The Palestine Chronology

Israel says it will ease travel of Christian pilgrims (fr. the territories, Israel, abroad) to Bethlehem but says Arafat still may not leave Ramallah. The IDF conducts arrest raids in the PA-controlled section of Hebron (arresting 8 Palestinians) and in Rafah (occupying 6 Palestinian homes); fires on residential areas of Nablus. In Ramallah, the IDF fires tear gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets at 1,000s of Palestinians and 350 foreign peace activists protesting the Israeli siege, injuring 15 Palestinians, 10 foreigners. The PSF shuts 2 metal workshops in Gaza that allegedly made homemade mortars for Hamas. (AP 12/27; WT 12/28; PCHR 1/2)

Sharon denies Arafat permission to leave Ramallah to attend Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. Instead, a delegation of prominent Christian leaders goes to Ramallah to visit Arafat. The Vatican denounces Israel's action as "arbitrary." In protest, the AMB ambushes a car outside Nablus, seriously injuring 1 Jewish settler. The IDF fires on residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JT, MENA 12/24, AFP, AKH, MENA, al-Quds 12/25 in WNC 12/26; BBC, NYT, WP, WT 12/25; PCHR, WT 12/26)

IDF forces pull back fr. parts of Nablus, Ramallah but reenter them later in the day. In Tal, IDF soldiers fire on protesters who assemble to block tanks fr. reentering Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian. The IDF also shells residential areas of Nablus, causing 1 Palestinian to die of a heart attack; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Karawat Bani Zayd. In Gaza, the PSF again attempts to take Hamas spokesman Rantisi into custody but clashes with 100s of Hamas mbrs. and supporters, leaving 15 rioters and PSF officers injured. Israel says attempts to arrest Rantisi were designed to fail. Late tonight in Gaza, the PSF fires on a group of Islamic Jihad mbrs. preparing to launch a mortar at a Jewish settlement, killing 1 Palestinian. (AFP, MM 12/20; NYT, WP, WT 12/21; AYM, al-Quds 12/22 in WNC 12/26; PCHR 12/26)

In Washington, Zinni briefs Powell on his talks with Israel, the PA. Afterward, the U.S. says it will Zinni back to the region once it sees "sustained and decisive" action by both sides toward halting violence, noting that the PA in particular must do more to "combat terror and violence." (USIS Washington File 12/20; MENA 12/21 in WNC 12/26)

All Palestinian factions agree to halt attacks inside Israel, for 1 wk., conditional on Israel suspending assassinations; Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP reject calls to halt attacks on Israeli targets in the West Bank, Gaza. Hrs. later, IDF helicopters fire 2 missiles at the car of Islamic Jihad's Sidir in Hebron in a 2d assassination attempt. Sidir jumps fr. his car before the missiles strike, receiving only minor injuries, but 2 cars behind his are destroyed, killing 2 Palestinian children, injuring at least 2 adults. Also in Hebron, the IDF fatally shoots wanted Hamas mbr. Yakub Idkaydik; 2 other Palestinians are shot dead in Gaza, Nablus. Israeli police bar PLO Jerusalem affairs official Sari Nusseibeh fr. holding an reception for foreign dignitaries in Jerusalem, marking the end of Ramadan; detain him for 2 hrs. of questioning. The U.S. denounces the action as "provocative." Palestinian gunmen ambush 2 vehicles in the West Bank, injuring 3 Jewish settlers. (AFP, AP, MM 12/17; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/18; Guardian, LAW, PCHR 12/19; WJW 12/20; HA, MEI 12/21; JT [Internet] 12/25)

The IDF attempts to assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Sidir by firing missiles at his car in Hebron; Sidir is injured, 2 Palestinian children are killed, 6 others are injured. (1 of the dead, 5 of the injured are bystanders.) A 3d Palestinian is killed in al-Bireh by an IDF tank shell. The IDF also shells, destroys a PSF headquarters in n. Gaza; enters Rafah to bulldoze 3 Palestinian homes; uproots 200 olive trees in Sinjil. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. Jewish settlers in Hebron severely beat 2 Palestinian girls. Palestinians, Israeli peace activists stage a nonviolent protest at an IDF roadblock in Qalandia. (HP, LAW, MM 12/10; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; WT 12/12; AYM 12/12 in WNC 12/13; HA, LAW 12/13)

Arafat, Sharon meet separately with Zinni, urge him not to cut his trip short. Powell says that Zinni will indeed stay, that he never really intended to leave but just wanted to pressure the sides to act. (AP, MM, NYT, WT 12/11) (see 12/9)

In Washington, Bush hosts the White House's 1st menorah-lighting and Hanukkah party. Speaking privately with American Jewish leaders, Bush reportedly assails Arafat and the State Dept., identifies with Sharon, says that winning the war on terror means getting rid of groups like Hamas, Hizballah. (MM 12/12; MM, WJW 12/13; NYT 12/14; AYM 12/14 in WNC 12/17; WP 12/15; JT [Internet] 12/19; JP 2/1)

In Brussels, EU FMs call on Arafat to dismantle the "terrorist networks" of Hamas and Islamic Jihad; to declare, in Arabic, the end to the "armed intifada." Also call on Israel to halt assassinations, settlement expansion, attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure. (AFP 12/10; NYT, WT 12/11; IRNA, MA, SA 12/11 in WNC 12/12; AFP, MM, WT 12/12; Le Monde 12/12 in WNC 12/13; DUS 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MEI 12/21)

Israel continues strikes on PA targets, destroying 2 PSF buildings in Gaza City, wounding 18 Palestinians, and damaging al-Azhar University buildings, Palestine Bank offices, the UNRWA school for the blind. In the West Bank, the IDF ambushes, fatally shoots 2 Palestinians. The funeral for a Hamas mbr. killed outside Shaykh Yasin's house on 12/5 turns into an anti-Arafat protest. The PA bars the press fr. covering a large pro-Hamas rally in Hebron. (AFP, REU 12/7; NYT, REU, WT 12/8; WP 12/9; LAW 12/12)

At Zinni's request, CIA, PA, Israeli security officials hold a "heated" trilateral security comm. mtg. in Tel Aviv. Separately, Ben-Eliezer meets with Arafat financial adviser Muhammad Rashid to discuss ways of achieving a cease-fire. (NYT, WP, WT 12/8; MENA 12/8, MA 12/9 in WNC 12/11; HA, WT 12/9)

As U.S. envoy Zinni meets with PA officials, an Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device on a bus in Hadera, Israel, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 7. The bomber reportedly boarded the bus in the Israeli Arab town of Umm al-Fahm. A Palestinian gunman also kills 1 IDF soldier in a drive-by shooting at a West Bank checkpoint. The IDF opens fire on a Palestinian car at a Jordan Valley checkpoint, killing 2 Palestinians that "acted suspiciously" by making a U-turn to avoid the congested crossing. The IDF also opens fire on a French delegation (135 politicians, journalists, intellectuals) touring homes demolished by the IDF in Khan Yunis; seals Hebron; sets up more roadblocks, especially on the road to Bethlehem; tightens the closure on Tulkarm, bulldozing areas along the Green Line; raids a Palestinian factory nr. Qarni crossing, confiscating electrical equipment; directs heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Jinin; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers, under IDF protection, place caravans on a new settlement site nr. Dayr al-Balah. (AFP, HP 11/29; AFP, AP, HP, MM, NYT, WT 11/30; al-Quds 11/30 in WNC 12/3; LAW 12/5)

Sharon arrives in the U.S. on an official visit, accuses Arafat of having built a "coalition of terror" against Israel. (MM 11/30; NYT 12/1)

Addressing the UNGA, Arafat welcomes Bush's 10/2 and 11/10 comments in support of a Palestinian state, reiterates the PA's desire to resume peace talks with Israel and willingness to confront "international terrorism," requests an international monitoring mechanism for the West Bank and Gaza. Powell meets separately with Arafat, Peres. (AFP, AP 11/11; MM, NYT 11/12; MM 11/14; MENA 11/18 in WNC 11/19)

A Palestinian gunman kills an Israeli security officer in the Israeli village Kefar Hess, nr. the West Bank border. A Palestinian dies in a mysterious explosion in Bethlehem. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received on 11/9. Jewish settler driving nr. Hebron hits, seriously injures an 82-yr.-old Palestinian man. Armed Jewish settlers fr. Hebron enter the Palestinian village of Halhul, vandalize property, fire in the air, throw stones at cars, assault residents. Jewish settlers, under IDF protection, move caravans and electrical generators to a new settlement site outside Jinin. The IDF confiscates, bulldozes 10s of dunams of land in Jabi', n. of Jerusalem, for annexation to Adam settlement. The IDF also bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along the Gaza border, nr. Bayt Hanun; directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, Khan Yunis; tightens the closure on Hebron. (HP, PMC 11/11; AFP, NYT 11/12; MM 11/13; PCHR 11/15)

The IDF withdraws to the outskirts of Qalqilya, keeping a closure on the city, positioning itself to reinvade quickly if so ordered. The body of a PSF officer, missing since 10/20, is found in the area evacuated by the IDF; he had been shot 10 times. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 10/21. Israel tightens Palestinian access to East Jerusalem, deploying more border police, special forces units; placing new checkpoints nr. the "Greater Jerusalem" boundary at Anata, Bayt Hanina, Jaba', Shu'fat; closing the Bethlehem road checkpoint into the city; placing a closure on Azariyya. IDF troops, under cover of shelling and heavy machine gun fire, enter Rafah, demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, damage 2 others. The IDF also reinforces troops in Jinin, Tulkarm; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron, Tulkarm; digs a trench across the main Jinin-Nablus road. Jewish settlers set fire to a Palestinian store, vandalize several other shops in the Israeli-controlled section of Hebron; shoot, wound a Palestinian teenager in Silat al-Dahir; stone Palestinian cars in East Jerusalem. Egyptian officials say that 1,200 Palestinians are trapped on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border, that Israel is only allowing 200 Palestinians/day into Gaza. (AFP, HP, NYT, WP, WT 11/5; NYT, WP 11/6; al-Quds 11/6 in WNC 11/7; PCHR 11/8; MENA 11/19 in WNC 11/20)

On the sidelines of an Euro-Mediterranean economics conference in Brussels, Arafat, Peres hold informal talks with EU reps. on the Israeli-Palestinian situation. (AFP 11/5 in WNC 11/6; NYT, WT 11/6)

An Islamic Jihad gunman opens fire on a bus in French Hill settlement in East Jerusalem, killing 2 Jewish settlers and wounding around 50 before being shot dead by 2 border police officers, 1 IDF soldier, 1 armed settler. Despite the attack, Sharon agrees to continue the withdrawal fr. PA areas beginning with Qalqilya on 11/5. The IDF launches a predawn missile attack on PSF posts in Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahia, Dayr al-Balah, and Jabaliya, which Israel claims housed mortar factories; 1 senior PSF officer is killed. The IDF also shells residential areas of Tulkarm; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Shatti camp; shells, partially destroys a PSF roadblock nr. Hebron. (NYT, WP 11/4; NYT, WP, WT 11/5; PCHR 11/8; JP 11/16)

With Israeli-Palestinian clashes continuing unabated in Bethlehem, Israel postpones plans to withdraw fr. the area for at least 24 hrs. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia (damaging a PSF post), Jinin, Khan Yunis, Qalqilya, Rafah, Tulkarm (killing 1 Palestinian); temporarily occupies a Palestinian school in the PA-controlled section of Hebron; reinforces troops in Bayt Lahia, around Ramallah. PFLP mbrs. arrested by the PSF since the Ze'evi assassination begin a hunger strike to protest their detention. (AFP 10/27; HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/28; LAW 10/31)

In a predawn raid on Bayt Rima (area A), the IDF kills at least 5 Palestinians, wounds 10s, arrests 11, invades homes, interrogates residents, imposes a curfew, and seals the village, barring medics, ambulances, journalists fr. entering. 1 of the Palestinians bleeds to death awaiting medical treatment. The IDF cmdr. admits that at least 2 of those killed were armed but not firing and were attempting to flee. Soldiers bulldoze 2 Palestinian homes in the village; a 3d is destroyed by fire during the raid; 5 others are occupied by troops. Israel confirms it has arrested 2 of 4 Palestinians whom it is certain were involved in the 10/17 Ze'evi murder, but says 2 trigger men are still at large. Another 5 Palestinians are killed elsewhere in the West Bank in clashes with the IDF. Israeli attacks intensify in Bethlehem and nearby Aida, Aza refugee camps, which have been surrounded by IDF tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs) for several days. The IDF demolishes shops at the entrance to Aza to ease the entry of tanks, APCs; deliberately fires tank shells at a Palestinian home in Aida destroying it. In an apparent assassination outside Bethlehem, an IDF tank and APC corner, open fire on a Palestinian car, killing Issa Jiryis Elali. Jewish settlers open fire on a Palestinian vehicle nr. Hebron, wounding 6 Palestinians. (AP, BBC, HP, NYT, PCHR, PMC 10/24; AYM 10/24 in WNC 10/25; JT, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/25; MM, NYT, WP 10/26; see also AYM 10/23 in WNC 10/25; MA 10/25 in WNC 10/26)

In response to the mortar attack on Gilo on 10/18, the IDF sends tanks, bulldozers into Bethlehem, Bayt Jala; occupies 10 Palestinian buildings in Bethlehem (including 2 hotels to house troops), several in Bayt Jala. The incursions spark clashes, which leave 3 Palestinians dead and at least 16 Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier injured. In Ramallah, 2 Palestinians are killed by IDF shelling; a 6th Palestinian is killed in Gaza. IDF tanks completely surround Bayt Sahur, Nablus, Qalqilya. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at Bayt Hanina, Hebron, Jinin, Khan Yunis, Tulkarm; occupies a Palestinian home nr. Qarni crossing. Churches in Jerusalem issue a statement calling on Israel to pull back, deescalate tensions, especially in Bethlehem. (BBC, HP, MM, REU 10/19; AP, NYT, WP, WT 10/20; PCHR 10/24)

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)

The IDF assassinates senior Hamas mbr. `Abd al-Rahman Hamad, fatally shooting him at his home in Qalqilya. Israel admits to the killing, which the U.S. calls "unhelpful." Meanwhile, the IDF eases closures in some Palestinian areas where there has been no violence but also tightens access to Jerusalem, directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, establishes a new police station in East Jerusalem, conducts arrest raids in Bayt Amin. Jewish settlers attack, seriously injure 3 Palestinian farmers on the Nablus+nRamallah Road. (AP, WP, WT 10/15; al-Quds 10/15 in WNC 10/16; HP 10/15)

The Israeli cabinet meets to discuss the dramatic reduction in violence in recent days. Although the cabinet does not approve the decision, Sharon declares that the IDF is prepared to pull out of areas A in Hebron that the army seized on 10/4-5. (WP 10/14; MM, WP 10/15; al-Quds 10/15 in WNC 10/16; WT 10/16; WJW 10/18)

Peres and Qurai` meet again in Jerusalem along with Israeli, PA security officials to discuss cease-fire implementation. Israel agrees to open the main road in Khan Yunis, which has been closed for months; reopen Rafah crossing to Egypt, the Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan for several hrs. every day; gradually remove IDF roadblocks, withdraw IDF troops over a 3 wk. period if calm remains; allow VIP passage btwn. the West Bank, Gaza for senior PA officials, security forces; to allow family visits btwn. the West Bank, Gaza; allow entry of 2,000 Palestinian businessmen into Israel. (JP [Internet] 10/14; HP 10/15)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device outside Shluhot Kibbutz in n. Israel, killing 1 Israeli. In Hebron, where the IDF remains in area A, soldiers fatally shoot 1 Palestinian, wound 3. The PSF detains 2 more Islamic Jihad mbrs., says it is holding 6 Palestinians on Israel's wanted list. Jewish settlers set up a new enclave nr. Keddumim settlement, announce plans for a 2d enclave nr. Beit Hagai. (HP, WT 10/7; MENA 10/7 in WNC 10/9; JP [Internet] 10/8; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The U.S., with the assistance of commando units fr. Britain and France, begins air strikes on al-Qa`ida, Taliban positions in Afghanistan aimed at disabling their air defense capability. The U.S. says this initial stage of the sustained "antiterror campaign" should last several days. Bin Laden releases a statement vowing that "America will not live in peace until peace reigns in Palestine" and "not before all the infidel armies leave the land of Muhammad." The PA denounces Bin Laden's statement. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; NYT, WP 10/9; AYM, JT, Milliyet, al-Ra'i 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/10; al-Quds 10/10 in WNC 10/12; JP, MEI 10/12; XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/15)

In its largest military operation since the start of the al-Aqsa intifada (in terms of area, size of the force involved), Israel sends IDF infantry, tanks, armored bulldozers, and helicopters to occupy the PA-controlled sector of Hebron, leaving 6 Palestinians dead, wounding at least 40, demolishing 3 homes, occupying 15 houses and 1 school. The IDF also send tanks into areas A outside Netzarim to demolish 2 Palestinian homes; occupies 2 Palestinian houses in Kafr Dik, al-Khadir as military posts; bulldozes a PSF post nr. al-Sudaniyya; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun (destroying 8 Palestinian homes), Khan Yunis, Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Azun, Dayr al-Ghasun, Kafr Dik; bar farmers nr. Bethlehem fr. harvesting their lands. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians harvesting olives outside Nablus, vandalize nearby Palestinian homes. A Palestinian sniper fatally shoots a Jewish settler nr. the Green Line nr. Tulkarm. The PC calls an emergency mtg., reiterates the call on Palestinians to adhere to the cease-fire. (AFP, AP, HP, LAW, MM 10/5; AFP 10/5 in WNC 10/9; HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/6; al-Quds 10/6 in WNC 10/9; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The White House rebukes Sharon for his harsh statements of 10/4 saying they are "unacceptable"; urges Israel to resume peace talks and to refrain fr. invading PA-controlled areas, demolishing houses, conducting assassinations. (AP, MM 10/5; NYT, WP, WT 10/6; MM 10/8)

A Palestinian gunman dressed in an IDF paratrooper uniform opens fire at the Afula bus station inside Israel, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 7 before being fatally shot by police. In Hebron, the IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian, wounds 3 others; shells residential areas of the PA-controlled section of the city. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, al-Qarara (where soldiers occupy a residential building as an outpost). In Bethlehem, a mysterious explosion seriously injuries senior Fatah mbr. Rami Kamel. (HA, IGPO 10/4; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

Angered by continued U.S. pressure on Israel to exercise restraint toward the Palestinians while Washington builds its coalition against Bin Laden, Sharon accuses the U.S. of sacrificing Israel to "appease the Arabs" the way Britain sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler in 1938. The Israeli cabinet authorizes the IDF to "take all necessary measures" to defend Israeli citizens. (BBC 10/4; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MA, NYT 10/6; JT, al-Quds 10/7, AKH 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/8; AN 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MM 10/11; MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/12; MM 10/25; ITAR-TASS 10/24 in WNC 10/25)

In response to the Aley Sinai raid on 10/2, the Israeli inner cabinet suspends cease-fire implementation, security coordination with the PA; cancels planned mtgs. of the trilateral security comm., btwn. Peres and PC speaker Qurai`; authorizes the IDF to resume initiated actions against Palestinians, possibly including assassinations; demands that Arafat immediately arrest "militants." The State Dept. says that to maintain calm and restore trust, the PA must take "preventive action" to preclude attacks, Israel must halt incursions into PA-controlled territory and house demolitions. DM Ben-Eliezer says Israel will not resume cease-fire talks until the PA has "reined in terror." (al-Haq press release, JP [Internet], MEZ, MM, REU 10/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; HP 10/5; LAW 10/10; JP, MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The IDF sends tanks, armored bulldozers into Gaza to carve out a 1-mi. buffer zone around Aley Sinai, flattening 100 dunums of Bayt Lahia's agricultural land, demolishing 7 PSF posts, and shelling a PSF jeep, killing 4 PSF officers, 2 Palestinian farmers. Some 6,000 Palestinians turn out for the funeral of 1 of the Hamas mbrs. who perpetrated the 10/2 raid. Elsewhere, Palestinian gunmen open fire on Jewish settlers celebrating Sukkoth in Hebron, wounding 2; fire on a vehicle nr. French Hill settlement in East Jerusalem, wounding 2 settlers. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron, Satih Marhaba; occupies the roof of a Palestinian home in Hebron as an observation post; sets up 3 new checkpoints in East Jerusalem. (al-Haq press release, JP [Internet], MEZ, MM, REU 10/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; HP 10/5; LAW 10/10; JP, MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The PFLP elects Ahmad Sadat as its new gen. secy., replacing Mustafa, who was assassinated by the IDF on 8/27. (PFLP press release 10/3)

Hizballah fires mortars at 2 IDF positions in Shaba` Farms, causing no injuries. (MM, WT 10/4; SAF 10/5 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/22)

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza continue demonstrations to mark the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. The IDF clashes with protesters, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding more than 100. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The main hot spots are Hebron, Qarni crossing, Rafah. Inside Israel, 1,000s of Israeli Arabs hold rallies in Arraba, Haifa, Jit, Kafr Manda, Kafr Qana, Nazareth, Sakhnin, Umm al-Fahm; demonstrations in Nazareth, Umm al-Fahm turn violent with protesters clashing with police, vandalizing stores, but no injuries are reported. The IDF directs shell, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Bireh, Brazil camp, Hebron, Khan Yunis, Yibna; sets fire to a Palestinian orchard nr. a bypass road outside Nablus; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Ramallah. Jewish settlers install a tower, water reserve, electricity hook-up to a new settlement enclave btwn. Suisa, Ma'on settlements. (HP 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/9; MM, WT 10/1; Independent, NYT 10/2; WJW 10/4; LAW 10/10)

Israel, the PA each complain that the other has not undertaken the steps required in the initial 48 hr. stage of the Tenet plan. Sharon meets with his inner cabinet, which agrees to allow Peres to continue truce talks with PA officials, but says it will resume "initiated actions" in 48 hrs. if violence continues. (HP 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/9; MM, WT 10/1; Independent, NYT 10/2; WJW 10/4; LAW 10/10)

The IDF kills a total of 6 Palestinians, wounds more than 100 (at least 50% with live ammunition) in confronting demonstrations across the West Bank, Gaza marking the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. (In Nablus alone, 10,000 Palestinians rally.) A 7th Palestinian dies in a mysterious explosion. The worst fighting is in Hebron (where the IDF shells residential areas, killing 2; and Palestinians fire on 2 vehicles, lightly injuring 2 Jewish settlers), Qarni crossing, Rafah (where an IDF tank reportedly fires into a crowd, killing 3 Palestinians). In Rafah, some 150 Palestinians clash with PSF officers attempting to disperse demonstrators, vandalize 3 empty PSF offices. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Salfit. Jewish settlers destroy 100 dunams of Palestinian crop land, several greenhouses nr. Mihula. (HP, MM 9/28; HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; Le Monde 9/29 in WNC 10/2; HP, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM 10/1; IRNA 10/3 in WNC 10/4; HA 10/21)

Despite increasing violence, Israel, the PA reconvene the trilateral security comm. for the 1st time since 7/25. Arafat issues another statement calling on Palestinian to adhere to the cease-fire. (AFP, MM 9/28; HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; MM 10/1)

Arafat, Peres meet at Gaza airport; issue a joint statement (see 9/20) restarting phased implementation of the Tenet cease-fire plan as the 1st step toward implementation of the Mitchell recommendations for resuming negotiations. A comm. led by Peres, PC speaker Qurai` is to oversee implementation. Arafat, Peres plan to meet in 1 wk. to assess progress. Israel also demands that the PA immediately arrest 108 wanted Palestinians. (AP, HA, JP [Internet], MM, WP 9/26; ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds, XIN 9/26 in WNC 9/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/27; QA, al-Quds 9/27, MA 9/28, al-Quds 9/29, MA 9/30 in WNC 10/1; NYT 9/28; NYT 10/2; JP 10/5; MEI 10/12)

Meanwhile, a large bomb explodes at an IDF post on the Gaza-Egypt border, lightly injuring 3 soldiers. In response, the IDF shells residential areas of Rafah throughout the day, damaging homes; sends tanks and bulldozers into Rafah in an overnight operation in which soldiers demolish 14 Palestinian homes, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding 31. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinian demonstrators nr. Gaza airport, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 9; shells residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis. This evening, as it does annually, Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza for Yom Kippur; the closure is to be lifted on 9/28. A PA court sentences 3 Palestinians to death for collaborating with Israel. (AFP, BBC, HA 9/26; AFP, HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/27; AFP, MM 9/28; MEI 10/12)

In response to Islamic Jihad gunfire in the Jordan Valley that leaves a Jewish settler dead, Peres sides with Sharon against holding a mtg. with Arafat. Fatah tanzim leaders, a senior mbr. of the Fatah-linked AMB state that, despite Arafat's recent calls, they will continue to view the IDF and settlers in the West Bank and Gaza as legitimate targets. Palestinians fire 1 mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. Israel's new 18 mi. buffer zone along the Green Line n. of Jerusalem goes into effect. The IDF bulldozes 20 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Oranit settlement; declares the Hebron market a closed military zone; begins work on a new settlement bypass road to Kefar Darom, damaging agricultural land, water networks belonging to Dayr al-Balah residents; conduct arrest raids in villages around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Salfit; confiscates 1 Palestinian home in Harmala for use as an IDF outpost; reinforces the closure on Jinin. (HP, Los Angeles Times [Internet], MM 9/24; CNN, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; al-Quds 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

The U.S. freezing assets of 27 individuals, organizations with reported links to Bin Laden; threatening to freeze U.S. assets of foreign financial institutions that do not follow suit. Affiliates of Hizballah, Palestinian opposition groups are not included. (NYT, WP, WT 9/25)

The Israeli-Palestinian temporary cease-fire generally holds, though scattered violence is reported. Despite personal appeals by Arafat envoys, Hamas and Islamic Jihad say that they will continue to target Israeli occupation forces (i.e., troops, settlers) in the territories, though they will halt attacks inside Israel as long as Israel continues to suspend its assassination policy. A Force 17 mbr. is shot dead in Hebron. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinian gunmen fire on the Jewish enclave in Hebron; in response the IDF shells a residential neighborhood in the Palestinian section of the city, injuring 9. Palestinians throw 6 hand-made grenades at an IDF post on the Rafah border causing no injuries; the IDF fires on residential areas of Rafah in response. A roadside bomb explodes outside Oranit settlement, injuring 2 settlement security guards. (AP 9/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/20; WP 9/21; NYT, WT 9/23; HP 9/24; LAW 9/29)

Bush continues building an international coalition against Bin Laden, focusing on Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as the primary land bases for any military operation. Bush admin. officials say that the 1st high-level quarrels have developed over the scope, timing of a military response to the 9/11 attacks, with some urging a focused attack on Bin Laden and the Taliban, others pressing for a broad military campaign that would also target other "countries of concern" such as Iraq. (NYT, WP 9/20; WP 9/21)

Under extreme pressure fr. the U.S., Israel agrees to pull tanks, troops out of and away fr. PA-controlled areas (including Jinin), halt assassinations. Arafat orders the PSF to use "maximum self-restraint," hold their fire even if attacked; threatens opposition groups with harsh reprisals if they stage any attacks inside Israel. Sharon still demands 48 hrs. of complete quiet before he will authorize Peres-Arafat talks. Israeli-Palestinian clashes taper of dramatically, but incidents are still reported. The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. Nablus; demolishes equipment, buildings in the Gaza port; fires on 6 Palestinian schools in Hebron, injuring 11 students, parents. (MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/19; ATL, Interfax 9/19 in WNC 9/20; WJW 9/20; SA 9/20 in WNC 9/26; Jerusalem Times, WP 9/21; MEI 9/28; LAW 9/29)

At least 60 IDF tanks take up positions outside Jinin, shell residential areas, killing 1 PSF officer and wounding 4 in what Palestinians fear is the 1st stage of a major retaliation for the 9/9 Nahariya bombing. The IDF also enters PA-controlled areas of Gaza City; shells residential areas of Rafah; reinforces positions outside Nablus, Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in al-Arub, Bayt Qad. Jewish settlers place caravans on a new site east of Kefar Darom; dig trenches, topple electricity poles in the Palestinian section of Hebron. Overnight tonight, the IDF seals the PA intelligence and security offices in Azariyya, a DFLP office in Abu Dis. (HP 9/10; BBC, MM, NYT 9/11; MEI 9/14; LAW 9/20; MEI 9/28)

Powell phones Peres twice to press Israel to move ahead with cease-fire talks with Arafat. Israel, the PA discuss the issue throughout the day, agreeing that Arafat and Peres could meet as early as 9/11 but differing over the venue. Talks are suspend around midnight without agreement. (AFP, HP, MM 9/10; AFP, AN, MA, MENA 9/10, MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/12; NYT 9/12, 9/13)

In an apparent assassination attempt on senior Fatah official Muhammad Mansur, the IDF fires rockets into the Fatah headquarters in a residential area of Ramallah, causing no injuries. Mansur left the building just before the attack. Nr. Rafah, an explosion in a building known to be used by tanzim mbrs. leaves, 1 tanzim mbr. dead, 1 injured; the tanzim accuses Israel of carrying out an assassination. Israel admits to the attempt on Mansur, but denies staging the Rafah incident. The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun, al-Bireh, Dura, Nablus, Rafah; closes roads around Khan Yunis, the al-Mawasi area; occupies a Palestinian home in al-Khadir; raids, shuts a secondary school in Baqa` al-Sharqiyya; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa, Jinin, al-Khadir, Tulkarm, Yabid. Armed Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian shops in Hebron, causing serious damage but no injuries; IDF soldiers do not intervene. (HP 9/8; WP, WT 9/9)

The WCAR closes after agreeing on a final statement that expresses concern over the "plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation," endorses the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in secure and independent states, recognizes the right of refugees to return to "freely return to their homes." Israel says it is "satisfied" with the text. (Globe and Mail, HP 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/9; MENA, al-Quds, SAPA 9/9 in WNC 9/10; WT 9/10; JP, MEI 9/14)

Severe Israel-Palestinian clashes take place in Hebron, leaving 2 Palestinians dead, 22 injured; 2 IDF soldiers are injured by a small bomb. In response, the IDF rockets, destroys a PSF office in nearby Dura, injuring 3 Palestinians. The PFLP detonates 4 bombs (2 in West Jerusalem, 2 in the settlements of Gilo, French Hill) lightly injuring 5. (MM 9/3; LAW, MM, NYT 9/4; HA 9/7)

As debate on the text of the WCAR final statement continues, Israel, the U.S. withdraw their delegations, saying the conference has been "hijacked" by the Arab states and converted into a forum for extremist diatribes against Israel. (MM 9/3; SAPA 9/3 in WNC 9/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/4; AFP, MENA 9/4 in WNC 9/5; MM 9/5; AP, WJW 9/6)

The IDF sends tanks into the Palestinian section of Hebron after a day of intense clashes, which leave 5 Palestinians seriously wounded. An explosive device detonates at the Golani Junction in the Galilee; Israeli police arrest 4 Israeli Arabs for staging the attack in collusion with tanzim mbrs. fr. Jinin. (WT 9/1; JP [Internet] 9/5)

The wk.-long UN World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) opens in Durban, South Africa. Of the 166 countries participating, only Canada, Israel, the U.S. do not sent high-level delegations to protest efforts by Arab states to condemn Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as racist. (HA 8/31; WP, WT 9/1; MENA, al-Quds 9/1 in WNC 9/4; WP 9/3; JP 9/7) (see Peace Monitor)

Israel-Palestinian clashes in the Bayt Jala-Gilo area continue to escalate, spread to neighboring Aida refugee camp, leaving 13 Palestinians wounded. European Union (EU) foreign policy dir. Javier Solana shuttles btwn. Arafat and Peres, discussing the idea of a limited cease-fire that would incorporate an IDF withdrawal fr. the area. (Arafat, Peres speak directly by phone; Powell phones Sharon, Arafat.) This afternoon, the PSF sets up new roadblocks around Bayt Jala to deter Palestinian gunmen fr. entering. After 5 hrs. without gunfire, the IDF begins to leave Bayt Jala. Solana urges Arafat, Peres to discuss expanding the Bayt Jala-Gilo understandings into a full cease-fire. (BDL, HP, MM 8/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/30; WJW 9/6)

Meanwhile, the settler group, the Committee for Road Safety, fatally shoots a Palestinian in the West Bank. Nr. Tulkarm, tanzim mbrs. fatally shoot an Israeli civilian; the IDF fires on Palestinians, killing 1, wounding 4. The IDF also sends tanks into Rafah; bulldozes 2 Palestinian homes, agricultural land in Dayr al-Balah; reinforces tanks, bulldozers outside Khan Yunis; demolishes a PSF post, erects a new IDF checkpoint on the Rafah-Khan Yunis road. 15 Jewish settlers (mostly women and children) attack Palestinian vendors in the Hebron market; IDF soldiers watch but do not intervene. (HP 8/29; HP, NYT, WP, WT 8/30)