The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinian homes, uproot 10 olive trees, and bring their livestock to graze on farmland in Badia Umm Qissa in the Massafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also place mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces raid 2 printing houses in Ramallah and Beitunia, destroying equipment. Israeli forces also issue a notice that Israel will seize 18 dunams (4.5 acres) of land in Deir Dibwan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces erect a metal gate at the entrance to Burin, obstructing movement to the village. Israeli forces arrest 20 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian-owned parking lot located next to the Yusufiya Cemetery at the walls of the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Gaza City, killing at least 87 people. Israeli forces also storm the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after besieging it for 25 days. 1 Israeli soldier is killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Naqoura, Labbouneh, Tayr Harfa, and Yarin. Hezbollah fires rockets at Birkhat Risha, Kiryat Shmona, and the Zarit military base. In the Red Sea, the Houthi movement says its forces attacked a UK bulk carrier. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/15; AJ, HA, HA 2/16)

More than 28,663 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 68,396 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 389 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 100 children. More than 4,499 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 230 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,361 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 20 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/15; UNOCHA 2/16)

Hamas denies Israeli claims that it has a presence at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, saying on several occasions it has asked international organizations to inspect hospitals to debunk the Israeli claims that it uses them. Hamas calls the storming of the hospital “a continuation of the war of extermination.” (AJ 2/15; AJ 2/16)

The Committee to Project Journalists releases its annual report, saying 72 out of 99 journalists killed in 2023 were Palestinians reporting on Israel’s war on Gaza. (AJ 2/15)

The UN Conference on Trade and Development says the postwar reconstruction of Gaza will cost around $20 billion. (HA, REU 2/15)

The Washington Post reports that Egypt is building a wall along the Gaza-Egypt border in preparation for a scenario where Palestinians are forced to flee to Egypt due to an Israeli invasion of Rafah. (AJ, HA, WP 2/15; HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/16)

Peace Now releases its annual report, saying a record 26 new settlement outposts were erected in 2023 and a record 12,349 settlement housing units were advanced. (PCN 2/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas tells al-Sharq al-Awsat that U.S. officials have only offered him empty assurances regarding the 2-state solution that they never followed through with and that Hamas could join the PLO if they commit to its political platform and approve agreements signed with international bodies. (HA 2/15)

The Arab League meets to discuss the situation in Gaza. Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit calls “on all parties that understand the gravity of the situation to act immediately in order to stop these crazy [Israeli] plans” to invade Rafah. (AJ, WAFA 2/15)

U.S. investigators from the embassy in Jerusalem visit the family and the scene of the killing of Palestinian American Mohammad Khdour, who was killed on 2/10. U.S. investigators have also visited the family of Palestinian American child Tawfic Abdel Jabber, who was killed last month. (AP 2/15)

President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, telling him that Israel should not proceed with plans to invade Rafah “without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the civilians.” In a tweet on X, Netanyahu says Israel “continue[s] to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinians state.” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby tells reporters “I wish I could tell you that flour was moving [into Gaza] but I cannot do that right now.” During a phone call, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak urges Netanyahu to fully open the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing to allow more aid to enter. (AJ, AX, HA, REU, REU 2/15; AJ, HA, HA, REU 2/16)

The prime ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand issue a joint statement calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” and voicing concern over Israel’s planned ground invasion of Rafah. (HA 2/14; AJ, AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/15)

Ireland says it will donate $21.5 million to UNRWA. (AJ, REU 2/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man at his home in Kisan. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Tammun during a raid. Israeli forces also continue the raid in Nur Shams refugee camp for the second day in a row. The raid ends after 40 hours with 13 Palestinians suffering from broken bones during Israeli interrogations, 400 Palestinians detained, and vast destruction caused by bulldozers and drone-fired missiles on its second day; 3 Israeli soldiers are reportedly injured during the raid. Elsewhere, Israeli forces begin constructing settler roads in the Masafer Yatta area near Umm al-Khair. Israeli forces also arrest a child and confiscate 60 sheep he is herding. Israeli forces arrest 27 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tubas, and Ramallah. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Maghazi, Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 125 people, including at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s headquarters in Khan Yunis for the third day in a row. Palestinians in Maghazi report that Israeli forces massacre Palestinian civilians with snipers and bulldozers. Jabalia refugee camp floods after heavy rain, leading to sewage mixing with the standing water. An anti-aircraft missile fired at an Israeli helicopter hits a clinic in Kibbutz Nirim. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fires rockets at Israeli soldiers near al-Marj and Israeli forces target Hezbollah in Maroun al-Ras. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; AJ 1/5; AJ 1/6)

More than 22,438 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 57,697 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 318 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 80 children. More than 3,949 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 173 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,003 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 177 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/4)

Israel’s military publishes on Facebook that it has closed the evacuation corridor on Salah al-Din Street and opened a new corridor on al-Rashid Street. Movement is only allowed from north to south between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (AJ, UNOCHA 1/4)

The Palestinian Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs Authority names 51 Palestinian women and children who had been abducted by Israeli forces in Gaza and taken to the Damon Prison. (AJ, WAFA 1/4)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant releases a framework for post-war Gaza in which a Palestinian entity that is not hostile to Israel and is not Hamas nor the PA is in control of Gaza, Israeli settlers do not return to Gaza, but the Israeli military will be able to operate in Gaza and oversee the borders. Gallant also says an international coalition will be responsible for rebuilding Gaza. The PA rejects Gallant’s framework. Gallant also meets with U.S. deputy assistant to the president and senior adviser for energy and investment Amos Hochstein, saying the window for diplomacy with Lebanon is closing. Hochstein also meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who tells him that Israel is seeking “a fundamental change on its border with Lebanon.” Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz says Israel will return its ambassador to Spain. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 1/4; AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/5)

Lebanon files a complaint with the UN Security Council over the Israeli assassination of Saleh al-Arouri and over Israel’s usage of Lebanese airspace to attack Syria. (AJ, HA 1/5)

Jordan says it backs South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ. (AJ 1/9)

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, France, Japan, Germany, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Qatar condemn statements made by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the resettling of Gaza by Israeli settlers. UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk says he is “very disturbed” by the statements. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/4; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 1/5)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. has “not seen anything that would convince us that we need to take a different approach in terms of trying to help Israel defend itself.” Kirby also says that Israel should release the PA tax revenue to the PA, saying it is “Palestinian money,” and defends UNRWA from attacks by Israel and U.S. Republicans, saying “UNRWA does important work.” (AJ, HA 1/4; HA 1/5)

U.S. forces conduct an airstrike in Baghdad, killing Popular Mobilisation Forces commander Hajj Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi. Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemns the attack, calling it a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and later on 1/5 says the government will start the process of removing the U.S.-led coalition from Iraq. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/4; AJ, AP, REU 1/5)

Israel chooses British lawyer Malcom Shaw to represent the country at the upcoming genocide hearings at the ICJ. Axios reports that Israel’s Foreign Ministry has sends out a cable to its embassies instructing its diplomats to pressure countries into issuing statements against South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ. (HA, HA 1/4; AX 1/5)

A political appointee at the U.S. Department of Education, Tariq Habash, resigns over U.S. support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza, saying he will not be quietly complicit. Habash was the political advisor in the department’s Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. (HA, NYT 1/4)

Peace Now issues a report saying settlement activity in the West Bank has surged at unprecedented levels since 10/7. The report says Israeli settlers have created 9 new settlement outposts, made 18 paved roads, returned to the Amona outpost, closed roads for Palestinian vehicles, and built fences outside settlements. (PCN, PCN 1/4; NYT, WAFA 1/5)

The Intercept reports that all CNN stories related to Israel and Palestine are being reviewed at the CNN Jerusalem bureau before publication, where the stories are subject to the Israeli military’s censor. The Intercept also says CNN has issued directives to its journalists on language to avoid, directed them not to relay statements from Hamas, and has hired a former Israeli soldier from the Military Spokesperson Unit to serve as a reporter. (INT 1/4)

Former U.S. vice president Mike Pence tours northern Israel, writing a message on a bomb intended to be dropped on Lebanon. (HA 1/5; HA 1/6; HA 1/7)

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler rammed 1 Palestinian woman in Hebron, causing injuries. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other, a health worker, during a raid in Jenin; the mother of the dead Palestinian said he was executed after telling the Israeli forces he would turn himself in; 1 house and a bakery were severely damage during the raid. Israeli forces also demolished an EU-funded school in Ein Samia. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed agricultural land in Qusra. Israeli forces also seized 1 bulldozer and confiscated materials for renovating a residential cave in the Masafer Yatta area. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 1 blacksmith’s premises in Sarta. Israeli forces also seized a caravan in Khirbet Humsa al-Tahta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted 4 Palestinians attempting to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; WAFA, WAFA 8/18; WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/24; UNOCHA 8/28)

Hamas members in Israeli prisons warned they may go on strike in protest over harsher treatment by the Israel Prison Service, including increased use of solitary confinement. 50 rockets were fired from Gaza toward the sea in what Hamas called an equipment test but also a warning to Israeli authorities over the treatment of prisoners. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; WAFA 8/18)

Peace Now reported that a draft document from the Israeli government seen by the organization showed that the government will allocate at least $190 million to Israeli settlements and settlement outposts in the 2023-2024 budget. (PCN 8/17)

The U.S. approved the sale of Israel’s Arrow-3 missile defense system to Germany. Worth $3.5 billion, it is Israel’s largest military deal. It was reported that days before the deal was announced German chancellor Olaf Scholz blocked a foreign ministry statement on the German assessment of the legality of the Israeli occupation that was seen as too pro-Palestinian. The statement was meant to be made in relation to the International Criminal Court’s review of the occupation. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 8/17; ALM 8/18 HA 8/23)

At a town hall event held by the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs to explain new polices related to Israel’s bid to become part of the U.S. Visa Waiver program, the chief of American Citizens Service at the U.S. embassy to Israel, Wilbur Zehr, referred to Israeli checkpoints as “pedestrian crossings.” Zehr said in response to questions that the new policies will not apply to U.S. citizens in Gaza until 9/15 and that separate rules apply for U.S. citizens living in the West Bank and U.S. citizens living in the West Bank but holding PA IDs, as the latter must enter Israel via checkpoints by foot. (MDW 8/17; HA 8/22)

Venezuela said it had upgraded the Palestinian representative office in Caracas to an embassy. (WAFA 8/17)

Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, and presidential envoy on energy security Amos Hochstein in Washington D.C., discussing the potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Blinken also spoke with Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud after the meeting. (REU 8/17; AX 8/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian shepherd in Ein al-Beida. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 man protesting soldiers beating his son who was arrested during a house raid in Qalandia. The Palestinian man’s wife said her husband had gone outside to stop the soldiers’ assault on their son when he was shot and killed. Israeli forces also shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 7 others during a raid in Qabatiya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Duma. Israeli forces also issued an eviction notice to a family in Hajja in preparation for a punitive demolition. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, ad-Doha, al-Baqa‘a, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers wrote hateful graffiti aimed at Christians on the walls of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate building in the Old City. Israeli forces raided the home of PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith, informing him that his ban on contacting PA officials and entering the West Bank had been extended for 6 months. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/12; AP, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 1/13’ ; UNOCHA 2/16; PCHR 1/19; UNOCHA 2/3)

Peace Now and Bimkom said that a clause in the Likud Party and Religious Zionism Party coalition agreement could see Israel seize 13,000 dunams (3,250 acres) of Palestinian-owned land in the West Bank and 70 buildings in Hebron transferred to settlers as Israel claims that the land and buildings were owned by Jewish people before 1948. The land Israel intends to seize is located near Bethlehem, Nabi Samwil, Battir, and Beit Furik, including land in Area B. (HA 1/12)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with U.S. special representative for Palestinian affairs Hady Amr in Ramallah. Prime Minister Shtayyeh urged the U.S. to act quickly to end Israeli measures to weaken the PA and undermine the 2-state solution. (WAFA 1/12)

The head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh met with UN Middle East peace process envoy Tor Wennesland in Doha, Qatar. (MEMO 1/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Bayt Rima, Beit Ula, Fawwar refugee camp, Idhna, Jenin, Jericho, and Fari‘ah refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Silwan and Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/2)

The Israeli justice ministry began the process of registering land adjacent to the Haram al-Sharif compound, including at the Ophel Archeological Park in the Old City. (HA 6/26; MEE 6/27; MEMO 6/29)

Israeli military authorities extended the administrative detention period of 1 Palestinian prisoner by 4 months despite promising to release him at the end of his current detention period after he had been hunger striking for 111 days. The man is currently hospitalized for complications related to his hunger strike, which he ended on 6/21. The man resumed his hunger strike on 7/2 (WAFA 6/23; WAFA 7/5)

Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh met with Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. There were also reports that Haniyeh was scheduled to meet with Lebanese president Michel Aoun and prime minister Najib Mikati. (HA 6/23)

The PLO executive committee met in Ramallah. During the meeting, the committee discussed the U.S. Biden administration’s failure to fulfil its promises to the Palestinian people and plans to initiate national dialogue to end the intra-Palestinian political division. (WAFA 6/24)

Peace Now released a report marking the first year of the Bennett-Lapid government, detailing how the current Israeli government has accelerated the displacement of Palestinians compared to average numbers during the Netanyahu governments. Compared with the yearly average of the Netanyahu governments, the Bennett-Lapid government has promoted 26% more settlement units, issued tenders for 15% more settlement construction, demolished 35% more Palestinian homes in the West Bank, and 59% more Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. Additionally, settler violence has risen with 45% and 45 more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces compared with the yearly average of the Netanyahu governments. (PCN 6/23)

Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid met with his Türkiye counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu in Ankara, in a bid to further normalized relations between the 2 countries. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEE, REU 6/23)

24 Democratic senators, led by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), wrote a letter to the Biden administration, calling on it to “ensure that a comprehensive, impartial, and open investigation” into the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is conducted. The senators also addressed secretary of state Antony Blinken, attorney general Merrick Garland, and FBI director Christopher Wray. (HA, MEE, REU 6/23; AJ, MDW, WAFA 6/24)

President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi told the National Assembly that Suriname would not build an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, citing budget constraints. Suriname announced plans to open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem during a visit by its foreign minister Albert Ramdin on 5/30. (AJ, HA 6/24)

UNRWA announced that it had received pledges of $160 million for its general programming, but warned that it still expects a shortfall of $100 million in its core budget for 2022. (WAFA 6/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinian vehicles traveling near a checkpoint in Tayasir, causing damage to both. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man near Bayt Dajan, causing the man to be hospitalized. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet, 4 with tear gas canisters, and 50 with tear gas. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in Bayt Jala and Yatta, and 2 in the vicinity of Beit Fajjar. In Israel, Israeli prison forces raided a section of the Ktzi’ot prison, assaulting Palestinian prisoners. (WAFA, WAFA 8/8; MEE, WAFA, WAFA 8/9; PCHR 8/12)

Peace Now reported that the Israeli government is moving ahead with a plan to create a new settlement with 9,000 housing units at the Atarot airport between Jerusalem and Ramallah. The plans are set to be discussed on 12/6/2021. Peace Now called on the government to shelve the plans for the new settlement immediately. (TOI 8/2; PCN 8/8; AJ 8/17)

Israeli national security officials met with Egyptian security officials in Cairo to discuss the details for a long-term ceasefire with Hamas. (MEMO 8/9)

According to Haaretz, IDF chief of staff Aviv Kochavi met with IDF central command officials, asking them to take steps to reduce lethal shootings of Palestinians in the West Bank as the death toll of Palestinians in the West Bank since May had risen to 40 on 8/6. Haaretz called on Chief of Staff Kochavi in an editorial to dismiss head of IDF central command Tomer Yadai in response to the many killings. (HA, HA 8/10)

Bahrain’s undersecretary for political affairs Shaykh Abdullah bin Ahmed al-Khalifa met with Israel’s president Isaac Herzog and foreign minister Yair Lapid in Jerusalem, where he announced plans to start direct flights between the 2 countries. Foreign Minister Lapid also said he would be visiting Bahrain soon. The 2 countries formalized a normalization deal in September 2020. (HA 8/8; ALM 8/10)

A Saudi Arabian court handed sentences of up to 22 to years in prison to a large number of Palestinian and Jordanian residents of the country who were charged with being linked to unnamed terrorist organizations. A total of 69 Palestinians and Jordanians received either prison sentences or were acquitted. It was unclear how many of the 69 were acquitted; all were detained in March 2018. Among the Palestinians to receive prison sentences was Hamas representative to Saudi Arabia Mohammed al-Khodari, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Hamas condemned the rulings, calling the sentences “harsh and undeserved.” (AJ, MEMO, MEMO 8/9; ALM, MEMO 8/12)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers raze a small plot of Palestinian agricultural land outside al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are injured in an accidental explosion at a Hamas military site. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/24; TOI 4/26; PCHR 4/27)

The Jerusalem Municipality files for public review of a plan to confiscate 1,300 m2 nr. Haram al-Sharif to build a visitor center. The Israeli NGO Peace Now will report on the plan on 4/25, saying that “dragged by settler organizations, the Israeli govt. is willing to go out of its way to approve this sensitive plan through a highly unusual procedure.” (MNA 4/25; PCN 4/25)

Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops assault the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian, allegedly a mbr. of PIJ involved in the killing of an Israeli on 7/1. After declaring the village a closed military zone, they cut the Internet and electricity, fire anti-tank missiles and other artillery at his 3-story residential building for 7 hours, and eventually demolish it, killing the man and injuring a 2d Palestinian. The operation sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. (BBC, MNA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 8/4)

After the major IDF operation nr. Hebron overnight, the PA announces that the IDF has agreed to begin lifting its general closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, which it put in place in the wake of a Palestinian’s shooting of a settler on 7/1. Tension remains high in Hebron, as the IDF patrols the region throughout the day. (JP 7/27)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 mbrs. of the Islamic Waqf after they allegedly assault 2 Israeli archaeologists at Haram al-Sharif, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront a Palestinian fishing party late at night, damaging 1 boat and arresting 5 Palestinians. Meanwhile, a Gazan succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces on 11/23/2001. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish several structures in the bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 101st time since 6/2010. The demolitions spark minor clashes, and several Palestinians are arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 7/28; PCHR 8/4)

Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that the Israeli govt. has opened tenders for the construction of 323 housing units in Israeli settlements nr. Jerusalem, including 89 in Gilo, 36 in Neve Ya’acov, 68 in Pisgat Ze’ev, and 130 in Har Homa. Meanwhile, the Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation gives preliminary approval to a bill that would make some West Bank settlements eligible for special tax breaks in connection with the severity of their security situation. (MNA, PNOW 7/27; HA, TOI 7/28)

In Gaza, Hamas reports that 1 of its fighters was killed this morning in a tunnel collapse. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler and several IDF soldiers assault 4 Palestinian youths in c. Hebron, causing minor injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting the recent Israeli crackdown on the oPt in 1 village nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking a brief exchange of fire with armed Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, the IDF raids the Bethlehem offices of a PA-run charity and the Nablus office of a prisoners’ rights group, destroying and confiscating property and ordering the latter to shut down. The IDF conducts further raids and house searches in Jenin and 1 village nearby, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron; delivers a stop-work order to a home under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian in Issawiyya and 3 Palestinians on late-night raids in Kafr ‘Aqab. (MNA, WAFA 12/28; MNA, WAFA 12/ 29; PCHR 12/31)

Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel’s Ministry of Housing has continued working on plans for thousands of housing units in the E1 area e. of Jerusalem, despite the PM Netanyahu’s public cancellation of tenders for similar units in 11/2013. (AFP, HA, MNA, PCN, TOI 12/28)

The Israeli government issues tenders for 198 new settlement homes in Hebron and Efrata (Gush Etzion bloc). Meanwhile, the Jerusalem municipality approves the planned relocation of the National Defense College to the Mount of Olives. Also, Israeli NGO Peace Now says that approval for settlement plans jumped 300% in 2012, and that under Netanyahu’s premiership, 40% of construction starts in settlements were in settlements located outside of the so-called blocs that Israel intends to keep under a final-status agreement. (AP, JP, YA 1/16)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials close to the border fence in the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In a separate incident, the IDF shells an open area 200 m from the border nr. Bureij, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, The IDF raids Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, opening fire on Palestinians with live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets, and tear-gas grenades, seriously wounding 1. The IDF says that Palestinian protesters threw stones and firebombs at the Separation Wall and Israeli forces. Palestinian news agencies report that the raid was in response to the Palestinians opening a hole in the bottom of the wall nr. Rachel’s Tomb. The IDF also demolishes sheep barns and sheds nr. Jericho; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit at night. Meanwhile, an IDF investigation concludes that Israeli soldiers fired 80 bullets without justification when they mortally wounded a Palestinian man in al-Nabi Salih on 11/17 (he died on 11/19). Jewish settlers raze land nr. 2 separate settlements in the Jordan Valley and nr. Nablus in preparation for expansion. (MNA, WAFA 1/16; PCHR, PNN 1/17)

Israeli security forces dismantle Palestinian protest camp Bab al-Shams in the E1 zone nr. Jerusalem, after the Supreme Court authorizes the government to dismantle the site. Protesters were removed on 1/12, but the tents had remained. Separately, the High Court of Justice orders the state to refrain from evicting Palestinians from 8 villages in the s. Hebron Hills in an area the IDF has designated a firing zone for training. (REU 1/16; AFP, HA 1/17)

Dep. head of Hamas’s political bureau Musa Abu Marzuq says that the movement will not agree to dismantle the IQB as part of a prospective reconciliation deal with Fatah. He makes the comments in response to recent reports in al-Quds al-Arabi that Fatah is demanding Hamas dismantle its armed wing and integrate it into the PA security forces. (ToI 1/16)

The EU grants €100 m. to the PA and to UNRWA to provide essential services in the West Bank. Palestinian pres. Abbas announces that Saudi Arabia will give the struggling PA $100 m. to alleviate the PA’s financial crisis. (IMEMC, REU 1/16)

Israeli newspaper Yedi’ot Aharonot reports that the EU is preparing a new plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, to be presented following the forthcoming Israeli elections. The plan reportedly will be detailed and aim to complete negotiations on core issues during 2013. The initiative is sponsored by the British and French foreign ministries, but could be adopted by the whole EU. The PA subsequently says it is unaware of such a plan. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdallah tells the French media that his country is working with European countries to restart the stalled negotiations. (AFP, JP 1/13; JP 1/14)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that Israel’s Defense Ministry has published plans for around 200 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Rotem in the Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu tells the cabinet that the government will ‘‘not allow anyone to harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim,’’ referring to the removal of Palestinian activists from the Bab al-Shams protest camp in the E1 area. (AFP, JP 1/13)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning and in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus at night. (PCHR 1/17)

Armed Palestinians protest in Jenin r.c., demanding the PA security forces return confiscated weapons to the resistance. The PA vows (1/14) to investigate the demonstration. (MNA 1/14)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad meets Arab League mbrs. to discuss the PA’s cash crisis and ways of raising the $100 m. promised by Arab countries but as yet undelivered. Fayyad claims that the situation may push 1.5 m. Palestinians into poverty. The Arab League agrees to form a delegation to press mbr. states to meet their financial obligations to the PA. (AP, MNA 1/13)

Senior IDF officers brief Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Syrian armed opposition groups have taken up positions along the border of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (JP 1/13)

The Pentagon is sending briefings to senators in order to rebut what it calls ‘‘myths’’ about Defense Secretary–designate Chuck Hagel in the face of opposition to his appointment, in particular by pro-Israel groups. (WT 1/13)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Tulkarm and in 1 village nr. Jenin during the day; makes a late-night raid into Kafr Ra‘i village nr. Jenin, detaining 2 Palestinians and taking them to a military court in nearby Salem village to testify as witnesses in the case against another Palestinian; makes a late-night raid into Ramallah, searching a home and ordering the owner to appear for questioning. The IDF also fires tear gas, stun grenades at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists staging a nonviolent march through Iraq Burin village nr. Nablus to nearby Brakha settlement to protest the settlers’ seizure of village lands to expand the settlement. The Israeli human rights group Peace Now reports that in late 4/2011, the Israeli DMin. approved construction of 294 settlement housing units in Beitar Ilit (south and west of Jerusalem), saying tenders for the construction should be issued soon. (UPI 5/23; PCHR 5/26; OCHA 5/27)

The Israeli human rights group Peace Now issues an 8-mo. assessment of Israel’s temporary settlement construction freeze documenting that: (1) construction of at least 600 housing units in over 60 different settlements has begun during the freeze, with at least 492 of those units being constructed in direct violation of the freeze; (2) some 2,000 housing units started before the freeze was implemented on 11/26/09 are currently under construction; and (3) new construction starts during the freeze constitute approximately half of the normal settlement construction pace. (Peace Now press release 8/2)

Unidentified assailants fire 5–7 modified Grad-type rockets apparently fr. the Egyptian desert toward the Aqaba-Elat resort; 1 rocket lands harmlessly nr. the entrance to the Israeli resort town, 2 land inside Jordan (1 harmlessly, the other striking a taxi outside the InterContinental hotel in Aqaba, killing 1 Jordanian and wounding 3), 2 land in the Red Sea. Israel believes the rockets were all intended to strike Elat and calls Hamas “responsible” for the rocket fire; Hamas denies involvement. (JP 8/2; YT 8/3; WT 8/4; KUNA 8/5; HA 8/6; JPI, OCHA 8/13)

Israel’s Jerusalem municipal authority approves construction of 40 settlement housing units in Pisgat Ze’ev settlement in East Jerusalem. In the West Bank, the IDF dismantles and confiscates a Palestinian irrigation network nr. Hebron; patrols in 2 villages nr. Salfit at midday, making no arrests; arrests 3 Palestinian children (ages 13–14) nr. the separation wall nr. Bil‘in; sends undercover units in Jafna village nr. Ramallah late in the evening, raiding 2 Internet cafes and arresting 1 Palestinian; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron, Qalqilya. In Gaza, unidentified Palestinians apparently mishandle explosives in a home in Dayr al-Balah, triggering an explosion that injures 58 Palestinians (including 13 children, 9 women) and damages several surrounding homes. (AP 8/3; PCHR 8/5)

In the first such cross-border incident in Gaza since 9/16, the IDF sends bulldozers and armored vehicles into areas n. of Bayt Hanun to level land along the border. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Furik nr. Nablus. Jewish settlers fr. Ramat Yishai beat a Palestinian family harvesting olives in Hebron, steal their olives. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh attack Palestinains harvesting olives nr. Nablus. Under pressure to prevent further clashes like those that recently occurred in Acre, Israeli police arrest 3 Israeli Jews for assaulting Palestinians in Jerusalem and stoning Palestinian cars. Also in Israel, right-wing Jewish extremists vandalize buildings in Tel Aviv with graffiti threatening Peace Now secy. gen. Yariv Oppenheimer (cf. 9/24). (OCHA, WT 10/22; PCHR, WJW 10/23; AIC 11/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts latenight arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin and in Dahaysha r.c., Nablus, Ni‘lin Inside Israel, Hebrew University professor Ze’ev Sternhell, a prominent critic of Jewish settlements and the siege of Gaza, is lightly injured when suspected hardcore right-wing settlers throw a pipe bomb at him outside his Jerusalem home; police find posters in his neighborhood offering a reward of $320,000 to anyone who kills a member of Peace Now, an Israeli group that campaigns against settlements and of which Sternhell is a mbr. (BBC, PCHR, Peace Now press release 9/25; NYT, WP 9/26; HA 9/27; WP 9/29; OCHA 10/1; BBC, PCHR 10/9)

For a 2d day, Palestinians fire 2 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Israel closes Gaza border crossings for 48 hrs. in response. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron, Jenin town and r.c., Nablus. (OCHA 8/27; PCHR 8/28)

Timed with Rice’s arrival in Israel, the Israeli human rights group Peace Now issues a report showing that Israeli settlement construction in 2008 to date has nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2007, with significant construction taking place in East Jerusalem and the unauthorized settlement outposts that Israel pledged to the U.S. it would remove as part of its road map commitments to advance the peace process. In her meeting with Israeli FM Tzipi Livni, Rice urges Israel not to take such steps that undermine peace talks. Livni calls the 2008 construction “small activities” that should not be used by the Palestinians as an “excuse” not to negotiate. Rice then holds a 3-way mtg. in Jerusalem with the PA and Israeli negotiating teams, then heads to Ramallah to meet with Abbas. (NYT, WP, WT 8/27)

The IDF fatally shoots 2 armed al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) mbrs. attempting to infiltrate Gaza's Kefar Darom settlement; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, 1 brick factory in Dayr al-Balah; razes 25 dunams of olive groves in Abasan nr. Khan Yunis; firse on residential areas nr. Rafah; arrests 4 humanitarian workers (2 Palestinians, 2 foreign nationals) in Nablus for no apparent reason, threatens to deport 2 foreigners. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave nr. Shvut Rachel settlement. (WP, WT 8/24; PCHR 8/28; Peace Now press release 9/2)

Israeli, Palestinian security cmdrs. hold talks in Jerusalem on the Gaza First implementation, but Israel puts off discussion of expanding the arrangement to Hebron for at least a wk. (AYM 8/24 in WNC 8/26)

The IDF reoccupies Beitunia, Bethlehem, Dahaysha r.c.; expands bases there and in Jenin, Qalqilya; conducts raids into Halhul, Tulkarm town and r.c.; raids Shaykh Ajlin, bulldozing Palestinian land, firing on Palestinians working the fields, killing a Palestinian boy; fires on residential areas of Birzeit. The IDF issues a limited call-up of reservists, bars Palestinian workers fr. entering Jewish settlements. In Jenin town, IDF troops evacuate and vandalize a hospital admin. building, throwing a grenade in the foyer, blowing up a safe, spraying the building with heavy machine gun fire, breaking doors, destroying $13,600 of equipment; fire on, seriously damage 2 fire trucks. The IDF reportedly has transferred more than 600 Jenin r.c. residents to Salim detention center for questioning; some 150 are released today, sent to Romani village, are told to stay there for 2-4 wks. Late this evening, a PFLP gunman, retaliating for the arrest of PFLP 2d-in-command Malluh on 6/11, attacks a home in Itamar settlement, killing 4 Jewish settlers and 1 settlement guard, wounding 2 settlers and 2 border policemen before being shot dead. A pregnant Palestinian woman is fatally hit by stray IDF gunfire in her home in Qalqilya. In Gaza, 1,500 unemployed Palestinians who have been cut off fr. their jobs in Israel since 9/00 hold a "March of Hunger," protesting Israeli closures, lack of support fr. the PA. (AFP, AP, HA, LAW, WP, WT 6/20; MA 6/20 in WNC 6/21; XIN 6/20 in WNC 6/24; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/21; PRCS press release 6/24; LAW 6/26; PCHR 6/27)

In Jerusalem, Sharon, Israeli pres. Moshe Katsav address a "Transfer Now" conference hosted by the right-wing Moledet party. (Peace Now press release 6/20; MA 6/21 in WNC 6/24)

Israel continues to strike PA targets, destroying offices of Force 17, the PA General Intelligence Service, PSF in Rafah. The IDF fatally shoots 4 Palestinians in the West Bank; 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. An Israeli dies of injuries received in the 12/1 Jerusalem bombing. The IDF also enters PA-controlled Rafah to bulldoze 2 PSF posts; directs heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah. Palestinians fire a mortar at Gush Katif settlement, causing no injuries. In Jerusalem 500 Israelis attend a Peace Now protest against Israeli military actions. (NYT, WP 12/8; WP, WT 12/9; MM 12/10; LAW 12/12)

In Ramallah, 2 IDF missiles narrowly miss the car of Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti in an apparent assassination attempt. Israel claims that a Force 17 mbr. traveling in a 2d vehicle, injured in the attack, was the intended target. Arafat appeals to the U.S., China, the EU, Russia to intervene with Israel to prevent violence fr. spinning out of control. The IDF also destroys a Palestinian olive grove nr. Nablus, 20 dunams of agricultural land in Jericho; shells residential areas nr. Bethlehem. Palestinian gunmen exchange fire with IDF forces outside Gilo settlement. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (NYT, PMC, WP, WT 8/5; al-Quds 8/5 in WNC 8/6; LAW, PMC 8/6; MEI 8/10)

In Tel Aviv, 1,000s of Israelis take part in a Peace Now march protesting Israeli violence against Palestinians. (Gush Shalom press release 8/5; NYT, WJW 8/9)

The IDF shells the home of PSF West Bank head Jibril Rajub, injuring 6 bodyguards; Rajub, his family are home but are not injured. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at al-Arub refugee camp, Bayt Jala, al-Bireh, Hebron, al-Khadir, Ramallah. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave in Nabi Salih, nr. Ramallah; occupy 2 Palestinian shops in Jerusalem's Old City; set Palestinian wheat fields on fire nr. Hebron. Israel's Peace Now reports that at least 15 new Jewish settlement sites have been established since Sharon was elected in 2/01. (HP, Peace Now press release 5/20; NYT, PMC, WT 5/21; HA, WP 5/22; HA, MM, NYT 5/23; PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25; MEI 6/1)

The Mitchell Comm. gives Israel, the PA its final report, which is identical to its preliminary report (see 5/16). Comm. heads Mitchell and fmr. sen. Warren Rudman send a letter to the Anti-Defamation League stressing that the report makes no direct linkage between halting violence, halting settlements. (MENA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; ITAR-TASS 5/21, AYM, HJ, MENA 5/22 in WNC 5/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/22; MM, WP 5/23; AYM, HA, JT, MA, MENA, QA, al-Ra'i 5/23 in WNC 5/24; WJW 5/24; QA 5/25 in WNC 5/29; MEI 6/1; NYT 6/2)

Angry over Sharon's decision to use F-16s on 5/18 without consulting the full cabinet or security cabinet, the full Israeli cabinet limits the "kitchenette" (Sharon, Peres, Ben-Eliezer) to ordering strikes against 3 types of Palestinian targets without prior approval. (HA 5/21; MA 5/21 in WNC 5/22)

U.S. VP Dick Cheney states that the Israel should stop using American-supplied F-16s against Palestinian targets. Sharon says Israel will use as much military force against the Palestinians as it deems necessary. (MM, NYT, WT 5/21; al-Quds 5/21 in WNC 5/22; QA 5/21 in WNC 5/23; WJW 5/24; MEI 6/1)

PM-elect Barak reiterates his pledge to withdraw fr. Lebanon, seek peace with Syria within a yr.; says he will try to negotiate a s. Lebanon pullout with Syria, rather than withdraw unilaterally. (WP, WT 5/27; MM 5/28)

At a Likud Central Comm. mtg., PM Netanyahu resigns his Knesset seat, formally announces his resignation fr. politics. The comm. picks FM Ariel Sharon as interim head of the party. (WP, WT 5/27; MM, WJW 6/3; JP 6/25; MM 6/28)

In Damascus, Jordan's Chief of the Royal Court `Abd al-Karim Kabariti briefs Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad on King Abdallah's recent international tour; discusses possible 5-way summit to coordinate on the peace process; relays request fr. Arafat to visit Damascus, which Syria turns down. (SANA 5/27 in WNC 5/28; MM 5/28; al-Dustur 5/28 in WNC 6/1; MM 6/3)

In Jerusalem, Israeli police clash with Palestinians, Israeli Peace Now activists demonstrating against Ras al-Amud settlement construction. (LAW 5/27; MM 5/28; MEI 6/4) (see 5/18)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Lebanese civilian is wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 5/27 in WNC 5/28)

PM Netanyahu, his fmr. DM, Mordechai, hold 1st televised debate of the Israeli election campaign. Drawing comparisons to Kennedy in his 1960 debate with Nixon, Mordechai trounces the PM, attacking his person and policy, often leaving the "grand master of television" at a loss for words. As a result, Labor party candidate Barak's decision not to participate lends him the aura of being "above the fray." (MM 4/13; MM, WP 4/14; MM, NYT 4/15; al-Quds 4/15 in WNC 4/19; MEI 4/23)

With government approval, Israeli settlers seize a new West Bank hilltop nr. Tene Oranim settlement, nr. Hebron. Peace Now reports that Israeli building starts in West Bank settlements were up 105% in 1998, while housing starts inside the Green Line were down 20%. (MM, WP, WT 4/14)

2-day technical mtg. of the Multilateral Working Group on Refugee Affairs opens in Oslo. (Article 74 7/96)

2-day Syrian-European Cooperation Council mtg. closes in Luxembourg. (SATN 6/11, SARR 6/12, SARR 6/13 in FBIS 6/13)

U.S. says it is not insisting that Israel redeploy its troops in Hebron by today, the deadline set by PM Peres before the 5/29 elections. (MM, WP 6/12)

Netanyahu postpones trip to U.S. scheduled for 6/25 until 7/96. (NYT 6/12; WT 6/13)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir informs Netanyahu that 3 candidates for cabinet positions may not legally be qualified: Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert is under investigation by the Justice Min. for concealing illegal contributions to Likud in 1988; Shas MK Aryeh Deri is on trial for misusing party funds; Tsomet MK Eitan is under investigation for bribery, misusing classified IDF information. (NYT 6/13, 6/20)

Palestinian human rights groups say Sarraj has been beaten by PA police while in custody. PA military court accuses him of striking an officer. Sarraj's lawyers have still not been permitted to see him. (NYT, WP 6/13; PR 6/21; WT 6/22; WP 6/26) (see 6/11)

In light of the Netanyahu win, Israel's Peace Now decides to shelve its campaign to encourage an Israeli withdrawal fr. the Golan in favor of the "less ambitious" goal of blocking new Jewish settlements in the West Bank. (WP 6/12)

1st official Syrian-Israeli talks since suspension of negotiations 2/94 begin in Washington; are expanded to include military advisors fr. both sides in hopes of giving momentum to negotiations on the Golan. Israel sends military secy. Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, IDF Chief of Staff Baraq; Syria sends Lt. Gen Hikmat al-Shishabi. (Ma'ariv 12/21, QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; QY 12/22, Ma'ariv 12/23 in FBIS 12/23; WP 12/23; NYT 12/24; WT 12/25; SARR 12/25 in FBIS 12/27; WT 12/26; NYT 12/31; MEI 1/6) (see 12/19)

Arafat cancels Fateh Central Comm. mtg. in Tunis at last minute, reportedly after learning he might be presented with a demand by the comm.'s majority to waive some of his powers, incorporate opposition into PA. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23; PR 12/24; MEI 1/20)

Arne Christianson, AIPAC legislative director and top Congressional lobbyist, announces he will leave AIPAC to become senior policy adviser to incoming House speaker Newt Gingrich. He will deal with budget, appropriations issues. Brad Gordon, current director of the House subcommittee on international operations, will replace Christianson at AIPAC. (WT 12/23: WJW 12/29)

2 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded when Hizballah attacks IDF post in southern Lebanon in retaliation for car bombing 12/21. (NYT, WP, WT 12/24; JP 12/31)

Palestinians, Israeli Peace Now activists begin sit-in to protest construction of 500 apartments in Efrat settlement in West Bank, nr. Jerusalem. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; PR 12/24; WT 12/31)

Hamas mbr. dies in West Bank, sparking Palestinian protests, clashes with IDF. IDF says man died when bomb he was making exploded; family says IDF killed him. (QY, VOP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

PM Rabin denies Israel is responsible for car bomb detonated in Beirut 12/21. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23)

UNRWA announces frmr. U.S. Amb. to Iraq April Glaspie will become agency's head of operations in o.t. (JP 12/23 in FBIS 12/23)

Lebanese Pres. Hrawi says Lebanon will not make peace with Israel until Israel withdraws unconditionally fr. the south, vows if solution to Palestinian refugee issues comes at Lebanon's expense, he "will ask the Palestinians to leave Lebanon." (RL 11/14 in FBIS 11/14; WT 11/16)

Secy. of State Christopher cancels trip to Middle East planned for end of Nov., cites U.S. elections. (MM 11/14)

Arafat phones King Hussein to discuss possible trip to Amman for talks on Palestinian-Jordanian relations. (RMC, VOP 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Israeli Housing Min. begins construction of 1,050 houses in Betar settlement south of Jerusalem. (RMC 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Arafat meets with Israeli Peace Now delegation in Gaza, discusses PNA economic problems. (QY 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Number of Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested by Palestinian police rises to 180. 100's protest arrests. Rabin says Arafat is not doing enough. (MM 11/14; CSM, NYT, WT 11/15)

Faisal Husseini and Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemn 3/1 killings in Tel Aviv. Husseini receives letter from Secy. of State Christopher through U.S. consul-general in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 3/2 in FBIS 3/2; al-Quds 3/5 in FBIS 3/8)

U.S. severs contacts with Hamas, saying they were cultivated to keep up with "developments in the Islamic world," denying any "political dialogue." Hamas will for the first time appear in the State Dept.'s annual report on terrorism, tobe issued 4/1. (WT 3/3)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas meets with Russian FM Kozyrev in Moscow, discusses deportees. (al-Hayat 3/4 in FBIS 3/8)

Israeli Health Min. Haim Ramon (Labor) and Interior Min. Aryeh Deri (SHAS) urge govt. to consider unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. (NYT 3/3; Qol Yisra'el 3/2 in FBIS 3/2)

Council of Jewish Settlements in Judea, Samaria and Gaza calls on settlers to open fire if attacked with stones (first in air to deter, then at body if endangered). IDF strongly rebukes lst-ever such call by settlers. (HaAretz 3/3 in FBIS 3/3)

Peace Now reports settlement expansion in at least 8 sites. (Al Hamishmar 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

Israeli driver stoned and shot dead by Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Shots fired from an Israeli car being stoned in East Jerusalem kill 1 Palestinian. (MM 3/2; NYT 3/3; IDF Radio, Qol Yisra'el 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Estimated 1,500 Peace Now demonstrators march on Jerusalem residence of P. M. Shamir amid heckling and minor clashes with opponents to international peace conference. Yosef Ben-Aharon, director general of Shamir's office, leaves for Washington [NYT, LAT 5/11]. Israeli military authorities file charges against 17 Jewish settlers who broke into Joseph's tomb in Nablus [FJ 5/17]. Israeli soldiers raid al-Rawdah Community College in Nablus, ban student elections scheduled for 5/11 [FJ 5/17].

Arab World: U.S. and Egyptian diplomats meeting in Cairo report significant progress in talks on international Middle East peace conference [NYT 5/11].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In proposal to curb public spending, Finance Minister Yigal Cohen-Orgad proposes freeze on further Israeli settlements; Peace Now hails plan; rightwing Tehiya Party threatens to pull out of coalition if plan approved. Haaretz publishes poll indicating 48.5% Israeli respondents oppose more settlements on West Bank; 26.9% favor. General strike in Eilat sees 5,000 residents demonstrate against closure of Timma Copper Works and general economic distress. Striking postal workers ordered back to work. Abed Abu Diab, Jerusalem unionist and consultant to Jerusalem Electric Co., gets 5th renewal of 6-month town arrest order.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 1 Israeli soldier killed and 2 wounded in ambush on IDF border patrol in Jezzine, S. Lebanon. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Imam of Katibeh Mosque in Gaza given 18 mos. prison term for "incitement" after denouncing murder of Hebron U. students last July. Gaza artist, Fathi Ghabin's detention extended for producing "inciting" posters. Raphael Eitan and Chaim Herzog lead public castigation of 6 Israeli POWs returned by PLO in November prisoner exchange and 2 others still captive for cowardly surrender. Gush Emunim settlers camp at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus declaring to create permanent Jewish presence there; Peace Now warns of demonstration next day, supports DM Zipori's position that encampment is illegal. Teachers in 10 Israeli gov't. schools in Ramallah and al-Bireh strike over low wages. Life sentences given 2 Palestinians charged with killing Ramallah Village League head (1981), and an attack on IDF officer imposed as "(mayor" of al-Bireh; 2 others sentenced to 12-14 years for attacking Israeli settler in Hebron.

Arab World: Arafat accepts outline of Saudi-organized ceasefire in Tripoli. After letter from Pres. Reagan reiterating US position, King Hussein says he is prepared to resume talks with Arafat on joint Palestinian-Jordanian approach to negotiations with Israel; in light of current struggle in Tripoli, Hussein promises to put "no conditions on him. " Rebel spokesman asserts Tripoli fighting results from Arafat's refusal to heed Coordination Committee proposals. Tyre municipality opens special employment office for men released from Ansar prison; appeals to UNRWA to provide jobs.

Other Countries: Meeting in Washington, Pres. Gemayel and Reagan agree to stand by May 17 Lebanese-Israeli agreement. US Sec. of Defense Weinberger tells Jewish leaders of Synagogue Council of America that Arafat is "irrelevant" to future of Middle East. Chile's FM ends visit to Israel; agreement reached to expand mutual trade and agricultural cooperation. Abu Ja'far, Dir. of PLO Political Dep't holds talks with Soviet charge d'affaires in Tunis; also received GDR, DPRK, Rumanian, Polish and Czech ambassadors on occasion of Int'l. Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. Major oil co.s shipping under Liberian flag pressure Liberian gov't. to cancel plans for embassy in Jerusalem; ambassador reported looking for alternative location in Tel Aviv.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Palestinian casualties in Lebanon mountain artillery exchanges: 2 PFLP fighters, 1from Struggle Front, 2 from Liberation Army and 1 from al-Saiqa killed; 2 from Struggle Front wounded. Israel-backed militia chief in S. Lebanon, Abu Saleh, quits to renew loyalty to Amal militia. 1983 to date, 71 Druze quit Israeli military for religious reasons (compares with 19 in 1982).