The Palestine Chronology

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at a high level, leaving 3 Palestinians dead; 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. IDF helicopters shell 5 PSF targets in Jinin, Tulkarm. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Azza refugee camp, Hebron, Jinin, Khan Yunis, Nablus, Rafah. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at Gadid settlement in Gaza, causing no injuries. (LAW 5/19; HP, NYT, WT 5/20; NYT 5/21; PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25)

The Arab League convenes an FMs mtg. to discuss Israel's sharp escalation of violence against the Palestinians on 5/18, issues a statement calling on Arab states to halt all political contacts with Israel as long as Israeli violence, blockages continue. (AP 5/19; MENA 5/19, JT, MENA, RMC 5/20 in WNC 5/21; NYT, WT 5/20; JT, al-Quds 5/21 in WNC 5/22; MM 5/22; WJW 5/24; MENA 5/28 in WNC 5/30)

In Netanya, Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber kills 5 Israelis, injures 110. After dark, Israel sends F-16s to drop 1,100-lb. bombs on PA security targets in Gaza City, Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm, killing 12 Palestinians, wounding 90--marking Israel's 1st use of warplanes against the Palestinian areas since the 1967 war. (Sharon makes the decision to use F-16s in a mtg. with FM Shimon Peres and DM Benjamin Ben-Eliezer; he has not met with his security cabinet in 3 wks.) An IDF officer is also killed when his car is ambushed in the West Bank. Britain, European Union (EU), Russia, the UN, the U.S. condemn the sharp escalation; urge PA, Israeli leaders to bring violence to a halt. (AP, BBC, HA, JP [Internet], MM, REU 5/18; AFP, Interfax 5/18, al-Quds 5/19, JT, MA, RMC 5/20 in WNC 5/21; LAW, PCHR, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; QA 5/19, El Pais (Madrid) 5/22 in WNC 5/23; HP, NYT, WT 5/20; al-Ra'i 5/20, MA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; MM 5/21 PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25; MEI 6/1)

The UN Security Council (UNSC) accepts UN Secy.-Gen. Kofi Annan's 5/2 proposal for a staged reduction of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops. (UN press release 5/18)

Israel's Internal Security M Uzi Landau says Sharon is escalating Israel's response to Palestinian unrest and may resort to "all-out" combat if violence continues apace. The IDF sends bulldozers into Rafah to demolish several greenhouses; tanks covering the bulldozers fire several shells. The IDF also shells a PSF post in Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids in Aqraba, Nablus. Palestinians fire several mortars at Jewish settlements in Gaza, hitting 1 home but causing no injuries. (Globes 5/17 in WNC 5/18, 5/21; WP, WT 5/18; PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes, now in their 8th mo., continue, with Israel Defense Force (IDF) increasingly striking Palestinian targets and entering areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority (PA) without provocation so as to "keep them guessing and [have] them spend more time defending themselves" and with Palestinians stepping up their sniping at soldiers and settlers and firing of mortars (especially in Gaza). To date, around 511 Palestinians, 82 Israelis have been killed. Today, 1 Palestinian is shot dead by IDF troops. The IDF also shells the PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) offices in Jabaliyya, Jinin; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis; sends tanks, bulldozers into 2 PA-controlled areas in Gaza, occupying a multistory building in al-Qarara nr. Gush Katif settlement and a factory in Dayr al-Balah. IDF soldiers at a checkpoint on the Nablus-Ramallah road halt a Red Crescent ambulance en route to pick up a critically ill patient, severely beat 3 medics, empty the ambulance and damage supplies; the harassment ends when the International Comm. of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervenes. (AFP [Internet], HP 5/16; MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 5/17; LAW, WT 5/18)

The IDF concedes that the 5/14 attack on a PSF post in Beitunia that left 5 PSF officers dead was a "blunder" and that the area was quiet when soldiers attacked. (WP 5/17; AN, HJ 5/17 in WNC 5/18, 5/21; HA, NYT 5/18)

PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbuh appeals to Congress to support the recommendations of the Mitchell Comm., the U.S.-led international inquiry into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada headed by fmr. U.S. sen. George Mitchell. The comm.'s preliminary report (submitted to Israel and the PA on 5/1) suggests a two-pronged approach to restoring calm based on Israel halting all settlement construction, the PA making a 100% effort to halt violence. The comm.'s final report is expected in 1 wk. The State Dept. says Secy. of State Colin Powell is considering meeting with Sharon, Arafat on the sidelines of his trip to Africa, Europe 5/22+n30. (WT 5/18)

In Washington, U.S. Pres. George W. Bush holds a strategy session on the Middle East with his top foreign policy advisers, including Secy. of State Powell, Secy. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, National Security Adviser (NSA) Condoleeza Rice. Powell advocates using the recommendations of the Mitchell Comm. and the Jordanian-Egyptian initiative as the base for a cease-fire plan. Both plans call for a full freeze on settlement construction, which admin. officials claim they cannot directly demand from Israeli PM Ariel Sharon. (MM 5/16; MM, NYT 5/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue to escalate. In Rafah, the IDF assassinates Islamic Jihad activist Muhammad `Abd al-Al, firing wire-guided missiles fr. helicopter gunships at his truck. (2,000 Palestinians attend his funeral later in the day.) After an Islamic Jihad sniper kills an IDF soldier nr. Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem in retaliation, the IDF fires missiles, tank shells, machine guns, grenades at Palestinian residential areas of the city, damaging 15 homes and wounding 8 Palestinians, including a 2-yr.-old girl, 3-mo.-old baby. The IDF also eases open-fire regulations; shells residential areas of Aida camp, Bayt Jala, Nablus; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in al-Khadir, 1 in al-Tur. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) detonates a car bomb nr. an IDF patrol outside Qeddumim settlement, causing no injuries. In Hebron, Jewish settlers blow up 4 Palestinian shops; afterward, the IDF bulldozes the buildings, surrounding area to create a buffer around the Abraham Avino settlement. Palestinians fire homemade mortars at the Qarni industrial zone. In Jerusalem, a Palestinian attacks, injures an IDF soldier, steals her M-16. (JP [Internet] 4/2; AFP, MA 4/2 in WNC 4/3; MA 4/2, QA 4/4 in WNC 4/5; HP, JP [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/3; NYT 4/4; MEI 4/6; NYT 4/7)

In Washington, Mubarak briefs Bush on the Jordanian-Egyptian "nonpaper" (see 4/1), urges him to support the proposal and to become more involved in the peace process. Bush says the nonpaper ideas should be discussed; the U.S. can "facilitate" talks btwn. Israel, the PA, but it "can't force a peace." Bush also urges Egypt to return its amb. to Israel. (MM 4/2; MENA 4/2, JT, MENA, al-Quds 4/3, MENA, al-Ra'i 4/4 in WNC 4/5; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/3; WJW 4/5; MEI 4/6; MENA 4/6 in WNC 4/9; MENA 4/11 in WNC 4/12; WJW 4/12)

The State Dept. certifies PLO compliance with the Oslo agmts. for the period 6/16/00+n12/15/00, saying PA security coordination with Israel was very high prior to 9/28/00, it is uncertain to what degree PLO or PA officials were actively involved in starting or encouraging violence after 9/28. (JP [Internet] 4/4; MM 4/10; MM 5/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Israeli commandos enter a PA-controlled area A for the 1st time, capture 6 Force 17 mbrs.; Israel says more such raids could follow. The PSF reports that the IDF in Gaza has deployed additional tanks and numerous troops to 24 new posts along the length Green Line, at key intersections. In Nablus, a Palestinian sniper kills an IDF soldier. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In Hebron, the IDF places a curfew on Palestinians as Jewish settlers hold the funeral for a 10-mo.-old baby killed on 3/26. The settlers, many of them armed, march through the city, attacking Palestinian property, calling on Sharon to declare war. They attempt to storm Abu Sunayna but are held back by IDF troops. When 1 settler opens fire, the IDF fires on Abu Sunayna, thinking the shots came fr. Palestinians. The IDF also shells residential areas of Aida refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur, Nablus, Rafah; demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in Bayt Dajan; bulldozes an olive grove nr. a settler bypass road nr. Salfit, 10 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya to expand Alfe Menashe settlement. Israel, however, reopens the Erez industrial zone (see 4/30), allowing 3,000+n4,000 Palestinian workers to return to their jobs. (NYT, WP, WT 4/2; Globes, SA 4/2 in WNC 4/3; JP [Internet], MM, WP 4/3; SA 4/3 in WNC 4/5; LAW 4/4; AYM 4/5 in WNC 4/6; MEI 4/6; MM 4/12; JP 4/13)

Sharon secretly dispatches his son, Omri Sharon, and his adviser Yossi Ginossaur to Ramallah to discuss resuming security coordination, possible cease-fire arrangements with Arafat. (MA 4/3, 4/4 in WNC 4/5; MM 4/4; HA, MM, NYT 4/5; NYT, WP 4/6; MM 4/9)

FM Peres arrives in Stockholm where he holds "quiet contacts" with senior PA officials, including PA Planning M Nabil Shaath, on a Jordanian-Egyptian proposal (reportedly presented orally to Israel last wk.) for implementing a cease-fire and resuming political negotiations. (AFP, MA 4/3 in WNC 4/5; MM 4/4)

After Israel announces it is ending its "policy of restraint," Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify sharply, leaving 6 Palestinians dead, 136 wounded. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at PA-controlled areas in Hebron, in the heaviest barrage there since the beginning of the al-Aqsa intifada. Serious clashes are also reported in Gaza and in Nablus, where 10,000 Palestinians rallying to mark Land Day clash with IDF troops, who shoot dead 5 Palestinians. The IDF also directs shelling, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Bireh, Jinin, Rafah, Tulkarm; confiscates 100 dunams of land nr. Qalqilya for a new settlement bypass road. Frustrated with Israeli security checks, Palestinian workers at Erez industrial zone riot, prompting Israel to close the zone--an unprecedented move since the purpose of the zone is make Palestinians who work there and the businesses that employ them (60% of which are Israeli-owned) immune to closures. (AP, HP, LAW 3/30; NYT, WP, WT 3/31; Sunday Times [London], WT 4/1; HJ 4/1 in WNC 4/5; Globes 4/2 in WNC 4/3)

In Sakhnin, Israel, 10,000 Israeli Arabs participate in a peaceful Land Day rally--the 1st major protest since the 10/00 demonstrations, which were violently suppressed by Israeli police, who, this time, are ordered to intervene only if protesters block major roads. Major Land Day commemorations are also held in Jordan, Lebanon. (HP, MM 3/30; NYT 3/31; JT 4/1 in WNC 4/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving a total of 6 Palestinians, 2 Israelis dead. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a nail bomb at a bus stop just inside Israel, nr. Qalqilya, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 4. Hamas, and a previously unknown group named the Popular Army Front Return Battalions claim responsibility. Israeli sappers disarm bombs in the Israeli cities of Petah Tikva, Netanya. This evening, after the Arab summit ends, Sharon orders air, land, sea strikes against Force 17 targets in Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliyya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Ramallah, killing 3 Palestinians, injuring 62. Nr. Beitunia, a Palestinian woman is shot dead by IDF troops. In Rafah, a Palestinian boy is killed when he triggers unexploded IDF ordnance. The IDF reinforces its troop presence around Abu Sunayna in Hebron with 8 tanks, 15 troop carriers, numerous military jeeps and 3 new outposts; shells residential areas in Nablus; confiscates 28 dunams of Palestinian land in Beitunia to expand an IDF post; bulldozes Palestinian land in Mount Jarzim, Wadi Silqa. Israel issues demolition orders for 19 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem for construction of the "ring road" linking the Jewish settlements around Jerusalem; 658 dunams of Palestinian land is slated to be bulldozed for the project. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property in Bayt Furik, Hebron, Silat Dahir. Settlers fr. Ma'ale Adumim, Kefar Atsion reportedly move into the Israeli controlled section of Hebron to reinforce settlers there. In Hebron, the PSF arrests a local Fatah mbr. for the 3/26 shooting that killed a settler baby. (BBC, CNN, HP, MM, REU 3/28; AFP, ATL 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; AFP, Interfax, MENA, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; LAW, MM, WP 3/30; MA, MENA, al-Safir 3/30 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/3; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/15 in WNC 4/16; WP 4/23; al-Ahram [Internet] 4/26)

The Arab League summit closes. Arab states approve a $240 m. emergency aid for the PA over the next 6 mos. (MM 3/28; HJ 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP 3/29; JT 3/29 in WNC 3/30; HJ 3/29 in WNC 4/3; al-Ra'i 3/30, Star 3/31, JT 4/1 in WNC 4/2; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/10 in WNC 4/12)

2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber, injuring 35 Israelis. Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for both attacks. Right-wing opposition MKs, Jewish settlers accuse Sharon of not taking Israeli security seriously and demand retaliation, with Likud Education M Limor Livnat saying Arafat should be targeted. Sharon's office says Israel will respond "at the time and place we choose." (AFP [Internet], MM 3/27; ITAR-TASS 3/27 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP 3/28; WJW 3/29; AFP 3/29 in WNC 3/30; JP, MEI 4/6)

In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. In Hebron, Jewish settlers attempt to storm Abu Sunayna for a 2d day, are push back by the IDF (which continues to urge Palestinian residents to evacuate the area). After dark, the settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned stores, 7 cars, Waqf offices in the PA-controlled section of Hebron. Jewish settlers place caravans on confiscated Palestinian land on Mount Jarzim in Nablus. Israel arrests 2 Israeli border policemen for beating, torturing a Palestinian at a checkpoint into Israel earlier today. (MM 3/27; HA, HP, NYT, WP 3/28; AFP [Internet], NYT 3/29; MEI 4/6)

The 1st full Arab League summit in 12 yrs. opens in Amman. The agenda covers the peace process, aid to the Palestinians, Arab solidarity, inter-Arab economic ties, sanctions on Iraq. (MM 3/27; AN, DUS, JT, SA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AYM 3/27, HJ, JT, SA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JP, MEI 4/6)

On the sidelines of the Arab summit, Syrian pres. Asad meets with Arafat, marking the 1st senior-level Palestinian-Syrian mtg. since 1993. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JT, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; DUS 3/30 in WNC 4/2; al-Majd 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AYM 4/2, HJ 4/3 in WNC 4/5; JP, MEI 4/6; MM 4/20)

After a week of negotiations on 2 compromise proposals fail, the U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution backing a UN observer force to help protect the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza. (AP 3/27; XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; WP 3/28; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/29; al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; al-Quds 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Hanun, Hebron, Nablus. Also in Hebron, Jewish settlers stone Palestinians, beat 3 Palestinian journalists working for AFP. (WP, WT 3/11; LAW 3/17)

The PC holds its 1st full session since the al-Aqsa intifada began. Arafat appeals to the new Israeli government to resume peace talks, acknowledges Israel's "need for security and safety," but does not call for a halt to the clashes, as Israeli officials had hoped. (NYT, WP, WT 3/11; JT 3/11 in WNC 3/13; al-Quds 3/11 in WNC 3/15; HA, MM 3/12; MEI 3/23)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, killing 1 Palestinian. The most severe fighting is around Ramallah, where Palestinians protesting the continued encirclement of Ramallah (see 3/7) clash with IDF soldiers. In Tulkarm, 15,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally denouncing Sharon's inauguration, calling for more suicide bombings in Israel. IDF soldiers outside `Ayn Arik nr. Ramallah bar Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michael Sabbah, several priests fr. entering the village to perform mass. The IDF also shells residential areas of Nablus, Rafah; bulldozes 10 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom; detains several Jewish settlers suspected of shooting a Palestinian. (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem press release 3/9; NYT, WT 3/10; MM 3/12; LAW 3/17)

After the Knesset approves his 7-party coalition, Sharon is sworn in as PM of Israel. The Knesset also passes a preliminary budget for 2001, a measure switching back to the 1-ballot voting system. The 7 parties in the unity government are Labor, Likud, One Nation, Shas, National Union Party, Yisrael Ba'Aliya, Yisrael Beitainu. Sharon's cabinet is the largest in Israeli history. (HA, JP [Internet], MM 3/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MM 3/9; MA, SA 3/9 in WNC 3/13; WT 3/10; WP 4/1)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza. Hrs. after Sharon's swearing in, the IDF digs a trench, erects an earthen barrier on the Birzeit-Ramallah road, completely encircling Ramallah. Electricity, water lines to Birzeit University are cut. The IDF also tightens the closures on Bayt Lid, Bethlehem, al-Kifriyat, Nablus, Ramin, Safarin, Shufa, Tulkarm, Zayta; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, Shaykh Ajlin; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave on confiscated Palestinian land nr. Nablus. (HA, HP, LAW 3/7; HA 3/8; WP, al-Quds 3/12; JT 3/13 in WNC 3/14; HA 3/15; al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/20; MEI 3/23; Middle East Report 3/28; HJ 4/10 in WNC 4/18)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint that she was barred fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Nablus. Palestinians detonate 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF convoys in Gaza, wounding 1 soldier. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Bayt Hanun; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, Netzarim Junction, Shaykh Ajlin. YESHA settlers council call on the government to assassinate or expel Arafat. (HP 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27; WT 2/28; WJW 3/1; AYM 3/3 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/9)

The Labor party central comm. votes (67% to 32%, with more than half of the 1,675 mbrs. not voting) to join a unity government led by Likud's Sharon. Likud says it offered Labor 8 cabinet posts (including DM, FM), equal say in determining security and diplomatic policy. (MM 2/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; HA, MM 2/28; al-Ra'i 2/28 in WNC 3/2; MEI 3/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell stops in Saudi Arabia, then heads to Damascus to meet Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, who agrees to funnel Iraq's revenues oil transported through Syria's pipeline to the UN oil-for-food program. (MM 2/26; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MM 2/28; SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9; JT 3/9 in WNC 3/11)

The State Dept.'s annual human rights report criticizes Israel for using "excessive force," committing "numerous serious human rights abuses" against Palestinians; faults PA forces for participating in, or at least failing to prevent, violence. (NYT, WP 2/26; WT 2/28; AYM 2/28 in WNC 3/5; WJW 3/1; MM 3/14)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. After Palestinians fire 4 homemade mortars at Dugit, Aley Sinai settlements in Gaza overnight, the IDF seals the Strip, blocks roads across Gaza to divide the Strip in half, punitively destroys 2 PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) outposts. Later in Gaza, 2 large roadside bombs explode on roads used by IDF convoys, lightly injuring 1 soldier. The IDF shells Palestinian residential areas in Bayt Lahia (destroying 1 PSF outpost, severely damaging a 2d), al-Bireh, Jinin; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Bayt Lahia, Nablus, Netzarim Junction; conducts arrest sweeps in Surif. Israel says it plans to ease the closure on the West Bank, Gaza further (see 2/20) by allowing food and medicine in, letting agricultural goods out, facilitating the transportation of patients for medical care in Israel. Israel, however, denies exit visas to several Palestinian Council (PC) mbrs. who are scheduled to attend an Arab parliamentary conference in the UAE. (HA, HP 2/23; WP, WT 2/24; LAW 3/1)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A remote-controlled car bomb goes off in Mea Sherim, West Jerusalem, injuring 1 Israeli; the Palestinian Popular Resistance Forces claim responsibility. IDF soldiers raid Marda village nr. Nablus, entering homes, photographing and interrogating Palestinian men, harassing their families, tossing 60 percussion grenades. The IDF also shells residential areas in al-Bireh and Satah Marhaba, severely damaging or destroying 3 Palestinian homes, 15 apartments, al-Hayat al-Jadida offices, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society headquarters. (LAW 2/8; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/9; QA 2/9 in WNC 2/13)

The Bush administration formally abandons Clinton's 12/23 peace proposals, saying they belonged to the fmr. pres. and are irrelevant now that Sharon has been elected PM of Israel. Barak also sends a letter to Bush stating that proposals raised by Pres. Clinton at Camp David and afterward are no longer binding. Secy. of State Powell says the Bush administration will look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the context of its impact on the region, not as an isolated issue. Incoming National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice says future negotiations should be left to the Israelis, Palestinians. Bush, Powell phone Arafat for the 1st time, urge him to reduce violence. Sharon says he is encouraged by the U.S. actions. (HA, JP [Internet], NYT, WP 2/9; AFP 2/9 in WNC 2/13; NYT, WT 2/10; HJ 2/12 in WNC 2/15)

Fearing an escalation of Israeli-Palestinian clashes because of a planned funeral march today fr. Jerusalem to a West Bank settlement for a Jewish settler killed 2/1, the IDF tightens the encirclement of all West Bank towns excluding Jericho and Qalqilya. 100s of Palestinians rally in Nablus to protest. The Israeli DMin. orders the IDF to identify roads that have been the target of frequent Palestinian attacks, allow Palestinians to travel those roads only by public transportation. The IDF also steps up patrols along roads during peak hrs. 1 Palestinian dies from injuries received earlier. (JP [Internet] 2/2; NYT 2/3; HA 2/4; LAW 2/8)

The IDF begins bulldozing an area outside Bayt Sahur in Jerusalem for work on a new road. In 1998, Israel's Jerusalem Municipality approved the site for one of the few new developments for Palestinians in the city, the 150-unit Mazmoriyya housing project. (Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People press release 2/2)

The UN reports that Israel appears to be extending its border fence into Lebanon beyond the divided border village of Ghajar, effectively annexing 400 m². Israel vows to halt the construction, move the fence. (HA 2/2; NYT 2/3; MEI 2/9) (see 1/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Another ailing Palestinian dies en route to a Nablus hospital when her family's car is turned back fr. an IDF checkpoint, forced to take a longer route to the hospital. A group of IDF soldiers in the Israeli-controlled section of Hebron assault a 14-yr.-old Palestinian whom they thought was making fun of him, beating him for 30 mins., leaving him unconscious. The IDF shells residential areas in Khan Yunis and Rafah, nr. Netzarim settlement, along Gaza's Salah al-Din road (destroying a Palestinian gas station); bulldozes 55 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land in Bayt Lahia to build a new settler bypass road linking the settlements of Dugit, Aley Sinai. (MEZ, WP 1/29; al-Ahram [Internet] 2/1; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Arafat gives a speech condemning Israel's military action against Palestinians. In Israel, Barak, angry over Arafat's words, vows there will be no further talks with the PA before elections. (AFP 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 1/29; al-Quds 1/29 in WNC 1/30; NYT, WP 1/30; al-Quds 1/30 in WNC 2/1; AYM 1/30 in WNC 2/5; al-Nahar 2/1 in WNC 2/13) (see 1/27)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Israel eases the closure on Gaza, partially reopening the Gaza airport, Rafah and Qarni crossings, key roads. In Gaza, 3 masked gunmen assassinate Palestinian Broadcasting Corp. (PBC) head Hisham Makki, notorious for his corruption, close ties with Arafat. Israel, the PA concurs that the gunmen were probably Palestinian. Jewish settlers continue to attack Palestinian property in Khan Yunis, as they have since 1/14. Armed settlers also bar Palestinians fr. leaving or entering Bayt Furik for a 2d day. The IDF conducts arrest sweeps in Dahiyat Barid, al-Ram, Silat Dahir; further restricts movement btwn. Jerusalem and Bethlehem/Hebron, arresting 60 Palestinian laborers returning fr. Jerusalem; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Tulkarm; bulldozes agricultural land nr. Nablus. (IsRN, MM 1/17; MENA 1/17 in WNC 1/19; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 1/18; NYT, WP 1/19; WJW 1/25; MA 1/25 in WNC 1/26; MEI, MM 1/26; JT [Internet] 2/1)

In Cairo, Arafat meets Israeli FM Ben-Ami, tells him the PA is ready to hold marathon talks aimed at reaching a peace agmt., or at least drafting a document citing agmts. and differences, by the 2/6 Israeli elections. (IsRN, MM 1/17; MENA 1/17 in WNC 1/19; MENA 1/17, 1/18 in WNC 1/20; MM, NYT, WT, YA 1/18; NYT, WP 1/19)

Israel declares it will not cooperate with a UNHRC inquiry into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada (see 11/22), arguing that the UNHRC comm. is unnecessary since the Mitchell Comm. is charged with the same task. (PA press release 1/22; JP [Internet] 1/26; BDL 1/31) (see 1/13)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same lower level as the past few days, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Israel says it will have to "see if the trend continues" before it can resume negotiations with the PA. 1,000s of Palestinians in Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm protest Arafat's acceptance of the Clinton parameters. The IDF moves the Maccabim crossing point on the Green Line a few hundred m. east into the West Bank. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Bayt Hanun, Dahaysha camp, Hebron, al-Khadir, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Tulkarm; razes 77 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Bayt Lahia (destroying 2 homes), 96 dunams nr. Dugit settlement (demolishing 10 homes). Jewish settlers block roads nr. Nablus. (AFP [Internet] 1/5; HP, WT 1/6; MENL 1/7; LAW 1/8; MEI, PCHR 1/12)

At Bolling Air Force Base (AFB) in Washington, the U.S. peace team hold separate preliminary mtgs. with the Israeli, the PA teams. (HA, JP, MM 12/18; AYM 12/18 in WNC 12/20; WT 12/19; AYM 12/19 in WNC 12/26; NYT, WP, WT 12/20; WJW 12/21; MEI 12/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 2 Palestinian dead. In Tulkarm, a senior Fatah mbr. is found stabbed to death in what the PA alleges to be another Israeli assassination. In Gaza, a top PSF officer is killed when he attempts to defuse an unexploded IDF shell. In Nablus, Jewish settlers open fire on a Palestinian high school, wounding 2 pupils. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Lahia, al-Bireh, Khan Yunis, Rafah; destroys a water network, 2 PSF posts nr. Bayt Lahia; bulldozes 25 dunams of Palestinian land in the Netzarim area. (LAW, PCHR 12/18; MENA 12/18 in WNC 12/20; LAW, NYT 12/19; MEI 12/22)

Israel suspends plans to allow 13,000 Palestinians into Israel to work, since only a handful of Palestinian requested permits. (MA 12/25 in WNC 12/27; MM 1/5) (see 12/14)

A UNSC res. calling for the deployment of 2,000 unarmed UN observers in the West Bank, Gaza fails to get the 9 votes needed to pass. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MM 12/20; al-Ra'i 12/20 in WNC 12/26; WJW 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate, leaving 8 Palestinians dead, including senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Sa'ir al-Khruf, who is assassinated by the IDF. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is detained by the IDF for over 1 hr.) In Nablus, 20,000 Palestinians attend a funeral for 3 of the dead killed overnight. Israel allows a small number of West Bank, Gaza Palestinians over age 35 to attend Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. Those that are barred scuffle with Israeli police who respond with rubber bullets, stun grenades, tear gas. The IDF also placed curfews on Salfit, Qasrah to conduct an arrest sweep. IDF directed shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Aida, Aqbat Jabir camp, Bayt Jala (damaging an elementary school), al-Bireh, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Ramallah (damaging the PA Local Government Min.), Tulkarm; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land across Gaza, in Qalqilya. In Rafah, the IDF fires a shell at a family protesting the bulldozing of their land, injuring 6 children. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property around Qalqilya, shoot at Palestinians in Silt al-Thahir (wounding 1). (ADM, LAW 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/16; PCHR 12/18; NYT 1/17)

Israel's Ben-Ami meets with Arafat at Erez to discuss resuming peace talks, holds follow-up mtg. with PA Information M `Abid Rabbuh in Tel Aviv. The State Dept. says that midlevel Israeli, PA negotiators may come top Washington the wk. of 12/18. (NYT, WP 12/16) (see 12/10)

In Gaza, over 30,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally in support of continuing the al-Aqsa intifada no matter what stand the PA regarding negotiations with Israel. (MEI 12/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In Nablus, IDF soldiers assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Mahmud Hamran. A 2d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. Jews settlers stone Palestinian cars outside Ofra settlement, destroy several Palestinian cars in Hawara, bulldoze 7 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis. Israel moves the Beitar Forest checkpoint marking the Green Line btwn. West Bank, Israel 300 m. to the east, effectively annexing a 5-dunam area to Israel. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Aida, Bayt Jala (damaging 8 homes), Bayt Jibrin, Dahaysha camp, al-Khadir, Khan Yunis (cutting off electricity), Rafah; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Dugit and Gush Katif settlements, Nablus, Ramallah. (LAW 12/11; BDL, NYT, WT 12/12; PCHR 12/18; HA 12/19; JP 12/22; WJW 12/28)

Israeli FM Ben-Ami flies to Paris to meet with 1 or more senior Arab officials in advance of U.S. special envoy Ross's meeting with Arafat in Rabat tomorrow. (MA [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 12/12; MA [Internet] 12/13; JT [Internet] 12/14; NYT 12/15)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Palestinian gunmen continue to snipe at Gilo, and the IDF again fires rockets back at Bayt Jala. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Rafah and at Palestinian fishing boats off the Rafah coast, injuring 1 fisherman. Jewish settlers in Hebron sever telephone wires, cutting phone service to about 1,000 Palestinians. Settlers also set fire to a Palestinian barn nr. Nablus, killing several goats. The IDF arrests 8 Palestinians in the West Bank village of al-Mughir; bulldozes 10s of dunams of Palestinian land btwn. Netzarim Junction and Qarni crossing, in the Rafah area, nr. Kissufim crossing. (LAW 12/5; AIC, IDF Radio [Internet], LAW, NYT, PCHR, WT 12/6; YA 12/7; PCHR 12/18)

The PA's Qurai` makes a low-key trip to Jerusalem to meet with Israel's Sher. (MA [Internet] 12/12) (see 11/29)

In Jordan, an Israeli emb. employee is ambushed, shot in the leg. (MM,NYT, WP, WT 12/6; AFP, JT 12/6 in WNC 12/8; MM, WJW, YA 12/7; DUS, Star 12/7 in WNC 12/12; WT 12/8; MEI 12/22) (see 11/19)

IDF soldiers manning the blue line fire across the border into Lebanon, wounding a Hizballah mbr. manning a checkpoint. IDF soldiers cross the border into Lebanon to treat the man until a UN medical team arrives. (MA 12/6 in WNC 12/8)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 4 Palestinians dead. In Gaza, IDF shells hit 2 ambulances, wounding 2 Palestinian Health Min. employees. The IDF bulldozes farm land nr. Hebron and directs tank, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Aida camp, Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahia (damaging 5 Palestinian homes, a water pump), Biqr al-Hummus, Jinin, Khan Yunis, Sudaniyya, Yatta. Jewish settlers severely beat an ambulance driver nr. Nablus; assault Palestinians in 6 villages in the Nablus area. Overnight, the IDF captures an armed Palestinian crossing into the West Bank fr. Jordan. Israel allows PSF officers to return to DCOs but complains that they are not actively coordinating. In Gaza, Arafat meets with Israeli tourism M Shahak to discuss security cooperation. (ADM, LAW 11/25; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 11/26; MA 11/26 in WNC 11/29; NYT, WP YA 11/27; HJ 11/27 in WNC 11/29; WP 11/28)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 2 Palestinians dead, including Hamas mbr. Ibrahim Bani Odeh, who dies when a car bomb rigged by the IDF explodes in Nablus. The 2d Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF in Gaza after a roadside bomb detonates nr. an IDF patrol. Palestinian gunmen open fire on an IDF post in Gaza, killing 1 IDF soldier. A 2d IDF soldier is killed when a bomb explodes at a District Coordination Office (DCO) in Gaza, where PA-Israeli joint patrols are based. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Rafah border terminal, destroying 1 Palestinian home. (LAW 11/23; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 11/24; HA 12/1; WJW 12/28)

Barak's security cabinet continues discussions on how to respond to the 11/22 Hadera bombing, rejects a list of Palestinian targets for retaliatory strikes, arguing that air strikes have had little deterrent effect on the Palestinians while damaging Israel's public image, that Israel should switch to "precision operations against specific targets." Following the DCO bombing today, Israel evicts PSF officers fr. all DCOs, officially severing all security coordination. Later, however, senior PA and Israeli security officials meet at Erez to discuss ways of halting further escalation of violence. (MM 11/23; MENA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MA [Internet], NYT, WP, WT, YA 11/24; al-Quds 11/26 in WNC 11/29)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 9 Palestinians dead, including senior Fatah official Jamal `Abd al-Razik, whose car is ambushed and strafed by IDF troops. Hrs. later, a remote-controlled car bomb explodes during rush hr. in Hadera, Israel, killing 2 Israelis, injuring 60. Although Arafat denounces the bombing, Barak blames the PA, vows Israel will "get even," convenes his security cabinet to discus how to respond; the cabinet recesses without taking a decision. The IDF sends more tanks into Gaza; dismantles the vegetable market in Hebron; bulldozes Palestinian land in Bayt Lahia, Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, Nablus; demolishes several homes nr. Kefar Darom, Gush Katif; takes over a home in Ajja for use as a new base. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of al-Bireh, Rafah (destroying 1 home, damaging 2). Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land and set fire to 2 factories in Tura al-Sharqiyya; bulldoze land nr. Qalqilya, Salfit; fire on Palestinians nr. Jinin; attack Palestinians in Bayt Ilo, Bayt Rimia, Dayr `Amar, Qalqilya. The PSF successfully removes explosive devices found in schools in Balata camp, Nablus. (ADM, LAW, MEZ, MM 11/22; AFP 11/22 in WNC 11/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/23; NYT, WP 11/24; MA, al-Quds 11/24 in WNC 11/29; Independent [Internet], JP 12/7; PCHR 12/18; WJW 12/28)

In response to the Hadera bombing, 10,000s of Israeli attend a "Let the Army Win!" rally in Jerusalem's Zion Square, calling for revenge attacks on Palestinian targets, tougher military action against the Palestinians. (AFP [Internet] 11/22; MM, NYT, WP 11/23; MEI 11/24; WP 11/27; MM 11/28)

At an emergency session of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York, Egyptian, Palestinian envoys call for international protection for the Palestinians. The U.S. says the emergency session, the call for international observers are inappropriate, unhelpful. (MM 11/22; JT, XIN 11/22, MENA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MM 11/30)

The UN Economic and Social Council adopts (21-19 with 11 abstentions) a resolution by the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) ordering an investigation of Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights during the recent clashes. (MM 11/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 5 Palestinians dead. A 6th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. A Palestinian sniper fatally shoots a Jewish settler driving through Gaza; the IDF demolishes a nearby abandoned PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) post thought to be the source of the gunfire. IDF helicopter gunships, tanks shell residential areas of Dayr al-Balah (targeting the home of senior PSF official Ahmad `Abd al-Karim), Jericho, Khan Yunis, Nablus, al-Shaykh, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian homes in Huwarra (nr. Nablus), in Kafr Deek (nr. Salfit). The IDF bulldozes 60 dunams of Palestinian land along setter bypass roads nr. Kefar Darom, 10s of dunams of olive groves nr. Salfit, a Palestinian road and water network in Ramallah. (ADM, LAW, MM 11/21; AFP, MENA 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; SA 11/22 in WNC 11/24; HJ 11/22 in WNC 11/29; MEI 11/24; WJW 11/30)

In protest over Israel's 11/20 shelling of PA offices, Egypt recalls Amb. Muhammad Bassyouni but does not suspend diplomatic relations. (MM 11/21; AFP, MENA 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MENA 11/21, MENA 11/22, HJ, MENA, al-Quds, SA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; MEI 11/24; MENA 11/25 in WNC 11/29; MM 11/27; JP 12/1; SA 1/22 in WNC 1/23)

Israel informs the U.S. it will delay the start of the Mitchell Comm.'s investigation into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada because "the timing is wrong." (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; ATL 11/22 in WNC 11/24; MEI 11/24; WJW 11/30)

With the reinforced closure on Palestinian villages, Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate significantly, although 1 Palestinian is killed. Israel decides not to retaliate for the death of a soldier in Gaza on 11/18. The IDF reinforces barricades and digs trenches across roads at the entrances to al-Bireh, Hebron, Jinin; reinforces hilltop outposts surrounding Bethlehem, Hebron, Jinin, al-Khadir, Nablus, Qalqilya. Armed Jewish settlers chase off Palestinians harvesting their olive groves nr. Tubas. Other settlers uproot Palestinian-owned olive trees nr. Keddumim settlement; open fire on Palestinian cars nr. Nablus, injuring 1. (LAW 11/19; ADM, AIC, NYT, WP, WT 11/20)

In Jordan, an Israeli emb. official is shot, wounded in an apparent assassination attempt. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/20; Tehran Times 11/21 in WNC 11/22; WP 12/6; AFP 12/6 in WNC 12/8)

Lebanese protesters throw stones at IDF troops across the blue line, the UN nonborder separating the 2 countries. IDF troops fire across the blue line into the crowd, injuring 1 protester. (NYT 11/20; MEI ll/24)

Antinormalization Comm. of the Union of Professional Associations in Jordan releases its blacklist of 22 Jordanian individuals, companies that have advocated normalization with Israel; urges Jordanians to boycott those on the list. (AP 11/19; NYT 11/22; WJW 11/23; MEI 12/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In Gaza, a PA policeman opens fire on an IDF post outside a Jewish settlement, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 2, before being shot dead. In Khan Yunis camp, an explosion at a Force 17 building injures 4 Force 17 mbrs.; Israel denies PA claims that the IDF fired a missile at the building. The IDF tightens the closure on Palestinian villages in the West Bank; blocks, digs trenches across secondary roads frequented by Palestinians; bulldozes at least 65 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land along roads, especially in Gaza and nr. Tura in the West Bank. The IDF also demolishes 2 Palestinian brick factories in Gaza. Jewish settlers stone Palestinian cars on the Nablus-Ramallah road. (LAW 11/18; PCHR, NYT, WT 11/19; AIC, MEZ 11/20)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 6 Palestinians dead. Arafat publicly orders Palestinian gunmen to stop shooting at Israelis fr. PA-controlled areas, but there is no sign the order is heeded. Barak tightens economic sanctions on the Palestinians, barring any goods other than food or medicine, including fuel, fr. reaching the PA areas. Israel again bars Palestinians under age 45 fr. attending Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. The IDF shells residential areas of Ramallah, destroying an empty building. Jewish settlers uproot a Palestinian olive grove nr. Nablus, throw stones at Palestinian cars nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah. (HA, LAW, MEZ 11/17; NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MA [Internet], YA 11/19; al-Quds 11/19, 11/20 in WNC 11/21; AIC, JT [Internet], MEZ 11/20)