The Palestine Chronology

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, especially in Gaza. 4 Palestinians are killed by IDF troops, 2 others die of injuries received earlier, and 1 Israeli customs official is ambushed and killed in Gaza (both Fatah Uprising, Islamic Jihad claim responsibility). Blaming Arafat for the ambush, Barak shuts the Gaza airport and the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, reportedly sends more tanks and armored vehicles into the West Bank and Gaza. At Qarni crossing, a gun battle erupts btwn. IDF troops, PA police; the IDF shells a building "used as cover" by the policemen. IDF tank, heavy machine gun fire is reported in Aida refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur, Beitunia, al-Bireh, Hebron, Salfit; in Bayt Jala, 1 house is completely destroyed, 6 homes and a school are damaged. The IDF also uproots a Palestinian olive grove in Qalqilya. (al-Haq press release, LAW, MM, PCHR 11/8; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; al-Quds 11/9 in WNC 11/13)

Arafat flies to Cairo to confer with Mubarak, EU special envoy Moratinos and then goes to London to meet with British PM Blair before heading to Washington. After meeting with Arafat, Moratinos leaves for a 2-day visit to Israel. (LPA, MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/9)

UN Human Rights Commissioner (UNHRC) Mary Robinson begins a 1-wk. tour of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Egypt, Jordan to investigate the recent Israeli-Palestinian violence. (AP 11/8; NYT, WP 11/9; WP 11/11; al-Quds 11/11 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/28)

The UNSC holds a closed-door mtg. on the ongoing clashes, the PA's request for international forces. The mtg. is adjourned until 11/10, so Arafat may address the council. (XIN 11/8 in WNC 11/9; SA 11/8 in WNC 11/13; MM, NYT, WT 11/9; MEI 11/10)

Under pressure fr. Israeli Arab MKs, Barak upgrades the inquiry comm. into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes to a state commission, which has more authority. (NYT, WP 11/9) (see 10/22)