The Palestine Chronology

Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel, and across the world join in a general strike in solidarity with the 1,500-plus Palestinian prisoners’ Dignity Strike. IDF troops violently disperse protesters at the Qalandia checkpoint, Nabi Salih nr. Ramallah, ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, outside Dayr Sharaf nr. Nablus, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; at least 10 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Bethlehem. No Israelis are injured. They also arrest 5 Palestinian youths throwing stones at an Israeli settlement nr. Jericho; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Approximately 4,000 Jewish settlers, as well as former Arkansas gov. Mike Huckabee, visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested. IDF troops also conduct raids in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jabal Mukabir, Silwan, and Ras al-Amud. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis and agricultural areas nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah twice, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/25)

Upon his arrival in Israel, U.S. pres. Trump gives a short speech on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport to a crowd of Israeli leaders, including PM Netanyahu. (The Israeli PM reportedly orders his ministers to greet Trump on the tarmac after many, including several party heads, said they were not planning to attend). “We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region and to its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity, and peace,” Trump says, referencing the peace initiative he hopes to advance during his visit to Israel. “But we can only get there working together. There is no other way.” Trump then meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin and visits the Western Wall, the first time a sitting U.S. pres. has done so. In his major policy speech of the day, Trump links the fight against Iran with Israeli-Palestinian peace, saying that the Arab states are willing to work with Israel to normalize relations, if Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian lands. (HA, NYT, TOI 5/22; HA 5/23)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian youth herding cattle nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm and Bethlehem, as well as nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Salfit, arresting 10 Palestinians and threatening the family of another (an 11th Palestinian turns himself in hours later); patrol nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning, leading to minor verbal confrontations with Palestinian worshippers. Israeli forces punitively seal the home of a Palestinian prisoner in Sur al-Bahir (he is awaiting trial on manslaughter charges related to a stonethrowing incident on 9/13/2015). They also arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c., Ras al-Amud, and Qatanna. (JP, MNA, WAFA 4/11; PCHR 4/14)

PLO secy.-gen. Saeb Erekat says that the Palestinians have begun consultations with various Arab nations on the draft UNSC res. they informally circulated last week, as was reported on 4/7. Egypt is reportedly overseeing the consultations, aimed at finalizing the draft ahead of PA pres. Abbas’s visit to the UN in New York at the end of this mo. (MNA 4/13)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor's Peres announces willingness to enter talks with Likud to form another national unity government [NYT 11/21]. "Civil administration" announces W. Bank primary schools will reopen 12/1; secondary schools will follow; universities will remain closed [WP 11/22].

Arab World: Egypt announces itrecognized Palestinian state on 11/15 [NYT, WP 11/ 21]. In Amman King Hussein tells CBS News that U.S., Israel are blocking Middle East peace efforts [WP 11/21].

Other Countries: China formally recognizes the State of Palestine [NYT 11/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nar Nablus Israeli troops shoot, kill 1 Palestinian, wound another. In Kafr 'Ayn soldiers wound 1 Palestinian. In Jabalya troops shoot, wound 12-year-old boy. In Hebron Israeli authorities demolish 2Palestinian homes. In Qalandiya camp Israeli soldiers smash doors, windows and overturn cars after their bus is stoned; UNRWA sources state that "well over 20 houses" were damaged [LAT 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-imposed curfews continue in Balatah, Qalandiya, al-Am'ari, and Tulkarm camps and Qalqiliyyah, 'Azzun, and Dannabah [FJ 9/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza 8 Palestinians are injured during clashes. Near Tulkarm one Palestinian is shot; in Bayt Furik one Palestinian is injured; in Hebron one Palestinian is injured [FJ 9/25].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes attack PLO targets near Sidon wounding 5, the 14th such raid this year; 65 people have been killed, 108 injured [LAT 8/24]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael Government schools in Jerusalem are ordered closed for 1 week [WP 2/6; FJ 2/7]. Commercial strike in occupied territories continues [FJ 2/7]. Settlers attack Ya'bad village near Jenin, injuring 22 residents, breaking car windows, and burning village water pump [FJ 2/7]. In Hawara village, near Nablus, child is shot, wounded by settler [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Gunmen kidnap 2 UNRWA employees near Sidon, S. Lebanon [WP 2/6].

Other Countries: In Tokyo, march and rally protest Israeli actions in the occupied territories [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF patrol captures 3 armed fighters who crossed Egyptian border [NYT 2/12]. In village of Salim, near Nablus, troops and settlers beat 4 Palestinian youths, force them to remove stone barricade, then use bulldozer to bury them alive. Unconscious youths are dug out by villagers [NYT 2/14]. Curfews remain in effect in 'A'idah camp, Nablus region, Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, village of Thinabbah, and 9 other camps and cities. 'Azzah camp is declared closed military zone [FJ 2/7]. Worshipers stone police during demonstration outside Dome of the Rock Mosque; 6 Palestinians are wounded. In Qalandiya, Israeli soldiers use rubber bullets, live ammunition during clash with demonstrators; camp is sealed off. Jewish settler receives serious head injury from rocks thrown at car [WP 2/6]. In Gaza Strip's Jabalya refugee camp, demonstrators set fire to civil court building; troops fire tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowds; 4 areas of camp are raided. Hospitals treat 21 Palestinians for injuries caused by beatings [WP 2/6; FJ 2/7]. Military authorities shut off electricity to Gaza City [WP 2/6]. Demonstrations and clashes are also reported in Ramallah, al-Birah camp, Am'ari camp, and Silwad village near Ramallah [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem, nearly 2,000 Israelis march for peace, end to occupation of W. Bank, Gaza Strip in demonstration organized by Peace Now; police disperse crowd with tear gas [NYT 12/27; FJ 1/3]. Military lifts curfew on 'Askar camp [FJ 1/3]. Qalandiya vocational school and Teachers' College of Ramallah reopen [FJ 1/3]. Israeli soldiers force Balatah businesses to open [FJ 1/3]. Al-Najah U.'s board of trustees agrees to 50% tuition increase, abandoning controversial plan for 100% increase [FJ 1/3].

Arab World: Amal releases 20 Palestinians [FBIS 12/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military orders all government schools in W. Bank closed for 2 days [LAT 12/21; FJ 12/27]. Israeli cabinet discusses violence in the occupied territories, defends army's handling of disturbances [LAT 12/21]. Davar reports police investigation into death of 'Awad Hamdan, Palestinian who died while in police custody, had uncovered evidence suggesting 1of 3 Israeli interrogators was involved in Hamdan's death; other interrogators will be reprimanded for lying to Landau Commission [FJ 12/27]. Israel orders Hebron U., Abu Dis College, and al-'Asriyyah Community College closed for 1 month because of recent student protests [FJ 12/27]. Umm al-Fahm residents protest Israeli measures in occupied territories, call for end to occupation [FJ 12/27]. In meeting with Pres. Herzog, Italy's Pres. Cossiga expresses concern about events in occupied territories [FBIS 12/22].

Arab World: Egypt delivers formal protest of Israel's handling of occupied territory disturbances to Israeli ambassador, the 5th such protest in 12 days. Hani al-Hassan, aide to PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat, arrives in Egypt for talks [NYT 12/21]. In Sidon, 7,500 Palestinian and Lebanese Muslim protesters join in anti-Israel march [CSM, LAT 12/21].

Other Countries: Pope John Paul II appeals for peace in Holy Land, expresses support for Palestinian people [WP 12/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violent disturbances continue in W. Bank and Gaza Strip; at least 6 are shot, wounded in clashes with Israeli troops, 4 of them during large demonstration in West Bank's Far'ah refugee camp [LAT 12/21]. Curfews are imposed on Far'ah and 'Askar refugee camps [NYT 12/21]. Soldiers clash with large demonstration in Ramallah, and Am'ari, Jalazun, and Qalandiya refugee camps [FJ 12/27]. Protesters burn, destroy Egged bus carrying workers from Rafah [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Minister of Industry and Trade Ariel Sharon moves into apartment in Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City; merchants close shops in protest [LAT 12/16]. Complete commercial strike closes stores in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, al-Birah, and other W. Bank towns [FJ 12/20]. Israel bans distribution of al-Sha'b in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 12 days [FJ 12/20]. Khan Yunis youth shot 12/12 by Israeli soldiers dies in Barzali Hospital [FJ 12/20]. Palestinian journalists from occupied territories hold sit-in at Arab Journalists' Association's Jerusalem office to protest administrative detention of Radwan Abu 'Ayyash [FJ 12/20]. Israeli police announce capture of 2 Palestinians charged with murder of Israeli soldier [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Arab League calls for emergency session to discuss Israeli actions in occupied territories [CSM 12/16].

Other Countries: Trial of Ibrahim Khalid, only survivor of 4-man team that attacked Leonardo da Vinci Airport in 1985, opens in Rome. Abu Nidal and Rashid Hamida are being tried in absentia [LAT 12/16]. U.S. calls for Israeli restraint in handling disturbances in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [NYT 12/16]. Israeli Def. Min. Rabin meets with U.S. congressional leaders in Washington [WP 12/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers fire on Palestinian demonstrators at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, killing at least 2, wounding more than 11. Dozens are arrested. Palestinians at hospital attack Western journalists. UN reports 2 Palestinians are shot, killed: 1 at Bayt Hanun, in northern Gaza Strip, and 1 at Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. Palestine Press Service reports another demonstrator is killed by soldiers during protest march from Beach refugee camp to Shifa Hospital [LAT, NYT 12/16]. In W. Bank, demonstrations are reported in Nablus, Bir Zeit, Abu Dis village near Jerusalem, and Qalandiya, Am'ari, and Jalazun refugee camps [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: With tank and helicopter support, Israeli troops move north of S. Lebanon security zone, raid Shi'i villages of Maydun and Kafr Hunah. Lebanese sources report 6 fighters are wounded, 20 captured [NYT 12/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: MK Abba Eban testifies in Mordechai Vanunu's trial for espionage and treason. Trial is adjourned for 2 weeks [WP 12/11]. Palestinian wounded in Gaza clash with Israeli troops 12/9 dies [FJ 12/13]. In Nablus, Ahmad 'Ali Abu Jabir receives life sentence for killing Israeli soldier [FJ 12/13]. In Dhahriyyahrea, Israeli officials demolish 5 houses alleging they were built without permits [FJ 12/13]. Islamic U. in Gaza suspends classes for 3 days because of tension in the Strip [FJ 12/13]. Israeli High Court denies Faysal Husayni's appeal for early release [FJ 12/13]. Com. to Protect Journalists, non-partisan, New York-based group, protests administrative detention of Radwan Abu 'Ayyash to Def. Min. Yitzhaq Rabin [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Palestinians bum tires, block roads, throw stones in demonstrations throughout Gaza Strip. In Khan Yunis, at least 8 Palestinians are wounded when soldiers open fire on crowd throwing Molotov cocktails; 2 others are wounded in Gaza. In Nablus soldiers use live ammunition against youths throwing rocks, iron bars; 1 Palestinian is killed. In Qalandiya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, Israeli police clash with Palestinian students; 6 policemen, 6 students are reported injured [NYT 12/11]. Israeli troops fire tear gas, bullets at demonstrators in Balatah refugee camp, wounding 3. Curfew is imposed on Balatah; shopkeepers strike [FJ 12/13]. Demonstrators in Rafah raze gate dividing Egyptian and Israeli-occupied sections; Israeli soldiers open fire, injuring 1 [FJ 12/13].

Arab World: Lebanese militiamen attack Israeli patrol boat off coast of S. Lebanon; 1 Israeli naval officer is killed before Arab fishing boat is sunk [WP 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: E. Jerusalem merchants strike in reaction to 4/23 killing of Arab taxi driver [JP 4/26].

Arab World: In Damascus, Pres. Assad urges support be given to S. Lebanese resistance until IDF is driven from all Lebanese territory [FT 4/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Kiryat Malachi; one police sapper injured. Israeli stabbed in Khan Yunis; 3-day curfew imposed [JP 4/26, FJ 5/3]. IDF impose curfew in 20 W. Bank villages as hundreds of Gush Emunim settlers stage Israeli independence day march from Salfit to Qalqiliya; Peace Now stages counter-demonstration [FJ 4/26]. Stones thrown at IDF vehicles in al-Am'ari camp, Jalazoun camp, Qalandiya camp, Balata camp [FJ 5/3].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Palestinian, Muslim forces attack, burn Christian village of Darb al-Sim after fighting there [PI 4/26]. Lebanese Air Force planes strafe Mieh Mieh camp; 1 killed, 17 wounded [LAT 4/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: DM Rabin announces Cabinet decision to withdraw completely from Lebanon by early June; also indicates possible continued IDF presence in S. Lebanon, even outside proposed security zone, if "necessary" [NYT 4/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF impose restrictions against travel to Jordan for residents of Beit Hanina, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Qalandiya, Shu'fat; measure is apparently collective punishment for 4/19 slaying of Israeli taxi driver [FJ 5/3].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF kill 2 civilians trying to cross Litani River into Israeli-held territory [JP 4/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF close UNRWA-run boys preparatory school in Qalandiya for 1 mo. after stones allegedly thrown at IDF from school [FJ 3/22]. Green Patrol seizes large flock of Bedouin goats near Mitzpe Ramon (2nd time since 3/14); goats later sold by Green Patrol officials [JP 3/31].

Arab World: IDF sources indicate intention after final withdrawal to erect "security zone" in S. Lebanon to be patrolled by SLA; also state that "extremists" in zone will be deported [LT 3/19]. IDF raid Abba, S. Lebanon; 1 killed, 1 wounded; 1 home destroyed, undetermined number arrested. IDF close road from Israeli border to Marjayoun [JP 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein denounces Camp David before Egyptian parliament; refuses to negotiate in place of PLO; calls for PLO role in peace talks [PI 12/3, NYT 12/3]. PLO announces move of formal PNC seat to Amman, PLO secretariat to Tunis, both from Damascus [JP 12/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Explosion at Qalandiya camp; no injuries [JP 12/3].

Arab World: IDF soldier wounded in ambush near Sidon, S. Lebanon. In Nabatiya, S. Lebanon, grenade injures 14 in market; bomb explodes near IDF convoy, no casualties [JP 12/3].

Military Action:

Hours after IDF lifts curfew in area, 5 Phalange killed in Druze village of Aitat, raising fears of renewed communal strife in C.houf; IDF forces move into village to prevent retaliation from Phalange based at Souk al-Gharb.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers held by PLO, in interview at Chtaura, say treatment good.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Over 200 Israeli academics sign petition to end anti-PLO pledge requirement for West Bank; 3 Palestinian residents of Nazareth sentenced to jail for participating in "illegal demonstrations" following September massacre; Israeli authorities order Palestinian to demolish 2 rooms of house in Kalandia refugee camp for lack of permit, despite lack of court decision in case.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel meets with Habib on troop withdrawal talk prospects, says Lebanon has rejected Israeli conditions of permanent military outpost on Baruk mountain, free trade, quasi-diplomatic missions, right to patrol Lebanese airspace and territorial waters; government officials and Jumblatt indicate they will seek Habib's involvement in Chouf crisis; Arafat arrives in Algeria at head of military delegation, confers with Algerian President Chadli.

Arab Govemnments: Assad, in speech marking 12th anniversary of coming to power in Syria, strongly attacks US policy in the Mideast and criticizes Reagan peace plan as seeking "capitulatory negotiations" by Arab countries with Israel, reaffirms Syrian insistence on unconditional Israeli withdrawal, says Syria may not withdraw if it disapproves of conditions attached to IDF withdrawal.