The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians harvesting olives in the Masafer Yatta area, injuring 2. Israeli settlers also attempted to kidnap a child in Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Elsewhere, armed Israeli settlers posing as soldiers vandalized a mosque in Menizel. Israeli forces raided Nur Shams refugee camp and attacked it with drones, killing 13 Palestinians, including 5 children, banned movement in and out of the refugee camp, and uprooted pavement with bulldozers. An Israeli soldier was killed in an IED explosion and 9 others were wounded. Israeli forces also shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 minors, during raids in Budrus, Tulkarm, and Dheisheh refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 16 others during a raid in Budrus and al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished the family home in Qibya of a Palestinian alleged to have killed a settler before he was shot and killed by Israeli forces near Kafr Qaddum on 7/6. Around 184 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Ramallah, Dheisheh refugee camp, Tubas, Beita, Qalqilya, al-Eizeriya, Umm Safa, and Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, including 50 Palestinians workers from Gaza staying in Dheisheh refugee camp who had been expelled to the West Bank. In Gaza, around 285 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces also assassinated the first female member of the Hamas political bureau Jamila al-Shanti, the head of the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committee Rafat Harb Hussein Abu Halal, and Hamas’ Jehad Mheisen. Israeli airstrikes also bombed the 12th century Church of Saint Porphyrius, killing at least 8 people sheltering in it and targeted 5 bakeries, killing many people waiting to purchase bread. Rockets were fired at Israel; no fatalities were reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces shot and killed a journalist and injured 1 other in Hula. Israeli forces also attacked parts of South Lebanon with combat helicopters and killed 3 people it claimed were firing anti-tank missiles at Israel. Israel said 30 rockets were fired at Israel. (AJ, HA 10/18; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/20)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 3,785 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 1,524 children, and 12,500 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. It is estimated that hundreds are still trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 81 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 22 children. More than 1,434 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,562 have been injured since 10/7. The number of Israelis killed rose from 10/18 as Israel released the names of Israelis killed on 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 21,900 housing units have been destroyed and 121,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting around 30% of all homes in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists said 21 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 17 Palestinians, 3 Israelis, and 1 Lebanese. (AJ, HA 10/18; AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 10/19)

The UN reported that 74 Palestinian households, comprised of 545 people, have been displaced from Bedouin communities in Area C of the West Bank due to settler violence and access restrictions. (BTselem, UNOCHA 10/19)

Haaretz reported that on 10/12 a group of 20-25 Israeli settlers and soldiers abducted 3 Palestinians from the depopulated Wadi al-Seeq community before assaulting, undressing, and urinating on 2 of them, putting 1 of their faces in feces, and attempted to sodomize 1 of them. The 3 Palestinians were abused for 6 hours before they were dropped off at an abandoned building and photographed. The settlers and soldiers also stole their phones, a car, and $544 in cash. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident and 1 commander of the military unit was suspended. (HA 10/19; MEMO, TOI 10/20)

Palestinian officials said that Israeli authorities have warned that Israeli forces will target the Gaza Power Plant if it tries to resume operations. (UNOCHA 10/19)

Palestinian officials also said Israel has arrested 4,000 workers from Gaza, holding them in military bases, and have arrested 1,070 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, doubling the total number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. (AJ 10/21)

An Al Jazeera investigation into the bombing of al-Ahli Arab Hospital found that evidence presented by Israel misrepresented the event, ruling out that footage used by Israel showed a misfired rocket hit the hospital and saying that no footage from live streams suggest that rockets were fired from Gaza at the moment of the bombing. (AJ 10/19)

The U.S. said it had intercepted 3 cruise missiles and several drones fired by Houthi forces in Yemen. The Defense Department said the missiles and drones were heading north in the Red Sea, potentially toward Israel. Rockets and drones also attacked the U.S. Ain al-Asad air base and another compound hosting U.S. military forces near Baghdad International Airport. It was unclear who attacked the bases. (AJ 10/18; HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 10/19; AP, HA 10/20)

Egyptian machinery reportedly entered Gaza to repair roads near the Rafah crossing to facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid. However, Hamas denied that repairs had begun. Israel has bombed the Rafah crossing at least 4 times since 10/7. At least 100 trucks are waiting to enter Gaza near the crossing while others are waiting at El Arish Airport. UN officials said UN observers will inspect aid to Gaza before it enters through the Rafah crossing (AJ, AP, REU 10/19)

Israel said Hezbollah has granted Hamas permission to fire rockets at Israel and “will bear the consequences.” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told soldiers near the Gaza fence to get ready for a ground invasion. (AP, HA, REU 10/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. (WAFA 10/19)

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak traveled to Israel for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. Sunak said upon his arrival that he “stands with Israel” and that the UK is on the forefront of the effort to avoid further escalation of the conflict. 6 UK nationals were killed in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and 9 are still missing. Sunak also met with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, who called Israel’s targeting of civilians in Gaza “a heinous crime and brutal attack.” Sunak will later travel to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. (AJ 10/18; AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/19)

In an Oval Office address, U.S. president Joe Biden compared Hamas to Russian president Vladimir Putin and his attack on Ukraine, saying both want to annihilate their neighbors. Biden further claimed that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields and said he had told President Abbas he supports the Palestinian people. Biden also said he will send an “unprecedented” aid package for Israel to Congress for approval. The package was reportedly worth $14 billion. Israel had asked the U.S. for weapons, including precision-guided munitions, JDAMs, Iron Dome replenishment, and mortar shells. The U.S. Senate unanimously adopted a resolution affirming Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning Hamas and Iran. 10 Republican senators said they will introduce legislation to redirect $100 million in planned humanitarian aid to Palestinians to replenishing the Iron Dome. House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said he had received a briefing that suggested the al-Ahli Arab Hospital bombing was caused by a rocket misfired by Islamic Jihad. California governor Gavin Newsom said he was traveling to Israel. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/19; HA, REU 10/20)

Turkish media reported that the Israeli ambassador and other Israeli diplomats have left the country. (HA 10/19)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said the PA should take control of Gaza after Israel concludes its attack. (AJ 10/18)

Russia said it will deliver 27 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza via Egypt. Germany said it would donate $52.91 million to the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and UNWRA to help Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ 10/18; HA 10/19)

AP reported that Hamas may have used North Korean weapons during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, including F-7 rocket-propelled grenades. (AP 10/19)

A CBS News/YouGov poll found that 53% of U.S. Democrats and 55% of Independents believed that the U.S. should not send additional weapons and supplies to Israel, while 56% of all those polled disapproved of President Biden’s handling of the war. (HA 10/19)

More than 400 U.S. congressional staffers signed a letter saying they were “profoundly disturbed” by the lack of humanity extended to the Palestinian people by the U.S. Congress. Huffington Post reported that State Department officials were preparing a letter of dissent to the Biden administration’s approach to the war. (HA 10/19)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Israel has been included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program effective immediately, despite Israel’s entry to the program being scheduled for 11/30. (AP, HA, NYT 10/19)

Many countries urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. (AJ, AJ, HA 10/19)

The Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria in Texas said it had determined that it cannot host the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights’ (USCPR) national conference, citing security risks to its staff and guests. Texas governor Greg Abbot called USCPR “Hamas supporters.” The Council of American-Islamic Relations canceled a banquet at the Marriott Crystal Gateway hotel in Arlington, Virginia, after receiving bomb threats. (AP, HA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers carried out excavations at a water spring in Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians and injured 1 other during a raid in Jaba’. Israeli forces also assaulted 2 minors in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in al-Yamun. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin, Silat al-Harithiya, Sabastia, Beita, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Makassed Hospital in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City, injuring 4. In the Tel Aviv, an Israeli police officer shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he shot and injured 3 Israelis; 1 of the Israeli victims succumbed to his injuries on 3/20. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant ordered the military to demolish the Palestinian perpetrator’s family home. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, PCHR, PCHR, REU, REU, SKY, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; WAFA 3/10; MDW 3/14; PCHR 3/16; UNOCHA 3/19; HA 3/20)

The U.S. granted Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich a diplomatic visa for his trip to Washington D.C. where he will address the Israel Bonds summit. It had been reported that the State Department had been discussing if the U.S. should deny Smotrich entry to the country over his remarks in support of the settler attacks in Huwwara on 2/26, which the U.S. called “irresponsible, disgusting, and repugnant.” (ALM, AX, HA, MEE 3/9; MDW 3/10; MDW 3/11)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin met with Defense Minister Gallant in Tel Aviv. Austin told reporters that diplomacy is the best option to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Austin also expressed concern about settler violence in the West Bank. Austin also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, REU, REU 3/9; ALM, GDN 3/10)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia wants U.S. security guarantees and assistance in building a civilian nuclear program in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel. (HA, NYT 3/9)

More than 90 Democratic members of the U.S. Congress signed a letter to U.S. president Joe Biden urging him to pressure the Israeli government not to undermine its judicial branch, to scale-down Israeli raids in the West Bank, and not to annex the West Bank. (HA 3/9)

EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell wrote an op-ed in Project Syndicate, saying that European and Arab states must start being more engaged in pursuing peace between Israel and Palestine as U.S. efforts have not brought peace any closer. Borrell wrote that he and other EU representatives have already taken an initiative to start talks with Saudi Arabia and the Arab League. Borrell also criticized Israel for allowing settler violence against Palestinians, not protecting civilians during military operations, expanding settlements, and eroding the status quo at the holy sites. (PS 3/9; WAFA 3/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives near Qaffin, assaulting 1 and stealing olive harvest. Israeli forces fired tear gas at a home in the Masafer Yatta area, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian farmers in Sinjil, causing tear-gas related injuries. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Bireh, Abu Dis, Nabi Samwil, al-Ram, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bani Na‘im, Hebron, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stole olive harvest in Wadi al-Juz. 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Palestinians in several cities and villages in the West Bank marched in solidarity with the relatives of members of the militant group the Lion’s Den who have had their travel permits revoked as collective punishment. (HA 10/18)

Haaretz reported that the U.S. department of homeland security informed U.S. congress in September that Israel does not meet the criteria for the Visa Waiver program. Congressperson Don Beyer (D-VA) circulated a letter telling his colleagues that Israel still does not meet the criteria as it does not extend visa-free travel to “all U.S. citizens and nationals.” (HA 10/18; WAFA 10/19)

UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese published a report calling for the UN to update its list of companies doing business in Israeli settlements and proposing an international protective presence to protect Palestinians against Israeli violence. (MEE 10/18; HA 10/20)

Singapore opened a representative office to Palestine in Ramallah. (WAFA 10/18)

The Australian foreign ministry announced that the country had reversed the former government’s recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying that the Australian embassy will remain in Tel Aviv and that Jerusalem is a final status matter. Israel said that it is considering retaliatory measures against Australia for its reversal. (AJ, HA, MEE, REU 10/17; AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; BBC, WAFA, WAFA 10/19; ABC, JP, MEMO, MEMO 10/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Nabi Salih and attempted to steal a Palestinian flag, leading to a confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinians; 1 was injured by a baton round and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers also set up a settlement outpost near Khirbet al-Farisiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with baton rounds, 1 with burns from a tear gas canister, and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Beit Umar and Qaryut, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also seized 1 excavator near Yatta. 2 Palestinians were arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence east of Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/3; WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israel released the director of Health Work Committees, Shatha Odeh, after arresting her on 7/7/2021. (WAFA 6/3)

The White House postponed president Joe Biden’s trip to Israel from later this month to July, saying it will be part of a broader trip to the Middle East that will include Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/1; AJ, AP, NBC 6/3; AX, HA 6/4)

80 Democrats in the U.S. Congress, led by David Price (D-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Joaquin Castro (D-TX), wrote a letter to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration to take action against efforts to undermine the 2-state solution. The Democrats mentioned 5 issues of concern, including settler violence and non-intervention by Israeli forces, settlement expansion, demolitions, increased funding for West Bank settlements, and the PA program for paying stipends to Palestinian prisoners. (HA 6/3)

In Iran, colonel Ali Esmailzadeh of the Quds Force died in an incident at his home in Karaj. Iran denied that Esmailzadeh was assassinated. Local reporting said Esmailzadeh fell from the roof or a balcony at his home. Esmailzadeh’s death follows an incident on 5/22 in which another Iranian colonel was assassinated and an incident on 5/25 in which an Iranian scientist was killed in a drone strike. Both of those incidents were reportedly linked to Israel. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett told International Atomic Energy Agency director Rafael Grossi in a meeting that “Israel reserves the right to self-defense and action against Iran to stop its nuclear program.” (AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA 6/3; NYT, TOI 6/4; REU 6/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shot and injured 2 Palestinians and injured 5 others with stones near Khalat al-Daba; 3 cars were also damaged. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Ur al-Tahta, al-Bireh, Jenin, Bethlehem, Husan, Dura, and Fawwar refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of 1 Palestinian prisoner in Wadi al-Juz and ordered its occupants to demolish it; municipality workers demolished parts of the inside of the home before leaving. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; HA, PCHR, WAFA 11/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh told reporters during a press conference in Ramallah that if Israel does not embrace a 2-state solution, it will result in a 1-state reality of “apartheid.” Prime Minister Shtayyeh reiterated his charge against Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, accusing him of a 3-no mantra: no to meeting PA president Abbas, no to peace negotiations, and no to a Palestinian state. (AP, HA 11/10)

Palestinian politician, nephew of Yasir Arafat, and former chairman of the Arafat Foundation Nasser al-Kidwa charged PA president Mahmoud Abbas with destroying the Arafat Foundation in an advance statement for the anniversary of Arafat’s death. Al-Kidwa said that President Abbas is destroying the foundation by dismissing its board and canceling its independence from the PA. (MEMO 11/11)

Israel claimed to have new evidence against the 6 Palestinian rights organizations recently deemed terrorist organizations by the state, based on a plea deal from a Spanish citizen who worked for Health Work Committee, which is not 1 of the 6 rights organizations in question. According to the indictment, some money raised by the woman was transferred to the PFLP without her knowledge. The woman, however, only said that she had suspected the organization acted on behalf of the PFLP. (AP, HA, JP, TOI 11/10; +972, MEE 11/11)

Israel, the U.S., Bahrain, and the UAE participated in a joint military drill in the Red Sea. The naval drill is scheduled to last for 5 days. (AJ, AP, HA, MEMO 11/11)

6 progressive-leaning members of U.S. congress, including Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Barbara Lee (D-CT), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Mark Pocan (D-MN) met with Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett during a J Street-sponsored trip to Israel and Palestine. Representatives Bowman and Pocan also visited Hebron and Susiya with Palestinian activist Nasser Nawajah and the executive director of Breaking the Silence Avner Gvaryahu. A bipartisan group of House representatives and senators led by Chris Coons (D-DE) also met with Prime Minister Bennett and PA prime minister Shtayyeh. Senator Coons said the group had asked Israel to provide more evidence against the 6 Palestinian rights organizations (see above). Members of the Democratic Socialists of America, of which Bowman is a member, debated whether to expel Bowman due to his participation in the meeting with Naftali Bennett and his association with J Street. In the end, the Democratic Socialists of America did not expel Bowman but said that it expected to see significant movement from him on Palestine if it was to endorse him for the 2022 elections. (HA, TOI, WAFA 11/10; HA, MEMO 11/11; FOX, HA, MDW 12/1; HA 12/3)

The U.S. Biden administration reverted to the voting pattern of the Obama administration on UNGA resolutions pertaining to UNRWA. The U.S., Cameroon, Canada, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Uruguay abstained on 1 resolution in support of Palestinian refugees’ right of return, while Israel was the only country that voted against. The U.S. and Israel were the only 2 countries to vote against a resolution calling for Israel to end its occupation of the Golan Heights. The U.S., Canada, Hungary, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, and Israel also voted against a resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity and evictions in East Jerusalem. (MEMO, WAFA 11/10; FOX, JNS, JP 11/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers in al-Ibrahimi Mosque during morning prayers at the advent of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Bayt Sahour, and Dura. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 11/5)

The PA requested help from the UN to get a baptismal font back that was seized by Israel near Bethlehem on 7/20 this year. The baptismal font dates back to the 5th century. (WAFA 10/29)

A large Israeli military drill in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights caused massive damage with some 1,500 dunams (400 acres) burned by fires sparked from the drill. (TOI 10/29; HA 10/30)

U.S. secretary of defense Mark Esper visited Israel, meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. Haaretz reported on 10/27 that Israel has requested F-22 fighter jets from the U.S., which are currently only used by the U.S. military. Meanwhile, the White House notified Congress of its intent to sell 50 F-35 fighter jets to the UAE as part of the normalization deal between Israel and the UAE. (AJ, HA, HA 10/29; LT 10/30)

The CEO of Golan Heights Winery in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights said in a statement that his wines will be sold in the UAE starting this week. The UAE does not recognize Israeli sovereignty in the occupied Golan Heights. (HA, REU 10/29)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced that U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem will be able to list Israel as the place of birth. The spokesperson for PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the U.S. decision. (HA 10/28; HA, REU, WAFA 10/29; AJ, IN, REU 10/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a tractor from a Palestinian farmer in al-Shuyukh. Off the coast of Gaza, 1 Palestinian fisherman was injured when Israeli naval forces fired rubber-coated bullets at him. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; PCHR 4/9)

11 members of U.S. congress issued a statement expressing concern about reports that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former political rival Benny Gantz had agreed to a unity government partly based on annexation of parts of the West Bank. The statement said that the effects of such an annexation “could yield additional [coupled with the COVID-19 virus] catastrophic consequences for all parties in the region and beyond.” The 11 members issuing the statement were David Price (D-NC), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Yarmuth (D-KY), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Andy Levin (D-MI), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Deb Haaland (D-NM), and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX). (David Price 4/8; WAFA 4/9)

The UK contributed with $1 million and materials through UNICEF and the World Health Organization to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the West Bank and Gaza. (WAFA 4/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian herders in al-Twana, injuring 1 who was treated at a hospital. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In Gaza, Israel struck targets belonging to Hamas after a rocket was fired at Israel. Israeli authorities said it believed that Hamas operatives did not fire the rocket. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 3/27; WAFA 3/28; HA 3/29; PCHR 4/2)

In a letter to the U.S. State Department, 6 senators from the Democratic Party urged the Trump administration to release the funds allocated to humanitarian aid for Palestinians by U.S. congress to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Congress had allocated $75 million in aid to Palestinians for the 2020 fiscal year. The 6 senators who signed the letter were Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT). (WAFA 3/28; HA, HILL 3/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a shack housing 11 people east of Yatta. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar, al-Shuyukh, and Dahaysha refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith during a house raid in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland on 2 separate occasions east of Khuza‘a and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions off the shore of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/28)

Israel’s attorney general Avichai Mendelblit announced that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in the corruption cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. (HA, HA, NYT 11/21; CNN 11/22)

107 members of U.S. congress signed a letter sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticizing the decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal under international law, announced on 11/18. The letter was initiated by Andy Levin (D-MI) and expressed “strong disagreement with the State Department’s decision to reverse decades of bipartisan U.S. policy on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.” The members of congress further warned that the U.S. administration’s policies have “discredited the United States as an honest broker between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.” (HA 11/23)

The Netherlands announced that it will stop paying $1.5 million yearly in aid to the PA because of the stipends the PA pays to families of Palestinian prisoners and families of Palestinians killed by Israel. Israel frames these payments as “terrorist salaries.” The head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Association said, “From a Palestinian perspective, the payments are meant to assist the families of Palestinians who are imprisoned by Israel for various political charges.” Pro-Israel lobbies in the Netherlands have tried to persuade the country from contributing to the PA. (AJ, HA 11/21)

The United Arab Emirates announced a new $12.5 million contribution to UNRWA. (WAFA 11/21)

Dozens of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to launch fireworks at IDF troops on the other side of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Amid the demonstrations, unidentified Palestinians attempt to fire a mortar into southern Israel. It lands short of the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to swim from Gaza to Israel. They also open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers break into a Palestinian high school in Urif village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes; several Palestinian minors are lightly injured. Separately, settlers smash the windshields of a number of Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara village near Nablus; assault a Palestinian journalist and a Palestinian activist in central Hebron (no serious injuries are reported). IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Ramallah; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; JP, MNA, MNA 2/11; PCHR 2/14)

PA minister for civilian affairs Hussein al-Sheikh says that the Trump administration has asked U.S. and international banks to stop working with the PA in an effort to pressure the Palestinian leadership into accepting their long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan. “Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the [PA],” he says. “The sanctions began with preventing the transfer of an Iraqi grant worth $10 million, which was handed over to the Arab League recently. The League has not been able to transfer it because all banks have refused to accept it for transfer to the [PA’s] finance ministry or the national fund.” (AFP, TOI 2/11)

Haaretz reports that Israeli government officials have informed the Jerusalem District Court of their intention to invoke a legal justification approved by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in 12/2018 to retroactively authorize several settlement housing units build on Palestinian land near the Ariel settlement. Mandelblit’s justification allowed for such retroactive authorizations if the initial allocation of Palestinian land was done in “good faith.” (HA 2/10)

U.S. representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of the first members of the U.S. Congress to openly support the BDS movement, sends a tweet in response to a story about Israeli influence in U.S. politics: “It’s all about the Benjamins baby.” Her tweet draws criticism and allegations of anti-Semitism from many Democrats and Republicans. (NYT, WP 2/11)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire on a group of Palestinians approaching the border fence, causing 3 to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Separately, IDF troops stationed e. of Rafah open fire on agricultural lands nr. the border fence, causing damage. In 2 incidents off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations to commemorate Land Day, upcoming on 3/30, and protest Israel’s occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 10 Palestinians are moderately injured. The Israeli soldiers also cut off a main waterline into Kafr Qaddum, denying the village water for several hours. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinian and international activists gathering in Abu Dis at the site of the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron, arresting 1 Palestinian; conducts patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 each nr. Jenin and Jericho. (MNA 3/27; PCHR 4/2)

The Israeli PM’s office announces that it is unfreezing tax revenue transfers to the PA that it has held as a punitive response to the Palestinian accession to the ICC since 1/2015. A statement announcing the move says that the total will be reduced by an undisclosed amount to pay portions of the PA’s debts to Israeli utility providers, such as the IEC. The PA FM criticizes the announced deductions, saying in a statement that they are “an unjustified and illegal procedure that could cause complications.” (AP, HA, JP, NYT, TOI 3/27; AFP, WAFA 3/28; JP 3/29)

French FM Fabius announces that, now that the 3/17 Israeli election has passed, he plans to explore the prospect of introducing another United Nations Security Council (UNSC) res. laying out parameters for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Meanwhile, an EU spokesperson announces that Hamas will remain a designated terrorist organization pending a decision on an appeal of the General Court’s 12/17/2014 removal of Hamas from the list. Similarly, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which the U.S. claims funneled money to Hamas, has been removed from the list since it was last published in 7/2014. (AFP, AP, HA, REU, TOI 3/27; AFP 3/28)

The PA unity govt. delegation led by PM Hamdallah meets with Fatah and Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip, concluding its 3-day trip. (MNA 3/26) The Egyptian attorney, Samir Sabri, who filed the original motion to designate Hamas a terrorist organization in Egypt withdraws his case, saying he hopes to remove “obstacles which Egypt’s political leadership might face in serving its role in the Palestinian reconciliation.” The Court of Urgent Matters, which designated Hamas a terrorist organization 2/28, is expected to reconsider its initial ruling, though it was only in part based on Sabri’s motion. (AHR, MNA 3/27)

The 28th regular session of the UNHRC concludes today after a mo. of meetings, with the council having agreed on 3 res. on the Palestinians. They reaffirm the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, confirm Palestinian rights to sovereignty over their natural resources, and condemn ongoing settlement growth in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (TOI 3/27; MNA 3/28)

PA Pres. Abbas arrives in Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt, to participate in an Arab League summit on 3/28 and 3/29. Ahead of the summit, the Arab League agrees to send a delegation to Washington to lobby the U.S. Congress and promote the Arab Peace Initiative. (WAFA 2/25; MNA 3/27; HA 3/28)

Off the coast of Gaza nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF floods an olive grove outside Bethlehem during a drill. The IDF also conducts house searches and raids in 1 village each nr. Tubas, Nablus, and Jenin, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes nr. Jenin; arrests 5 Palestinians in a village nr. Bethlehem; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 5 nr. Ramallah, and 2 each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya. A group of Palestinian youth affiliated with Fatah steal a Tnuva milk truck and dump its contents in the middle of al-Manara Square in Ramallah. Tnuva is 1 of the 6 Israeli companies targeted by the boycott initiated by the National Comm. against Israeli Punitive Measures on 2/9. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in the Old City and al-‘Izzariya, arresting 5 Palestinians and issuing summons to 3. In n. Israel, Israeli police arrest 68 Palestinian workers who have been sleeping and laboring in Israel without permits. (MNA, WAFA 3/2; MNA 3/3; PCHR 3/5; HA 3/9)

Israeli state prosecutors tell the High Court of Justice that they are no longer pursuing the punitive demolition of the Silwan home of the Palestinian alleged to have shot and injured right-wing activist Yehuda Glick, leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement, on 10/29/ 2014. The prosecutors argue, instead, for the man’s room to be blocked off. (TOI 3/2)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry meets with Hamas officials in Gaza and proposes a 3–5-year hudna, or truce. (AFP, HA 3/2; HA 3/9)

In Washington, Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses the AIPAC conference, saying he has a “moral obligation” to warn the U.S. Congress on 3/3 of the dangers of a potential deal with Iran. Hours later, U.S. Pres. Obama tells Reuters that Netanyahu’s trip to the U.S., and the way it was organized, is a distraction, but not “permanently destructive” to the U.S.-Israel relationship. (NYT, YA 3/2; HA 3/3)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif and Iran’s atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi in Montreux, Switzerland, for 3-day negotiations over Iran’s nuclear weapons program. (TOI 3/1; REU 3/2)

While in Switzerland, Kerry speaks in front of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva and urges its mbrs. to end their “unbalanced focus” on Israel. (AP, JP, NYT, TOI 3/2)

In Gaza, a Palestinian is killed when he triggers an unexploded piece of Israeli ordnance nr. Rafah. The man’s brother is critically injured. Twice off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya and Gaza City, Israeli naval forces fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians nr. Gaza City attempting to cross the border into Israel to find work. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah; 3 Palestinians are injured with live ammunition, tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in and around Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 6; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. They also arrest 1 Palestinian outside a settlement nr. Salfit and 2 at checkpoints in Hebron. Israeli settlers destroy 180 olive saplings nr. Hebron and bar Palestinian farmers from tending their lands nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Ras al-Amud and al-Tur, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian youth throwing Molotov cocktails. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/28; HA, MNA, YA 3/1; PCHR 3/5)

Egypt’s Court of Urgent Matters designates Hamas as a terrorist organization, banning it from Egypt, after having declared the group’s armed wing, IQB, as such on 1/31. Hamas criticizes the decision, with 1 official saying it “serves the Israeli occupation.” (AJ, AP, BBC, MNA, TOI, YA 2/28; MNA 3/1)

Iranian FM Zarif criticizes Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 3/3 address to the U.S. Congress as an attempt to undermine the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. (AP, REU, YA 2/28)

In the Gaza Strip, around 200 Palestinians violently protest outside the UN’s headquarters in Gaza City against UNRWA’s 1/27 suspension of its cash assistance program. The protest was organized by a Hamas comm. IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage. Unknown assailants set fire to a Fatah official’s car in Gaza City. Also, dozens of Palestinian health professionals gather outside the Ministry of Health building to protest unpaid salaries. In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth is moderately injured when he sets off a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance left over after recent IDF exercises nr. ‘Ayn al-Hilwa in the Jordan Valley. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City. An Israeli settler attempts to kidnap a Palestinian youth in Silwan, moderately injuring him in the attack. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 1/28; HA, MNA, PCHR 1/29; HA 1/30; PCHR 2/5)

Hours after the IDF retaliated to projectile fire from Syria on 1/27, Hizballah fighters fire an antitank missile from inside Lebanon at an IDF convoy in a disputed area along the border nr. Shaba‘ Farms, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7. The IDF responds with artillery fire, killing a Spanish peacekeeper with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). About an hour later, Hizballah fires mortars at several IDF positions in the area, causing no injuries. The IDF responds again by firing between 25 and 50 artillery shells and conducting IAF flyovers. Following the exchange, Hizballah and the Israeli govt. then exchange messages through UNIFIL expressing the desire to avoid further escalation. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/28)

U.S. House of Reps. minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calls Israeli PM Netanyahu and asks him to postpone or cancel his planned 3/3 congressional address. Netanyahu also speaks to Sens. Harry Reid (D-NV), the minority leader, and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), a prominent supporter of Israel. (RC 1/28; JP 1/29; HA 1/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Juhur al-Dik, where they level land close to the border fence and then withdraw. In the West Bank, the IDF injures 5 Palestinians nr. Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah during clashes which result from Palestinians trying to stop Jewish settlers throwing stones at cars nr. the camp. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, Nablus, and Jenin r.c. at night. They patrol in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, as well as 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki confirms that U.S. peace process envoy Martin Indyk participated in 1 of the sets of meetings between Israelis and Palestinians that have taken place since the resumption of talks in 7/2013 (though without specifying which one). Meanwhile, Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah says that a 2d group of Palestinian prisoners could be freed by Israel by the end of 9/2013. (JP, REU 9/1)

Secy. of State John Kerry tells U.S. television networks that the govt. has proof sarin gas was used in a recent Damascus chemical weapons attack, urging Congress to vote for military action against the Asad regime. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition coalition issues a statement asking Congress to approve the strike. In France, Interior Minister Mauel Valls says that his govt. would not go it alone in Syria and will wait for the decision by the U.S. Congress. (AFP, AP, REU 9/1)

Egypt’s chief prosecutor orders ousted pres. Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders to stand trial on charges including inciting violence and murder. The new regime also names a constituent assembly and gives it 60 days to review amendments that would erase articles brought in by the Brotherhood and other Islamic parties last year. (NYT, REU 9/1)

The U.S. says it has more evidence linking Bin Laden to the 9/11 attacks. Laying the groundwork for a military response, Bush labels the attacks "acts of war," begins to rally "an international coalition to combat terrorism." The U.S. presses Pakistan in particular to cooperate with any U.S. military action against neighboring Afghanistan, Bin Laden's base of operations. Congress adopts (100-0 in the Senate, 408-0 in the House) a joint resolution that the admin. says frees the White House from having to seek a formal declaration of war to carry out military action. (AP 9/12; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA, al-Ra'i 9/13 in WNC 9/14; Dawn [Islamabad] 9/17; MM 9/19; MEI 9/28)

Israel sends 22 tanks into Jinin and nearby Arraba and Tamun. Tanks shell targets while F-15s, F-16s drop bombs, killing 8 Palestinians, wounding 50, leveling the PSF headquarters and 2 Force 17 office in Jinin, 2 PSF offices in Arraba and Tamun. Among the dead are 3 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. who barricade themselves in a building in Arraba during an IDF arrest sweep, are killed when the IDF shells the building. IDF soldiers also open fire on 2 taxis nr. Gaza's al-Mahatin Junction, killing 2 Palestinians, injuring 8; arrest Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Ahmad Zagayr (Fatah) in his Jerusalem office, take him to the Russian Compound prison; direct heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Khadir, Khan Yunis; bulldoze Palestinian land for a new settler bypass road to Gush Katif; reinforces troops around Nablus; conduct arrest raids in Arraba, Hizma. A Jewish settler is killed by a Palestinian sniper nr. Qalqilya. (HP, MEZ, MM 9/12; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/14; al-Quds 9/13, SA 9/14, al-Majallah 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WP 9/14; PMC 9/15; MEI 9/28)

Housing M Ben-Eliezer says Israel will go ahead with confiscations of Arab-owned lands despite growing outcry; land will be expropriated as part of 5-yr. plan to build 30,000 new apartments in Jerusalem. FM Peres says confiscations are necessary to accommodate "natural growth" of Jerusalem's Jewish population. (MA 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/10)

As way of solving current dispute over expropriations, FM Peres suggests confiscating land in Jerusalem for Arab housing. Palestinians across political spectrum denounce idea. (QY, VOP 5/9, QY, RE 5/10 in FBIS 5/10)

PA postpones 1st mtg. of new Palestinian-Israeli Jerusalem Comm. on land expropriations until 5/14 because Israel will not set agenda for discussions. Comm. is headed by Arafat advisor Husseini, Israeli Police M Shahal. (VOP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11; VOP 5/14 in FBIS 5/15) (see 5/8)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright criticizes Arab League call for UN to debate Israeli land confiscations, says it is not the proper forum, threatens to veto any resolution or statement on the issue. (MM 5/11; al-Hayat 5/12 in FBIS 5/15; JP 5/13; CSM 5/15)

Sen. Dole, Rep. Gingrich submit identical bills to Congress that would force Clinton to begin ground-breaking on new embassy site in Jerusalem before end of 1996, to open embassy by 5/31/99, under penalty of cutting in half total State Dept. construction funds for FY 1997, FY 1999. Secy. of State Christopher calls legislation "ill-advised and damaging" to peace process. Arafat, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid urge against move. (MM 5/9; al-Hayat 5/9 in FBIS 5/10; NYT, WP, WT 5/10; NYT, WP, WT 5/11; NYT 5/18) (see Doc. D8)

American Jewish Congress issues letter to Congress in support of Dole initiative on U.S. embassy. Americans for Peace Now sends letter to Congress urging them to not support bill. (MM 5/10)

Arafat releases 2 Hamas mbrs., 21 other Palestinian prisoners arrested following bombings in April to mark Id al-Adha; promises more releases soon. (WT 5/10)

Christmas Eve celebrated in Bethlehem with display of Palestinian flag, message fr. PLO Chmn. Arafat. (NYT, WP, WT 12/25)

IDF It. col. killed, 2 IDF soldiers wounded in ambush by Palestinians, presumed mbrs. of Hamas, in Gaza Strip. In separate incident, masked Palestinian stonethrower killed by IDF in Bayt 'Umar, nr. Bethlehem. (Qol Yisra'el 12/24 in FBIS 12/27; NYT, WP, WT 12/25)

Arab League Sec.-Gen. Ismat 'Abd al-Majid sends letter to U.S. Congress saying boycott of Israel will be lifted only after Israeli withdrawal fr. o.t. (MENA 12/24 in FBIS 12/27)

New York Times reports Iraq is encountering increasingly serious shortages in the gov't. food rationing program; declines of 25% to 50% in amount of basic food items are reported [NYT 1/2].

4 Palestinians are killed in clashes with IDF as many defy curfews to celebrate 26th anniversary of 1st military operation of Fateh [JPD 1/2 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/2; LAT 1/3].

In New Year's speech, Pres. Mubarak warns Saddam Hussein that "the decision for peace rests in your hands" and that wrong decision would mean "sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children" [NYT 1/2]; Iraq rejects Mubarak's warning [LAT 1/2].

In Washington, American Civil Liberties Union and 51 other organizations call on Congress to adopt resolution to prevent Pres. Bush from starting war without congressional approval [LAT 1/2].

Arab League completes its move to permanent headquarters in Cairo (cf. 1/2) [KUNA 1/2 in FBIS 1/3].

Israeli Labor party doves propose initiative calling for unconditional withdrawal of Israel from Gaza Strip within 2 years after approval of plan; Gaza would be handed over to UN or local gov't. [MEM 1/2].

Israeli authorities arrest 3 prominent Palestinian leaders and order them imprisoned without trial; Radwan Abu Ayyash and Ziad Abu Zayyad are ordered held for 6 months in "administrative detention," while Gaza physician Ahmed Yaziji is ordered to serve 1 year in detention [JDS 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; WP, NYT 11/14].

Iraqi envoys visit Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya to discuss Baghdad's conditions on attending possible Arab summit-conditions reportedly include that Baghdad be consulted in advance on agenda, that timing and location be such that Saddam may attend, and that the Gulf crisis be discussed in context of regional "security" issues, including Israel-Palestine conflict [WP, NYT 11/14].

Pres. Mubarak begins 2-day visit to Libya to discuss Gulf crisis with Col. Qaddafi [CDS 11/14 in FBIS 11/14; WP 11/14].

Sec. Baker says Saddam threatens the "economic lifeline" of the West and U.S. military deployment is justified to protect American jobs: "[An] economic recession world- wide, caused by the control of one nation ... of the West's economic lifeline will result in the loss of jobs on the part of American citizens" [WP, NYT 11/14].

U.S. military advisors are helping remnants of Kuwait army regroup and train for possible battle with Iraq [NYT 11/14].

Congressmen from both parties call on Pres. Bush to convene special session of Congress to discuss Gulf crisis; White House says it opposes such a session [NYT 11/14].

According to New York Times, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have suspended some $40 million in monthly contributions to the PLO because of PLO's support of Iraq [NYT 10/18].

Expressing concern that U.S. could go to war against Iraq while Congress was in recess, Senate Foreign Relations Committee demands Pres. Bush obtain congressional approval before taking military action. Demand is rebuffed by White House and Sec. Baker, who says the pres. will "consult" with Congress if need be [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 10/18].

For. Sec. Hurd says he failed to convince Israelis to accept UN team investigating Haram al-Sharif incident; 28 prominent Palestinians cancel scheduled meeting with Hurd after local press reports 10/16 comments; Hurd says papers misinterpreted his comments [MEM 10/17; NYT, WT 10/18; JDS 10/17 in FBIS 10/17, 10/18].

Egypt's most prominent newspaper Al-Ahram assails King Hussein as co-conspirator with Saddam, saying King Hussein acknowledged in an interview with New York Times he knew in advance of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Al-Ahram's version of the interview is at odds with the Times article, which says King Hussein knew of the invasion only at 6:00 am on 8/2 [NYT 10/18].

Arab League emergency session, called for by Palestine to discuss Haram al-Sharif shootings, opens in Tunis (cf. 10/18) [SPA 10/17 in FBIS 10/18].

Military Action:

Four IDF soldiers wounded in bazooka attack in Hamra district of West Beirut; Israel begins trucking half of captured PLO weapons to Israel despite Habib Agreement specifying all captured arms to be turned over to Lebanese Army; IDF dividing rest of arms between Lebanese Army and pro-Israeli Phalange.

Casualties:

ICRC estimates 293 bodies recovered to date in Shatila, still others buried in rubble of bulldozed homes and in mass grave 300 yards from IDF observation post.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon, testifying before parliament, says IDF coordinated entry of Phalangists into Shatila camp, let them pass through IDF lines around camp, fired flares to illuminate camp during massacre, says Gen. Drori, suspicious of Shatila events, temporarily suspended Phalangist activities but let them stay after meeting later in day; Likud Bloc defeats opposition motion to set up independent board of inquiry 48-42 after reluctantly agreeing to allow internal investigation; West Bank Civil Administrator Menachem Milson resigns over failure to investigate the massacre; Knesset defeats Labor motion to initiate full debate on decision to send IDF into West Beirut; Peace Now protesters expelled from Knesset gallery; general strike halts activities of 400,000 Palestinians in Israel; 64 are injured, at least 12 shot, during protests in Nazareth.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Army denies Eitan charge they refused to enter camps, assert they were to move into camps on schedule drafted by Wazzan; Army also denies IDF claim that many PLO fighters still in camps; Arafat, in first public appearance since the massacre, says Reagan betrayed him, claims IDF troops directly involved in killings by providing bulldozers to militia groups.

Arab Governments: Arab League, after 5-hour emergency meeting, accuses US of moral responsibility for massacre, issues PLO more financial backing.

US and Other Countries: Amnesty International asks UN to investigate massacre, asks Israel and Lebanon to cooperate; strong criticism of Israel in Congress, Senator Helms (D.-NC) says it would be "beneficial" if Begin resigns; congressional mail is strongly anti-Israel and beginning to call for US to use aid to force Israel to withdraw; Bnai Brith, American Jewish Committee, and American Jewish Congress call for inquiry into massacre.

Military Action:

US Marines sail from Naples to Beirut; IDF continues to pull out troops from Beirut, but continues house-to-house searches for militia and arms; IDF troops seen loading trailer trucks with captured vehicles, weapons, PLO files, materials from Arab banks; Algerian government charges IDF soldier stormed Algerian embassy in Beirut, stole documents; IDF denies it flew Haddad forces to Beirut for operations in camps; IDF lifts curfew imposed in South Lebanon following Gemayel assassination.

Casualties:

Burj al-Barajneh residents say Lebanese Army demanded they disarm as condition for Army protection, and then Army disappeared; rumors of massacre sweep camp so residents leave camp at night to sleep elsewhere; Haaretz reports Phalange was given IDF aerial photographs of Sabra and Shatila, that forces involved were commanded by top Phalange liaison officer with IDF in Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli government accepts redeployment of multinational force in Beirut, but refuses to specify deadline for IDF withdrawal or to establish inquiry into massacre; Palestinians in Israel, West Bank, and Gaza stage strikes at schools and businesses, stone bus and several police stations, burn tires on highways to protest massacre; 2 Israeli policemen wounded, 8 Palestinians arrested; strikes 95 percent effective, but broken in Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus when Israeli soldiers force open store windows; disturbances in Bethlehem and Israeli-Palestinian towns of Taibeh, Kaukab, Sakhnin, where residents carried pictures of Arafat; demands for national inquiry into massacre grow; Begin still staunchly opposed; Begin sends congratulations to Amin Gemayel as president-elect of Lebanon, still hopes for peace treaty.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says Begin and Sharon are not Jews because such a massacre is outside Jewish morality and tradition; Arafat meets Saudi King Fahd in Jiddah, says Reagan personally responsible for massacre because Habib had given the PLO a signed guarantee for security of Beirut and its people; Amin Gemayel, elected Lebanon's President by 77 of 80 votes, calls for national unity; several Phalange militia commanders refuse to accept Amin's authority.

Arab Governments: King Hussein charges US with "direct moral responsibility" for massacre, supports Reagan's peace initiative but rejects Camp David structure for negotiations and peace talks with Begin government; Arab League emergency meeting accuses US of moral responsibility for massacre but stops short of endorsing PLO-sponsored call for sanctions against US.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration officials get wary approval for dispatch of Marines from House Foreign Affairs Committee, which sees Israel bearing some responsibility for massacre; Congressman Crockett blames Israeli government and US for "aiding, abetting" massacre; Congressional opposition to increasing aid to Israel grows as Begin refuses to open inquiry; Habib meets Mitterrand on way back to Lebanon.

UN: PLO persuades non-aligned group to call for one-day special emergency General Assembly session to request a UN inquiry; Jeane Kirkpatrick says she will oppose any such inquiry unless Lebanese Government supports it.