The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting the killing of a man in al-Fawar r.c. on 3/12, injuring 4 with rubber-coated steel bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and nr. Ramallah at night. In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces conduct an incursion nr. Khan Yunis with bulldozers, levelling land alongside the border fence in Abasan nr. Khan Yunis. (MNA 3/13; PCHR 3/14)

Jerusalem’s municipal Planning and Building Committee removes from its agenda two construction plans for the expansion of Har Homa settlement and a waste infrastructure project for Ma’ale Adumim settlement. The decision comes a week before the arrival of U.S. Pres. Barack Obama and is understood to have been taken to avoid diplomatic friction. (JP 3/14)

The World Bank transfers $60.5 million to the PA from the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan MultiDonor Trust Fund (PRDP-MDTF), a budget support mechanism that, in this instance, is channelling money from the UK and Norway to support urgent PA budget needs. (WAFA 3/13)

Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip launch an amnesty campaign for collaborators with Israel, saying that anyone who turns themselves in by 4/11 will not be interrogated or imprisoned. Meanwhile, Hamas also denies claims by Israeli security service Shin Bet that it is trying to set up cells in the West Bank. (Guardian, MNA 3/13)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shin Bet agents arrest 10 prominent Palestinians in W. Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem; 4 are released after questioning [CSM 1/15]. At press conference in Jerusalem, Gabi Baramki, acting pres. of Birzeit U., Sari Nusaybah, BZU professor, and Rev. 'Awdah Rantisi, deposed mayor of Ramallah, present list of 14 Palestinian demands [FJ 1/17]. Commercial strike continues in most cities and towns although some stores open briefly [FJ 1/17].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat says he would recognize Israel's righto exist if Israel and U.S. would agree to an international conference with PLO participation [LAT, CSM 1/15].

Other Countries: U.S. abstains in UN Security Council vote calling on Israel to cancel deportations of 5 Palestinians and to allow return of 4 Palestinians deported 1/13 [NYT, WP 1/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrators in Hebron barricade roads, throw stones [CSM 1/15]. In Nusayrat camp, demonstrators protest arrest of 5 camp residents; soldiers respond with tear gas; 1 Palestinian dies from gas. Violent clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli troops also take place in 'Abasan and Bani Suhaylah. New detention camp (Ansar 4) and large military camp have been erected in Rafah. Siege of refugee camps continues. Many injuries are reported in Beach camp after army raid [FJ 1/17]. At least 13 camps are under curfew. Israel Radio reports 1 Palestinian isshot, killed in clash with troops in Ramallah. Numerous demonstrations are reported in the W. Bank and E. Jerusalem. Most are dispersed with tear gas, rubber bullets; live ammunition in Qalqiliyyah, Tulkarm, and Tubas. In Kissan, village near Bethlehem, Palestinian is shot while trying to prevent confiscation of 500 sheep from village [FJ 1/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Women's Union holds 1 st annual conference in Jerusalem, issuing statement supporting PLO unity. US-born Kach member gets 4-yr. term (with portion suspended) for raids on Arab property and arson. Hasim Abu Hamad placed under town arrest in Abasan al-Kabirah, Gaza, for membership in Palestinian organization.

Arab World: 3 Ansar escapees hold press conference in Beirut, urging Lebanese gov't. and ICRC to intervene to improve conditions of those imprisoned by Israel.

Military Action

Arab World: Various sources report Shin Bet arrests Rushdi Nahhas in his Bidyas, S. Lebanon bicycle shop, executing him in front of his wife & mother.

Other Countries: Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist authorities arrest 3 Mossad-linked Israelis in attempted kidnapping of Nigerian opposition figure Umaru Dikko, found in Lagos-bound crate.