The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raze Palestinian-owned land in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces fatally shoot a Palestinian man during a raid in Jaba’. Israeli forces seize several Palestinian-owned vehicles in Hebron and Dahariya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 112 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb an ambulance, killing 2 medics in Hanine. Hezbollah attacks Kiryat Shmona and Birket Riche. In Yemen, the U.S. and the UK launch airstrikes in several places, killing 6 Yemenis and damaging 4 airports and a Houthi military base. Off the coast of Oman, hijackers, reportedly from Iran, seize a commercial vessel carrying oil changing its course toward Iran. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, WAFA 1/12; HA, HA 1/14)

More than 23,469 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,350 women and children, and around 59,604 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 336 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 84 children. More than 4,148 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 184 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,085 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. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 145 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. The World Food Programme says it has delivered food aid to Gaza City for the first time in several weeks. (AJ, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/11)

Israel issues evacuation orders for al-Mawasi, telling Palestinians to flee to Dayr al-Balah. (UNOCHA 1/11)

Oxfam releases a report saying Israel’s war on Gaza is the deadliest in recent years with an average of 250 Palestinians killed per day. Oxfam compares the daily casualty numbers to 96 in Syria, 52 in Sudan, 51 in Iraq, and 44 in Ukraine. (AJ, AJ 1/11)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh meets with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, discussing the situation in Palestine. (AJ 1/11)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemn the U.S. and UK attacks on Yemen. Russia calls an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council in response to the attack. Saudi Arabia calls for restraint. Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Korea sign a joint statement with the U.S. and the UK in support of the attacks. France and Italy reportedly refuse to sign the statement. U.S. president Joe Biden cites the impact of the attacks in the Red Sea on global oil prices when asked about the attacks on Yemen. Biden also calls the Houthis “terrorists.” (AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 1/12)

South Africa presents its case for an injunction against Israel’s war in Gaza at the ICJ, saying Israel is committing genocide. U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel says, “the allegations that Israel is committing genocide are unfounded.” U.S. congresspeople Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Cori Bush (D-MO) issue a statement in support of the case. Iraq also issues a statement in support of South Africa’s case. Amnesty International calls the case “a vital step for the protection of Palestinian lives.” Several Israeli ministers accuse South Africa of hypocrisy for not bringing similar cases against other countries and the Israeli Foreign Ministry calls South Africa the “legal arm” of Hamas. The PA thanks South Africa for trying to hold Israel accountable and calls on other countries to support South Africa’s case. (HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/10; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/11; AJ, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU 1/12)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken tells reporters after a meeting with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt that Israel’s integration into the Middle East and a path to Palestinian statehood would isolate Iran. Blinken also says the PA has agreed to “pursue meaningful reform.” Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein tells reporters, after meeting Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati and other senior officials, that both Israel and Lebanon prefer a diplomatic solution to end the escalation between the 2 countries. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. is not “satisfied with the level [of aid entering Gaza] right now.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT 1/11)

A poll conducted by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies shows that among 8,000 people in 16 Arab countries 91% of respondents express solidarity with Palestinians and 92% say their plight should be a concern for all Arabs. 94% express a negative view of U.S. policy toward Israel’s war on Gaza. (AJ 1/11)

The Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University reportedly cancels an exhibition of Samia Halaby’s work because of her posts on social media in support of Palestinians in Gaza. (NYT 1/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort shot and killed a Palestinian man during a raid in Dura al-Qara’. Israeli settlers also shot and injured a Palestinian in Shufa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Burqa, injuring a Palestinian woman. Israeli settlers also opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle near Bizarya, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers vandalized olive trees near Tell. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 minors, during raids in Shuqba and Jamma’in. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, Tarqumiyah, and Dar Salah, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. 65 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus. Around 750 Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli forces since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 100 Palestinians, including several people sheltering at an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Haifa, Israeli police violently dispersed anti-war protesters, arresting 4 and injuring others with batons. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers in Shtula, injuring 5. Israel fired artillery shells and conducted drone strikes in Lebanon. Hezbollah said 2 of its members were killed. Protesters demonstrated outside of the German and U.S. embassies in Beirut. In Syria, Israel conducted airstrikes in the Quneitra province. In Turkey, 60 people, mostly police officers, were injured after protesters in Istanbul attempted to storm the Israeli consulate. There were also demonstrations in Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Iran, and the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 3,500 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 853 children, and 12,500 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 15 children. More than 1,284 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,562 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

Palestinians in the West Bank observed a general strike in protest against the Israeli airstrike that killed 471 people at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on 10/17. (WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

The Israeli military again called on Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate south to the al-Mawasi area. (AJ 10/17; HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

The PA leadership held an emergency meeting chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming a July 2023 decision to end security coordination with Israel and reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-defense. (WAFA 10/18)

The Knesset approved temporary legislation to allow Israeli prisons to admit new inmates beyond their legal capacity, allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners, including reducing living spaces and forcing prisoners to sleep on mattresses on the floor. The bill will be in effect for 3 months. Israel prisons have received 500 new Palestinian prisoners since 10/7, including 118 who crossed from Gaza to Israel in relation to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in 2017 that prisoners must be given at least 37.7 square feet of space. The Knesset ethics panel also voted to suspend Jewish Hadash MK Ofer Cassif from the Knesset for 45 days and revoked his salary for 14 days over his anti-war stance. (AJ, HA 10/18; HA 10/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden landed in Israel for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and the war cabinet. Biden was supposed to travel to Amman for meetings with President Abbas, Jordanian king Abdullah II, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, but the meetings were cancelled by the 3 leaders after Israel bombed al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, killing 471 people. Biden told Netanyahu during a meeting that “it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you” in reference to the hospital bombing. Biden cautioned Israel not to be consumed by rage, saying the U.S. made mistakes after 9/11. Biden also announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians as the Senate was working on passing a bill providing $10 billion in extra military aid to Israel. Biden said aid to Gaza could start arriving on 10/20, as Egypt needs to “patch the road” to the crossing. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) blocked an attempt by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to prevent the Biden administration from dispersing the $100 million in aid to Palestinians. 33 Democratic senators urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to lead efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Around 300 Jewish Americans were arrested at the U.S. Capitol while protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. The protest was arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace. (HA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/18; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 10/19; AJ 10/20)

After President Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Israel will not allow aid from its territory to enter Gaza until the captives are returned. The statement also said Israel demands that the Red Cross be able to visit the captives and that Israel will not “thwart” humanitarian aid from Egypt as long as it only consists of food, water, and medicine. (AJ 10/17; AJ, HA 10/18)

President el-Sisi said during a press conference with German chancellor Olaf Schulz that Israel could allow Palestinians in Gaza to stay in the Naqab desert until Israel can “do what they wish to do with the militant operatives in the Gaza Strip.” El-Sisi also spoke with President Biden about aid coming through the Rafah crossing. Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the sidelines of an OIC meeting in Jeddah, discussing the situation in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian called on the OIC members to sanction Israel and expel Israeli ambassadors. The OIC called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to lift the siege of Gaza. (AP 10/16; AJ 10/17; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; WAFA 10/19)

The U.S. blocked a UN Security Council resolution calling for humanitarian access to Gaza, protection of civilians, and condemning Hamas’ operation in Israel. The resolution, introduced by Brazil, was approved by 12 members of the Security Council, while Russia and the UK abstained. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called “for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East.” (AJ 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 10/18)

U.S. State Department director of the office of public and congressional affairs Josh Paul resigned in protest over the Biden administration’s policy toward the Israeli assault on Gaza and its “impulsive reaction built on confirmation bias, political convenience, intellectual bankruptcy, and bureaucratic inertia.” (AJ, HA 10/18; AJ, NYT 10/19)

Jewish Currents reported that the Palestinian academics and analysts Noura Erakat, Yousef Munayyer, and Omar Baddar had their interviews cut from segments on CBS and CNN. MSNBC last week temporarily removed 3 Muslim hosts, Mehdi Hasan, Ali Velshi, and Ayman Mohyeldin, who is Palestinian, from their programming. (JC 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 residential buildings in the Beit El settlement, despite the govt.-backed petition from the developer. Around 200 Israeli settlers gather in Beit El to protest the demolition, throwing stones at the Israeli troops and setting small fires. For the 2d day in a row, settlers also gather in the Sa-Nur settlement outpost that was evacuated in 2005, and they verbally assault Palestinians in the area. Late at night, IDF troops evacuate the outpost and the surrounding area; no violence is reported. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a wedding hall and several other Palestinian buildings in Bayt Hanina. They also patrol in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/29; HA, JP, PCHR, YA 7/30; PCHR 8/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves the “immediate” construction of 296 settler residences in Beit El, and 500 in East Jerusalem. Israel’s COGAT Mordechai signs a permit to immediately sell land for the construction, and the municipality will be allowed to issue construction permits within 15 days. The UN, EU, U.S. State Dept., Egyptian Foreign Ministry, and PLO all criticize the settlement announcement. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/29; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/30)

In Syria, an IAF drone launches an air strike nr. the border with Israel, killing 2 Hizballah fighters and 3 Syrian soldiers. The IDF does not comment on the incident, and reports differ on the nature of the attack. Separately, according to the PFLP-Gen. Command, an ally of the Syrian govt., Israeli jets strike an arms depot used by the group in Lebanon nr. the border with Syria, injuring 6. (HA, JP, YA 7/29; HA 7/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Salfit at night. Israeli settlers use bulldozers to level Palestinian-owned land nr. Salfit. (MNA 5/22; PCHR 5/29)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “the idea of taking unilateral steps is gaining ground” among Israel’s political class, particularly in light of the collapse of U.S.-led negotiations, in an exclusive interview published by Bloomberg View. Netanyahu’s office subsequently clarifies that this is not a reference to any intention to evacuate settlements. Economy Minister Naftali Bennett welcomes the remarks and urges the adoption of his plan, which would include the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Meanwhile, senior Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) official Hanan Ashrawi condemns talk of unilateral steps as a way to bypass talks, while U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf responds to Netanyahu’s remarks by emphasising that “no one should take any steps that undermine trust, including unilateral.” (Bloomberg, HA, YA 5/23)

China and Russia veto a UN Security Council (UNSC) res., drafted by France, referring the Syrian crisis to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into possible war crimes. The 13 other mbrs. of the UNSC vote in favor. It is the 4th time that China and Russia have blocked Western-drafted resolutions on Syria since spring 2011. Meanwhile, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says that the last 100 tons of Syria’s declared stockpile of precursors for poison gas and nerve agents are ready for transport, but Syrian authorities say it is too dangerous to move them for the time being. (AFP, AP 5/23)

Gunmen kill Shadi al-Manaei, leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, along with 3 other mbrs. of the Egypt-based militant group, in a drive-by shooting in c. Sinai. Egyptian officials say that the attack is likely revenge for the group’s killing of local tribesmen as “collaborators.” (AP 5/22)

Lawmakers allied with Hizballah boycott a session of Lebanon’s parliament, blocking the body from electing a new pres. This is the 5th failed attempt in the past mo. Lebanon’s current pres., Michael Suleiman, is scheduled to leave office on 5/24, the last day of his 6-year term. (AP 5/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, and level land before withdrawing. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 3 Palestinian civilians and wound 18 others including 5 children during an arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Jerusalem. One of those killed was an UNRWA employee, the agency reveals. The IDF claims that its forces were met by a rioting crowd of some 1,500 camp residents throwing stones and petrol bombs. In Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets during protests against the deaths in Qalandia. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night, patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in Jenin at night. In a raid on Sanur village nr. Jenin, IDF troops clash with residents, shooting and wounding 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in al-Tur. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 8/26; PCHR 8/29)

In response to the killings in Qalandia, an unnamed Palestinian official tells news agencies that talks scheduled for today are canceled. However, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf categorically denies that any meeting was canceled. Israeli television subsequently reports that Israeli and Palestinian officials had met in the morning before the news broke of the Qalandia raid. An unnamed Palestinian official also subsequently confirms to Xinhua News Agency that the 2 teams met in Saeb Erakat’s house in Jericho. Meanwhile, Egyptian FM Nabil Fahmi holds talks with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah, and relays a message from interim Egyptian pres. Adly Mansour, thanking Abbas for supporting the military coup that ousted Morsi. (HA, JP, REU 8/26; MNA 8/28)

An Israeli delegation headed by outgoing National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror arrives in Washington for high-level talks with U.S. officials. Discussions are expected to focus on Syria, the Iranian nuclear program and future talks with Tehran, and the role of Hizballah in the Syrian civil war. U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice is coordinating talks on the U.S. side. (HA 8/26)

UN chemical weapons inspectors visit 1 of the sites in Syria allegedly targeted last week by chemical weapons. The convoy came under sniper fire on the initial attempt, but the team successfully visited the Damascus suburb Ghouta. The UN team’s work includes collecting samples of munitions fragments and debris and taking testimonies. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Pres. Obama believes there must be “accountability” for those using “the world’s most heinous weapons,” and that the pres. is consulting with allies about how best to act. (AP, REU, WP 8/26)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 4 Palestinians dead. The IDF declare a curfew, reinforces its positions in Bayt Jala, saying forces will remain in the town indefinitely--marking Israel's 1st reoccupation of West Bank area A. State Dept. spokesman Richard Boucher warns Israel that it is inflaming the conflict, urges Syria to keep a rein on Hizballah. Among the buildings taken over by the IDF are 5 Palestinian homes and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's orphanage, where troops turn the upper floors into a firing base for heavy machine guns. Residents of the occupied homes, orphanage are confined to a single room of their homes; the Lutheran bishop accuses the IDF of using the 45 children in the home as human shields. Troops also level a number of Palestinian houses; skirmish with Palestinians at Aida refugee camp, nr. Bayt Jala. Fighting around Bayt Jala and Gilo intensifies throughout the day, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, at least 6 injured. Palestinians fire 6 mortars at Gilo, causing damage but no injuries, marking the 1st sustained mortar attack in the West Bank. The IDF also sends undercover units into Hebron to capture PSF Hebron cmdr. Abdallah Salim; sends forces into Rafah refugee camp to demolish another 14 homes, wounding 12 Palestinians; sends troops into Dayr al-Balah camp, touching off gun battles; bulldozes part of a school, 50 olive trees in Abu Najim; shells residential areas of Dayr Samit, Dura, Kharsa; conducts arrests raids in Jalbun; seals a main north+nsouth Gaza road. (AP, BDL, HA, LAW, MM, REU 8/28; XIN 8/28 in WNC 8/29; BDL, NYT, WP, WT 8/29; PMC, WJW 8/30; MEI, WT 8/31; JP 9/7)

In Ramallah, 10,000s of Palestinians attend the funeral of PFLP leader Mustafa. In refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, 1,000s of Palestinian refugees protest Mustafa's assassination. In Amman, 100s of demonstrators call for the Israeli amb. to be expelled. Outside the Israeli DMin. in Tel Aviv, 100s of Israelis demonstrate against the IDF incursion into Bayt Jala, Bethlehem. (AP, GS, JP 8/28)

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

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

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

Hizballah attacks an IDF base in s. Lebanon, killing another IDF solder, triggering another round of Israeli airstrikes on Hizballah targets. PM Barak orders his reps. to leave an ILMG mtg., where France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. are discussing the recent clashes. Israel accuses Syria of using Hizballah to gain concessions in negotiations. The State Dept. accuses Hizballah of trying to derail the peace process, calls the continued strikes on the IDF/SLA "particularly egregious in the context of Israel's repeated commitment to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the middle of this year." (MM 2/11; AFP, MENA, RL 2/11, AFP, RL 2/12, RL 2/13 in WNC 2/14; NYT, WP, WT 2/12; MM 2/14; JP 2/18)

PA General Intelligence calls in for questioning Palestinian journalist Khaled Amayreh regarding his new weekly paper, Hebron Times, which is critical of the PA; threatens to close the paper if he does not begin publishing material favorable to Arafat. (Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group press release 2/21)

Secy. of State Albright leaves Israel for Syria, saying that she has not made progress toward resuming Israeli-PA talks, she will not return until Israel, the PA "have made hard decisions." After arriving in Damascus, she holds a 4-hr. talk with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad to assess possibility of resuming Israeli-Syrian negotiations. (MM 9/12; SATN 9/12 in WNC 9/16; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MM 9/15; CSM 9/17; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19; MEI 9/26)

PA presents a plan to break the infrastructure of Islamist groups to U.S.-PA-Israeli tripartite security panel. CIA, Israeli officials say they are pleased with PA initiative. (WP 9/16; CSM 9/17)

Israel suspends all joint economic projects with Russia following reports that Russia is aiding Iran's missile development. U.S. State Dept. says that Pres. Clinton will soon send a special envoy to Moscow to discuss the issue. (MM 9/12 in WNC 9/15; WT 9/13) (see 9/11)

Heavy IDF-Hizballah clashes take place along the n. border of Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon, leaving 4 IDF soldiers wounded, 2 Hizballah mbrs.--including the son of Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah--dead; IDF troops seize the bodies of the Hizballah mbrs. Soon after, the IAF hits Lebanese army positions n. of the self-declared security zone, killing 6 Lebanese soldiers and 1 civilian, wounding 5 soldiers. (WP, WT 9/13; ITV, RMC 9/13 in WNC 9/16; NYT, WP, WT 9/14; JP 9/20)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Syria. (SANA 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

In Washington, U.S. cosmetics heir Ron Lauder holds confidential mtg. with Syrian Amb. Moualem to discuss ways of restarting the Syrian-Israeli talks, then briefs Secy. of State Albright. Israel's Dir. of Policy Planning Bar-Ilan says that the mtg. was not authorized, but was welcome, by Israel. (MM 7/7)

Israeli finance M Dan Meridor, a Likud mbr., resigns, saying he has lost faith in Netanyahu's leadership, the PM deliberately sabotaged his agreement with the Bank of Israel for currency liberalization. (MM 6/18; Globes [Internet], ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 6/19; YA 6/19 in WNC 6/20; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/23; ITV 6/19, MA 6/20 in WNC 6/23; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/24; CSM, MM 6/20; WP 6/26; MEI 6/27)

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Subcomm. chmn., announces that the subcomm. will forward legislation to the full Appropriations Comm. without the annual $2.1 b. in foreign aid to Egypt; says Egypt is obstructing the peace process by refusing to attend multilateral talks, refusing Pres. Clinton's invitation to Washington 9/96, leading the effort to reimpose the Arab boycott, moving closer to Libya. State Dept. says that the administration stands behind its foreign aid request. (al-Wafd 6/20, al-Quds al-Arabi 6/23 in WNC 6/25; WT 6/21; MM 6/25; MM 8/14)

Syrian VP Khaddam arrives in Iran for talks with Pres. Rafsanjani on the peace process, Turkish intervention in n. Iraq, 6/10 House decision. (IRNA 6/18 in WNC 6/19; SA 6/19 in WNC 6/20)

After 11 mos. in office. Turkish PM Erbakan turns his resignation into Pres. Suleyman Demirel, says he is willing to enter a new coalition under Ciller. Legally it is Demirel who must ask Ciller to form a new government; he has not stated if he will abide by the new coalition arrangement. (AFP 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MEI 6/27) (see 6/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan accepts a U.S. deal (passed by the House 6/11, the Senate 6/17) under which the UN would agree to reduce U.S. dues to 20% of the total budget by 1999, reduce U.S. peacekeeping to 25% by 1999, tighten the UN budget, reduce staff in exchange fr. the U.S. paying off $819 m. of its $1.3-b. debt over 3 yrs. The draft legislation must now be approved by the full Congress. (WT 6/19)

In Hebron, IDF clashes with Palestinians for 5th straight day, wounding 5. (MM 5/18; NYT 6/19; MEI 6/27)

In s. Lebanon, 3 SLA soldiers, 1 civilian are killed, 2 civilians are wounded by a roadside bomb. Israel blames Hizballah; responds by making in incursion into Jazzin, far n. of the self-declared security zone, arresting a number of youths, including a Lebanese soldier; submits complaint to ILMG, accusing Hizballah of planting the bomb. (VOL 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM 6/26; MEI, MM 6/27)

In Latakiyya, PA's Arafat makes his 1st official visit to Syria since 1993, meets with Pres. Asad. (MM 7/25; VOA, VOP 7/25 in FBIS 7/25; al-Hayat, SARR, SATN 7/25, SARR 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; CSM, MM 7/26; al-Hayat, PBC, VOP 7/26, VOP 7/27 in FBIS 7/29; MEI 8/2)

Israeli police escort 100s of Temple Mount Faithful in pair to al-Aqsa courtyard for prayers; arrest 12 mbrs. of Hay Veqayam who try to enter the site. (QY 7/25, JP 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MEI 8/2) (see 7/24)

In testimony before the House International Relations Comm., Philip Wilcox, State Dept. coordinator for counterterrorism, says the U.S. believes Syria provides save haven and logistical support to Arab and non-Arab "terrorist" groups (incl., Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad) but has no evidence of direct Syrian involvement in "terrorist" acts since 1986. Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-NY) called this session of the comm. despite the objections of the State Dept. that it would alienate Pres. Asad, further hinder resumption of Syrian-Israeli talks. (WT 7/26; WJW 8/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat says Israel has raised question of Jerusalem by including it in Washington Declaration with Jordan and demands negotiations on city's status.  Israel rejects Arafat's demand.  (CSM, NYT, WT 8/2)

King Hussein, in London, says he has received "several invitations" to visit Jerusalem, and that he will go there "sometime soon."  (WP 8/3)

Israel-PLO "early empowerment" talks resume in Cairo.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Israeli-Palestinian economic talks on implementation of economic agreement held in Jerusalem.  (Israeli Govt. Press Office release 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

PNA signs agreements with UN, Japan for $4 m. in aid to be used in Gaza housing and sanitation projects.  (WT 8/3)

Syrian newspaper Tishrin rejects Israeli PM Rabin's call for gestures fr. Syria, saying "Israel is the party which should make goodwill gestures and take steps to show it really wants peace."  (WP 8/2)

State Dept. counterterrorism chief Barbara Bodine tells House FA Comm. Clinton admin. "Deeply concerned" over Hizballah penetration of Latin America, says response of regional govts. to U.S. warnings "inadequate."  (WT 8/2)

Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, in speech on Army Day, praises Hizballah resistance to Israeli occupation of "security zone" as "legitimate," denounces Israeli "false allegation" of Lebanese responsibility for 7/18 Buenos Aires bombing.  (RL 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; WT 8/2)

Israel agrees to U.S. request to send non-military advisers to Haiti after deposition of current regime, but declines to send IDF troops for UN peacekeeping mission.  (NYT, WP, WT 8/2)

U.S.-brokered cease-fire takes effect in Lebanon, ending a week of fighting. Negotiated over telephone by Secy. of State Christopher with Israeli, Lebanese, and Syrian leaders, agreement conditions end of Israeli shelling with cessation of Hizballah rocket attacks on northern Israel. Lebanese army establishes checkpoints to prevent entry of weapons into southern area. Arab FMs pledge $500m in aid to Lebanese refugees. Total casualties: 127 dead, 496 wounded, mostly Lebanese civilians. Lebanese PM Hariri says 10,000 homes destroyed by shelling, 20,000 damaged. U.S. State Dept. says recent fighting "only underscore[s] the necessity for all the parties to the peace process making every effort now to engage in serious negotiations to narrow their differences." (State Dept. release 7/31; NYT, WP, WT 8/1; MM 8/2)

Israeli attack on Lebanon enters 4th day as international condemnation mounts. Refugees from south estimated at 500,000; casualties total 90 dead, 400 wounded. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali calls attack "deplorable" while UN Security Council, renewing UNIFIL mandate, expresses "regret" over loss of life and urges "restraint" on all parties. US State Dept. says "Military activities directed against all civilians should ... stop... The refugees from south Lebanon must be allowed to return to their homes immediately." Secy. of State Christopher telephones PM Rabin, Syrian FM al-Shara', and Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri, urging Israel to end fighting before Christopher comes to region and Syria not to permit arms to reach Hizballah. PM Rabin vows to "chase down" Hizballah, tells Knesset, "The civilian Lebanese population in southern Lebanon will be distanced-northward-from the villages in which Hizballah terrorists operate." Pres. Clinton says "I think Hizballah should stop its attacks. I think Israel should stop its bombardments. I think that Syria should go from showing restraint to being an active participant to try and stop the fighting, and we ought to do whatever we can to stop the fighting as quickly as possible." (NYT, WP, WT 7/29)

Responding to continued financial crisis, PLO closes three departments-information, culture, and social affairs. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 7/28 in FBIS 7/30)

Following fist-fights with UNIFIL troops trying to halt their advance, IDF troops, tanks bulldoze through UNIFIL barriers and move out of "security zone" to attack villages in S. Lebanon suspected of sheltering Islamic Resistance Movement bases which have been shelling N. Israel. Villages of Yatar, Kafra are captured. Several more rockets are fired at N. Israel, "security zone" and are answered with heavy IDF, SLA bombardment. Amal, communist party, armed civilians join the battle against Israeli forces. Two Israelis are killed and three wounded; at least 7 Hizballah fighters are killed and 17 wounded. In addition, 3 civilians and 4 Fijian UNIFIL troops are wounded. UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali demands Israeli withdrawal while State Dept. calls on Israel, Syria, Lebanon to "exercise restraint." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/20, FBIS 2/21; IDF Radio, Voice of Lebanon 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; WP 2/21)

PM Shamir wins renomination as head of Likud party. FM David Levy finishes second, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon third. (WP 2/21)

Arab League council begins emergency meeting on Israeli settlements. (MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21)

Secy. of State Baker modifies 5/22 statement concerning Israeli settlement-building as an obstacle to peace, notes that "other obstacles" present equal difficulties. Baker was criticized by American Jewish organizations, some U.S. senators, for singling out Israel in his remarks. Pres. Bush backs Baker's criticism of Israeli settlement building. (NYT, WP 5/24)

Israel begins airlifting remaining 16,000 Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia to Israel in "Operation Solomon" following secret talks with the collapsing government of Ethiopia. 5/22 letter from Pres. Bush to acting Ethiopian Pres. Lt.-Gen. Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan promising U.S. mediation efforts in Ethiopian civil war in return for unrestricted Jewish emigration paved way for airlift. Bush had earlier written Ethiopian Pres. Mengistu Haile Mariam in April urging release of the Jews. Unnamed U.S. official states Bush asked Israeli Prime Min. Yitzhak Shamir not to settle the Ethiopians in the occupied territories. Aide to Shamir confirmed Israel told U.S. it had "no intention" of settling immigrants on what he termed "occupied land." Simha Dinitz, Israel'senior immigration official, confirmed that none would be placed in occupied territories. Western relief workers complained that valuable resources expended on operation could have been used to aid Ethiopian famine victims remaining in Ethiopia. Airlift comes as Israel is struggling to absorb nearly 250,000 Soviet Jewish immigrants who arrived in past 20 months. 12,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in "Operation Moses" in 1984 before Arab criticism prompted Ethiopian government to halt exodus. 8,000 others came to Israel after emigration resumed on small scale in 1989. By beginning of 1991, more than 20,000 Ethiopian Jews were living in Israel. (NYT, WP 5/25, 5/26; LAT 5/27; NYT 6/6)

U.S. state department issues cautious statement on 5/22 Syrian-Lebanese treaty, noting that it will monitor events to determine if Lebanon's independence is respected. (WP 5/25)

Israeli Def. Min. Spokesman Danny Naveh states that Israel will release all Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, including alleged Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, in exchange for Israeli prisoners held in Lebanon. Hizballah spokesman added that Israel must release Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners, that Hizballah could only release those Israelis it holds and not those held by other groups. A total of seven Israelis were captured or reported missing in Lebanon since 1982 Israeli invasion, of whom only two are believed to be alive. Hizballah admits to holding two Israelis. Hizballah is seeking release of Shi'ites held both by Israel and Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army. Agreement came in wake of statement earlier in the week by Shaykh 'Abbas al-Musawi, new leader of Hizballah, that Hizballah would release the two Israelis if Israel freed Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners it held. The proposed exchange could lead to release of Western hostages held in Lebanon as well. (WP 5/25; NYT 5/26)

U.S. joins other 14 members of U.N. Security Council in voting to deplore 5/18 deportation of four Palestinians from Gaza. (WP, LAT 5/25; see JPS 80, doc. A5)