The Palestine Chronology

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 confiscates 352 d. in northwest Jerusalem for construction of the separation wall; fires nr.aPalestinian polling station in Khan Yunis; obstructs Palestinian movement in al-Mawasi; fires on 3 Palestinians attempting to infiltrate Gaza fr. Egypt, wounding and detaining all 3. Palestinians fire 3 Qassam rockets at the western Negev, causing no damage or injuries. (JAZ 1/9; VOI 1/10 in WNC 1/12; OCHA 1/19)

After a robust campaign period, PA presidential elections are held. Abbas wins with 62% of the vote. Hamas, Islamic Jihad do not participate. (HA, NYT, WP 1/9; HA, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JAZ, MENA, Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation TV, PSCT, al-Quds, al-Ra’i, VOI, VOP, XIN, YA 1/9 in WNC 1/11; JAZ 1/9, AFP, AP, ATL, HA, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JAZ, MENA, PSCT, VOI, VOP, XIN, YA 1/10 in WNC 1/12; HA, MM, National Democratic Institute press release, NYT, WP, WT 1/10; VOP 1/10, AYM, HJ, JP 1/12 in WNC 1/15; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/11; VOP 1/11 in WNC 1/13; PR 1/12; HJ 1/12 in WNC 1/14; MEI 1/21)

At 9:30 P.M. EST (3:30 A.M. on 11/11 local time), Arafat dies in a Paris hospital. The PA declares a 40-day mourning period; immediately begins preparations to hold a state funeral in Cairo on 11/12, followed by his “temporary” burial in his Ramallah compound (the Muqata) later in the day. Earlier this afternoon, in anticipation of Arafat’s passing, the PLO Exec. Comm., the PA national security council, Fatah Central Comm., senior PC mbrs. meet in Ramallah to discuss leadership transitions, intentions to hold elections within 60 days of Arafat’s death, in keeping with the unratified Basic Law. (MM 11/10; AFP, JAZ, MENA, VOP 11/10 in WNC 11/12; BBC, CSM, HA, JAZ, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; AFP, ATL, DS, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, JAZ, JT, MENA, VOI, VOP, XIN 11/11 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/12; PCHR 11/18; JPI 11/19)

The IDF reinforces troops around, further restricts Palestinian access to East Jerusalem; raids, kills 2 Palestinian gunmen in an exchange of fire nr. Bayt Hanun; fatally shoots a Palestinian swimming in a prohibited zone off the coast of Gaza; bulldozes 50 d. nr. Khan Yunis. Palestinians fire 3 mortars at Neve Dekalim, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, VOI, VOP 11/10 in WNC 11/12; PRCS, WP 11/11)

The IDF fires a missile at 2 Palestinian boys (ages 12 and 15) playing with pipes and sticks in a street Jabaliya r.c., killing them; says video footage fr. drones in the area appeared to show militants preparing to launch a rocket. Also in n. Gaza, the IDF fires on residential areas of Bayt Hanun, seriously wounding a 12-yr.-old child in her home; demolishes 1 Palestinian home north of Bayt Hanun. A 13-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received in an IDF attack on Jabaliya on 9/30; a 16-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received in Jabaliya on 10/1; a 22-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received in Bayt Hanun on 10/3. The IDF also fires on 2 Palestinians who approach the Israeli border fence nr. the Sufa crossing into Israel in s. Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian while the other escapes; fires on residential areas, demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Rafah; shells residential areas, bulldozes 86 d. nr. Khan Yunis. Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets at Sederot, 2 antitank missiles at IDF troops in Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF moves troops into Balata r.c. and Tulkarm, fires on residential areas, then fires on stonethrowing youths who confront the troops; halts a Palestinian school bus at a Hebron checkpoint, detains 3 students; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Arub r.c., Jenin r.c., and in villages around Nablus, Tulkarm; bulldozes 60 d. southwest of Hebron for construction of the separation wall. The UNRWA delivers food, water to half of the 600 Palestinian families (ca. 3,300 individuals) who have been trapped in their homes east of Jabaliya r.c., unable to leave and without electricity or water since Days of Penitence began on 9/29. (United Nations Information Service 10/7; PSCT, VOI, VOP 10/7 in WNC 10/11; MEZ, WP 10/8; PR 10/13; PCHR 10/14)

In Egypt, a huge truck bomb explodes at the Hilton hotel in Taba, 2 smaller bombs explode at hotels further south along the Red Sea in Nuwayba and Ras al-Shaytan in what appear to be al-Qa‘ida attacks targeting Israelis vacationing for the Sukkoth holidays; 34 people are killed (including at least 13 Israelis, 9 Egyptians, 2 Italians, 1 Russian), some 150 are wounded. (BBC, HA, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; ITAR-TASS, MA, MENA, MM, VOI, VOP 10/8, MENA, al-Quds 10/9, VOI 10/10 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/9; NYT 10/10; al-Ra’i 10/10, AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/14; LBC 10/10, MM 10/11; VOP 10/11 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/12; MM, NYT, PR 10/13; JP, WJW 10/14; MM 10/15, 10/18, 10/19; WT 10/20; MEI 10/22; WP 10/26)

The IDF raids a section of Gaza City nr. Netzarim settlement, occupies an abandoned house, shells a house (causing extensive damage but no injuries), bulldozes 20 dunams of land. The IDF also bulldozes 4 Palestinian homes, 2 “animal farms,” 45 dunams of land, an irrigation network in Khan Yunis; razes 10s of dunams of citrus trees nr. Bayt Lahia; conducts house searches, arrest raids in Jenin r.c., Qalqilya. A Palestinian fires on, tosses a grenade at an IDF post nr. Bayt Hanun (causing damage but no injuries), escapes. (VOI 7/9 in WNC 7/13; PCHR 7/15).

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issues its nonbinding opinion on the separation wall, ruling (14-1, with only American judge Thomas Buerghenthal dissenting) that segments built on occupied Palestinian territory violate international law and should be removed or not built. (HA, JT, WP, WT 7/9; AYM, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, VOP 7/9, AN, DUS, HJ, MENA, al-Quds, al-Ra’i, VOP, XIN 7/10 in WNC 7/13; NYT, WP, WT 7/10; AYM 7/11, 7/13 in WNC 7/16; HJ 7/11, AN, JT, SA, VOP 7/12 in WNC 7/14; JTA, MM 7/12; Asia Times, MA, MM 7/13; al-Quds 7/13 in WNC 7/15; al-Ra’i 7/13 in WNC 7/21; PR 7/14; MEI 7/23)

The IDF blocks all branch roads leading to the main Jerusalem–Ramallah road; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Qalandia r.c., fatally shooting a wheelchair-bound Palestinian; fatally shoots a Palestinian in a cemetery nr. Gaza’s Neve Dekalim, suspecting he might attack; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis (seriously wounding a Palestinian woman inside her home), Rafah r.c.; raids Balata r.c., firing on houses, stonethrowing youths who confront troops, injuring 4; begins work on a new segment of the separation wall around Jerusalem nr. Salfit; conducts arrest raids in Balata r.c., Dayr Ghassana nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Tamun nr. Jenin. Palestinians detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol in central Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers in Hebron raze a 1.5 dunam Palestinian garden nr. the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs. Jewish settlers fr. Gil’ad nr. Qalqilya fire on a herd of Palestinian sheep, killing several; the IDF arrests 2 Palestinians who confront the settlers in protest. An Israeli court sentences Fatah’s Barghouti to 5 life terms plus 40 yrs. for conspiracy and membership in a “terror” organization (see 5/20). (XIN 6/6; MENA, VOI, VOP 6/6 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WP, WT 6/7; MA, VOI, VOP 6/7 in WNC 6/9; HA 6/8; PR 6/9; PCHR 6/10; MEI 6/11)

Sharon’s cabinet endorses (14-7) his revised Gaza disengagement plan to withdraw fr. all settlements in Gaza, 4 in the West Bank in 4 stages, each requiring cabinet approval. (HA 6/6; al-Quds 6/6, ITAR-TASS 6/7 in WNC 6/10; NYT, WP, WT 6/7; VOI 6/7 in WNC 6/9; PR 6/9; MM 6/10; Forward 6/11)

The IDF continues Operation Rainbow, moving deeper into Rafah, killing 8 Palestinians (including Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades local cmdr. Khalid Abu Azna, who is assassinated in a helicopter air strike), detaining 70, bulldozing at least 1 Palestinian home, knocking down a small zoo (killing some animals, freeing others); the IDF admits it has found no smugglers’ tunnels since the start of the operation. The IDF also assassinates Qalqilya Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades leader Mazin Yasin; opens fire on stone-throwing youths in Hebron (killing a 13-yr.-old Palestinian), Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, Khan Yunis, Qalqilya. Another 13-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injures sustained during the 5/11 IDF raid on Gaza City. An Israeli court convicts West Bank Fatah secy., Palestinian Council (PC) mbr., and tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti on 5 counts of murder in connection with 3 AMB shooting attacks in 2001–2, acquits him on 21 other counts for lack of evidence; Barghouti was detained in 4/02. (MM, REU 5/20; HA, ITAR-TASS, JP, MA, VOI, VOP, YA 5/20 in WNC 5/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/21; PR 5/26; PCHR, WJW 5/27; MEI 5/28; PR 6/2)

In the pre-dawn hours, the IDF imposes a 24-hr. curfew, begins house-to-house searches in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah bordering the Philadelphi Route, occupies some buildings as observation posts; begins digging a trench to separate a section of Rafah r.c. fr. the rest of the camp, demolishing at least 3 Palestinian homes, cutting water and electricity supplies. Around daybreak, the IDF begins bulldozing operations, launches 3 missile strikes inside Rafah: the 1st killing 3 Hamas mbrs., wounding 5 gunmen and bystanders; the 2d killing 1 Hamas mbr. laying a roadside bomb nr. a mosque where Palestinians are leaving dawn prayers, also killing 5 bystanders, wounding several others, starting a fire that severely damages the mosque; the 3d hitting a residential area, killing 7 Palestinians (many in their homes), wounding at least 16. The IDF reports killing at least 3 more Palestinians, demolishing at least another 9 Palestinian homes during the day. A 20th Palestinian reportedly dies when explosives he is handling detonate. At least 2 ambulances are deliberately targeted by IDF snipers. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF ambushes, assassinates wanted al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) mbr. Muhammad Obeid as he drives nr. Sanur nr. Jenin, also wounding his passenger; raids Jenin r.c., fatally shoots wanted AMB mbr. Ahmad Judah in an apparent assassination, wounding a 2d Palestinian; fatally shoots an AMB mbr., a Palestinian gunman in separate incidents in Nablus; conducts arrest raids targeting Hamas in Tulkarm; orders the confiscation of 380 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem for construction of the separation wall. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in 4/04. (BBC, HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, PRCS, PM, WP 5/18; ITAR-TASS, ITV, MENA, PSCT, VOI, VOP, XIN 5/18 in WNC 5/20; HA, NYT, PR, WP, WT 5/19; PCHR 5/20; NYT 5/21; PR 5/26)

The IDF assassinates Hamas leader Rantisi, firing 2 missiles at his car as he drives through Gaza City, also killing his bodyguards Akram Nassar and Ahmad Ghurra, wounding 4 bystanders. 10,000s of Palestinians throughout the West Bank, Gaza take to the streets to protest. Hamas vows retaliation, says it has appointed Rantisi’s replacement but will not identify him for security reasons. (Senior spokesman Mahmud Zahar, senior political leader Ismail Haniyeh are considered the likely successors.) The IDF strike comes hrs. after a Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device inside the Erez Industrial Zone in Gaza, killing an Israeli border policeman, injuring 3; the AMB, Hamas claim joint responsibility. IDF undercover units raid Hebron and capture, beat, arrest an Arab Bank employee. The IDF also seals all West Bank and Gaza crossings except the Rafah checkpoint; tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement throughout the territories; fatally shoots a mentally handicapped Palestinian who strays too close to a Jewish settlement nr. Gaza City; denies passage to a Palestinian who suffers a heart attack at a Nablus checkpoint, allowing him to die; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, cutting some electricity, seriously injuring a 9-yr.-old girl inside her home and 6 others elsewhere; fires on, shells residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Tulkarm (seriously injuring a 5-yr.-old girl); fires on residential areas nr. Rafah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dayr al-Balah, Jenin; bulldozes 6 dunams of land in Bayt Hanun. (HA, MA, REU 4/17; AFP, MENA, MNR, PSCT, VOP 4/17, AFP, ATL, HA, IRNA, JP, LBC, MENA, MNR, al-Quds, VOP, YA 4/18 in WNC 4/20; NYT, WP, WT 4/18; CSM, MM 4/19; ITAR-TASS 4/19 in WNC 4/21; DUS, al-Ra’i 4/19, JT 4/20 in WNC 4/22; AYM 4/19, al-Quds, SA 4/21 in WNC 4/23; MM, PR 4/21; PCHR 4/22; WP 4/25; MEI 4/30)

The IDF assassinates Hamas spiritual leader and founder Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, firing 3 internationally banned flechette missiles at him as he leaves a Gaza City mosque after morning prayers, also killing 3 bodyguards, 4 bystanders, wounding at least 17 Palestinians, including Yasin’s 2 sons. Immediately, 100,000s of Palestinians take to the streets throughout the territories to protest the assassination. The IDF seals Gaza; clashes with Palestinian demonstrators in Balata r.c. (killing an al-Najah Radio correspondent in Balata r.c., apparently thinking his mobile phone was a weapon), Bethlehem, Dayr al-Balah, Hebron (fatally shooting 1 Palestinian watching fr. his balcony), Jenin, Khan Yunis (killing 3 Palestinians), Nablus; fires on residential areas of Rafah, Qalqilya, Tal Zu’rub; imposes a curfew on areas around Jenin, fires on residential areas; temporarily occupies a Palestinian home as an IDF post nr. Dayr al-Balah. 100s of Palestinian youths in East Jerusalem gather at checkpoints to throw stones at IDF soldiers; Palestinian prisoners in 2 Israeli jails riot. Palestinians fire Qassam rockets, mortars, antitank rockets at Gush Katif and Netzarim settlements, nearby IDF posts, the western Negev, damaging 2 apartments in Netzarim but causing no injuries. An ax-wielding Palestinian fr. the West Bank village of Bidiyya wounds 3 Israelis outside an army base in Tel Aviv before being arrested. An unidentified assailant said to be Arab stabs, lightly wounds 3 Israelis on a Jaffa bus. 4 Palestinians are arrested for beating up a Jewish settler in East Jerusalem. Jewish settlers detain, beat a Palestinian man in the Jordan Valley. An estimated 200,000 Palestinians, including reps. of all Palestinian factions, take part in Yasin’s funeral services later in the day, with 21 PSF officers forming an honor guard for Yasin’s coffin, Gaza churches ringing their bells, mosques broadcasting Qur’anic verses. Meanwhile, Israeli defense chiefs meet, agree to target the entire remaining Hamas leadership immediately, without waiting for another Hamas attack. Israel also announces that it will close the only mental health clinic serving East Jerusalem Palestinians (1,200 patients) because of “security concerns.” (AP, BBC, CSM, HA, MA, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/22; AP, ATL, ITARTASS, MNR, MENA, IDF Radio, IRNA, ITARTASS, JP, VIRI, VOI, VOP, XIN 3/22 in WNC 3/24; al-Arabiyya TV [Dubai], Syrian Arab News Agency 3/22 in WNC 4/27; AFP, BBC, CSM, HA, JT, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/23; AFP, AYM, DUS, HA, al-Hayat al-Jadida, JT, MA, MENA, al-Ra’i, THWR, TSHR, VIRI, YA 3/23 in WNC 3/25; MM, NYT, PR, WP 3/24; ATL, ITAR-TASS, Izvestiya, JT, al-Ra’i, SA, VOP, XIN 3/24 in WNC 3/26; AYM 3/24 in WNC 4/3; JT, MM, PCHR, WJW 3/25; ITAR-TASS, MENA, NHR, VIRI 3/25 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/26; MNR 3/27 in WNC 3/30; AYM 3/30, VOP 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MEI 4/2; PCHR 4/15)

In Washington, Shalom holds further talks on Sharon’s disengagement plan with VP Dick Cheney, Powell, Rice. (WP 3/23)

The IDF imposes curfews on Salfit, 6 surrounding villages; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, wounding a 10-yr.-old Palestinian girl inside her school; conducts arrest raids in Aida r.c.; seals a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. Palestinians fire a mortar at Gaza’s Gadid settlement, causing no damage or injuries. A Palestinian prisoner who suffered a stroke in Israel’s Megiddo prison on 12/4 dies; the PA says that he was healthy when he entered prison, that Israel was negligent in delaying his transportation to a hospital. (VOP 12/8 in WNC 12/10; VOI 12/9 in WNC 12/11; PR 12/10; PCHR 12/11)

Palestinian factions end a round of cease-fire talks in Cairo, with the factions refusing to adopt a unilateral cease-fire but expressing a “general readiness” for a comprehensive cease-fire involving Israel. (MENA, QA, VOP, al-Zaman [London] 12/8 in WNC 12/10; AYM 12/8, al-Quds 12/9 in WNC 12/11; MM, WP 12/9; MM 12/10; QA 12/11 in WNC 12/16; QA 12/12, AYM, SA 12/14 in WNC 12/16; al-Quds 12/18 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/19)

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) passes a nonbinding resolution calling on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague to issue an advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s separation wall. (HA 12/8; ITAR-TASS, VOP 12/8 in WNC 12/10; HA, MM, WP 12/9; JP 12/9 in WNC 12/10; PR 12/10; THWR 12/12 in WNC 1/16; MEI 12/19)

Israeli aircraft strike an alleged Islamic Jihad training camp deep inside Syria, just 10 mi. northwest of Damascus in ‘Ayn Sahib, injuring at least 1 security guard. Israel says the attack is in response to the 10/4 suicide bombing, in which it claims Syria played a “detailed role in orchestrating.” Syria denies this, denounces the strike as a “grave escalation,” says its response will be diplomatic. (The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine–General Command [PFLP-GC] says ‘Ayn Sahib is its fmr. training base, which is no longer active; says the site was patrolled by 1 civilian guard, who was injured.) The U.S. says that “we have repeatedly told the government of Syria that it is on the wrong side in the war on terror and that it must stop harboring terrorists.” Bush phones Sharon after the attack on Syria, expresses condolences on the 10/4 bombing, agrees with Sharon on “the need to continue fighting terrorism,” does not criticize Israel’s strike. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOI, XIN 10/5 in WNC 10/7; XIN 10/5, AN, ATL, DS, DUS, IRNA, JT, MENA, QA, al-Ra’i, THWR, TSHR, VIRI, XIN 10/6 in WNC 10/8; SATN 10/5 in WNC 11/8; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/6; NHR 10/6, AN, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, SA, SFR, THWR, TSHR 10/7 in WNC 10/9; SFR 10/6, THWR, TSHR 10/8 in WNC 10/11; SANA, SARR, SATN 10/6, SANA, SATN 10/7 in WNC 11/11; MM 10/7; AFP, AYM, DUS, HA, ITARTASS, JT, MA, MENA, NHR, al-Quds, al-Ra’i, SFR, YA 10/7 in WNC 10/10; MM, PR 10/8; MM, WJW 10/9; MEI 10/10; PR 10/15; JPI 10/17; NHR 10/17 in NC 10/23)

Arafat declares a 30-day state of emergency in the occupied territories, issues a presidential decree appointing a 9-mbr. emergency cabinet, with Qurai‘, negotiating a regular cabinet since 9/10, as PM. The emergency cabinet is to serve for 1 mo. (VOP 10/5 in WNC 10/7; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/6; VOP 10/6 in WNC 10/8; WP 10/7; VOI, VOP 10/7 in WNC 10/9; AYM 10/7 in WNC 10/10; PR 10/8; PSCT 10/9 in WNC 10/11; MEI 10/10)

In the occupied territories, the IDF fires on Palestinians attempting to bypass a new checkpoint separating Rafah and Khan Yunis (imposed after the 10/4 bombing), killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 3; begins bulldozing Palestinian land nr. Morag settlement, 100 dunams nr. Hebron; demolishes 19 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 2 in Jenin (including the home of the 10/4 bomber’s family). (HA, NYT, WP 10/6; PCHR 10/7, 10/9)

In response to the 9/9 suicide bombings, Sharon’s security cabinet declares Arafat “a complete obstacle” that Israel will “work to remove . . . in a manner, and at a time of its choosing.” In Ramallah, the IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement; occupies the PA Culture Min. building, overlooking Arafat’s headquarters; flies low-level sorties over Arafat’s compound. In response, 1,000s of Palestinians surround Arafat’s headquarters to provide him protection. The IDF also demolishes 16 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 2 in Hebron, 2 in Ramallah; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Hebron. (AFP, HA, MM, REU 9/11; AFP, JP, XIN 9/11 in WNC 9/12; MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/12; AFP, ATL, ITAR-TASS, Palestine Satellite Channel Television, QA, al-Quds, VOP, XIN 9/12, AN, ATL, IRNA, MENA, alQuds 9/13, HA, IRNA, JT, MA, MENA, YA 9/14 in WNC 9/16; MM, NYT, WP 9/13; PR 9/17; PCHR 9/18; JPI, MEI 9/26)

The IDF seals the West Bank and Gaza and tightens restrictions on Palestinian movements (including reimposing all Gaza checkpoints removed after the Palestinian ceasefire declaration on 6/29), expecting retaliation for its 9/6 attempt to assassinate Shaykh Yasin. In Khan Yunis, the IDF fires 4 missiles at the home of Hamas mbr. ‘Abd al-Salam Abu Musa, claiming it is a Hamas arsenal; Abu Musa escapes moments before the attack, which injures 15 bystanders, damages 9 surrounding homes. The IDF alsoarrests PA official Akram Tubasi on charges of smuggling weapons fr. Egypt to Gaza; demolishes a Palestinian home in Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Jaba’, Khan Yunis, Qalqilya, Ramallah; fires on residential areas of Rafah. Hamas mbrs. detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol in Gaza, lightly wounding 3 soldiers. (Israel National News 9/7; NYT, WP, WT 9/8; PCHR 9/11)

Arafat nominates PC speaker and Oslo architect Ahmad Qurai‘ to replace Abbas as PM. Qurai‘ says he would accept the nomination, provided he receives assurances of cooperation fr. the EU, Israel, U.S. (AP, BBC, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/8; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/9; AYM, ITAR-TASS 9/9 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/10)

An IDF warplane drops a 550-lb bomb on a Gaza City building in an attempt to assassinate Hamas founder and spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, several senior Hamas leaders meeting there, destroying the top floor of the 3-story building, lightly injuring Yasin, 14 others. Following the attack, the IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement across the West Bank. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager suspected of attempting to infiltrate Israel nr. Jabaliya, initially wounding him in the leg, then denies access toan ambulance for 19 hrs., allowing him to bleed to death; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian children in Bayt Furik (wounding 2, ages 9, 10), Nablus (wounding 4); also fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Asira, Bayt Furik, Rafah. Wanted Hamas mbr. Massud dies of injuries received in an IDF assassination attempt on 8/26. (AFP 9/6; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/7; IDF Radio, IRNA, MA, MENA, NHR, al-Quds, SA, VOI 9/7 in WNC 9/9; DUS, al-Quds 9/7, AN 9/8 in WNC 9/10; MM 9/8; QA, SFR 9/9 in WNC 9/12; PCHR 9/11; MEI 9/12)

With no PC vote of confidence forthcoming, Abbas resigns as PM, citing no way of reaching a workable security arrangement with Arafat, lack of support fr. the U.S., on going militarism and little diplomatic effort by Israel. (NYT 9/6; MENA, al-Quds, XIN 9/6, JP, JT, MA, MENA, XIN, YA 9/7 in WNC 9/9; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/7; AN, DUS, al-Ra’i, 9/7, AN, AYM, ITAR-TASS, SA 9/8 in WNC 9/10; AYM 9/7, 9/9 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/9; Le Monde 9/9 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/10)

A Palestinian suicide bomber fr. Hebron detonates a device on a bus in West Jerusalem, killing 15 Israelis, 5 Americans, wounding more than 100 (13 seriously, 13 moderately), and violating a unilateral 3-mo. Palestinian cease-fire declared on 6/29. (Initially, Islamic Jihad claims responsibility, and Hamas denies it. After the bomber is identified as a known Hamas mbr., Hamas accepts responsibility but says it still adheres tothe cease-fire, this was a 1-time action to retaliate for the 8/14 IDF assassination of Islamic Jihad Hebron cmdr. Muhammad Sidr. Analysts suggest the bombing may be a joint operation or the work of a Hamas offshoot.) PA PM Mahmud Abbas, whois meeting with Islamic Jihad leaders at the time tourge them toextend the cease-fire to 6 mos., breaks off the mtg., denounces the attack, cancels cease-fire talks with Hamas scheduled for 8/20. Israel suspends further talks on a transfer of territory to PA control. The IDF sends tanks, troops into Hebron, surrounding villages to conduct searches, arrest raids; demolishes 4 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir in East Jerusalem; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. Israeli authorities demolish an Israeli Arab home in Lod, the 40th to be demolished in 2003; the Prime Minister’s Office reports that Israel has also demolished 117 bedouin homes in the Negev this yr. In Nablus, a shootout btwn. rival AMB factions fr. Nablus, Balata r.c. leaves 1 AMB mbr. dead. (HA, JP, MM 8/19; MENA 8/19 in WNC 8/21; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/20; IDF Radio, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JP, MA, MENA, VOI, YA 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, PCHR, WJW 8/21; QA, al-Quds 8/21 in WNC 8/23; al-Ra’i 8/21, AYM, al-Ra’i 8/22 in WNC 8/26; JPI 8/22; JPI, MM 8/29)

A Hamas suicide bomber dressed as an Orthodox Jew detonates a device on a bus in Jerusalem, killing 15 Israelis, 1 Eritrean, injuring more than 60. Israeli DM Shaul Mofaz immediately authorizes the IDF to use “whatever means necessary” to “completely wipe out Hamas,” saying Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Yasin is a viable target. Half an hr. later, an IDF helicopter fires on a car stuck in a Gaza City traffic jam, assassinating senior Izzeddin al-Qassam mbrs. Titu Massud and Suhayl Abu Nahil, also killing 6 Palestinian bystanders, wounding 35 (including 14 children). In the evening, IDF helicopters strike another car in Gaza City, killing Hamas mbrs. Muhammad Daghmash and Rawi Abu Kumayl. The IDF also raids Hebron, imposing a curfew, building roads, blocking streets with sand barriers, concrete blocks; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Rafah (damaging another 11), 1 in Jaba; fires on a funeral procession outside Khan Yunis, wounding 1. (AP, BBC, HA 6/11; ITAR-TASS, MENA 6/11 in WNC 6/13; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 6/12; AFP, QA 6/12 in WNC 6/14; PR 6/18; LAW, PCHR 6/19; JPI 6/20; HA 6/25; MEI 6/27)

The IDF attempts to assassinate, wounds Hamas political leader and chief spokesman ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Rantisi, firing missiles at his car as he drives through Shati‘ r.c., killing a bodyguard and a Palestinian woman walking nearby, wounding 27. In a rare acknowledgment, Israel confirms it targeted Rantisi, saying it took the decision after Rantisi called off Hamas cease-fire talks with the PA. Later in the day, IDF helicopters fire missiles at a 2d car in Jabaliya, allegedly targeting 2 Palestinians who fired 5 Qassam rockets at Sederot earlier, causing no damage or injuries; 3 Palestinian bystanders are killed, 30 (including the 2 targets) are wounded. Abbas condemns the Rantisi attack as a “terrorist attack in the full meaning of the word,” saying it was aimed at sabotaging the road map; Hamas says it is a “declaration of war,” vows to “commit operations that will shake Israel.” The IDF also fatally shoots wanted Palestinian Issam Ibrahim in Jenin in what may be an assassination; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians in s. Gaza; fires on, wounds a Palestinian nr. Morag settlement; fires on residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis; bulldozes 5 dunams of land in Jabaliya; conducts arrest raids in Battir, Bayt Iba, Dura, Haris, Hebron, Jericho, Nablus (targeting Hamas), Qatanna, Tulkarm, al-Walaja, Yatta; dismantles another 5 unauthorized settlement outposts, all of them uninhabited. The Israeli High Court blocks the removal of 1 occupied outpost, Havat Gilad, which Israel attempted to dismantle in fall 2002. Jewish settlers rebuild 1 outpost taken down on 6/9. (BBC, HA, LAW, MM 6/10; ITAR-TASS, VOI, MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/12; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 6/11; AFP, AKH, DUS, HA, IDF Radio, JP, JT, MA, MENA, NHR, QA, al-Quds, VOI, YA, XIN 6/11 in WNC 6/13; JPI, LAW, PCHR, WP 6/12; AYM, JP 6/12 in WNC 6/14; PR 6/18, 6/25; MEI 6/27; MEI 7/11)

A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device on a bus outside French Hill settlement in East Jerusalem, killing 6 Jewish settlers, 1 West Bank Palestinian laborer, wounding 12 settlers; as rescue workers arrive at the scene, a 2d Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in the area, killing only himself. (Reports indicate that the 2 bombers today and the 1 yesterday were friends fr. Hebron, possibly mbrs. of the same soccer team.) The IDF expels Mahmud al-Safuri, brother of detained Islamic Jihad military cmdr. Haj ‘Ali al-Safuri, fr. Jenin to Gaza for 2 yrs. for allegedly aiding his brother in staging attacks; this is the first such forced transfer since 9/4/02. The IDF also seals the West Bank, places closures on most villages, cities; continues operations in Bayt Hanun, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian, demolishing 3 Palestinian homes, bulldozing more land, tightening the closure; fatally shoots a 2d Palestinian in Khan Yunis; chases, fires on a group of laborers on their way to work in Israel, causing 1 Palestinian to suffer a fatal heart attack; bulldozes 120 dunams of land in Abasan; demolishes 10 Palestinian homes in Rafah r.c.. Sharon convenes a cabinet mtg. to discuss responses, overrules calls to expel PA head Yasir Arafat. Palestinian gunmen fatally shoot an alleged collaborator in Nablus. (WT 5/18; ITAR-TASS 5/18 in WNC 5/19; HA, MM, NYT, WP 5/19; MM, PCHR 5/20; HA, MM, PR 5/21; LAW, PCHR 5/22; HA 5/23; al-Haq 5/24; NYT 6/13)

In light of the Jerusalem bombing, Sharon postpones plans to leave for Washington today to meet with Pres. George W. Bush regarding implementation of the road map; convenes his security cabinet to discuss retaliation. (NYT, WP, WT 5/19; VOI 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

Just before the PC meets in Ramallah, the IDF assassinates PFLP leader Nidal Salama, firing rockets at his car as he drives through Khan Yunis, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander; surrounds the home of, fatally shoots Bethlehem AMB cmdr. Mahmud Salah in an apparent assassination, also killing AMB mbr. Adnan Juayrish, who was with him; demolishes the home of Salah’s 2 brothers. Just 2 hrs. after Abbas’s new government is confirmed, a suicide bomber detonates a device outside a Tel Aviv nightclub, next to the U.S. emb., killing 2 Israelis, 1 French woman, wounding 34 (including at least 1 American); a 2d bomber escapes when his bomb fails to detonate; AMB, Hamas say they jointly planned the operation; both bombers are British Muslims (1 of Kashmiri, 1 of Pakistani descent) who apparently entered Israel fr. Gaza on British passports. Commenting on the attack, Israeli government spokesman Dore Gold says, ”This is really the first test for the new Palestinian government and unfortunately it has turned out to be a complete failure.” The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian in Rafah; fires on, wounds 2 Palestinian farmers working land in Khuza; conducts arrest raids in Jenin. (HA 4/29; BBC, HA, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 4/30; Interfax 4/30 in WNC 5/1; LAW, PCHR 5/1; NYT 5/2; JTA 5/6; PR 5/7; JPI 5/9; WP 5/10)

The PC approves (69–12, with 3 abstentions) Abbas’s new government, presented after wks. of debate within Fatah. In his inaugural speech Abbas states that there is no military solution to the conflict with Israel, rejects “terrorism,” pledges to crack down on militant groups and confiscate illegal weapons, demands an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, and without Jewish settlements. Israeli FM Silvan Shalom cautiously welcomes Abbas’s words on violence but says his statements on flnal status are “problematic” and “raise serious questions regarding a readiness to arrive at an agreed-upon resolution.” (HA, MM 4/29; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 4/30; AYM, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 4/30 in WNC 5/1; SA 4/30, al-Quds 5/1 in WNC 5/2; WJW 5/1; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/5; HA, MM, WJW 5/2; HA 5/5; MEI 5/16)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Qalqilya, Tulkarm town and r.c., Tubas (capturing senior Hamas mbr. Salman Daraghma, who previously escaped an IDF assassination attempt); fatally shoots a Palestinian stone thrower in Tulkarm r.c.; fatally shoots a mentally handicapped Palestinian during an arrest raid in Qabatiyya when he fails orders to halt, bars medical workers fr. reaching him, allowing him to bleed to death; demolishes 1 Palestinian home each in Jenin, Khan Yunis, Silwan; seals 3 Palestinian homes in Silwan; shells residential areas of Jenin, damaging 4 homes, destroying 11 stores; bulldozes 20 artesian wells in Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids in Amari r.c., Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Urta. Hamas issues a statement in Beirut claiming to have received a large number of RPGs (source not identified; see 12/28), made more Qassam rockets. (HA 1/14; MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; LAW, PCHR 1/15)

Britain convenes a mtg. on PA reform in London. Reps. of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Quartet attend in person; PA officials in Gaza, Ramallah attend via video link. The PA briefs participants on reform efforts; Egypt briefs them on Palestinian national unity talks ongoing in Cairo. (HA, WP 1/14; AYM, Interfax, JT, MENA, al-Quds 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MM, NYT, PR, WT 1/15; MENA, SA 1/15 in WNC 1/16; QA 1/15, ITAR-TASS 1/16 in WNC 1/17; AYM 1/15, ITAR-TASS, MENA 1/17 in WNC 1/21; PR 1/22; MEI 1/24)

In response to the 1/5 AMB bombing, Israel says it will bar a Palestinian delegation fr. leaving the occupied territories to attend a Quartet mtg. on PA reforms in London on 1/14; bar the PLO Central Comm. fr. meeting on 1/9 to ratify the constitution of a future Palestinian state, which contains many of the reforms demanded by Israel, the U.S.; “clamp down” on Palestinian universities, colleges. Meanwhile, the IDF fires on residential areas of Bayt Lahia; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Halhul; makes arrest raids in, around Bayt Hanina; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes and a store in Khan Yunis, 1 in Bayt Dajan, a 1 in Bayt Furik, plus a factory in Gaza City. (MM 1/6; MENA 1/6, ITAR-TASS, QA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/7; AYM 17, AN, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 1/8 in WNC 1/9; LAW, PCHR, PR 1/8; al-Quds 1/8 in WNC 1/10; MM 1/9)

The IDF reoccupies Bethlehem following Christmas celebrations, reimposes a 24-hr. curfew on residents; assassinates local AMB head Jamal Yahya in Tulkarm; assassinates Hamas mbr. Bassam Ashqar, ambushing his car in Ramallah, also killing a Palestinian bystander; raids Qabatiyya, assassinating local Islamic Jihad leader Yusif Abu Rub, demolishing his family house, arresting local Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades head Natzir Nazal, senior Hamas mbr. Talal al-Baz; sends undercover units into a hospital in Ramallah, fatally shooting wanted Palestinian Samir al-Shamali, who was working there as a guard, in what may be an assassination, sparking demonstrations, clashes with local residents that leave 1 Palestinian stone thrower dead; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians “approaching” Netzarim settlement; fires on demonstrators protesting the curfew in Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 20; raids a village n. of Ramallah, firing stun grenades, causing an elderly Palestinian to suffer a fatal heart attack; imposes a curfew on Beitunia, sends 30 tanks into the town; conducts house-to-house searches, arrest raids in Qalqilya; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. The PA accuses Israel of stepping up attacks on Palestinians in an effort to scuttle Fatah-Hamas talks in Cairo. The IDF also announces that it has begun building 300-yd.-wide buffer zones around several Jewish settlements in the West Bank (see Quarterly Update in JPS 126). Palestinians fire 2 mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. This evening, Israeli DM Shaul Mofaz orders the IDF to step up pressure on militant groups in the territories. (HP, LAW, PCHR, PM 12/26; HA, NYT, WP, WT 12/27; AYM, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds 12/27, De Standaard 12/28 in WNC 12/31; NYT, WT 12/28; LAW, PCHR 1/1)

An IDF undercover unit assassinates senior Hamas mbr. Asim Sawafta in Tubas. The IDF also shoots a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy in the head in Tubas, seriously wounding him; shells residential areas s. of Gaza City, in and around Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Aqraba, Khirbat Karma; blows up 1 Palestinian home in Jenin r.c.; detains 2 ambulance workers in Jenin town. A Palestinian gunman infiltrates the West Bank settlement of Hermesh, opens fire on residents outside their homes, killing 3 Jewish settlers (including 2 teenage girls), injuring 2 before being shot dead. Jewish settlers begin rebuilding the Havat Gilad site. A PA security court sentences a Palestinian to death for collaboration with Israel. (JTA 10/29; al-Quds 10/29 in WNC 11/5; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR 10/30; WP 10/31; MEI 11/8)

Arafat announces the make up of his new cabinet. Although most PC mbrs. angrily criticize Arafat’s failure to remove old EA mbrs. accused of corruption, they approve (56-18) the new cabinet. (AP, HA 10/29; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT10/30; ITAR-TASS 10/30 in WNC 10/31; MM 10/31; AYM 10/31 in WNC 11/1; QA 10/31, 11/1 in WNC 11/5; MEI 11/8)

In Ramallah, the IDF continues demolition work at the PA compound, setting fire to storehouses, bulldozing the Ramallah governate building; says it now seeks the extradition of 50 Palestinians inside Arafat's offices; warns those inside the remaining building to evacuate or risk being harmed when the IDF blows it up, prompting 1,000s of Palestinians to take to the street in protest, despite the curfew. The IDF fires stun grenades, live ammunition at the crowds, killing 2 Palestinians (including a journalist with Voice of Palestine). (After al-Jazeera TV broadcasts news of the spontaneous Ramallah demonstrations, 1,000s of Palestinians violate the curfews Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm and rally in Gaza to protest; the IDF kills 1 Palestinian protester in Nablus, a 2d Palestinian in Tulkarm and demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Qabatya, Qalqilya.) None of the Palestinians in the Ramallah compound evacuates, the IDF does not blow up the building; unnamed Israeli officials suggest the threat was "psychological combat" aimed at making living conditions so unbearable for Arafat that he seeks refuge abroad. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in al-Fara' r.c., Jenin, Rafah; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; fires on an ambulance in Nablus, damaging it, wounding 1 Palestinian bystander. (PM 9/21; MENA 9/21, ITAR-TASS, XIN 9/22 in WNC 9/23; NYT, PM, WP, WT 9/22; HA 9/23; al-Quds 9/23 in WNC 9/24; MM 9/24; LAW, PCHR, PR 9/25; MEI, MM 9/27; PRCS press release 9/27)

Palestinian gunmen disguised as IDF soldiers ambush a bus nr. the West Bank settlement of Emmanuel, setting off a roadside bomb disabling the bus, then firing on passengers, killing 7 Jewish settlers, wounding 16; the attackers escape; AMB, DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad take responsibility, though military analysts believe Hamas was responsible. Israel places nearby Palestinian villages under curfew. Israeli police arrest 4 IDF soldiers, 1 Jewish settler living in settlements nr. Hebron, 1 IDF soldier living in Israel on suspicion of stealing 60,000 rounds of IDF ammunition, selling 1,000s of rounds to Palestinian militants; the IDF also arrests a Palestinian fr. Tarkumiyya as the middleman. The IDF demolishes a Palestinian store under construction in Jerusalem; bulldozes 29 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qarni crossing; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids nr. Jaba'. (HA, REU 7/16; AFP 7/16 in WNC 7/17; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WP 7/17; WJW 7/18; AYM 7/18 in WNC 7/22; NYT, WP 7/19)

In New York, Powell hosts a senior-level Quartet mtg. to discuss ways of creating momentum for peace talks in light of Bush's 6/24 speech; holds separate mtg. with the FMs of Egypt, Jordan. The Arab FMs then dine with EU, Russian, UN Quartet reps. (MM 7/16; ITAR-TASS 7/16 in WNC 7/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/17; MM 7/18; Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 7/18 in WNC 7/19; MM 7/19)

The IDF lifts curfews in many West Bank areas for several hrs. to allow students to take yr.-end exams, then raids Palestine Polytechnic University in Hebron, detaining 300 students for questioning. The IDF raids a PA security post in Khan Yunis, arrests 6 PA border policemen. Israeli security officials bar entry at Ben-Gurion airport to PLO Negotiations Affairs Dept. legal adviser Michael Tarazi, a U.S. citizen who lives in Ramallah. (GS 7/2; NYT, WP, WT 7/3; AYM 7/3 in WNC 7/8)

Burns meets with other reps. of the Quartet (an ad hoc diplomatic grouping of the EU, Russia, UN, U.S. used to present a united international front on the peace process) in London to gauge their views of Bush's 6/24 speech, the PA's 100-day plan. Burns announces the formation of the International Task Force on Reform, a steering comm. comprising the Quartet and donors that will oversee donor assistance for PA reform efforts. (RMC 7/2 in WNC 7/3; MM 7/3; ITAR-TASS 7/3, al-Quds 7/4 in WNC 7/5; WP 7/4; NYT 7/9; USIS Washington File 7/12)

Before dawn, the IDF reoccupies Amari r.c., al-Bireh, Qadura r.c., and Ramallah, surrounding Arafat's offices (placing Arafat under de facto house arrest), arresting 13 PSF officers, meeting no resistance; imposes 24-hr. curfews on Aqaba, Dura, Iktaba, Tamun, Taysir, Tubas, Yatta; fires shells at residential areas of Khan Yunis; continues operations in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus (fatally shooting 1 Palestinian), Qalqilya, Tulkarm areas; lifts curfews in Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya for 3 hrs. The IDF assassinates 2 Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades leaders, Yasir Raziq and `Amr Kufa, in Rafah, firing missiles at their taxis, also killing 2 passengers, 2 drivers, injuring 13 bystanders. Jewish settlers stone an ambulance nr. Tulkarm. In Gaza, Hamas supporters clash with PSF officers enforcing Shaykh Yasin's house arrest, leaving 1 Hamas supporter dead. (BBC, MM, NYT, PRCS press release, WP, WT 6/24; XIN 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/25; LAW 6/26; PCHR, WJW 6/27; MEI 6/28)

After a wk.'s delay, Bush gives a major speech outlining the new U.S. policy toward the peace process. Without mentioning Israel's military escalations, Bush says in effect that the Palestinians must remove Arafat and create a Western-style democracy before the peace process can move forward. The U.S. halts direct dealings with Arafat. Bush's decision to call for Arafat's ouster was reportedly influenced heavily by an Israeli intelligence report he received last wk. (uncorroborated by the CIA) claiming that Arafat authorized a $20,000 payment to the AMB, which carried out the 6/19 suicide bombing. (AP, MM, NYT, WP 6/24; MA 6/24 in WNC 6/25; GS, MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 6/25; AFP, ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 6/25 in WNC 6/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/26; AFP, JT, Le Monde 6/26 in WNC 6/27; NYT, WJW, WP 6/27; JT, al-Nahar 6/27 in WNC 6/28; MEI, MM 6/28; NYT, USIS Washington File 6/30; WP, WT 7/1; AN 7/1 in WNC 7/2; JPI 7/5)

Arafat sends the U.S., Arab states a 6-page memorandum outlining an ambitious 100-day reform plan, including plans for presidential and legislative elections in 1/03 and municipal elections in 3/03. (MM 6/24; NYT 6/25; MM 6/26; El Pais 6/26 in WNC 6/27;NYT, WP, WT 6/27; XIN 6/27 in WNC 6/28; AYM 7/1 in WNC 7/3; AYM 7/10, 7/17, 7/21 in WNC 7/23)

Israeli atty. gen. Elyakim Rubinstein says he will not take legal action against those calling for the "voluntary transfer" of Arabs fr. Israel, saying "voluntary transfer" is "immoral" not illegal. (The 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus in 5/02 were "voluntarily exiled" as part of a deal brokered by Israel and the PA; see 5/22) (HA 6/24; MM 6/27)

In response to Israeli appeals to local satellite channels to drop coverage of BBC World and CNN International because of their "pro-Palestinian bias" (1 channel replaced CNN with Fox News coverage on 6/20), CNN chief news exec. Eason Jordan arrives in Israel to apologize publicly on behalf of the network, to unveil a special 5-part series on Israeli victims of violence (aired 6/24-28) and a Web "memorial" to Israeli victims of Palestinian violence. (WT 6/24; NYT 6/25; WJW 6/27; MEI 6/2; see also JTA 6/20, MSNBC 6/21)

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

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

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