The Palestine Chronology

The IDF conducts major house searches and arrest raids in Silwad, home of the exiled Damascus-based Hamas political leader Khalid Mishal and Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades West Bank cmdr. Ibrahim Ma’ari Hamid, arresting 70 Palestinians (including Hamid’s 5 brothers, 9 of Hamid and Mishal’s sons, among other relatives). The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Gaza’s Kissufim crossing into Israel; shoots, mortally wounds a stone-throwing Palestinian in al-Fawwar r.c., denies medics access, allowing him to bleed to death; handcuffs a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy to the hood of a jeep nr. Biddu, using him as a human shield to prevent Palestinians demonstrating against the separation wall there fr. throwing stones at them; raids 3 Palestinian schools in Silat al-Dahir nr. Jenin, orders teachers and students home, declares schools closed for 2 days; stages a late-night raid on al-Fawwar r.c. nr. Hebron, fatally shooting a Palestinian, occupying a 3-story apartment building as a base, conducting house-to-house searches; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Dayr al-Balah, Jenin, and in Dura (confiscating files fr. the offices of an Islamic charity), Jalazun r.c., Nablus, Rafah; bulldozes a Palestinian home in Dayr al-Balah. Palestinians attack an IDF post at Hawara checkpoint s. of Nablus, killing 1 IDF soldier; attack an Israeli border patrol unit in Hebron, overturning their jeep, injuring 3 officers; fire 2 Qassam rockets at Gaza’s Nisanit settlement, wounding 1 Jewish settler; fire several rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (VOI, VOP, YA 4/19 in WNC 4/21; NYT 4/20; VOP 4/20 in WNC 4/22; PCHR 4/22; PR 5/5)

The IDF continues operations in Rafah, withdrawing early in the morning; bars Palestinians ages 16–35 fr. traveling through the Rafah checkpoint, Palestinians under age 45 fr. praying at al-Aqsa Mosque; shells a Palestinian car that accidentally enters a closed military zone in Tulkarm, seriously injuring the driver; opens fire on Palestinians demonstrating against the separation wall nr. Beitunia, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian; bulldozes 25 dunams of land in al-Qarara, 8 dunams nr. Dayr al-Balah; conducts house searches, arrest raids in Dura, al-Walaja nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Hebron seriously beat a Palestinian, fracturing his shoulder. (AFP 4/16; VOP 4/16 in WNC 4/20; WT 4/17; PCHR 4/22)

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) fires on residential areas of Rafah, fatally shooting a Palestinian standing nr. his home; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, seriously wounding a 2d Palestinian man outside his shop; erects 2 new observation towers outside Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dura nr. Hebron. A Palestinian dies of injuries received during the 2/11 IDF raid on Gaza City. (VOP 2/16 in WNC 2/18; PCHR 2/19)

The IDF fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis (wounding 1), Rafah (wounding 2); conducts arrest raids in Dura, Hebron. Another Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/19 (see 9/26). (PRCS 9/27; PCHR 10/2)

The IDF assassinates Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr. Fuad Lidawi, firing missiles at his car as he drives in Gaza City, wounding 28 bystanders (including 11 children); later fires missiles at a warehouse in Gaza City that allegedly contains Qassam missiles, 50 yds. fr. the home of Shaykh Yasin. The IDF blows up a cave in Dayr Ghassana (see 5/24), burying 3 wanted Palestinians, leaving them for dead; local residents dig out, save the men; in retaliation, the IDF raids, vandalizes the village medical clinic. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in the IDF’s 6/12 assassination of Abu Srour and Taha, bringing that toll to 7. An AMB gunman fires on an IDF patrol nr. Karmela Menashe settlement, outside Jenin, fatally shooting 1 IDF soldier, wounding 2. The IDF also demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Dura, 1 in Hebron; bulldozes 3 dunams of land in Dayr al-Balah; places a curfew on, conducts arrest raids in Bayt Sahur; fires on residential areas of Rafah. Palestinians also fire a Qassam rocket at Sederot, damaging a house but causing no injuries. (AFP, HA 6/13; NYT, WP, WT 6/14; VOI 6/14 in WNC 6/17; HP 6/16; PR 6/14; LAW, PCHR 6/19)

In Umm al-Fahm, 100,000s of Israeli Arabs attend a rally in support of Islamic Movement mbrs. arrested by Israel on 5/13. (HA 6/13)

The IDF attempts to assassinate, wounds Hamas political leader and chief spokesman ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Rantisi, firing missiles at his car as he drives through Shati‘ r.c., killing a bodyguard and a Palestinian woman walking nearby, wounding 27. In a rare acknowledgment, Israel confirms it targeted Rantisi, saying it took the decision after Rantisi called off Hamas cease-fire talks with the PA. Later in the day, IDF helicopters fire missiles at a 2d car in Jabaliya, allegedly targeting 2 Palestinians who fired 5 Qassam rockets at Sederot earlier, causing no damage or injuries; 3 Palestinian bystanders are killed, 30 (including the 2 targets) are wounded. Abbas condemns the Rantisi attack as a “terrorist attack in the full meaning of the word,” saying it was aimed at sabotaging the road map; Hamas says it is a “declaration of war,” vows to “commit operations that will shake Israel.” The IDF also fatally shoots wanted Palestinian Issam Ibrahim in Jenin in what may be an assassination; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians in s. Gaza; fires on, wounds a Palestinian nr. Morag settlement; fires on residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis; bulldozes 5 dunams of land in Jabaliya; conducts arrest raids in Battir, Bayt Iba, Dura, Haris, Hebron, Jericho, Nablus (targeting Hamas), Qatanna, Tulkarm, al-Walaja, Yatta; dismantles another 5 unauthorized settlement outposts, all of them uninhabited. The Israeli High Court blocks the removal of 1 occupied outpost, Havat Gilad, which Israel attempted to dismantle in fall 2002. Jewish settlers rebuild 1 outpost taken down on 6/9. (BBC, HA, LAW, MM 6/10; ITAR-TASS, VOI, MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/12; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 6/11; AFP, AKH, DUS, HA, IDF Radio, JP, JT, MA, MENA, NHR, QA, al-Quds, VOI, YA, XIN 6/11 in WNC 6/13; JPI, LAW, PCHR, WP 6/12; AYM, JP 6/12 in WNC 6/14; PR 6/18, 6/25; MEI 6/27; MEI 7/11)

The IDF fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Tulkarm, killing a 11-yr.-old Palestinian boy; bars a Palestinian heart attack victim from reaching a hospital in Ramallah, allowing him to die; fires on nonviolent protest march on an IDF checkpoint by 150 Palestinian, European demonstrators in Gaza, wounding a Palestinian cameraman working for the Associated Press; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Dura. (BBC, HA, NYT, WP, WT 12/30; LAW, PCHR 1/1)

The IDF fatally shoots a 8-yr.-old Palestinian girl in Khan Yunis; fires flechette shells at 2 unarmed Palestinians who stray too near the Israeli border nr. Bayt Hanun, seriously injuring them; fires rubber bullets, stun grenades at Palestinian students protesting in Bethlehem; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Dura; bulldozes 10 dunams of land nr. Dayr al-Balah. A car bomb explodes prematurely in East Jerusalem, lightly injuring the East Jerusalem Palestinian driver, who is arrested. Hamas mbrs. for the 1^st time fire a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at an IDF patrol in Gaza, destroying an armored car, seriously injuring 2 IDF soldiers. (HA 12/28; BBC, WP, WT 12/29; WP 12/30; LAW, PCHR 1/1; HA 1/14)

The IDF assassinates senior Palestinian Resistance Comm. (PRC) mbr. Mustafa Sabah, firing 5 missiles at his building in Gaza City; the IDF says Sabah is the inventor of the large roadside bombs used on 3 occasions to disable Merkava tanks. The IDF also fatally shoots Islamic Jihad mbrs. Sami Shawer, Ahmad Srour in an exchange of gunfire nr. Hebron; demolishes a Palestinian home in Dura; bulldozes 3 dunams of land s. of Khan Yunis; shells residential areas of Tulkarm; fires on a PSF outpost in Khan Yunis, causing no injuries; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Qalqilya, Tulkarm. (NYT, WP, WT 12/5; LAW, PCHR 12/11)

The IDF assasinates Islamic Jihad military leader Iyad Sawalha in a predawn raid of his home in Jenin. In retaliation, Islamic Jihad detonates a roadside bomb nr. an IDF convoy in Gaza, killing 1 IDF soldier (a bedouin tracker), wounding a 2d. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in Dura, Nablus, al-Qarara; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Nablus; bulldozes 19 dunams of land s. of Khan Yunis. (JPI, LAW 11/9; GS, NYT, WP, WT 11/10; LAW, PCHR 11/13; B’Tselem press release 11/14)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device in a store in Tel Aviv, killing 1 Israeli security guard, 1 Israeli civilian, wounding 30. The IDF assassinates wanted Hamas mbr. Hamid Sidr, firing a missile at his car as it drives nr. Nablus, also killing his passenger, Hamas mbr. Firas Abu Ghazala, and injuring 2 bystanders; fires shells, heavy machine guns at a car traveling 800 m. fr. the border fence nr. Jabaliya, killing all 3 Palestinians inside; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes a hardware store, shelter, tour company parking lot for 50 buses in the al-Tur quarter of Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian homes under construction (1 in Yabad), 2 exisiting Palestinian homes (in Bayt Marsam, Dura), a 3-story building in the Nablus industrial zone, 67 dunams of agricultural land nr. Bayt Hanun; conducts arrest raids nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlement security guards block Palestinians, international activists fr. picking olives in Falami, cut down 10+n15 olive trees as IDF soldiers look on. (GS, PM 11/4; NYT, WP, WT 11/5; Interfax, QA 11/5 in WNC 11/6; LAW, PCHR, PR 11/6; MEI 11/8; JPI 11/15)

Israel releases its annual poverty report, showing that the poverty rate has stayed steady at 17.7% for the past 5 yrs. Unofficial estimates show that of the nearly 320,000 poor families, an estimated 90,000 families are Arab. Nearly 50% of Arab families are below the poverty line, compared to 1 in 7 Jewish families; 50,000 of the 75,000 children in poverty are Arab. (MM 11/5)

After Friday prayers 30 Palestinians inside the al-Aqsa Mosque compound pelt officers outside the complex with stones in protest of Bush's decision to sign legislation requiring U.S. recognition of united Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Some 50 Israeli police storm the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, fire tear gas and stun grenades at Palestinian worshipers leaving al-Aqsa Mosque. The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint in Barata nr. Hebron; fires on residential areas of Jenin, wounding at least 3, including a 15-yr.-old Palestinian hit inside his home, barred evacuation to a hospital, bleeds to death (the IDF admits that soldiers violated open-fire regulations); fires on a Palestinian taxi breaking curfew in Nablus, seriously injuring the driver, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian bystander; conducts arrest raids in Dura, Hebron; bulldozes a PSF post, more than 23 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis. An IDF soldier is shot, wounded in Nablus. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at Gush Katif settlement block in Gaza, an antitank missile at an IDF outpost, causing no damage. (HA, REU 10/4; LAW, NYT, WT 10/5; PCHR 10/9)

The IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Dura; bulldozes 3 homes and farm land nr. Netzarim settlement in Gaza; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian youths nr. Bayt Hanun and Kefar Darom, wounding 13; fatally shoots 1 Palestinian in his Jenin home; raids a UNRWA hospital in Qalqilya, assaulting several staff mbrs. Palestinians fire 3 Qassam rockets into the Negev, lightly injuring 4 Israelis, damaging 1 house; fire on a settler vehicle nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 Jewish settlers. Jewish settlers announce the completion of 14 permanent housing units in Rehalim nr. Nablus. The PA says it has arrested 11 Palestinian collaborators who aided Israel in various assassinations. (HA, LAW, PCHR 9/25; al-Quds 9/25 in WNC 9/26; CNN, HA, LAW, NYT 9/26; UN press release 10/1; LAW, PCHR 10/2)

Israel's Interior M Eli Yishai says he has initiated steps to revoke the residency status of 4 East Jerusalem Palestinians arrested for participation in a Hamas cell (see 8/21); he says, "There is no need to wait for a trial because the evidence is clear and based on intelligence of their terrorist activity." Israeli police detain senior Greek Orthodox Church official Atallah Hanna at his East Jerusalem home on charges of "expressing support for terrorist organizations," "illegally entering an enemy country" (Lebanon and Syria); release him after 5 hrs. of questioning. The IDF arrests the head of Hamas's Qalqilya political wing; bulldozes 7 dunams of olive groves in Dayr al-Balah; conducts arrest raids in Dura. (AFP, HA 8/22; MM, WT 8/23; MM 8/27; LAW, PCHR 8/28)

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon cancels plans to make a trip to the U.S. to attend a rally in support of Israel in Tallahassee with Florida gov. Jeb Bush, brother of U.S. Pres. George W. Bush, on 9/9, a day before the Florida Democratic primary; go to LA to attend another rally hosted by a Republican candidate in tight midterm elections there. Democrats had denounced the visit, which was arranged with Pres. Bush's sway, but Sharon says he decided he would have to stay in Israel to prepare for a budget battle which will take place in 10/02. Sharon canceled two previous trips to Florida when he cut short previous trips to the U.S. because of bombings in Israel. (NYT, WP 8/23; MA 8/23 in WNC 8/26)

In East Jerusalem, an IDF soldier on a passing commuter bus shoots, seriously wounds a Palestinian motorcyclist scuffling with an Israeli traffic policeman over a traffic incident. An Israeli dies of injuries received in 7/31 bombing, bring that toll to 9. The IDF demolishes Palestinian homes, 2 belonging to relatives of Palestinian militants (in Dahiriyya, Dura), 2 others (nr. Bethlehem, nr. Hebron); bulldozes 40 dunams of agricultural land in Khuza, also damaging a school. (NYT, WP 8/14; PCHR, WJW 8/15; PCHR 8/16)

Overriding a military court ruling(see 8/12), the Israeli High Court issues a 15-day injunction against the forced transfer to Gaza of 3 relatives of Palestinian militants, demanding that the government show cause why it would be permitted to carry out the expulsions. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/14; MA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; WJW 8/15)

10s of Christian TV stations air a 5-hr. telethon in support of "Israeli victims of terrorism," with half of the money raised earmarked for a fund organized by the United Jewish Communities, half funding production of daily news segments on Israel for Christian TV stations. (HA 8/11) (see 7/10)

Before dawn, the IDF reoccupies Amari r.c., al-Bireh, Qadura r.c., and Ramallah, surrounding Arafat's offices (placing Arafat under de facto house arrest), arresting 13 PSF officers, meeting no resistance; imposes 24-hr. curfews on Aqaba, Dura, Iktaba, Tamun, Taysir, Tubas, Yatta; fires shells at residential areas of Khan Yunis; continues operations in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus (fatally shooting 1 Palestinian), Qalqilya, Tulkarm areas; lifts curfews in Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya for 3 hrs. The IDF assassinates 2 Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades leaders, Yasir Raziq and `Amr Kufa, in Rafah, firing missiles at their taxis, also killing 2 passengers, 2 drivers, injuring 13 bystanders. Jewish settlers stone an ambulance nr. Tulkarm. In Gaza, Hamas supporters clash with PSF officers enforcing Shaykh Yasin's house arrest, leaving 1 Hamas supporter dead. (BBC, MM, NYT, PRCS press release, WP, WT 6/24; XIN 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/25; LAW 6/26; PCHR, WJW 6/27; MEI 6/28)

After a wk.'s delay, Bush gives a major speech outlining the new U.S. policy toward the peace process. Without mentioning Israel's military escalations, Bush says in effect that the Palestinians must remove Arafat and create a Western-style democracy before the peace process can move forward. The U.S. halts direct dealings with Arafat. Bush's decision to call for Arafat's ouster was reportedly influenced heavily by an Israeli intelligence report he received last wk. (uncorroborated by the CIA) claiming that Arafat authorized a $20,000 payment to the AMB, which carried out the 6/19 suicide bombing. (AP, MM, NYT, WP 6/24; MA 6/24 in WNC 6/25; GS, MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 6/25; AFP, ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 6/25 in WNC 6/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/26; AFP, JT, Le Monde 6/26 in WNC 6/27; NYT, WJW, WP 6/27; JT, al-Nahar 6/27 in WNC 6/28; MEI, MM 6/28; NYT, USIS Washington File 6/30; WP, WT 7/1; AN 7/1 in WNC 7/2; JPI 7/5)

Arafat sends the U.S., Arab states a 6-page memorandum outlining an ambitious 100-day reform plan, including plans for presidential and legislative elections in 1/03 and municipal elections in 3/03. (MM 6/24; NYT 6/25; MM 6/26; El Pais 6/26 in WNC 6/27;NYT, WP, WT 6/27; XIN 6/27 in WNC 6/28; AYM 7/1 in WNC 7/3; AYM 7/10, 7/17, 7/21 in WNC 7/23)

Israeli atty. gen. Elyakim Rubinstein says he will not take legal action against those calling for the "voluntary transfer" of Arabs fr. Israel, saying "voluntary transfer" is "immoral" not illegal. (The 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus in 5/02 were "voluntarily exiled" as part of a deal brokered by Israel and the PA; see 5/22) (HA 6/24; MM 6/27)

In response to Israeli appeals to local satellite channels to drop coverage of BBC World and CNN International because of their "pro-Palestinian bias" (1 channel replaced CNN with Fox News coverage on 6/20), CNN chief news exec. Eason Jordan arrives in Israel to apologize publicly on behalf of the network, to unveil a special 5-part series on Israeli victims of violence (aired 6/24-28) and a Web "memorial" to Israeli victims of Palestinian violence. (WT 6/24; NYT 6/25; WJW 6/27; MEI 6/2; see also JTA 6/20, MSNBC 6/21)

The IDF calls up 1,000 reservists in preparation for "crushing and decisive action" against the Palestinians; reoccupies Dura; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, destroying several Palestinian homes; continues operations in Beitunia, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm; lifts curfews in most areas for several hrs. to allow Palestinians to resupply; lifts curfews entirely in Awarta, Hawara; imposes a 24-hr. curfew on Bayt Sahur. During the curfew break in 2 camps nr. Nablus, troops open fire on Palestinians for unknown reasons, wounding 8. (AFP 6/22; NYT, WP, WT 6/23; LAW 6/26; PCHR 6/27)

Over 150 people take part in the ground breaking for a new Jewish settlement n. of Jerusalem nr. Kochav Ya'acov. The new enclave is part of a new program to "transplant" entire Jewish communities, with their rabbis, to Israel. A New York rabbi raised the idea in his town, and 25 local families committed to purchase homes in the new settlement. Meretz MK Yossi Sarid offers to find them a safer location inside Israel, but they decline. (INN 6/22) (see 5/19)

The IDF reoccupies Qalqilya, imposes a curfew; Palestinians clash with troops, leaving 2 IDF soldiers, a local PA intelligence chief dead. The IDF continues operations in Jenin r.c. and town, fortifying a temporary IDF base outside the r.c. with 7 trailers, fuel and water trucks to create a barracks; conducting house-to-house searches, ordering all men ages 15-50 to surrender, using 3 doctors fr. a nearby hospital as human shields; firing a tank shell at al-Razi hospital. The IDF also reinforces tanks around Nablus; conducts arrest raids in Dura, Hebron, Umm Salamona; bulldozes 57 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Aley Sinai; imposes curfews on villages around Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Aldavid settlement set fire to 50 dunams of Palestinian crops nr. Bethlehem; IDF troops observe but do not intervene. An AMB suicide bomber, retaliating for the 6/17 assassination of an AMB leader, detonates a device at a bus stop in French Hill settlement in East Jerusalem during evening rush hr., killing 7 Jewish settlers, wounding 40. In response, the IDF sends troops into Ramallah; helicopter gunships fire missiles at least 5 alleged bomb-making workshops in Gaza City, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis; begins barring Palestinians with West Bank IDs fr. entering Jerusalem; raids a hospital in Shaykh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, sends home 30 employees with West Bank IDs; reportedly rounds up 1,400 Palestinian workers inside the Green Line, sends home 800 Palestinian workers with West Bank IDs. (HP, LAW, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 6/19; XIN 6/19 in WNC 6/21; MM 6/20, 6/24; LAW 6/26; PCHR 6/27; JPI, MEI 6/28)

PA Planning M Shaath, still in Washington meeting with U.S. officials, says that he has given the U.S. a 20-30-page draft constitution for a Palestinian state (i.e., an expanded version of the Basic Law) that reportedly envisions a government headed by a PM, with a ceremonial pres. (WP 6/20)

The IDF completes its withdrawal to the outskirts of Qalqilya, Tulkarm; makes a fresh incursion into Dura, detaining at least 70 Palestinians. In Jenin r.c., 13 IDF soldiers conducting house-to-house searches are killed when Palestinian suicide bomber in a building rigged with explosives reportedly detonates a series of devices, collapsing the building, and Palestinian snipers fire on soldiers who come to the rescue. In Nablus, a French TV cameraman is wounded by IDF gunfire. The IDF shells, destroys a PSF post in Kefar Rai; bulldozes a PSF post, olive groves in Dayr al-Balah. A convoy of 100s of Israeli Arabs attempting to deliver food to Jenin r.c. is halted outside Jerusalem by Israeli border police, attacked by Jewish settlers, shot at apparently by an IDF soldier, who wounds 2 before being subdued, arrested. (AFP, AP, BBC, MM, UPMRC, WP, WT 4/9; AP, CNN, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/10; MEI 4/19, 5/3)

The IDF kills 8 Palestinians in clashes (including 6 PSF officers in Salfit, 2 Palestinians nr. Qarni crossing); conducts arrest sweeps in Asira Shamaliyya, Dura, Hebron, Nablus, Salfit, Tal, arresting at least 50 Palestinians; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Salfit, 36 in Khan Yunis (leaving over 350 people homeless); occupies 3 homes in Salfit, 1 home in Khan Yunis as military posts; sends tanks, bulldozers into Tamun in the West Bank. In retaliation for mortar fire, Israeli F-16s drop bombs on a Force 17 complex, a PSF office in Gaza City, injuring 7 Palestinians. Eyewitnesses in Salfit say at least 2 of the PSF officers killed were disarmed by IDF soldiers, told to lie on the ground, then were fatally shoot by soldiers. Palestinians in and around Ramallah, al-Bireh say they are suffering shortages of medicine, basic foods due to the ongoing IDF encirclement of the area. The IDF pulls out of Fatah tanzim leader Barghouti's house in Ramallah (see 12/13). (AP, HP, Jerusalem Times 12/14; NYT, WP, WT 12/15; HA, WT 12/16; LAW, PCHR 12/19)

The mayor of the Jewish town of Upper Nazareth announces plans to enlarge its jurisdiction by 3,700 dunams for construction of new neighborhoods, shopping centers. The 3,700 dunams will come fr. land expropriated in 1976 fr. the Arab town of `Ayn Mahil. Last wk., Upper Nazareth authorities bulldozed 2,000 old growth olive trees on confiscated `Ayn Mahil land for a new Jewish neighborhood that will be linked to Upper Nazareth. (Arab Association for Human Rights press release 12/15)

In an apparent assassination attempt on senior Fatah official Muhammad Mansur, the IDF fires rockets into the Fatah headquarters in a residential area of Ramallah, causing no injuries. Mansur left the building just before the attack. Nr. Rafah, an explosion in a building known to be used by tanzim mbrs. leaves, 1 tanzim mbr. dead, 1 injured; the tanzim accuses Israel of carrying out an assassination. Israel admits to the attempt on Mansur, but denies staging the Rafah incident. The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun, al-Bireh, Dura, Nablus, Rafah; closes roads around Khan Yunis, the al-Mawasi area; occupies a Palestinian home in al-Khadir; raids, shuts a secondary school in Baqa` al-Sharqiyya; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa, Jinin, al-Khadir, Tulkarm, Yabid. Armed Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian shops in Hebron, causing serious damage but no injuries; IDF soldiers do not intervene. (HP 9/8; WP, WT 9/9)

The WCAR closes after agreeing on a final statement that expresses concern over the "plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation," endorses the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in secure and independent states, recognizes the right of refugees to return to "freely return to their homes." Israel says it is "satisfied" with the text. (Globe and Mail, HP 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/9; MENA, al-Quds, SAPA 9/9 in WNC 9/10; WT 9/10; JP, MEI 9/14)

Severe Israel-Palestinian clashes take place in Hebron, leaving 2 Palestinians dead, 22 injured; 2 IDF soldiers are injured by a small bomb. In response, the IDF rockets, destroys a PSF office in nearby Dura, injuring 3 Palestinians. The PFLP detonates 4 bombs (2 in West Jerusalem, 2 in the settlements of Gilo, French Hill) lightly injuring 5. (MM 9/3; LAW, MM, NYT 9/4; HA 9/7)

As debate on the text of the WCAR final statement continues, Israel, the U.S. withdraw their delegations, saying the conference has been "hijacked" by the Arab states and converted into a forum for extremist diatribes against Israel. (MM 9/3; SAPA 9/3 in WNC 9/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/4; AFP, MENA 9/4 in WNC 9/5; MM 9/5; AP, WJW 9/6)

In Tehran, Iran, Syria discuss expanding transportation cooperation. (IRNA 3/13 in WNC 3/16)

West Bank demonstrations against over death of 3 Palestinians 3/10 continue for 4th day. In Dura, 7 Palestinians are injured in clash with IDF, which is broken up by PA police; settlers stone Palestinian home. In Nablus, PA police, IDF fire tear gas at 1,000s of Palestinians to break up riot; 200 PA police keep protesters fr. reaching Jewish seminary at Joseph's tomb. (NYT, WT 3/14)

A bomb explodes in East Jerusalem, wounding 4 Palestinians as they leave Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. PA claims package bomb was placed by settlers. Israel claims it was being carried by Palestinians on their way to West Jerusalem, prematurely detonated. (MM 3/13; NYT 3/14; PR 3/20)

In Hebron, 40 armed Jewish settlers march into PA-controlled area of Hebron, sparking riot. IDF fires on Palestinians with rubber bullets to break up clash, injuring 14 Palestinians, 8 journalists. Observers forming the Temporary International Presence in Hebron fault the IDF for allowing the settlers to get past them and into the PA sector. (QY 3/13 in WNC 3/16; NYT 3/14; WP 3/15; WP 3/16; LAW, MM 3/17; WJW 3/19; PR 3/20; MEI 3/27; JP 3/28)

Palestinian-IDF clashes spread in West Bank, leaving at least 28 Palestinians injured. PA police break up protests in Bethlehem, Hebron. Nr. Dura, a settler whose car is stoned opens fire on Palestinian demonstrators, seriously injuring 1. (MM 3/12; ITV 3/12 in WNC 3/16; NYT, WP, WT 3/13; MEI 3/27)

In Damascus, Syria, EU hold talks on expanding trade relations, technical cooperation. (SANA 3/12 in WNC 3/13)

A Palestinian is stabbed, wounded by unidentified assailant in West Jerusalem. He is the 3d Palestinian to be stabbed in West Jerusalem in 3 wks. (ITV 3/12 in WNC 3/12; PR 3/20)

Israeli Justice Min. allows nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu out of solitary confinement for 1st time in 12 yrs. Vanunu is serving an 18 yr. sentence. (WT 3/14; IGPO 3/16; MEI 3/27; MEI 4/24)

In Dura nr. Hebron, Palestinians demonstrate following the funeral for 3 Palestinian laborers killed by the IDF 3/10; 32 Palestinians, 1 Israeli border policeman are injured. Palestinians also protest in Bethlehem and Ramallah, where IDF injures 9 Palestinians. Also nr. Ramallah, a Jewish settler whose car is hit by a stone opens fire with live ammunition, wounding 1 Palestinian. PA, Israeli security forces hold emergency mtgs. on containing the violence. (MM 3/11; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/12; WT 3/13)

PM Netanyahu appoints Reserve Maj. Gen. Meir Dagan as his adviser on intelligence affairs. The new position, recommended in the Ciechanover report (see 2/16), was created to enhance coordination btwn. the PM, the intelligence bodies. (YA 3/11 in WNC 3/12)

Based on legislation passed by Congress in 1996, U.S. district judge orders Iran to pay the family of Alisa Flatow, killed in an Islamic Jihad suicide bombing in Israel 4/95, $247.5 m. in damages. The court heard no evidence that Iran planned, carried out the attack, but lawyers presented testimony fr. fmr. FBI, Israeli intelligence officials that Iran has funded Islamic Jihad. Administration officials say "this case is not what we needed at this time" when the U.S. is trying to renew relations with Iran. (WT 3/12; MM 3/24) (see 2/26/97)

American Friends of Lubavitch (AFL) hosts its 5th annual Purim party for Capitol Hill staffers. AFL also hosts an annual Hanukkah party; plans to start bimonthly discussion groups, a mentoring program where senior Jewish staffers can help younger staffers just starting their careers. All projects are meant to "make politically minded Jews more politically involved." (WJW 3/26)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Unified National Command of the Uprising issues pamphlet calling for increased attacks on Jewish settlers and Palestinian collaborators [WP, NYT 3/11]. All 40 Palestinian workers in Israeli income and property tax office in Gaza have resigned [WP 3/12; CSM 3/14]. Israeli officials order Hebron National Bus Company closed for 1 day because workers observed strike on 3/9 [FJ 3/13]. Jewish settlers and Palestinians clash in Hebron [FJ 3/13]. Nabil al-Ja'bari, chairman of Hebron U.'s board of trustees, is ordered held under 6-month administrative dtention [FJ 3/13]. Closure of Birzeit U. is extended an additional month. Administrative detention of Faysal Husayni, head of Arab Studies Society, is renewed for 3 months [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat rejects U.S. peace plan, says PLO must be directly represented in peace talks [NYT 3/12].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz presses Israel to rethink concept of secure borders and to consider "ticking demographic time bomb" [NYT 3/11]. Canadian Sec. of State for External Affairs Joe Clark criticizes Israeli actions in occupied territories in speech before Canada-Israel Com. [NYT 3/13]. EEC issues statement expressing solidarity with families of Palestinians killed during the uprising; EEC also approves resolution condemning use of torture, expulsion, and arbitrary detention in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza hospitals report 2 Palestinians are shot, critically wounded by soldiers [WP 3/11]. In Dura village, several residents are arrested in clash with soldiers and settlers; collaborator from village reportedly flees to Kiryat Arba settlement [FJ 3/13]. Large demonstrations are reported in Jabalya camp and Gaza City [FJ 3/13]. In W. Bank, Tulkarm camp and Bani Na'im remain under curfew; Gaza's Beach, Burayj, and Khan Yunis camps are also under curfew [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Press Service reports death of Palestinian wounded 12/9 in Jabalya refugee camp [LAT 2/5]. Commercial strike in occupied territories continues [FJ 2/7]. Israel orders all government, private, and UNRWA schools in occupied territories closed until further notice [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian guerrillas cross Lebanese border into Israel near Kibbutz Yiftah; 2 Israeli soldiers and 1 Palestinian fighter are killed; 2d Palestinian captured. PLO claims responsibility for attack [LAT 2/5]. In W. Bank, curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp, Tulkarm, 'Anabta, Bani Na'im, and Balatah, Jalazun, and 'A'idah camps. Hebron-region villages of Dura and Sa'ir are ordered under curfew. Halhul is declared closed military zone. In Gaza Strip, Burayj and Jabalya camps remain under curfew [FJ 2/7]. During fierce clash in Balatah camp, soldiers open fire on stone-throwing demonstrators, wounding 2; another 3 are wounded by rubber bullets. In Sa'ir, 2 protestors are shot, wounded by live ammunition. Military imposes curfew on Hebron after soldier is hit in head with stone [LAT 2/5]. In Yatta, near Hebron, youths force passengers off Israeli bus, set bus on fire. In Burqa, soldiers fire live ammunition at demonstrators, wounding 2. At least 12 are hospitalized for beating injuries in Gaza Strip [FJ 2/7]. After Israeli vehicles are stoned in Shu'fat refugee camp, military raids camp, beating and injuring many residents [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Moshe Arens, minister without portfolio, resigns from Israeli cabinet [WP 9/3]. Residents of Hebron-district town of Dura hold sit-in at Dura municipal building to protest Israeli plan to expropriate 3,000 dunams of land [FJ 9/6]. Reports indicate Gaza Strip govemnment schools have ordered many students convicted of political charges not to return to school this year [FJ 9/6]. David Levy presides at inauguration of new Jewish settlement south of Tulkarm [FJ 9/6].

Arab World: U.S. Ambassador William Eagleton returns to Damascus after 11 months [WP 9/3]. PLO spokesman in Tunis says PLO is willing to accept Amal plan to end fighting in S. Lebanon [NYT 9/3].

Other Countries: U.S. Sen. Albert Gore, Jr. states intention to become "personally involved" in negotiations between Israel and Arab states if he is elected president [LAT 9/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli border guards injure at least 2 people in attack on a Dhahriyyah restaurant [FJ 9/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli settlers, with support of border guards, occupy 4 Arab houses in Jerusalem's Old City; settlers claim to have boughthe houses [FJ 8/30]. Jericho receives JD 34,000 from Amman for development projects [FJ 8/30]. Residents of Rahat village demolish large section of mosque in compliance with Israeli court order [FJ 8/30]. Israeli authorities demolish 5 houses in Bita village near Nablus, Idna village near Hebron, and Dura village; 4 of the houses were built without licenses [FJ 8/30].