The Palestine Chronology

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinian, 2 Jewish settlers dead. Nr. Ramallah, Palestinian gunmen ambush the car of Jewish settler leader Benjamin Kahane (son of late anti-Arab extremist rabbi Meir Kahane), killing him, his wife, injuring 5 of their 6 children. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claims responsibility. The funeral procession through Jerusalem, attended by 20,000 Israelis, turns into riot, with Jews smashing storefronts of Palestinian shops, seeking out and beating Palestinians, injuring 10 Israeli riot police. Hrs. after the Kahane shooting, the IDF assassinates senior Fatah official Thabet Thabet, gunning him down outside his home in Tulkarm. The 2d Palestinian is killed in a drive-by shooting by settlers. Israel closes the Rafah crossing. IDF directs tank, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Amari refugee camp, Beitunia, al-Bireh, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Salam, Satih Marhaba. Machine gun fire fr. Psagot settlement damages the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in al-Bireh. (PRCS press release, WP 12/31; HA, IsRN, LAW, WP, WT, YA 1/1; MENA 1/2 in WNC 1/3; WJW 1/4; JP 1/5; PCHR 1/6; WP 1/8; MEI 1/12)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 4 Palestinians dead, including a Palestinian suicide bomber who injures 3 IDF soldiers, 6 Jewish settlers in an attack on a roadside cafe nr. Mehola settlement. The IDF directs tank, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Hebron, Gaza, al-Ram. Israel again restricts Palestinians' access to Jerusalem for Friday prayers. (LAW 12/22; NYT, WP 12/23)

PA-Israeli talks continue at Bolling, with Secy. Albright's participation. (HA 12/22; WP 12/23)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In a "gun battle" nr. Rafah, the IDF shoots dead 2 Palestinians, wounds at least 40 others; no Israelis are injured. (LAW 12/20; LAW, WP 12/21)

After 2 days of Bolling talks, the U.S. brings PA negotiator Erakat, Israeli negotiator Ben-Ami together at the White House in a mtg. with Clinton, Secy. of State Madeleine Albright. Sides agree to begin direct talks on 12/21. (XIN 12/20 in WNC 12/26; HA, MENL, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/21; al-Quds 12/22 in WNC 12/27)

Arafat goes to Egypt to consult with Mubarak. Israeli Meretz party leader Yossi Sarid is also in Egypt for mtgs. with Mubarak but there is no indication he meets with Arafat. (MENA 12/20 in WNC 12/21; NYT 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinian dead, including leading Fatah activist Mahmud Mughrabi, who is shot by IDF troops. Jewish settlers open fire on Palestinians in Bayt Dajan and Bayt Furik, injuring 1. The IDF bulldozes 26 dunams of Palestinian land in the Netzarim area. (LAW 12/10; WT 12/11; WJW 12/28)

In Jerusalem, Israeli FM Sholomo Ben-Ami, chief negotiator Sher, fmr. deputy General Security Services head Yisrael Hasson hold a low-key mtg. with the PA's senior negotiators PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat, Gaza PSF head Muhammad Dahlan, Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbuh. (MA 12/12 in WNC 12/14; AYM 12/14 in WNC 12/18) (see 12/5)

Mbrs. of the Mitchell Comm. arrive in Israel to begin 3 days of initial consultations with Israeli, PA, Egyptian, Jordanian leaders. (WT 12/11; ATL, Der Spiegel, MENA 12/11 in WNC 12/13; MA [Internet], NYT, WP, WP 12/12; MENA 12/12 in WNC 12/14; HA, WJW 12/14; Guardian 12/20) (see 12/3)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 2 Palestinians dead. Nr. Bethlehem, IDF troops fire live ammunition at a Palestinian school, killing 1 student, wounding 10. Nr. Bethlehem, a Jewish settler intentionally hits a Palestinian with his car, killing him. The IDF bulldozes 16 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Netzarim Junction. (LAW 11/30; al-Quds 12/5 in WNC 12/8; PR 12/6; PCHR 12/18)

     Barak proposes a sharply scaled-back peace accord that would recognize a Palestinian state on about 30% of the West Bank, plus the 65-70% of Gaza the PA now controls. The PA rejects the offers as a campaign ploy. (MM 11/30; HA, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; MENA, al-Quds 12/1, MENA 12/2 in WNC 12/7; AYM, al-Quds 12/2, MA 12/6 in WNC 12/8; MEI 12/8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 intensify, especially in Gaza. 4 Palestinians are killed by IDF troops, 2 others die of injuries received earlier, and 1 Israeli customs official is ambushed and killed in Gaza (both Fatah Uprising, Islamic Jihad claim responsibility). Blaming Arafat for the ambush, Barak shuts the Gaza airport and the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, reportedly sends more tanks and armored vehicles into the West Bank and Gaza. At Qarni crossing, a gun battle erupts btwn. IDF troops, PA police; the IDF shells a building "used as cover" by the policemen. IDF tank, heavy machine gun fire is reported in Aida refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur, Beitunia, al-Bireh, Hebron, Salfit; in Bayt Jala, 1 house is completely destroyed, 6 homes and a school are damaged. The IDF also uproots a Palestinian olive grove in Qalqilya. (al-Haq press release, LAW, MM, PCHR 11/8; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; al-Quds 11/9 in WNC 11/13)

Arafat flies to Cairo to confer with Mubarak, EU special envoy Moratinos and then goes to London to meet with British PM Blair before heading to Washington. After meeting with Arafat, Moratinos leaves for a 2-day visit to Israel. (LPA, MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/9)

UN Human Rights Commissioner (UNHRC) Mary Robinson begins a 1-wk. tour of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Egypt, Jordan to investigate the recent Israeli-Palestinian violence. (AP 11/8; NYT, WP 11/9; WP 11/11; al-Quds 11/11 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/28)

The UNSC holds a closed-door mtg. on the ongoing clashes, the PA's request for international forces. The mtg. is adjourned until 11/10, so Arafat may address the council. (XIN 11/8 in WNC 11/9; SA 11/8 in WNC 11/13; MM, NYT, WT 11/9; MEI 11/10)

Under pressure fr. Israeli Arab MKs, Barak upgrades the inquiry comm. into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes to a state commission, which has more authority. (NYT, WP 11/9) (see 10/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify slightly, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Palestinians ambush a car outside Ma'ale Levona settlement nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 Jewish settlers. (IsRN, MEZ 11/5; LAW, NYT, WP 11/6; HJ 11/6 in WNC 11/7; AYM 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

The NIHC issues leaflets in the West Bank and Gaza, calling on Palestinians to focus their confrontation on IDF soldiers and Jewish settlers, to form local committees to organize mass activities, to boycott Israeli and U.S. goods. (HJ 11/6 in WNC 11/7)

The White House announces that Arafat, Barak have accepted invitations to meet with Pres. Clinton in Washington--Arafat on 11/9, Barak on 11/12. (XIN 11/5 in WNC 11/6; HJ, IRNA 11/5, AYM, DUS, al-Quds 11/6 in WNC 11/7; MM, NYT, WP 11/6)

At Fatima Gate, 100s of Lebanese throw stones across the blue line at IDF troops, who fire warning shots in return, causing no injuries. Rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Ottawa, outside Senate candidate Lazio's campaign headquarters in Babylon, NY. (AFP [Internet] 11/5, 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same level as in recent days, leaving at least 87 Palestinians injured (almost half by live ammunition). In Hebron, where Palestinians have been under 24 hr. curfew since 10/1, the IDF refuses to allow a Palestinian family to transfer their ill newborn to the hospital, allowing her to die. Jewish settler attacks on Palestinians and their property are reported in Hebron, nr. Bethlehem and Nablus, and throughout Jerusalem. (ADM, LAW 11/4; AYM 11/6 in WNC 11/9; WP, WT 11/5)

In Tel Aviv, 50,000 Israelis attend a rally marking the 5th anniversary of the assassination of PM Yitzhak Rabin. In comparison to previous yrs., fewer people attend and the event is less a peace rally and more a memorial. (NYT, WP 11/5; MM 11/8; WJW 11/9; JP 11/10)

Another antigovernment/anti-Israeli/anti-U.S. rally is held in Mauritania. In the U.S., rallies in support of the Palestinian people are held in Carlisle, PA; North Bergen, NJ. (Free Arab Voice [Internet] 11/14)

Israel restricts Palestinians' access to Jerusalem for the 3d Friday in a row. Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify again, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, 250 injured. Main flash points are Bayt Jala, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jinin, Qalqilya, Qarni checkpoint, Ramallah, Tulkarm. IDF troops outside Ramallah open fire on an ambulance, severely injuring the driver. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes another 3 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom settlement. At least 3 roadside bombs explode nr. Bethlehem, injuring 1 Israeli border policeman. A synagog in Efrat is vandalized, presumably by Palestinians, though how they entered the Jewish settlement is unclear. (ADM, LAW, MM, PCHR 10/27; IDF Radio [Internet], Guardian [Internet], NYT, WT 10/28; AYM 10/31 in WNC 11/1)

Palestinian refugees in `Ayn al-Hilwa camp in Lebanon demonstrate against the weak Arab League statement issued on 10/22. In Nairobi, 1,000s of Kenyans march in solidarity with the Palestinians. In the U.S., similar rallies are held outside the New York Times offices in New York, as well as in Hartford, Sacramento. (Panafrican News Agency [Internet] 10/27; al-Safir 10/28 in WNC 10/31)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, dimming hopes that a cease-fire will take hold. The worst fighting is around Nablus, where the IDF escorts a group of 40 Jewish settlers on a hike nr. Aksar al-Balad refugee camp to view, among other things, the remains of Joseph's Tomb (see 10/7). 4 of the settlers reportedly open fire on the camp, prompting PA police to fire back, sparking an exchange of gunfire. The IDF warns Palestinians to evacuate areas of Nablus, then sends attack helicopters to cover and extract the settlers. During the 7-hr. exchange, 1 settler, 1 Palestinian are killed and 3 settlers, 15 Palestinians injured. In Bethlehem, an explosion at a Force 17 building, apparently caused by a gas leak, kills 3 Palestinians, injures several others. Around Gush Katif settlement, the IDF bulldozes 72 dunams of land, 2 walls surrounding Palestinian homes. Under heavy IDF guard, Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert, along with New York City council mbr. Noach Dear, attends a house warming celebration for a Jewish settler family that just acquired property in Palestinian East Jerusalem. (AP 10/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/20; NYT 10/21; Globes [Internet] 10/25; JP 10/27; MM, WJW 11/16)

Protests against Israeli actions are held in Boston, Ottawa, Washington. (al-Awda Internet news group 10/19)

The UN Human Rights Commission approves (19-16, with 17 abstentions) a resolution condemning Israel for the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force and calling for an international inquiry into the violation of human rights during the clashes. (BDL 10/20; MEI 10/27)

After several more hrs. of talks among Arafat, Barak, Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, Annan, and Solana, Clinton announces that Arafat, Barak have agreed on steps toward halting the clashes. No details are released. The agmts. are oral and reportedly are vague, not giving an order of who is to take what step 1st. The sides agree that Clinton will appoint an international inquiry comm. to investigate the recent clashes. The U.S. for the 1st time acknowledges that Arafat "may not have control of everything" but still says it expects a cessation of violence "within hours." (AFP [Internet], MM, REU 10/17; ATL, Interfax, MENA, RL 10/17 in WNC 10/18; LAW, NYT, WP, WT, YA 10/18; JT, al-Quds, SA 10/18, Le Monde 10/19 in WNC 10/19; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate. Nr. Itamar settlement, Jewish settlers open fire on a Palestinian family harvesting their olive crop, killing 1, wounding 3. A PA policeman is killed by IDF fire in Gaza. A 3d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinian gunmen fire at Gilo settlement, critically wounding an Israeli border policeman. IDF tanks fire on the neighboring Palestinian village of Bayt Jala in retaliation. Settlers fr. Itamar fire on Palestinian homes in neighboring Hawara village, attack a Palestinian ambulance driver. (ADM, LAW, MM, PCHR, REU 10/17; MENA 10/17, al-Quds 10/18, MA 10/19 in WNC 10/19; ADM, Bahrain Tribune [Internet], CSM, HA [Internet], LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; WJW 10/19; HJ 10/24, MENA 10/25 in WNC 10/30)

Hamas's Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, West Bank Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti say their supporters will continue the uprising despite the Sharm agmts. The DFLP, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine issue similar statements. Palestinians in Bethlehem, Gaza City, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah demonstrate against the Sharm mtg. 1,000s of Egyptian students in Cairo, 7,000 Palestinian refugees in Tripoli, Lebanon, hold similar demonstrations. A rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people is held in New York. (ADM, LAW, MM, PCHR, REU 10/17; RMC 10/17 in WNC 10/18; MENA 10/17, al-Quds 10/18, MA 10/19 in WNC 10/19; ADM, Bahrain Tribune [Internet], CSM, HA [Internet], LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; WJW 10/19; HJ 10/24, MENA 10/25 in WNC 10/30)

Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the West Bank and Gaza abates slightly but escalates again this evening, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. The most serious incident is in Nablus, where the IDF, implementing the Sharm agmts., turns over Joseph's Tomb to the PSF. Palestinians celebrating the IDF pullback overrun the PSF, destroy the tomb. In response, armed Jewish settlers roam areas around West Bank settlements, stoning and firing at Palestinian cars, killing 1 Palestinian. Inside Israel, Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth throwing stones at Israeli Palestinians, sparking a riot; when Israeli Arabs start to fight back, Israeli riot police intervene, using tear gas and live ammunition, shooting dead 2 Israeli Arabs. In Tiberias, Jews vandalize a historic mosque. The IDF moves tanks into the West Bank to guard the Jewish settlement of Psagot, which has been the target of Palestinian sniping. At Rafah airport, Palestinians fire on a bus Israeli airport workers, injuring 8. Israel shuts the airport. (LAW 10/7; MENA, RL 10/7, al-Quds 10/8, AFP, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10, 10/11 in WNC 10/12; NYT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13; WJW 10/19; WP 10/28)

Barak calls up IDF reservists, sets an ultimatum of 48 hrs. for Palestinians to halt their assaults on IDF outposts, Jewish settlements or "we will regard this as a cessation by Arafat of the peace process, and we will order the army to use all means at its disposal." Barak also says he is considering forming a "unity government" with Likud MK Sharon. (AYM 10/7, al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/9; Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/11; JP, MEI 10/13)

Nr. Shaba` Farms, IDF soldiers fire across the blue line into Lebanon at 100s of Palestinian refugees staging a protest, killing 2, wounding 15. In response, Hizballah guerrillas cross into Golan Heights, kidnap 3 IDF soldiers; fire rockets at the IDF's Shaba` outpost, injuring 6 soldiers. Barak reinforces the border area, sends Israeli warplanes and attack helicopters into Lebanon to strike Hizballah targets, injuring 4 Lebanese civilians. U.S.'s Albright phones Lebanese pres. Lahoud, Syrian pres. Asad to urge them to intercede with Hizballah to release the IDF soldiers. France, Germany, the Red Cross, Russia, the UN open channels with Hizballah, which demands Israel release at least 19 Lebanese political prisoners (kidnaped by the IDF in Lebanon, held without trial for as long as 20 yrs.) in exchange for the soldiers. (CNN [Internet] 10/7; RL 10/7, AYM 10/8, Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; Manar TV [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 10/9; al-Quds 10/9, DUS, al-Safir 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM, NYT, WP 10/10; NYT, WJW, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13; JP 10/27, 11/3)

After 6 days of debate, the UNSC passes (14 to 0, with the U.S. abstaining) a watered down resolution that condemns the "excessive use of force" against the Palestinians but does not mention Israel by name. U.S. Amb. Richard Holbrooke threatened to veto stronger language. (AP 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; CSM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13)

In Amman, Jordanian police open fire on Palestinian refugees demonstrating for the closure of the Israeli emb., killing 1, arresting 97. Demonstrations condemning Israeli violence, U.S. support of Israel are held in Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, the UAE, and Yemen. In the U.S., rallies are held in Albuquerque, Dearborn, New York. (BBC, al-Jazeera TV [Internet] 10/7; AFP, ATL, MENA 10/7, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; Gulf News [Internet], NYT 10/8; MM 10/11; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Despite another attempt to secure a cease-fire, Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Israel and throughout the West Bank and Gaza continue, leaving 10 Palestinians, 7 Israeli Arabs, 1 IDF soldier, 1 Jewish settler dead and some 300 Palestinians injured; 3 Israeli Arabs wounded on 10/1 also die. Israel closes roads in n. Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to civilian traffic. Around 30 exchanges of gunfire btwn. Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian civilians and police are reported. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinians set afire an industrial plant owned by Jewish settlers. Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fatally shoot a Palestinian. The IDF dep. chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon warns that if Palestinians do not stop attacking troops guarding Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, the IDF will move in even though the area is under full PA control; the IDF has taken up positions around areas A but has not crossed into them. Barak authorizes his forces to use "all necessary means" to protect Israeli lives, quell riots. (AP, MM 10/2; AFP, ANSA, EFE [Madrid], Interfax, RL, XIN 10/2 in WNC 10/3; RL, SAPA [Johannesburg] 10/2, JT, HJ, al-Quds, SA 10/3 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; HJ, al-Quds, Sabah 10/3, MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

The IDF claims that Muhammad al-Dura, the 12-yr.-old killed at Netzarim Junction on 10/1, had been throwing stones at soldiers before he was shot, contradicting widely broadcast footage of the incident recorded by France 2 TV showing the boy and his father pinned down by gunfire for 45 minutes. The pair were returning from errands and had been dropped off by a taxi, which refused to take them across Netzarim Junction because of heavy IDF fire. (Age [Melbourne], HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/3; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10)

U.S. secy. of state Albright announces that she will meet with Arafat, Barak in Paris on 10/4 to discuss the clashes, the peace process. All 3 will then meet with Mubarak in Sharm al-Shaykh on 10/5. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; Radio France International 10/3 in WNC 10/6)

In Amman, Arafat, King Abdallah discuss the Israeli-Palestinian clashes, call on Israel to pull back forces to restore calm, and urge Arab states to convene an emergency summit. In Cairo, Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad also call for an Arab summit. Massive rallies protesting Israeli actions are held in Amman, Cairo, Damascus, refugee camps in Lebanon, Yemen. Protests are also held outside Israeli embassies and legations in many European and North American cities, including Ann Arbor, Austin, Brussels, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Haven, New York, Ottawa. (AP, BDL, UPI 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MENA 10/2, JT, MENA 10/3, JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; NYT, WP, WT 10/3; AYM 10/3 in WNC 10/12; MM, WT 10/4; WJW 10/5; HJ 10/5, al-Quds 10/7 in WNC 10/10; JP 10/13)

In Paris, PA Planning M Shaath briefs French pres. Chirac on the ongoing clashes. Chirac calls on both sides to deescalate the violence, calls for an international inquiry into the clashes. (AFP 10/2, 10/3, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6)

In New York, the UNSC begins closed-door mtgs. on several draft resolutions regarding the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli clashes. Britain, the U.S. lobby against issuing a resolution, saying, at most, a statement should be read. (UPI 10/3; HA [Internet] 10/4; WJW 10/5)

Low-key PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David, with Secy. of State Albright shuttling btwn. negotiating teams. (MM, State Dept. press briefing 7/21; NYT, WP 7/22; al-Quds 7/22 in WNC 7/24)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak receives a call fr. Israeli PM Barak fr. Camp David. He then phones Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad and Jordan's King Abdallah to exchange views on the latest developments at the summit. (MENA 7/21 in WNC 7/24)

Police in Charlotte, NC, arrest 18 people for a money laundering scheme in which they allegedly skimmed cigarette taxes, funneled the profits of upward of $1 m. to Hizballah in Lebanon. Hizballah denies any connection to those arrested. (WP, WT 7/22; NYT 7/24)

PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David. In his 1st comments since talks began, Pres. Clinton says there has been some progress toward an agmt., "but I can't say I know we will succeed." Today, Clinton meets with both delegations. In Emmitsburg, the PA, Israeli technical comms. on noncore issues meet; some sessions are held with U.S. reps. present. (White House press briefing 7/16; NYT, WP, WT 7/17; al-Quds, SA 7/17 in WNC 7/19)

 In Tel Aviv, some 100,000 Israelis, many of them Jewish settlers bussed in fr. the West Bank, protest against the Camp David talks. In Nablus, some 1,000 Palestinians hold a rally in support of the summit. Another 1,000 Palestinians in Jinin call on the PA to secure Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem as part of an agmt. (JP [Internet], MA [Internet], NM, NYT, WP, WT, YA [Internet] 7/17; CSM 7/18; MA 7/21 in WNC 7/25)

For a 2d day in Hebron, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians and attack Palestinian property. (al-Quds 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MEI 7/28) (see 7/15)

Jewish settlers confiscate 50 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Salfit. (LAW 8/10)

In Qalqilya, West Bank Palestinians clash with Palestinian migrant laborers fr. Gaza. Gazans have streamed into the West Bank looking for work since 10/99, when the safe-passage route linking the two PA-controlled areas was opened. (WP 7/18)

In Markaba, 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in a shootout with Amal mbrs.; up to 9 individuals fr. both sides are wounded. Both groups regret the incident, give no explanation of the cause. Reports suggest that Amal mbrs. picked a fight with Hizballah mbrs. hanging campaign posters for upcoming parliamentary elections, and the incident devolved into a shooting match. (MM 7/17; MEI 7/28)

At Camp David, MD, Arafat, Barak, Clinton open their 3-way summit on final status issues under a media blackout. According to the State Dept., Clinton 1st holds brief 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. Then the 3 men meet briefly together. Then the Israeli, PA, U.S. teams hold a short opening session. Later in the evening, Clinton holds 2 mtgs. with Arafat, 1 with Barak. (MM, CSM 7/11; White House press briefing 7/11, 7/12; XIN 7/11, Le Monde, al-Quds 7/12 in WNC 7/13; CSM, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/12; MM, WJW 7/13; MEI 7/14)

During their 1-on-1 talks, Barak informs Clinton that Israel has suspended the sale of an AWACS technology to China. (MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 7/13; AFP, Zhongguo Tongxun She [Hong Kong] 7/13 in WNC 7/17; Le Monde, SA 7/14 in WNC 7/18; JP 7/21)

In Nablus, and Ramallah, 100s of Palestinian refugees hold a rally to urge Arafat not to back down on the refugees' right of return at the Camp David summit. In Jerusalem, 1,500 Israelis rally to support Barak's decision to go to Camp David. (MM, NYT 7/12)

A U.S. federal judge orders Iran to pay $327 m. to the families of 2 Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Israel on 2/25/96, saying the evidence shows that fmr. Iranian officials aided Hamas in staging the attack. This is the 4th time that a U.S. judge has ordered Iran to pay damages under a 1996 act that allows American victims of terrorist acts abroad legal recourse in U.S. courts. (WP 7/12; WJW 7/13)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright, special envoy Ross arrive in Israel for 2 days of meetings with Israeli, PA officials that the U.S. hopes will pave the way for a 3-way summit among Arafat, Barak, Clinton by the end of 6/00. (MM, WT 6/5; CSM, NYT, WP 6/6; XIN 6/7 in WNC 6/9; MEI 6/16)

Sensing that secret final status negotiations with the PA have reached the endgame, MKs of Barak's governing coalition, led by Interior M Sharansky, request that Barak convene an emergency session to brief them on what is really happening in the talks, warning that they might quit the government if he does not begin to include them in his decision making. (NYT 6/6; MA [Internet] 6/6)

Barak survives (38-33, with 13 abstentions) a no-confidence motion in the Knesset based on the concessions he is presumed to have made to the Palestinians in secret final status talks. (NYT 6/6)

In Umm al-Faham, 500 Israeli Arabs attend a rally organized by MK Azini Bishara to celebrate "Hizballah's victory over Israel" in s. Lebanon. (MA 6/6 in WNC 6/7; MM 6/14, 6/19)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (PR 6/7)

2 Americans file a claim in Israeli court against Arafat, Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) head Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), seeking $5 m. in damages for their suffering in the 1985 Achille Lauro hijacking. Lawyers acted after learning Abbas had been in Jerusalem to attend Palestinian mtgs. In early 1999, Abbas dropped his opposition to the Oslo process, reconciled with Arafat. On that basis, the Israeli High Court decided on 10/12/99 against prosecuting him for the raid. (NYT 6/6; WJW 6/8; JP 6/16)

Across the West Bank and Gaza, clashes subside btwn. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian demonstrators as the IDF, Palestinian Authority (PA) police cooperate to disperse the protesters, who are marking the 52d anniversary of the Nakba and demanding the release of Palestinians held by Israel. Around 50 Palestinians suffer light injuries. (CSM, WP 5/17; MENA 5/16 in WNC 5/17; WJW 5/18) (see 5/15)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross meets with PA head Yasir Arafat in Ramallah, Israeli PM Ehud Barak in Jerusalem. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; al-Quds 5/17 in WNC 5/18)

In preparation for a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon, the IDF turns over its naval radar station at Ras Bayada on the Mediterranean to its proxy militia, the South Lebanon Army (SLA), and begins moving heavy equipment out of Surayqi post nr. Marja'uyun. (WT 5/17; NYT 5/18) (see 5/15)

Also in s. Lebanon, an elementary school in Arab Salim is hit by 3 IDF shells. Fortunately, the strike occurs during recess, when children are outside the building, so there is some material damage but no injuries. A similar incident at the same school on 12/16/99 injured 20 students. (MM, WT 5/17)

In an Israeli cabinet mtg., PM Barak admits that 4 past PMs (Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu) had affectively guaranteed to withdraw fr. the Golan Heights to the 6/4/67 border with Syria; says he will not "erase the past." (MM, NYT, WP 2/28; CSM, MM 2/29; XIN 2/29 in WNC 3/1; WJW 3/2; AYM 3/5 in WNC 3/9; JP, MEI 3/10)

In Ramallah, Palestinians march to PA headquarters to protest the arrest of a total of 69 Birzeit students since the 2/26 attack on French PM Jospin. 3,000 Palestinian students in Hebron, Lebanese in Sidon hold anti-Jospin demonstrations. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 2/28; al-Quds 2/29 in WNC 3/3; MEI 3/10)

In Ramallah, PA, Israeli final status teams hold another round of talks on the FAPS. The PA demands that Israel allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, provide them with compensation. Israel rejects the demand. PA chief negotiator `Abid Rabbuh says that the FAPS should include Israel's recognition of its "ethical responsibility regarding he displacement of the Palestinian people and their homelessness." (WP 1/11)

In Shepherdstown, Israeli, Syrian teams adjourn negotiations, with plans to resume talks on the U.S. working paper on 1/19. The entire delegations return home; earlier the sides had discussed having the comms. stay on to work while Barak, Shara` returned home (see 1/8). (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/11; al-Quds 1/11 in WNC 1/13; WJW 1/13; MEI 1/14; AYM 1/14 in WNC 1/21)

In Tel Aviv, 100,000 Israelis, many of whom are West Bank settlers, rally to protest any withdrawal fr. the Golan Heights in a peace deal with Syria. (MM, NYT, WP 1/11; CSM, MM, NYT 1/12; al-Quds 1/13 in WNC 1/18; MM 1/17; WJW 1/21)

More than 150 Reform Jewish leaders visit the Israeli emb. in Washington to show support for peace talks with Syria, countering recent demonstrations by ultra-Orthodox Jews who oppose trading land for peace. (WP 1/11; WJW 1/13)

PA Finance M Nashashibi announces the establishment of the PA Higher Council for Development, chaired by Arafat, to insure the transparency of the public finance system. (AYM 1/13 in WNC 1/18)

Israel lowers the minimum age for Palestinians to work inside Israel fr. 25 to 21, increases the number of Palestinians allowed to drive their own cars into Israel, cuts fees for commercial traffic entering Gaza through Qarni crossing. (WT 1/12)

Israel says that Oman has decided to reactivate bilateral trade links. (WP 1/11)