The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Palestinians threw stones at an Israeli settler vehicle, setting it on fire after the settler couple fled the scene. Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd near Yatta, injuring his foot. Israeli settlers also set up a mobile home and water tanks near Nabi al-‘Awja. Israeli forces issued orders that it will seize 20 dunams (4.95 acres) of Palestinian-owned land for a military zone near Ni‘lin. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Dheisheh refugee camp, Kafr Ni‘ma, Beit Liqya, Nablus, and Hebron; 6 were injured during the raids in Dheisheh refugee camp and Kafr Ni‘ma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently removed Palestinian worshipers at the Haram al-Sharif compound, including in al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 19, including 3 with baton rounds and arresting 450. 397 of the Palestinians detained were released by 4/6 but banned from entering the compound for 1 week, 47 were transferred to the Ofer prison, and 6 continued to be held in Jerusalem. Israeli police also caused damage to property inside of the mosque, including at the health clinic, smashing windows and causing damage from stun, tear gas, and smoke grenades. Israeli police claimed that 1 officer was injured in the leg by a stone thrown at him. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor near Silwan. In Israel, 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed and injured near an army base at the Tzrifin junction, 1 Palestinian man was arrested for the attack. (ALM, HA, MEE, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFAv 4/4; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, MDW, MEE, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; PCHR 4/6; HA, HA, HA, MEE 4/7; AJ 4/8; HA 4/10; UNOCHA 4/20)

The PA, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Turkey, and the UAE condemned the Israeli raid (see above). Several European countries, the UN, and the U.S. expressed concern about the events. (HA 4/4; AJ, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/5; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/6; WAFA 4/7; WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/9; MEMO 4/11)

HaMoked reported that the number of Palestinian administrative detainees had passed 1,000 for the first time since 2003. (AP 4/4; WAFA 4/8)

In Syria, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes over Damascus, killing 2 civilians and causing damage. (AJ, ALM 4/3; HA 4/4; AP 4/5; AJ 4/10)

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak acknowledged in a since deleted tweet that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. (MEE 4/7)

Israel’s Channel 12 reported on a leaked phone call between Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and police commissioner Kobi Shabtai in which Shabtai tells Ben-Gvir that it is in the nature of Palestinian citizens of Israel to kill each other. Shabtai told Ben-Gvir that there is nothing they can do about the high murder rate among Palestinian citizens of Israel, “[t]hey kill each other. That is their nature. That is the mentality of the Arabs.” MK Ayman Odeh, leader of the Hadash party, called on Shabtai to resign while MK Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, called on him to apologize. (TOI 4/4; MEMO 4/5)

Israeli DM Ehud Barak decides to close a gap in the separation fence between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement, putting Ma’ale Adumim outside the Separation Wall and preventing Palestinians from reaching area E1. (HA 1/21)

IDF troops on the Gaza border open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 2 incidents nr. the Erez crossing (wounding 1) and Jabalya (no injuries). Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes agricultural sheds, tin-made homes, and a water well s. of Hebron; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and nr. Nablus at night. (MNA 1/21; PCHR 1/23)

Palestinian protesters in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus set fire to tires and demonstrate against the PA’s detention of Fatahaffiliated gunmen who gave themselves up on 1/17. Requests by Palestinian Council (PC) deputies to visit the detainees have been ignored. (MNA 1/21)

Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad announces that Hamas and Fatah will form a tripartite comm. with Egypt to implement national reconciliation. Meanwhile, an Egyptian security official confirms that an Egyptian delegation will soon visit the Gaza Strip to push forward the reconciliation efforts. (MNA 1/21)

The EU announces that Denmark and Holland agree to jointly contribute around €7.2 m. to the payment of 12/2012 salaries and pensions for more than 80,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. (WAFA 1/21)

Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense against Gaza enters its 3d day, leaving another 11 Palestinians dead and bringing the Palestinian death toll since 11/14 to 30, around 1/3 civilians. Intense levels of Israeli air strikes continue, with 40 attacks before dawn and at least 200 overall during the day; reports estimate some 500 targets struck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the operation began. The IDF bombs Gaza’s Ministry of Interior building and the offices of Hamas’s acting PM Ismail Haniyeh. Palestinian armed groups fire a total of 190 rockets into Israel, including a rocket that lands in an open area nr. Gush Etzion settlement bloc s. of Jerusalem, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli cabinet approves Israeli DM Ehud Barak’s requests to mobilize 75,000 reservists. Israel’s FM Avigdor Lieberman states that the 2 goals of the operation are to restore deterrence and destroy long-range missiles. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to protest the attack on Gaza, including a rally of hundreds of Hamas activists in Ramallah. IDF forces injure dozens of Palestinians in the solidarity protests, seriously wounding 1 man in Kafr Qaddum village nr. Qalqilya with a tear-gas canister to the head. (AP, HA, Guardian, JP, MNA 11/16)

Internationally, there is a mixture of support for Israel’s actions and caution regarding escalation. The U.S. Senate unanimously passes a resolution expressing support for Israel’s ‘‘right to act in self-defense.’’ UK foreign secretary William Hague warns Israel against staging a ground incursion into Gaza. Egyptian PM Hesham Kandil visits the Gaza Strip, during which time Israel temporarily stops its attacks. Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi condemns Israel’s operation and pledges Egyptian support for the Palestinians. Meanwhile, UN high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay condemns Israel’s aerial bombardment of Gaza as well as Palestinian rocket fire. (HA, Guardian, JP, MNA, REU 11/16)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and land confiscations held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 2 Palestinians are wounded by a tear-gas canister and rubber-coated steel bullet respectively, and in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 Palestinian is wounded by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 11/22)

Egyptian security forces say that unidentified militants fire 3 rockets into Israel from the Sinai Peninsula nr. Rafah. No damage or injuries are reported. (MNA 11/16)

In Amman, Jordanian protests over rising fuel prices continue for a 4th day. Protesters clash with security forces, and a rally of several thousand passes off largely peacefully; chants include demands for the departure of King Abdallah II. (WP 11/16)

U.S. secy. of state Clinton meets with Israeli leaders (including PM Netanyahu, Pres. Peres, DM Barak, FM Avigdor Lieberman) and Quartet special envoy Tony Blair in Jerusalem and with PA PM Salam Fayyad in Ramallah. Though the main purpose of her visit is to discuss Iran, Syria, and other regional changes brought by the Arab Spring, she tells the Israeli and Palestinian sides that they must resume peace talks soon and avoid all unilateral actions. She emphasizes that while the international community is ready to offer ample support for a return to negotiations, the hard work must be done by the parties themselves. (WP 7/17)

Israel allows 40 Palestinian prisoners held in its Ramon prison to receive visits from family members from Gaza, marking the 1st time Israel has allowed family visits for Gazan prisoners since Hamas seized control of the Strip in 6/2007. Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts evening arrest raids, house searches nr. Qalqilya; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin; and conducts late-night patrols in al-Nabi Salih. (TOI 7/16; WP 7/17; PCHR 7/19; OCHA 7/20)

Christians United for Israel (CUFI) opens its 7th annual conference in Washington. At least 5,600 participants attend. Organizers note that CUFI now has 1.1 m. members, 754,000 Facebook fans, and 96 college chapters. The conference theme is ‘‘Defend America; Vote Israel.’’ CUFI founder James Hagee focuses on the importance of Christian Zionism and supporting Israel as part of ‘‘living out God’s mandate.’’ Other speakers include Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), fmr. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations head Malcolm Hoenlein, and Zionist Organization of America pres. Morton Klein. The speakers focus on Iran, U.S.-Israel security cooperation, and halting Palestinian incitement. (WJW 7/19)

Cross-border fighting in Gaza enters its 3d day. Palestinians fire 10s of rockets and mortars into Israel, damaging an empty school but causing no injuries. Israel carries out at least 7 air strikes on 7 targets (1 in Abassan, 3 in Gaza City, 3 in Jabaliya), killing 2 Palestinian civilians and wounding 33 Palestinians (2 armed Palestinians and 31 civilians, including 12 children and 5 women). Egypt unsuccessfully attempts to mediate a cease-fire. Israeli DM Ehud Barak acknowledges that Hamas has not taken part in the fighting, but notes that Hamas has not tried to rein in Islamic Jihad or the PRCs. As the fighting continues Islamic Jihad publicly accuses Hamas of failing to protect Gaza. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jenin (firing tear gas, stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, causing no injuries); patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin (again firing tear gas, stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, causing no injuries) and 1 nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon; and conducts late-night patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and latenight arrest raids and house searches nr. Jenin. Meanwhile, residents of the illegal settlement outpost of Migron (49 families; some 300 settlers), who were informed by Israel’s High Court in 2011 that they must vacate and dismantle the outpost (on private Palestinian land nr. Ramallah) by 3/31/12, sign a deal with the government to move the outpost to a plot of state land 2 miles away, near Psagot settlement, where they will be allowed to build permanent homes, effectively creating a new Jewish settlement in Jerusalem’s environs. The government then requests that the High Court delay the evacuation until the new homes on the new site are completed (target date 2015). (JP, YA 3/11; JP, WP, WT 3/12; PCHR 3/15; OCHA 3/16; JPI 3/23)

Thailand officially recognizes Palestine as an independent state, becoming the 131st country to do so. (NYT 1/21)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF detains Hamas-affiliated PC speaker ‘Aziz Dweik at Jaba’ checkpoint nr. Jerusalem, placing him in administrative detention; makes a late-night raid on Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform PC mbr. Khalid Thwaib’s home in Za’atara village nr. Bethlehem, arresting him and confiscating his computers, phone, and files. The IDF also conducts synchronized morning patrols in 2 villages n. of Jericho; conducts other daytime patrols in 3 villages nr Ramallah, 1 nr. Jenin, 1 nr. Jericho; conducts evening patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho; conducts late-night patrols in al-Bireh. (JP 1/19; WT 1/25; PCHR 1/26; OCHA 1/27)

The U.S.’s new Joint Chiefs of Staff head Gen. Martin Dempsey begins a 3-day visit to Israel for talks on Iran, regional security, and military-tomilitary strategic coordination. He will meet with PM Netanyahu, Pres. Shimon Peres, DM Barak, and senior IDF commanders. (NYT, WT 1/20; NYT, WP 1/21)

Pro-Israel groups (including the Anti-Defamation League [ADL] and American Jewish Committee [AJC]) publicly accuse the Center for American Progress (CAP; a Washington-based think tank seen as close to the Obama admin.) of “anti-Semitism,” citing several Twitter posts by CAP staffers to their private Twitter accounts referring to “Israel-firsters” (i.e., Americans who put Israel’s national interests before America’s) and accusing AIPAC of pushing the U.S. toward war with Iran. The ADL and AJC allege that the private Tweets are part of a “very troubling” pattern of “anti-Semitism and borderline anti-Semitism” at CAP. Former AIPAC spokesman Josh Block says that the pro-Israel groups went public with their complaints only after CAP officials ignored a compilation of CAP staffer’s writings and public statements that he quietly presented to them in 12/2011 that he said amounted to “outrageous vilification of pro-Israel Americans.” CAP says it is “baffled and appalled” by the charges. Some on the left of the pro-Israel spectrum, such as J Street, say the issue is overblown and they suspect that it is being brought forward now “to shut down needed policy debates,” cautioning groups such as the ADL and AJC to “tread lightly” with accusations of anti-Semitism or “people won’t take you seriously.”(WP 1/20)

IDF spokesman Maj. Guy Inbar acknowledges that Israel plans to relocate some 2,000 Bedouin fr. 20 encampments in the hills e. of Jerusalem (in area C) to clear the way for the expansion of Ma’ale Adumim settlement into the E1 zone to link it with Jerusalem. Officially, the government says the relocation plans are part of its broader initiative to “provide the bedouin across the West Bank with sites where they can build legally with access to water, electricity, and government services.” Construction in the E1 zone and settlers’ preparations for expansion of Ma’ale Adumim into the area have been planned since 2009, but this marks the 1st admission that the government has started logistical planning to remove the Bedouin population fr. the area. Meanwhile, Israeli DM Ehud Barak approves establishment of a new 40-unit settlement neighborhood and farm nr. Efrat settlement to expand the Gush Etzion settlement block s. of Bethlehem; the new settlement, to be called Givat Hadagan, was approved for development in the 1990s, with plans to build 500 housing units. Israel closes the old wooden Mughrabi footbridge (deemed unsafe) used by non-Muslims to reach the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount; the PA and Waqf officials protest, saying Israel plans to build a larger permanent structure to assert its control over the site, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews. Also in East Jerusalem, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Qalqilya twice in the afternoon; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem and Jenin. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus vandalize nearby Palestinian homes and cars twice during the day, including throwing a Molotov cocktail at a home. Jewish settlers fr. Karnei Shomron nr. Qalqilya stone passing Palestinian vehicles, injuring 3 Palestinians. (HA 12/12; NYT, WP 12/13; PCHR 12/15; OCHA 12/16; HA 12/18)

Israel’s new amb. to Egypt, Ya’akov Amitai, arrives in Cairo. Israel withdrew its former ambassador for safety reasons on 9/9/11, when Egyptian protesters ransacked the Israeli embassy (see QU in JPS 162). (WP 12/13)

Hamas officials say that all main Gaza factions have agreed to reimpose their cease-fire immediately, while Egyptian mediators work to secure the compliance of smaller factions. Islamic Jihad says it will observe the moratorium as long as Israel also ceases fire. Israel does not comment. Before the new cease-fire goes into effect, the PFLP and other unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Grad and 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel does not respond. Israeli DM Barak authorizes construction of a kindergarten in Hebron’s Beit Romano settlement, home to some of the most extremist Jewish settlers. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot olive trees in Qasra village nr. Nablus; when local Palestinians try to drive them away, IDF troops intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition at the Palestinians, seriously injuring 1. The IDF also patrols in Kafr al-Dik village nr. Salfit. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil‘in, al-Ma‘sara, and Ni‘lin, as well as at the Qalandia crossing into Jerusalem. IDF soldiers beat and fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters, causing no serious injuries, and arrest 2 Palestinians. (AP, MNA, YA 8/26; MNA, WP 8/27; PCHR 9/8; OCHA 9/9)

In Egypt, 100s of protesters rally outside the Israeli emb. after Friday prayers demanding the expulsion of the amb. (WP 8/28)

Israel’s Jerusalem planning comm. approves construction of 92 housing units in Talpiot settlement and 32 apartments in Pisgat Ze’ev settlement. Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts patrols in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya, 2 nr. Salfit, 1 nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Ramallah during the day and evening; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches, and patrols nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Tulkarm. (YA 1/17; PCHR, WJW 1/20; OCHA 1/21)

Israeli DM Ehud Barak resigns as head of the Labor party, taking 4 rightleaning party mbrs. with him to form a “new centrist independence faction” within Netanyahu’s governing coalition. The 8 remaining Labor MKs immediately withdraw fr. the coalition, leaving Netanyahu with a smaller but more stable coalition, controlling 66 of 120 Knesset seats. (NYT, WP, WT 1/18; WJW 1/20; JPI 1/28)

In the West Bank, the IDF stages synchronized late-night house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c., making no arrests; conducts other late-night arrest raids, house searches n. of Jerusalem. The UN reports that in the previous wk., 1 alleged Hamas mbr. was killed and another wounded mishandling explosives in Gaza; 1 Palestinian was electrocuted and injured in a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border. (OCHA, PCHR 12/23; PCHR 12/30)

After 2 days of intensive talks and a meeting that stretches overnight, Netanyahu is unable to secure cabinet approval for a German deal endorsed by Hamas to release some 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for the release of captured IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit. DM Barak tells the press that freeing Shalit is still a “top priority” but “not at any price.” (WP 12/22; WT 12/23; JPI 1/1)

In the West Bank, the IDF forces a Palestinian family to demolish an addition to their home in Bayt Hanina on the outskirts of Jerusalem, threatening them with a $4,500 fine if the IDF were forced to carry out the order; conducts separate synchronized late-night arrest raids, house searches in villages nr. Jenin and Tulkarm; conducts similar late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bil‘in, nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlers accompanied by IDF troops level 5 d. of Palestinian agricultural land s. of Hebron, install 3 mobile homes and an electricity generator to expand the unauthorized settlement outpost of Avigal. (OCHA, PCHR 7/9)

In London, Mitchell, Barak meet briefly to exchange details on a possible settlement freeze, steps toward Arab normalization, and Palestinian efforts to improve security. (NYT, WP 7/7; WT 7/8; WJW 7/9; see also NYT 7/4)

Islamic Jihad and the PRCs in n. Gaza take joint responsibility for a predawn rocket strike on the IDF’s Zikim base nr. the Gaza border that hits a tent full of sleeping soldiers, critically wounding 1, seriously wounding 2, moderately wounding 7, marking the highest casualty toll in a rocket strike to date; another 60 soldiers are lightly injured or treated for shock. The IDF responds with air strikes, shelling on suspected rocketlaunching sites in n. Gaza, hitting a home in Bayt Hanun, wounding 4 Palestinian children and an adult. Palestinians retaliate by firing 7 mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli DMin. begins drafting an assessment for DM Ehud Barak of the impact of cutting water, electricity, fuel services to Gaza. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 21 agricultural structures in Anata nr. Jerusalem for being too close to the separation wall and a settler bypass road; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron and Nablus, nr. Jenin and Tulkarm; issues military orders shutting the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs to Muslims for 5 days during Ramadan so that Jewish settlers may celebrate concurrent Jewish holidays. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino, escorted by IDF troops, occupy the roof of al-Aqtab Mosque (seized by the IDF in 1994 after the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs shooting), begin construction on it to expand their outpost. In Jabaliya r.c., Hamas mbrs. occupy the home of the Fatah-affiliated PA prisoners’ affairs minister, who fled to Ramallah. (IFM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; NYT, OCHA, WP, WT 9/12; PCHR 9/13; OCHA 10/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue to escalate; 100s are reported injured, but none are killed. The closure on the West Bank, Gaza remains in place. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in PA-controlled Hebron, Khan Yunis; opens fire on 2 primary schools in Hebron, wounding 3 students; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land nr. Dayr al-Balah Junction, destroying several green houses and water wells. (HP 2/7; LAW 2/8)

PM-elect Sharon visits the Wailing Wall, declares Barak's Camp David concessions null and void, vows he will never allow shared sovereignty over Jerusalem. (NYT, WP, WT 2/8)

Arafat sends a letter to Sharon congratulating him on his election, expressing hope that negotiations will resume soon from the point they left off at Taba on 1/27. Sharon's office reiterates that all Palestinian violence must cease before talks begin; that even when talks begin, Israel will not attempt to reach a comprehensive peace but rather a interim deal exchanging a small amount of land and economic benefits for a nonbelligerency pact. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8; NYT 2/9)

As expected, Likud MK Sharon wins the Israeli elections for PM by a landslide, taking 62.4% of the vote (78% in Greater Jerusalem), with voter turnout the lowest in Israeli history (59.1% overall, 18% in Arab areas). Barak concedes defeat; vows to retire fr. politics, resign as head of the Labor party and as MK. (HA, MM 2/6; AFP [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 2/7; AFP, AYM, MA, MENA, al-Quds 2/7 in WNC 2/9; HJ 2/7, AYM, JT, MENA 2/8 in WNC 2/12; MM, NYT, WJW 2/8; MEI 2/9)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes heat up somewhat, leaving 78 Palestinians injured but causing no fatalities. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza during the elections. After Sharon's victory is announced, Jewish settlers place 5 caravans on land in PA-controlled Hebron, nr. Karme Tzur settlement. (AP, HP, WP 2/7; LAW 2/8)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell phone the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria to urge restraint following Sharon's election victory. Asks them to avoid provocative actions while Sharon is forming a government, to judge Sharon based on his actions as PM, not his past. (WP 2/8)

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

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

In a surprise move, Barak announces he will resign on 12/10, call elections for PM only within 2 mos. Barak thus triggers a law that restricts candidates in a special election for PM to current MKs, thereby keeping Likud's Netanyahu, who leads Barak's by 15 points in pubic opinion polls, out of the race. Netanyahu would only be able to run if the Knesset dissolved itself, forcing general elections. (MENA 12/9, AYM, MENA, RL 12/10 in WNC 12/13; HA, MA [Internet], NYT, WP, WT, YA 12/10; HJ 12/10, al-Quds 12/11, DUS 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MM 12/11; WJW 12/14; JP 12/15; AYM 12/15 in WNC 12/21; MEI 12/22) (see 11/28)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate due to severe weather that keeps many people indoors. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In Hebron, 80 Jewish settlers, armed with machine guns and pistols, attempt to take over 5 Palestinian homes, damage 11 homes, open fire on Palestinians, seriously injuring 1 teenager. The IDF bulldozes 20 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Netzarim Junction, 7 dunams (including 1 home) nr. Gush Katif settlement. (LAW 12/9; NYT, WT 12/10; PCHR 12/18)

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 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)

Presidential elections are held in the U.S., but the race btwn. VP Al Gore (D) and Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) is too close to call. The election rests on some 1,500 votes in Florida, where ballot errors could swing results. At the least, Florida absentee ballots must be tabulated and regular votes recounted, meaning it could be weeks before the new president is declared. (MM 11/7; NYT, WP, WT 11/8; al-Quds 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; AYM, al-Quds 11/9, HJ 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, 150 injured. A 2d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. Jewish settlers block roads, attack Palestinians, damage property in Hebron and nr. Nablus, Rafah, Tulkarm. Off Gaza, a fishing boat laden with explosives detonates nr. an Israeli patrol ship, killing the suicide bomber. The IDF shells areas of Bayt Jala in response to Palestinian sniping at Gilo settlement. IDF chief of staff Mofaz says the IDF is preparing contingencies for the evacuation of all 7,000 Jewish settlers in Gaza. Barak allows the Gaza airport, closed since 10/22, to reopen. (ADM, LAW 11/7; al-Quds 11/7 in WNC 11/9; NYT, WP 11/8)

In keeping with the 10/17 Sharm agmts., the White House names fmr. senator George Mitchell (D-ME) to lead an inquiry into the causes of the Israeli-Palestinian clashes. Also named to the panel are fmr. Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel, Norwegian FM Thorbjoern Jagland, fmr. senator Warren B. Rudman (R-NH), EU foreign policy dir. Solana. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8; AYM 11/9 in WNC 11/13; MEI 11/24)

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)

Early this morning, Arafat, Peres wrap up talks, and Barak announces that the sides have agreed to try again to implement the 10/17 Sharm al-Shaykh arrangements. The Israeli cabinet suspends punitive attacks on Palestinian targets. Differences quickly arise, however, over plans for Arafat, Barak to issue statements on ending the violence. As the sides discuss how to resolve their differences, 2 Islamic Jihad activists detonated a car bomb in West Jerusalem, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 9. (AFP [Internet], MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 11/2; ATL, Interfax, MENA, XIN 11/2 in WNC 11/3; ATL, Cyprus News Agency 11/2, MENA, al-Quds 11/4, al-Quds 11/5 in WNC 11/6; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/3; MM 11/6; MEI 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead, 80 wounded. Nr. Nablus, Jewish settlers uproot a Palestinian olive grove; attack Palestinian cars and property around Hawwara, Hebron, Tulkarm. The IDF confiscates and levels 70 dunams of Palestinian land to build a road linking Morag, Gush Katif settlements. However, Israel acknowledges that PA police are making more of an effort to halt stone throwers; Arafat unequivocally denounces the Islamic Jihad bombing; and Barak phones Arafat to express condolences over today's Palestinian fatalities. In Gaza, the IDF evacuates a position linking Qarni to Netzarim settlement, pulls tanks back fr. main roads. (AFP [Internet], MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 11/2; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/3; MEI 11/10)

While in New York, Israel's Ben-Ami (promoted to FM today) reportedly sets up a public relations (PR) headquarters to aid in Israel's PR efforts in the North America. The office head, fmr. IBA dir. gen. Aryeh Mekel, will coordinate among the FMin.'s PR dept., a special steering comm. of senior officials of U.S. Jewish organizations, and 6 major U.S. PR firms that have been contracted. (MA [Internet] 11/8; HA [Internet] 11/13)

Israel begins reviewing a project for 4,000 new housing units in Har Homa settlement (Jabal Abu Ghunaym) in East Jerusalem. If approved, the site would be known as Har Homa B, would link Har Homa with Gilo settlement. (al-Quds 11/2 in WNC 11/3; LAW 11/4)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes increase sharply, leaving 3 IDF soldiers dead, 4 wounded in gunfights with Palestinians and 6 Palestinians dead, 140 wounded by the IDF. A small bomb explodes in West Jerusalem, lightly injuring 2 Israelis. Barak orders missile attacks on the PSF training center nr. Jericho, Jericho's Oasis Casino, a marble factory in Bethlehem, residential areas around Bayt Jala and Bethlehem. The IDF also directs fire fr. tanks, heavy machine guns, grenade launchers at Palestinian residential areas in Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur, Bethlehem, Beitunia, Jericho, al-Khadir, Mentar crossing, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers shoot, seriously wound 2 Palestinians nr. Nablus; open fire on Palestinian homes in al-Khadir. Israel, however, reopens the Rafah border crossing to individuals, though trade is still barred. (ADM, IsRN, LAW, MA [Internet], MM, PCHR 11/1; AFP [Internet], AIC, HA [Internet], NYT, REU, WJW, WP, WT 11/2; MENA 11/2 in WNC 11/3; MEI 11/10)

Following a mtg. with Albright in Washington, Israeli acting FM Ben-Ami says Israel must address the clashes "not as a civilian uprising but as a military confrontation." (PA negotiator Erakat was to have met with Albright as well but could not leave Jericho because of IDF air strikes.) With the violence escalating, MK and fmr. PM Shimon Peres makes a low-key trip to Gaza very late this evening to meet with Arafat. (ADM, IsRN, LAW, MA [Internet], MM, PCHR 11/1; al-Quds, RMC 11/1 in WNC 11/3; AFP [Internet], AIC, HA [Internet], NYT, REU, WJW, WP, WT 11/2; YA 11/5)

With Israeli-Palestinian clashes showing no sign of abating, IDF chief of staff Gen. Shaul Mofaz announces that the army will begin initiating attacks on Palestinian targets, especially Fatah leaders, and using more force against demonstrators. During the day, 5 Palestinians are killed, over 100 injured; a 6th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Nr. Qarni crossing in Gaza, IDF tanks fire on Palestinian demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 25. Also in Gaza, Palestinian gunmen fire on and detonate a small bomb nr. a bus carrying Jewish settlers under IDF escort, causing no injuries. In drive-by shooting in East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers wound a Palestinian security guard outside Agusta Victoria hospital. Armed settlers also open fire on Palestinians in Haris, wounding 3. Other hot spots are nr. Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah. Nr. Ariel settlement, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian olive groves. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/30; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/1; NYT, WP 10/31; AIC 11/2; al-Quds 11/9 in WNC 11/13)

A day before the Knesset reconvenes, Barak and Sharon are still unable to reach an agmt. on forming a unity government despite 7 days of talks. The Shas party, which pulled out of Barak's coalition in 7/00, before the Camp David talks, says it will give Barak a 1-mo. safety net against no-confidence votes. In return, Barak suspends plans for secular social reforms (see 8/20). (MM, NYT, WT, YA 10/30; MM, WT 10/31; MM 11/1; WJW 11/2; MEI 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate further due to heavy rains, cold weather. During the day, 2 Palestinians are killed; a 3d dies of injuries received earlier. Barak sends top security aide Yossi Ginnosaur to Gaza to discuss security coordination with PSF head Dahlan. The IDF shells areas around Bayt Jala, Hebron, Jericho, Rafah, and Tulkarm, severely damaging more than 6 Palestinian homes, killing 1 man, wounding at least 8. The IDF uproots Palestinian olive groves nr. Netzarim Junction. IDF tanks in Psagot settlement fire into al-Bireh camp outside Ramallah in response to sniping. Barak allows Jewish settlers to go back to Mitzpe Hagit, one of the illegal settlement enclaves evacuated in 1999. (Gush Shalom press release 10/24; LAW, NYT, WT 10/25)

Pres. Clinton phones Arafat to urge him to halt Palestinian demonstrations, arrange a time to come to Washington to discuss resuming peace talks. Arafat gives no assurances. The White House says Clinton also phoned Barak, to urge Israeli restraint and invite him to a separate mtg. in Washington, but the leaders were "unable to speak." (MM, NYT, WT 10/25; NYT, YA 10/26; AYM 10/26 in WNC 10/30)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton, King Abdallah of Jordan sign a free trade agmt. (AP, BBC, MM 10/24; WJW 10/26; WP 10/27; JT 10/30, 10/31 in WNC 11/1; JT 11/8 in WNC 11/9; JT 11/9 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/10)

In a coordinated event, groups of West Bank Palestinians, 10,000s of Jordanians fr. across the kingdom march toward Jerusalem in a nonviolent demonstration of support for the right of return. While Palestinians are stopped at IDF checkpoints, the Jordanians are halted nr. Allenby Bridge by Jordanian riot police and security forces, with helicopter support. The Jordanian authorities beat back marchers with batons, water cannons, and tear gas, injuring 100s. (AP, BBC, MM 10/24; WJW 10/26; WP 10/27; JT 10/30, 10/31 in WNC 11/1; JT 11/8 in WNC 11/9; JT 11/9 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/10)

100s of Yemenis march to the UN offices in Sana' to protest Israeli violence against the Palestinians. In the U.S., a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people is held in Chicago. (Bernama-IINA [Internet] 10/24)

The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel. Tunisia orders Israel to shut its representative offices it Tunis. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MENA 10/23; HJ, IRNA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; HJ 10/24, 1025 HJ, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; WJW 10/26; MEI 10/27)

Barak formally suspends the peace process. In response, Arafat states that Palestinians have a right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and "to accept it or not to accept--let [Barak] go to hell." Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate further, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, over 100 injured; 2 others die of injuries received earlier. The most violent exchange is nr. Bethlehem, where the IDF orders residents of Aida camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur to evacuate their homes before ordering machine guns, tanks, and helicopter gunships to fire into the area, targeting buildings fr. which snipers shot into nearby Gilo settlement and destroying 2 Palestinian factories, several houses, a power plant. The gunfire continues overnight. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along roads leading to Morag settlement. Israel also recloses the Gaza airport, reinstates the internal closure on PA areas, shuts crossings into Egypt and Jordan. (ADM 10/22; BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MM 10/24; MA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; MEI 10/27; AYM 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

In Cairo, 1,000s of Egyptian students protest the failure of the Arab League summit to cut ties with or to call for military action against Israel. There are also reports of at least 1 Palestinian protest in Bethlehem denouncing Arab leaders, especially Mubarak, for the weak Arab League statement. Other rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Bahrain, London, Ottawa. (WP 10/23; HJ 10/24, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; Bahrain Freedom Movement press release 10/25; MM 10/26)

Barak announces an inquiry will be held into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes and a 4-yr. development plan for Israeli Arab areas. Israeli Arabs complain that the inquiry's recommendations will be nonbinding. (NYT 10/23; WJW 10/26; MM 10/30)

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)

Arafat, Barak, Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, the UN's Annan, the EU's Solana meet in Sharm al-Shaykh. Talks continue for 16 hrs., stretching past midnight, without success. A separate, very heated mtg. is held among Secy. of State Albright, Israel's acting FM Ben-Ami, the PA's Local Government M Erakat, Egyptian FM Musa to draft an outline of the rules of disengagement. (MM 10/16; ITAR-TASS, MENA, RL 10/16 in WNC 10/17; al-Quds 10/16, JT 10/17 in WNC 10/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/17; AYM 10/17 in WNC 10/9)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same level of the past few days, with most clashes occurring on the outskirts of Palestinian cities, which are encircled by IDF troops. 2 Palestinians are killed by Israeli gunfire; 1 Palestinian dies of illness after being denied access to medical treatment by the IDF for 2 days because of the internal closure; 190 Palestinians are injured. The IDF expands its Netzarim Junction base, begins clearing agricultural land along roads nr. Khan Yunis. (ADM, LAW 10/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/17; Globes [Internet] 10/25)

In Gaza, Fatah, Hamas stage demonstrations against Arafat's participation in the Sharm al-Shaykh talks. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, hold similar protests in `Ayn al-Hilwa, Baalbek, Tyre. In Iran, 1,000s of students march to the local UN offices to urge UN support for the Palestinians, condemnation of Israel. Smaller rallies in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Amman, Ankara, Tokyo. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Madison, San Francisco. (UPI 10/16; ATL, RL 10/16 in WNC 10/17; JT 10/17 in WNC 10/18)

The UNGA, citing a rule that allows it to take up matters of international peace and security when the UNSC proves unable or unwilling to do so, begins preparing for an emergency session to debate a resolution condemning recent Israeli violence. U.S. Amb. Holbrooke protests. (WT 10/17; WP 10/18; WJW 10/19; MEI 10/27) (see 10/12)

Hizballah says that Tenenbaum, the 4th IDF solider taken captive, approached Lebanese contacts in Europe, claiming to be an intelligence agent for a country other than Israel. He was lured to Beirut, traveling on a fake passport, on the pretense of meeting with a Hizballah official. Israel does not comment. At the request of Shin Bet, the Israeli High Court imposes a ban on publishing information about the affair. (NYT, WP 10/17; WJW 10/19) (see 10/15)