WNC 10/15)

In Gaza, 2 Hamas mbrs. raid Aley Sinai settlement, tossing grenades into buildings and shooting IDF soldiers guarding the settlement as well as residents, killing 2 Jewish settlers, wounding 7 soldiers and 8 settlers before being shot dead. Arafat orders the PSF to hunt for the assailants. Sharon calls an emergency mtg. of his cabinet. Palestinians also fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in s. Gaza. The IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Birzeit University students, staff conducting a peaceful protest march to Surda checkpoint, injuring 3 journalists covering the event, 1 marcher. (HA 10/2; MM, REU, WP, WT 10/3; MA, al-Quds 10/3 in WNC 10/4; MM 10/4; MM 10/8; LAW 10/10; JP, MEI 10/12)

The IDF sends tanks into PA-controlled Hebron fr. 3 directions to destroy 5 Force 17 posts, wounding 9 Palestinians. Armed Jewish settlers occupy a Palestinian building in the city, fire on Palestinians, wounding 1. Inside Israel, 2 Palestinians are killed while they are allegedly preparing a bomb nr. the stadium where the Maccabiah Games are scheduled to open today. In Bethlehem, Israeli undercover agents kidnap senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Mahmud Hamdan. (MM, WP 7/16; MM 7/17; AP 7/21; al-Haq press release 7/23)

During Sharon's address opening the Maccabiah Games, 8 Jewish women silently stand and hold signs saying "War Criminals" and "Stop Ethnic Cleansing." They are beaten by other Israeli spectators, removed by Israeli police, arrested, charged with "improper behavior," and released. The women also distribute a leaflet at the games denouncing Israeli actions. (Bat Shalom press release, HP 7/17; MEI 7/27)

In Cairo, Peres, Arafat meet after holding separate talks with Pres. Mubarak on the deteriorating Israeli-Palestinian situation. Peres warns Arafat that Israel will not hold back if there is another major bombing. (ITAR-TASS 7/15 in WNC 7/16, 7/17; MM, WT 7/16; MM 7/19; MENA 7/19 in WNC 7/23)

The Israeli cabinet approves construction of new communities in a vacant Negev area of Halutza Sands, bordering the southeast corner of the Gaza Strip, that the previous government had considered giving to the PA in a land-swap deal as part of a final status agmt. (NYT, WP, WT 7/16)