The Palestine Chronology

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian protesters participating in the Great March of Return for a 2d day in a row near Bayt Hanun, al-Bureij refugee camp, Rafah, and Jabaliya refugee camp; at least 25 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, PA president Abbas calls for a general strike and a day of mourning for the 16 Palestinians killed in Gaza on 3/30. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering in Hebron to protest the killings; several Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and patrol near Hebron. Israeli police shoot and injure a Palestinian driver allegedly after he rams 1 of their vehicles near Nablus. In Israel, hundreds of Palestinians march through Umm al-Fahm in commemoration of Land Day. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/31; YA 4/1; PCHR 4/5)

U.S. diplomats block the UNSC from adopting a Kuwait-backed statement calling for an “independent and transparent” investigation into the IDF’s deadly crackdown on the Great March of Return, according to several diplomats. “The wording was acceptable to all members of the council excluding the U.S.,” says Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danon. Later, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini calls for an independent and transparent investigation. (AFP, HA, TOI 3/31; HA, JP 4/1)

An Israeli drone crashes in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese press, a 2d drone destroys the first after it crashed. (HA, YA 3/31)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya open fire on agricultural areas nr. the border fence, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities order the demolition of an electricity grid nr. Nablus. Israeli forces deliver demolition orders to a Palestinian agricultural structure and 3 homes nr. Bethlehem; block off all entrances to a nearby village. IDF troops confront a group of 4 Palestinians nr. Nablus, assaulting them and arresting 1. The IDF conducts late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm, Hebron, 1 village each nr. Nablus and Tubas, and 2 nr. Bethlehem, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah. Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians march through the streets of Ramallah commemorating the 67th anniversary of the Nakba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in al-Ram, arresting 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA 5/13; PCHR 5/14; PCHR 5/21)

ICC prosecutor Bensouda says that she has not been provided any official information from either the Palestinians or Israel relating to Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip in 7–8/2014, and that, unless that changes, her decision to launch a full investigation will be based on publicly available materials. (AP, JP 5/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s new govt. presents a document to the Knesset outlining the basic principles binding its ruling coalition. In language similar to that used for the 2009 and 2013 govts., it says that the govt. will work toward a peace agreement with the Palestinians, but it does not specify a 2-state solution. It also notes that “if an agreement of this kind is reached [with the Palestinians], it will be brought for the approval of the cabinet and Knesset, and if necessary, a national referendum as well.” (AFP, HA 5/13)

In an interview published today, U.S. Pres. Obama says that the U.S. is “taking a hard look” at its positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that the Palestinians “deserve an end to the occupation and the daily indignities that come with it.” Obama is hosting several leaders of the GCC countries at a summit in Washington today to discuss regional issues. (AWS, HA, REU 5/13)

The head of the Palestinian Power and Natural Resources Authority Omar Kittanah announces that the PA cabinet has approved an initiative to connect the electricity grid in the West Bank to Jordan. The PA will begin looking for funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $100 m. It is part of a regional, 3-year initiative to connect the grids of Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, and the oPt. (MNA 5/13)

The Vatican announces that it has concluded a treaty that will recognize the state of Palestine. (AP, NYT 5/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during clashes after a late-night arrest raid in Dahaysha r.c.; an Israeli soldier is lightly injured. IDF troops clash with Palestinians in Bethlehem and nearby Aida r.c., injuring 12 with tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition. They also demolish and evacuate the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis for the 9th time, arresting a Palestinian woman nr. the camp hours later. The IDF raids the Birzeit home of the Palestinian teenager who stabbed an Israeli in East Jerusalem on 2/22. They also conduct raids and house searches in Bethlehem, and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Jenin, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing summons to 2; patrol in al-Fawar r.c., 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya. Israeli forces demolish tens of dunams of agricultural land nr. Hebron; seize 2 garbage trucks in a village nearby; begin demolishing a Palestinian’s home in another village nr. Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian lawyer who works on prisoners’ issues. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/23; HA, MNA, NYT, WAFA, YA 2/24; PCHR 2/26)

The state-owned Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) temporarily cuts electricity to 50 Palestinian communities nr. Jenin and Nablus in response to the PA’s inability to pay its debts. The PM’s office denies responsibility and involvement in the decision to cut power. The IEC says that the Palestinians owe NIS 1.9 b. (around $487 m.). Israel’s ongoing tax revenue freeze has worsened the PA’s economic crisis. (HA, NYT, WAFA 2/23; MNA 2/24; WAFA 2/25)

IDF troops stationed along the border with Lebanon fire warning shots at 5 farmers approaching the fence nr. the Lebanese Marun al-Ras, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 2/23)

Concluding the trial that began on 1/13, the New York Federal District Court delivers a verdict in a case brought under the U.S. Anti-Terrorism Act by the families of American victims of 6 attacks in Israel from 2002 to 2004, finding the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) liable for $655.5 m. in damages. The Palestinians intend to appeal the ruling. It is unclear how they could pay the penalty, with Israel’s freeze of monthly tax revenue transfers causing an economic crisis for the PA. If they are unable to pay, the court may order the PA and PLO’s assets be seized. (AP, NYT, REU 2/23; AFP, EI, MNA, WAFA, YA 2/24; MEMO 2/26)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and the nearby ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. at night. Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian nr. Nablus, injuring him. (WAFA 10/7; PCHR 10/16)

Responding to the 9/5 killing nr. Adlun village and the 10/5 attack nr. Shaba‘ Farms in s. Lebanon, Hizballah fighters attack an Israeli military position along the border, injuring 2 IDF soldiers with an explosive. In response, the IDF fires at Hizballah positions, with no reports of damage or casualties. (AFP, AP 10/7; REU 10/8)

The IDF conducts approximately 100 strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 14 Palestinians in Bayt Hanun, Rafah, Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah. Hospitals in Gaza report a serious shortage of medicines and equipment, particularly for trauma injuries. Palestinians fire around 100 rockets and mortar shells into Israel, causing damage and seriously wounding 2 children in the bedouin village of Lakia. Iron Dome batteries intercept 15 of the projectiles. In addition, al-Qassam Brigades fly a drone into s. Israel along the coast nr. Ashdod, and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) shoots it down. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 22-year-old Palestinian civilian in clashes nr. Hebron. In Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians in another confrontation. Separately, IDF troops detain 11 Hamas parliamentarians in Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/14; PCHR 7/15)

Following a meeting of Arab League FMs in the evening, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry proposes a cease-fire to start the next day, followed by talks in Cairo. The Arab League welcomes the proposal. An Israeli official says that PM Netanyahu will discuss the proposal the following day with his security cabinet. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/14)

A rocket launched from inside Lebanon hits n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the 4th such attack in recent days. IDF troops respond with artillery shells. (REU 7/14)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Salfit at night. Israeli settlers use bulldozers to level Palestinian-owned land nr. Salfit. (MNA 5/22; PCHR 5/29)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “the idea of taking unilateral steps is gaining ground” among Israel’s political class, particularly in light of the collapse of U.S.-led negotiations, in an exclusive interview published by Bloomberg View. Netanyahu’s office subsequently clarifies that this is not a reference to any intention to evacuate settlements. Economy Minister Naftali Bennett welcomes the remarks and urges the adoption of his plan, which would include the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Meanwhile, senior Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) official Hanan Ashrawi condemns talk of unilateral steps as a way to bypass talks, while U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf responds to Netanyahu’s remarks by emphasising that “no one should take any steps that undermine trust, including unilateral.” (Bloomberg, HA, YA 5/23)

China and Russia veto a UN Security Council (UNSC) res., drafted by France, referring the Syrian crisis to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into possible war crimes. The 13 other mbrs. of the UNSC vote in favor. It is the 4th time that China and Russia have blocked Western-drafted resolutions on Syria since spring 2011. Meanwhile, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says that the last 100 tons of Syria’s declared stockpile of precursors for poison gas and nerve agents are ready for transport, but Syrian authorities say it is too dangerous to move them for the time being. (AFP, AP 5/23)

Gunmen kill Shadi al-Manaei, leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, along with 3 other mbrs. of the Egypt-based militant group, in a drive-by shooting in c. Sinai. Egyptian officials say that the attack is likely revenge for the group’s killing of local tribesmen as “collaborators.” (AP 5/22)

Lawmakers allied with Hizballah boycott a session of Lebanon’s parliament, blocking the body from electing a new pres. This is the 5th failed attempt in the past mo. Lebanon’s current pres., Michael Suleiman, is scheduled to leave office on 5/24, the last day of his 6-year term. (AP 5/22)

In the Gaza Strip, an Israeli air strike kills 2 Palestinians in Bayt Hanun, a mbr. of Islamic Jihad and the other a mbr. of the PFLP. Meanwhile, Israeli forces open fire on farmland nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries, and separately, open fire on lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinians in Bayt Furik nr. Nablus, wounding 1, as residents try to repel Jewish settlers. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid the Abu Dis campus of al-Quds University, firing tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets after students clash with a group of soldiers checking IDs at the entrance. (JP, MNA 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that Israel has approved 261 new housing units in 2 West Bank settlements, Nofei Prat nr. Jericho and Ariel, in the n. It is the 5th such move in the last 2 weeks. (AFP 1/22)

The opposing sides of Syria’s civil war meet in Montreux, Switzerland, as a long-awaited UN peace conference gets underway. The 1st day’s agenda is occupied by formal speeches; Syrian FM Muallem and opposition leader Jarba both issue strident denunciations of their opponents. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls the rough start to the talks “a tough and complicated process.” Meanwhile, a shell fired from inside Syria strikes a home in n. Lebanon, wounding 1. (AFP, AP, DS, REU 1/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 shells into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, Palestinians detonate a small bomb on the border with Israel, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and wounds 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet during clashes in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Nablus and 3 villages nearby and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize 8 Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, and leave “price-tag” graffiti. (MNA, WAFA 1/21; JP 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Israel announces plans for 381 housing units in West Bank settlement Givat Ze’ev nr. Ramallah. Israeli NGO Peace Now also reports that building plans were advanced by the Jerusalem municipality for a new settler-run visitor center in Silwan. (AFP, JP 1/21)

A car bomb kills 4 people and wounds more than 30 in Beirut, striking in a Hizballah-dominated neighborhood of the city. The attack is claimed by Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon, assumed to be connected to the Syriabased al-Qa‘ida-linked group. (AFP, AP 1/21)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working close to the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (PCHR 12/19)

UN OCHA publishes a report estimating that around 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to flee their homes due to flooding, and that 2 have died. Israel allows 450,000 litres of fuel into the Gaza Strip, paid for by Qatar. Meanwhile, an estimated 20 villages and neighborhoods in the Nablus district of the West Bank are without electricity. (AFP, MNA, REU 12/15)

A rogue Lebanese soldier shoots and kills 1 Israeli soldier along the border, hours after which Israeli troops shoot 2 Lebanese soldiers, injuring them, in a location nearby. Israeli DM Ya’alon declares that Israel sees the Lebanese govt. and Lebanese army as “responsible for what happens on their side.” (AP, HA, REU 12/16)

Iranian FM Zarif says that Iranian negotiators will resume talks on its nuclear program with the P5+1 group, after suspending negotiations on 12/12 to protest new U.S. measures targeting companies deemed to be evading sanctions. (AP 12/15)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launch air strikes targeting 2 chicken farms, a border fence tunnel, and an Islamic Jihad training site nr. Khan Yunis. There are no injuries reported in any of the attacks. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion in s. Gaza to level land nr. the border fence. The IDF also shells agricultural land nr. Gaza City, with no damage or casualties. Separately, a Palestinian fighter is killed in an accidental explosion in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages and al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah at night. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces in 2006 dies of his wounds. Jewish settlers vandalize 2 cars and leave racist graffiti in a village nr. Nablus. (MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Following the 11/16 decision by Hamas officials, Ma’an News Agency’s office in Gaza City reopens, following 4 mos. of closure, with the authorities also announcing that Al-Arabiya TV’s offices would also reopen. Hamas closed the 2 news organizations on 7/25 after they reported that Muslim Brotherhood officials who had fled Egypt were being sheltered in the Gaza Strip. (MNA 11/19)

UNRWA Under Secy.-Gen. Jeffrey Feltman tells the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the agency will be unable to pay salaries to roughly 30,000 employees in 12/2013, including teachers and medical personnel, due to a $36 m. deficit. Meanwhile, hundreds of teachers gathered outside the High Court of Justice in Ramallah after the PA appealed to the court with the claim that the limited strike launched on 11/17 was in contravention of labor laws. (AFP, MNA 11/19)

A double suicide bombing kills 23 outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut, including an Iranian diplomat. The attack was claimed by al-Qa‘ida linked group Abdullah Azzam Brigades that, in a statement, said their demands were the withdrawal of Hizballah forces from Syria and the release of Salafist jihadists from Lebanese jails. Following the bombings, Hizballah’s dep. leader Naim Kassem says that the group will not be swayed from its course of support for the Syrian govt. Saudi Arabia condemns the attack as “cowardly.” (AFP 11/19; AP, REU 11/20)

Egyptian security forces storm Tahrir Square in Cairo, clashing with protesters who had gathered to mark the anniversary of deadly 2011 demonstrations. One person is killed in the confrontation. (AFP 11/19)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin and Qalqilya; patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, and in Jericho and 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian family home in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no serious damage or injuries. (MNA 10/23; PCHR 10/24)

Palestinian pres. Abbas meets with European Council pres. Herman van Rompuy in Brussels and demands that European companies end all business with settlements. Meanwhile, speaking to a German newspaper, Abbas says that the lack of progress in negotiations is in part due to Netanyahu’s insistence on starting from scratch. Meanwhile, Arab League spokesperson Nasif Hata emerges from a meeting in Paris with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry to say that the body is not optimistic about the renewed peace talks. (AFP, AP, JP 10/23)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds extensive talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Rome, with discussions focusing on the peace process, Iran, and Syria. Kerry is particularly keen to seek answers from Netanyahu on Israel’s positions vis-à -vis a final settlement with the Palestinians, during 7 hours of talks. Since negotiations began on 7/29, 13 Israeli-Palestinian meetings have taken place, 3 of them in the previous 5 days. (HA, REU 10/23)

In Lebanon, 3 days of fighting in Tripoli between supporters and opponents of Syrian pres. Asad have killed 2 and wounded 33. (AFP 10/23)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney says that the Obama administration is working to bring together Israeli and Palestinian officials in the coming weeks to discuss how to commence direct negotiations. Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rudeineh says that Israel is still blocking the path to formal talks, claiming that Pres. Abbas had agreed to send a delegation to Washington to continue lower-level preliminary discussions. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers issue a statement welcoming Kerry’s announcement that an agreement had been reached (7/19) for establishing a basis for resuming direct negotiations. Palestinian pres. Abbas says that any future peace deal with the Israelis be put to a national referendum, while Israeli PM Netanyahu says that his govt. will pass a law requiring a referendum on any peace treaty. (AFP, JP, REU 7/22)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. al-Bureij r.c. to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and nr. Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night. (AFP 7/22; PCHR 7/25)

In Egypt, unidentified assailants kill 6 civilians and security officers in different attacks in Rafah and al-Arish in the Sinai. (AP, REU 7/22)

Chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Cmte. Mike Rogers says that the U.S. administration can move forward with plans to arm Syrian rebels, after some concerns were eased. Members of the Senate Intelligence Cmte. had previously voiced worries that arms could end up in the hands of radical Islamist groups, but according to a statement issued by Rogers the White House has since offered reassurances about the proposed supplying of rebels. (REU 7/22)

The EU designates the armed wing of Hizballah as a foreign terrorist organization, a decision welcomed by Israel but condemned by both the Lebanese group themselves, as well as Lebanese caretaker FM Adnan Mansour. The resulting sanctions will restrict Hizballah’s ability to use Europe as a financial conduit. (REU 7/22)

Dozens of Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement enter Burin village nr. Nablus and clash with Palestinians. The IDF intervenes, violently dispersing the Palestinian residents with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets, but causing no serious injuries. Jewish settlers also enter Urif village nr. Nablus and clash with Palestinian residents, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank at night, the IDF patrols in Jericho, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Jenin, in Nablus, 1 village nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. (AFP 5/11; PCHR 5/16)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine–General Command (PFLP–GC) says that it is forming combat units to recapture the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The announcement comes after Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad and Hizballah indicated that they would support such operations. (REU 5/11)

PLO Secy.-Gen. Fathi Abu al-Ardat says that at least 55,000 Palestinian refugees have fled Syria to Lebanon since the civil unrest in Syria began. (DS 5/11)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and VP Joe Biden meet with senior Arab officials including the Bahraini, Egyptian, Jordanian and Qatari FMs, and representatives from the PA, Arab League, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia for talks on the peace process. Qatari PM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jassem al-Thani, speaking on behalf of the Arab League delegation, cites the possibility of a border agreement that includes mutually agree and minor land swaps between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Kerry affirms the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that promised full normalization for Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied territories (including the Golan). (AP, REU 29/4)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response to recent rocket fire (see also 4/27), Israel closes the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, further restricts movement through the Erez crossing to ‘‘humanitarian cases,’’ though it cancels visits for Gazan families of Palestinians jailed in Israel (VIPs were the only others allowed to cross Gaza). Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishermen off the south Gaza coast east of Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers evict several hundred Bedouin from Wadi al-Malih village in the Jordan Valley after declaring the area a live fire training zone (see 4/24). Meanwhile, Israel demolishes 4 Palestinian apartments in the al-Tur neighborhood of East Jerusalem, as well as a water well and utility room in the al-Fawar r.c. in Hebron. The IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon. At night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem, in Hebron, in 5 villages nr. Hebron, in Nablus, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus, injuring 2. (AFP, MNA REU 4/29; PCHR 5/2)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon urges the Syrian government to allow experts into the country to investigate reports of alleged use of chemical weapons. Damascus wants any investigation limited to a 3/2013 incident nr. Aleppo while Ban wants to also include a 12/2012 incident in Homs. (see 4/24) (AP 4/29)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s new coalition government officially takes office. Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu says that Israel is ready for a ‘‘historic compromise’’ with the Palestinians. (JP, REU, WP 3/18)

In the West Bank, unidentified Palestinians open fire on and injure a Jewish settler at a bus stop nr. Nablus. The IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (AP 3/18; PCHR 3/21)

A UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) fact-finding mission releases its report on Israel’s West Bank settlements, describing them as a ‘‘creeping form of annexation,’’ and calling on Israel to cease construction immediately and ‘‘initiate a process of withdrawal.’’ The report, presented by mission leader Christine Chanet, urges the international community to cut economic links with the settlements. The U.S. refuses to take part in the Council’s debate. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay states that Israeli settler violence ‘‘continues to be perpetrated with impunity,’’ and further notes that excessive force by the IDF has resulted in Palestinian fatalities. (AFP, HA, JP, UNNC 3/18)

Lebanon reports that Israeli warplanes entered Lebanese airspace earlier in the day. Israel routinely conducts aerial surveillance over Lebanon even though this explicitly violates the 2006 Israel-Hizballah cease-fire agreement laid out in UN Res. 1701. (AP 3/18)

Iran and P5+1 group nuclear experts meet in Istanbul to review proposals put forward during the last round of talks in Kazakhstan (2/26-27). (AFP, XIN 3/18)

At an Arab League meeting in Doha, Palestinian pres. Abbas calls for renewed negotiations with Israel for a 6-mo. period, provided that Israel freeze all West Bank and East Jerusalem settlement construction during that time. Responding to recent public Palestinian criticism over the increasing cost of living, Abbas also calls for an amendment to the 1994 Paris Protocol covering economic relations between Israel and the PA. At the meeting, Qatari PM Shaykh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani says that the 2002 Arab peace initiative (offering full normalization for full peace; see Quarterly Update in JPS 124) should be reviewed, though Abbas urges against withdrawing the initiative. Arab states agree to provide the PA with a monthly ‘‘safety net’’ of $100 m. to help bridge the PA budget deficit. The PA announces that it hopes to pay civil servants’ salaries for 11/2012 in the coming days. (AFP, JP, MNA, REU, ToI 12/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu criticizes PA pres. Abbas for engaging with Hamas in reconciliation efforts. In Gaza, visiting Hamas leader Mishal says that it is time for Hamas and Fatah to put past mistakes behind them, though free and fair Palestinian elections should come first. (MNA, ToI 12/9)

In the Gaza Strip, the Hamas government releases Abu Hafs al-Maqdisi, leader of Salafist group Jaysh al-Ummah (Army of the Nation). The IDF fires warning shots at Palestinians collecting gravel and rubble close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 1. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in 2 incidents nr. Bethlehem and Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian woman. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, in Nablus and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night. (MNA 12/10; PCHR 12/13)

The death toll in clashes in Tripoli between Lebanese Sunni and Alawite militias hits at least 17, with over 100 wounded, in the worst case of spill-over violence in Lebanon from Syria’s civil war. (NYT 12/9)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Clinton holds separate mtgs. with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators and French FM Alain Juppé to discuss a French proposal to revive peace talks. (AFP, REU 6/6)

In Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed when a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border collapses. The IDF raids ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nr. Nablus to arrest Hamas-affiliated PC mbr. Ahmad al-Haj Ali; raids and searches the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform party offices in Nablus, confiscating a computer and files; raids Anabta’s municipal electricity dept., arresting 1 employee; patrols during the day in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 nr. Jenin; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Jenin and nr. Tulkarm. Jewish settlers fr. Karme Tzur nr. Hebron set fire to 3 dunams (d.; 4 d. = 1 acre) of nearby Palestinian grape arbors and crops. A small group of Palestinian protesters attempts to approach the Golan border fence as part of the Naksa commemoration (see 6/5) but is halted by a Syrian army contingent. (NYT, WP 6/7; PCHR 6/9; OCHA 6/10)

In Syria’s Yarmuk r.c. near Damascus, 10,000s of angry Palestinian mourners at the funerals for some of those killed in the Naksa Day clashes on 6/5 attack the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—General Command (PFLP-GC) headquarters and drive away Hamas leader Khalid Mishal and the PFLP-GC head Ahmad Jibril, who had come to express condolences, denouncing camp leaders for inciting the camp youths and putting them in harm’s way to be used as “cannon fodder” against Israel. PFLP-GC members open fire on protesters, sparking clashes that leave 14 dead and 43 injured. (MNA, WAFA 6/6; DailyKos.com, DS, Electronic Intifada, HA, Indymedia.com 6/7)

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon’s ‘Ayn al-Hilwa r.c. also demonstrate (6/6) against the killing of Naksa Day protesters on the Syrian border on 6/5, but it is unclear to what degree the protests are against Israel, Syria, or the Palestinian leadership. (WP 6/7)

On Naksa Day, commemorating the 1967 war, IDF troops open fire on 100s of unarmed Palestinian refugees and supporters inside Syria who try to cross a trench and earthen berm 150 m. on the approach to the border fence nr. the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. Syrian authorities report 22 killed and more than 350 wounded, possibly marking the worst violence on the Syrian border since the 1973 war; Israel says the numbers are exaggerated, however. More protests are held inside Syria nr. the border at Qunaytra; the IDF fires tear gas and percussion grenades when protesters begin to march toward the border, but no injuries are reported. In the West Bank, the IDF clashes with up to 200 stone-throwing Palestinian protesters at the Qalandia crossing (using tear gas and percussion grenades to disperse them) and blocks Palestinian marchers fr. approaching Elon Moreh settlement nr. Nablus. In Gaza, Hamas-affiliated police block 10s (possibly 100s) of demonstrators fr. approaching the Erez crossing. Overall, protests are much smaller than the Nakba Day demonstrations on 5/13–15, with no protests reported in Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 4 villages nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Tulkarm; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun and Nur Shams r.c. By this date, the IDF has also arrested Fatah PC mbr. Hussam Khader in a raid on Nablus. (AFP, AP, IsRN, KUNA, MNA, The Media Line [online] 6/5; NYT, WP, WT 6/6; PCHR 6/9; OCHA 6/10; WT 6/15; PCHR 6/16; OCHA 6/24)

In the West Bank, IDF undercover units raid the Nablus homes of 3 AMB mbrs. (Nadir al-Sarkaji, Ghassan Abu Sharikh, and ‘Anan Sobeh) allegedly behind the fatal shooting of a settler on 12/24, killing all 3 and wounding 1 bystander. The deaths constitute assassinations, as the men could have been detained: 2 of them are called to surrender and are fatally shot as they leave their homes unarmed; in the 3d case, soldiers enter the home, and when the wanted man refuses to exit a closet and surrender, soldiers rig the closet door with explosives and detonate the charge, killing him. IDF soldiers surrounding the buildings fire tear gas to disperse stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, hitting 2 (ages 12 and 19) with tear gas canisters, injuring them. PA PM Fayyad denounces the IDF’s failure to coordinate the raids with the Dayton-trained PASF units responsible for security in Nablus, which were in the process of conducting a police investigation of the 12/24 killing. IDF troops in the West Bank also conduct late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/27; JPI 12/28; PCHR 12/30; OCHA 1/6)

Hamas officials in Lebanon confirm that 2 senior Hamas bodyguards and a 3d person (possibly a Hamas mbr.) were killed and 5 people wounded late on 12/26 in a large explosion at a Hamas office in the Dahiya neighborhood of s. Beirut (Hizballah’s stronghold). (HA 12/26; Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, WT, XIN 12/27; AFP, Kuwait News Agency, Middle East News Agency, MNA, YA 12/28; MNA, al-Nahar, al-Sharq al-Awsat 1/6)

The UNSC passes (14–0, with the U.S. abstaining) res. 1860, calling for an “immediate, durable, and fully respected cease-fire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza” but not outlining an implementation or enforcement mechanism (see Doc. A8). Israel says it will not halt its operations until a Hamas cease-fire can be guaranteed. Meanwhile, Egypt begins intensive bilateral talks with Israeli and Hamas envoys to mediate a cease-fire.

Combat notes: The IDF carries out another 60 air strikes across Gaza, with heavy bombing of the Rafah border. Targets include more than 18 homes of senior IQB members (all believed to be in hiding), “a number of armed operatives” assassinated (not named), several groups of armed men, 15 tunnels (including some homes believed to be covering entrances to tunnels), 11 suspected weapons depots (including 1 mosque in n. Gaza), 15 rocket-launching sites, the PASF headquarters and PA Youth and Sports Min. offices in Rafah, and an Islamic Jihad office in Abasan. Target areas include Abasan, Bani Suhayla, Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, al-Bureij r.c., Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City (city center, al-Nasser), Jabaliya town and r.c., Khan Yunis, al-Nasser (n. of Rafah), Nussayrat, Rafah. Heavy naval shelling of Dayr al-Balah and the nearby al-Qur’an area of c. Gaza is also reported. As ground operations continue, the IDF begins moving a small number of reservists into the Strip for the 1st time since OCL began. Heavy artillery and ground fire is reported in Abasan, Gaza City (al-Sha‘af, al-Shuja‘iyya, Tal al-Hawa, alZaytun), al-Qarara. Late in the evening, IDF troops withdraw from al-Qarara; residents report at least 20 homes destroyed since the IDF took up positions in the city on 1/6.

Palestinians fire at least 15 rockets and 1 mortar into Israel, lightly injuring 4 Israelis. Areas hit by rockets include Ashdod, Ashqelon, Beersheba (4 Grads), Ofakim.

The Palestinian toll, including bodies recovered during the humanitarian lull today (see below), reaches at least 758 dead and more than 3,100 injured. In addition, a Ukrainian woman (married to a Gazan) and her toddler are killed by an IDF shell in Gaza City, becoming the 1st foreign casualties inside Gaza (1 Egyptian was killed on the Rafah border on 12/28). Today, 3 IDF soldiers are killed and 14 are wounded (1 seriously, 1 moderately, 12 lightly) during clashes inside Gaza, bringing the Israeli toll to 13–14 dead and more than 100 injured.

Humanitarian notes: IDF soldiers fire on relief workers in 3 incidents in which the UN and ICRC had fully coordinated their movements with the IDF in advance (providing the IDF with the license plates of the vehicles, giving precise times and routes of travel, and using clearly marked vehicles) and received IDF assurances that travel would be safe. One UN driver is killed and 2 other UN employees and 1 ICRC employee are wounded. The UN and other groups scale back or suspend aid deliveries to Gaza, citing security concerns.

During the humanitarian lull, the IDF allows ICRC workers back into a heavily damaged residential block of al-Zaytun (see 1/7), where they rescue 103 injured Palestinians who have been stranded since 1/5 and report finding 40–50 bodies, fearing that more dead and injured may be trapped under demolished homes. The Israeli human rights group B’Tselem reports (WP 1/9) new evidence that IDF soldiers stationed outside the destroyed houses were aware people were trapped but denied aid. UN Undersecy. Gen. for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes urges Israel to investigate, calling (WP 1/9) it “a particularly outrageous incident” and “absolutely horrifying.”

Israel allows 223 Palestinian dual nationals to exit Gaza via the Erez crossing for Jordan (see 1/2).

The UN estimates that 20,000 Gazans have been internally displaced by the fighting. (AP, HA, IDF, IHY, JP, MA, NYT, UNIS, YA 1/8; AFP, Daily Star, IDF, IFM, ITARTASS, MET, NYT, RFM, UNIS, WP, WT 1/9; AFP, AP, NYT, WT 1/12; AYM, JP, NYT, WT 1/13; IHY, MM 1/14; PCHR 1/15; WJW 1/16; NYT 1/17; ITIC 1/18; JPI 1/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian who allegedly attempts to set fire to a gas station outside the Ma’ale Adumim settlement e. of Jerusalem; fires live ammunition and rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians demonstrating against OCL in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, seriously wounding 2 (including a 12-yr.-old boy); fires live ammunition at Palestinians protesting against the separation wall in Bil‘in, wounding 1; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Qabatya nr. Jenin. (PCHR 1/15)

The PFLP General Command fires 4 rockets fr. s. Lebanon into Israel, 3 of which explode near Nahariya, lightly wounding 4 Israelis (5 others are treated for shock). The IDF fires 5 shells the border as a “measured response” and intensifies surveillance overflights of s. Lebanon. Hizballah, the Lebanese government, and Fatah and Hamas reps. in Lebanon condemn the fire, assuring Israel they have no intention of opening a 2d front. The Lebanese army and UNIFIL pledge to step up surveillance in s. Lebanon (ITV, MM, MNR, RFM 1/8; Guardian, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT, SFR, al-Watan, YA 1/9; YA 1/10; AFP, AP, NYT, WT 1/12; HA, MM 1/15; JPI 1/23)

The IDF makes at least 4 air strikes on Gaza targeting Hamas, attempting to assassinate Hamas mbr. Muhammad Shatat as he drives in Gaza City (causing no injuries), hitting 2 suspected weapons caches and 2 money exchanges in Jabaliya r.c. (also destroying a Palestinian home) and Gaza City (wounding 7 Palestinians, including a pregnant woman, 2 children). Palestinians fire at least 3 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In Jabaliya, 2 Abu Rish Brigades mbrs. (affiliated with Fatah) are injured when explosives they are handling detonate prematurely. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Bethlehem and Nablus, in Qalqilya, and nr. Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, Salfit, Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Abbas, Hamas-affiliated PA PM Ismail Haniyeh meet in Gaza to discuss ways of calming intra-Palestinian violence. Abbas also meets with reps. of other factions to urge them to halt rocket fire into Israel. Unidentified gunmen fire on the home of a Fatah leader in Gaza City, wounding 1 Palestinian. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in an 5/18 IDF air strike on Gaza City that assassinated 2 Hamas mbrs. (IFM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 5/24; OCHA 5/30; PCHR 5/31)

With the cease-fire at Nahr al-Barid r.c. holding, the Lebanese army reinforces troops around the camp. Palestinian refugees continue to flee the r.c. during the day, most heading to nearby Biddawi r.c.; at most, half of the 40,000 residents remain. The UN warns the camp is still without water, electricity; food supplies are low. The PLO says it would not object to the Lebanese army entering the r.c. if necessary; raises the possibility of sending in fighters fr. Palestinian factions who know the layout of the r.c. to roust the FI mbrs. Palestinian leaders in the camp and local Islamist figures in Tripoli attempt to negotiate a FI surrender. Meanwhile, a bomb explodes in the Druze village of Aley nr. Beirut, wounding 16 Lebanese; no group claims responsibility. (AFP, DS, LBC, OCS 5/23 in WNC 5/24; NYT, WP, WT 5/24; WT 5/25)

The IDF beats, fatally shoots a 16-yr.- old Palestinian allegedly wielding a knife in Hebron (Palestinian witnesses deny he was armed); conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya, and in Dura, Nablus, Yatta; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina; orders 3 Palestinian families to leave their Yatta homes and property or be expelled; begins construction of a new segment of the separation wall in Hazma, Anata villages northeast of Jerusalem. A Jewish settler fr. Keddumim verbally abuses, attempts to attack several Palestinians waiting to be allowed to cross an IDF gate into nearby Kafr Qadim; Palestinians fend him off, the IDF does not intervene. Unidentified gunmen fire on the Gaza City home of Fatah Revolutionary Council mbr. Sakhr Bseiso, causing damage but no injuries; Bseiso is head of the Fatah comm. charged with investigating corruption. (WP 2/15; NYT, OCHA, PR 2/16; PCHR, PM 2/17)

Fmr. Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri is assassinated in a major car bombing in Beirut; 7 bodyguards, 6 passers-by are also killed, more than 100 are wounded (3 of whom later die). A previously unknown group called Victory and Jihad in Greater Syria claims responsibility. (BBC, al-Hayat, JAZ, MM 2/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/15; Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation, al-Quds, VOI, XIN 2/15, JAZ, QA 2/16, AFP, Le Monde 2/17 in WNC 2/18; MEI 2/18)

Palestinians fire up to 6 mortars, several grenades at an IDF post in Gaza, causing no damage. The IDF fires a shell at a Palestinian vehicle in Khan Yunis, injuring 5 Palestinians. Around 1,000 Palestinian demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers at a checkpoint outside al-Bireh. Another serious clash is reported in Tulkarm. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Sahur, Silat al-Dahir; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Salfit; places a closure on Bayt Furik; tightens the closure on Dayr Istya, Qalqilya; sets up new blockades, checkpoints around Azun, Nablus, Qalqilya. Jewish settlers raise 10s of trees in Dayr Balut, cut of running water to 6 Palestinian villages nr. Nablus. (AFP [Internet], HP 6/29; HP, NYT, WP 6/30)

Around 100 Israeli, international peace activists attempt to reach the Palestinian village of al-Khadir, nr. Bethlehem, where they have planned to set up a "peace camp" with local Palestinians to protest ongoing Israeli violence. The activists are halted outside the village by the IDF, which says the area is a closed military zone, although settlers passes unimpeded. When the activists set up a nonviolent roadblock to settler vehicles, Israeli police arrest the organizers, forces the others onto their busses and back to Tel Aviv. Inside al-Khadir, 150 Palestinian participants also demonstrate, but the IDF disperses them with gunfire, wounding 4, and imposes a curfew. (Gush Shalom press release 6/29)

On the sidelines of a conference in Lisbon, Arafat, Peres hold talks on maintaining the cease-fire. (RTP Internacional TV [Lisbon] 6/30 in WNC 7/2; AFP [Internet], NYT, WT 7/1; MM 7/2, 7/5)

Hizballah fires rockets at an IDF post in Shaba` Farms, injuring 2 soldiers. Israel sends warplanes into Lebanese air space 5-6 times. (Daily Star [Internet] 6/30; al-Safir 6/30 in WNC 7/2; WT 7/1: MM, WP, WT 7/2; al-Safir 7/4, SA 7/5 in WNC 7/7; MEI 7/13)

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)

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 intensify, leaving 8 Palestinians, 1 German doctor dead, over 110 Palestinians injured. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is blocked by Jewish settlers for over an hr.) A 9th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF shells Fatah headquarters in Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm and an armory in Jericho. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, Bethlehem, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Tulkarm and bulldozes Palestinian agricultural lands in Rafah. IDF shelling in Bayt Jala damages a school and a cultural center, destroys an unfinished apartment complex. In Hebron, Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property, uproot trees, damage an irrigation system. (ADM, LAW 11/15; AP, HA [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/16; NYT, WP 11/17)

A demonstration in support of the Palestinians is held at New York University, where 2 IDF soldiers speak as part of a national tour to present the Israeli position on the ongoing clashes. (al-Awda Internet news group 11/15)

On the anniversary of the PLO's 1988 declaration of independence in Algiers, the PA does not unilaterally declare a Palestinian state or reaffirm the Algiers declaration as Israel, the U.S. had feared. Due to the ongoing closure, the PLOCC is unable to meet as planned. (AP 11/15) (see 9/10)

Senior Israeli, PA officials reportedly hold a secret mtg. at the Egyptian mission to the UN in New York to discuss options for a UN buffer force in the West Bank, Gaza. (WP 11/16, 11/18)

First Lady Hillary Clinton (the senator-elect fr. NY), U.S. special envoy Ross, Russian FM Ivanov are among those who attend the funeral of PM Yitzhak Rabin's widow, Leah Rabin, who died on 11/12. Arafat sends his condolences via video tape, which is aired on Israeli TV. Afterward, Ross meets with Barak. (MA [Internet], MM 11/15; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 11/16; JP 11/24)

In Marseilles, France, a 2-day Euro-Mediterranean FMs mtg. opens to review regional cooperation efforts over the past 5 yrs. The session focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis as it affects regional stability. (AFP [Internet], JT [Internet] 11/15; see also JT 11/13 in WNC 11/14; AYM 11/14 in WNC 11/15; SA 11/15, ANSA, ATL 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

In Lebanon, PM Hariri, Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah hold their 1st in 8 yrs. during which they reportedly agreed not to give Israel a pretext to strike Lebanon while upholding Beirut's right to recover Shaba` Farms, to coordinate efforts to keep the issue of Syria's troop presence in the country out of the public domain. (MM 11/17)

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

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

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

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

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 5 Palestinians, 1 Israeli Arab, 1 IDF soldier dead, 300 Palestinians injured. Following the funeral for Fatah cmdr. Ubayyat (attended by 10,000 Palestinians), a Palestinian sniper fires on IDF troops outside Rachel's Tomb nearby, killing 1 soldier, wounding another. A small bomb explodes in East Jerusalem, slightly injuring an Israeli border policeman. More than 50 IDF shells fall in the Ramallah area, hitting the PA civil administration building, the PA Central Bureau of Statistics headquarters, the Islamic Elementary School, several apartment complexes and homes. IDF tank, heavy machine gun fire are reported in and around Hebron, Jinin, Khan Yunis, Nablus, Qalqilya, Salfit. The IDF also bulldozes agricultural lands nr. Qalqilya. Jewish settlers uproot Palestinian olive trees nr. Ramallah, assault Palestinians in several locations around Nablus. Israel again restricts Palestinian access to al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers. Egypt reports that Israel is barring medical goods, 30 ambulances donated by Saudi Arabia fr. entering Gaza via the Rafah crossing. (ADM, LAW 11/10; MENA 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, PCHR, WP 11/11; HJ 11/15 in WNC 11/27)

UNSC resumes talks on an international buffer force for the West Bank, Gaza. Arafat lobbies for the UN to send 2,000 troops to the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem. The UK, U.S. vow to block the proposal as long as Israel disapproves. (XIN 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP, WT 11/11; HJ 11/13 in WNC 11/15)

In Amman, Jordanian security forces peacefully disperse 1,000 Jordanians attempting to march to the Israeli emb. 100s of Lebanese, Palestinian refugees demonstrate at Fatima Gate on the blue line. The IDF shoots across the border, wounding a Lebanese truck driver approaching the border with a load of stones. (AFP [Internet] 11/10; DUS 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MEI 11/24)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International mediation efforts continue, with UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov, EU foreign policy dir. Javier Solana each meeting separately with Arafat, Barak. Egypt's Musa flies to Damascus to confer with Syrian pres. Asad, who phones Arafat to express Syrian support. Mubarak also phones Arafat and rejects Clinton's proposal (10/8) for a summit in Egypt, saying Israel must 1st agree to pull its troops back fr. PA areas, stop threatening Lebanon and Syria (see 10/8), bar official Israeli visits to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, agree to an international inquiry. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 10/10 in WNC 10/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; Milliyet 10/11, al-Quds 10/12 in WNC 10/13; CSM, WJW 10/12)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate somewhat. Inside Israel, Israeli Jews stab to death 2 Israeli Arabs nr. Tel Aviv, set fire to 3 Arab apartment buildings in Jaffa, and set fire to 3 Palestinian homes and a Jewish-owed restaurant that employed Palestinians in Tel Aviv. Clashes btwn. Israeli Jews and Arabs are also reported in Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre, where Israeli police intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition, wounding 1 Israeli Arab. (Israeli police say they have arrested some 400 Israeli Arabs, 200 Israeli Jews since clashes began.) Jews fr. West Jerusalem damage Palestinian property in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, the IDF demolishes another apartment building in Netzarim Junction, which was evacuated earlier because it had been hit by IDF shells. Jewish settlers reportedly attack Palestinians in Hebron, Khan Yunis, Rafah and outside Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah; some incidents involve settlers firing automatic weapons. In Rafah, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF. Nr. Ramallah, IDF soldiers wound a Palestinian ambulance driver with live ammunition. (ADM, BBC, MM 10/10; ADM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; AFP 10/10, MA 10/11, Le Monde 10/12 in WNC 10/12; MM, WJW, WP 10/12; MEI 10/13; WP 11/30)

Protests in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Brussels, Cairo, Madrid. In the U.S., rallies are held in Ann Arbor, New Haven. (RL 10/10 in WNC 10/12; WT 10/11)

Citing "compelling national security interests," the State Dept. restores Amb. to Israel Indyk's security clearance. (NYT, WT 10/11; WJW 10/12) (see 10/4)